Helping you choose, install, and use the gear Take the video tour
Ready to move beyond entry-level headphones? Ken has a recommendation for you after trying out the Grado SR125i stereo headphones.
Add bass to your Sonos system. Sonos just released a wireless subwoofer for their Play:3, Play:5, and Connect:Amp music players and we got to try it out.
If you want a car stereo that's more than just a radio and a slot for a disc, you've come to the right place. With features like Bluetooth® and a sharp-looking display, Axxera's XDMA7200 CD receiver steps outside the bounds of bland to put a whole new set of capabilities in your dash. Take a look in this demo video.
If you're looking for a do-it-all car stereo or have eyes on building a system, Alpine's CDE-HD138BT CD receiver packs a serious punch. You'll get features like an HD Radio™ tuner, built-in Bluetooth®, and Pandora® Internet radio control. Alpine's legendary sound quality rounds out the package, along with plenty of audio adjustments. Take a look at in this display and controls demo.
With so many navigation options available, why should you invest in a portable GPS navigator for your car? We took a drive with four portable GPS navigators to demonstrate how their extra features make them a great choice for staying on track, especially when compared to a standard smartphone app.
The elegant design of Pioneer's DEH-P9400BH CD receiver gives you quick and easy access to a wealth of features. You'll find Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming, an HD Radio™ tuner for the best in radio sound, and dual USB inputs for your music, too. Take a look at it in action in this display and controls demo video.
With JVC's knockout JVC KD-X80BT digital media receiver in your dash, you'll see plenty of song info, caller info, and Pandora® station info. And JVC gives you complete control over the look — you can choose from over 30,000 different colors for the left and right sides independently, plus control brightness for each side separately. Take a closer look in this demo video.
Crisp clear dialogue and a generous sweet spot that drops you right in the middle of the on-screen action. That's the Klipsch recipe for home-theater success.
We all know PSB makes great speakers. Just how good, exactly, are their headphones, then? Read on: looks like someone's impressed.
The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 noise-canceling headphones do more than just provide relief from ambient sounds. Polk provides some innovative extras as well.
When I tried out the Polk UltraFocus 6000 in-ear noise-canceling headphones, they not only performed as expected, but surprised me with a few extras.
Stealthbox subwoofers sound so good because JL Audio analyzes each vehicle's acoustic properties, carefully measures the available space, and extensively tests and tweaks each prototype to optimize the sound for bass and the location for stealth.
Sony's MEX-BT4000P CD receiver employs Bluetooth® technology that gives you hands-free calls in your car with your compatible phone. You'll hear your callers through your car's speakers, and answer just like they're sitting next to you. The result? You'll drive more safely with your hands on the wheel and your phone stashed away. Take a closer look at it in this demo video.
Most people only think about hands-free calling when they hear "Bluetooth®," but Sony's taking it a step further with their MEX-BT3000P CD receiver. You can access your phonebook, stream music, or control your Pandora® Internet radio stations on your compatible Android or Blackberry phone. Take a look at this receiver in action in this demo video.
Oppo's BDP-95 universal Blu-ray player has received glowing reviews from numerous audio/video publications and websites. Crutchfield's senior home A/V editor, Steve Kindig, bought one before we even began selling it. Here's his take on this versatile player.
We're eagerly awaiting the debut of the iDatalink "Maestro," which will let you install a super-fast Kenwood navigation receiver while keeping your factory-installed Ford SYNC features intact.
Take a look at how most new car receivers are connected to the car's existing wiring in this DIY video.
Sony's HX750-series TVs look great right out of the box, but our senior editor and TV guru Steve shows us the simple changes he makes to get an even better picture from a new high-def set.
Getting the most accurate picture from your TV requires calibrating it by measuring its grayscale and color performance and making the necessary adjustments. You can either pay a professional to come to your home and do the job, or you can purchase calibration software for your PC. This article talks about the basics of using SpectraCal's popular CalMAN software.
Noise-canceling headphones make sense for air travel. But in an office? Ralph tries the Sennheiser PXC 450 headphones at work and gets some surprising results.
Smartphones have become our main source of entertainment, holding tons of music and videos, plus conĀnecting us to the Internet. Pioneer's original AppRadio broke new ground by being the first receiver dedicated exclusively to iPhoneĀ® apps. AppRadio 2 continues that innovation by bumping up the screen size and adding support for select AndroidT phones.
The ContourROAM extreme sports camera specializes in putting you right in the heart of the action. Because it's rugged and waterproof to one meter, we decided it was the perfect thing to attach to a helmet and take down Massanutten Water Park's twisting, high-speed water slide. You can almost feel the spray.
Sony's partnered with the Car Connectivity Constortium to develop a cool new technology called MirrorLink for some of their 2012 head units (including the Sony XAV-601BT). It's designed to provide easy-to-use in-dash control over compatible smartphones. We had the opportunity to see it in action at this year's CES show out in Las Vegas.
We dissect the Polk Audio LSi M 705 floor-standing speaker to find out what makes it sound good.
Liven up a cookout or pool party with some outdoor tunes. We'll show you how in this brief article.
Part 3 of our series: Jeff upgraded his speakers again, ran higher-quality wire, and added a processor to sculpt the sound. He had to modify his door a little to get the speakers to fit — but when you want the best, there's no need to let a little modification get in the way.
Small changes to your TV's settings can really improve its picture quality. In this article, we discuss the basics of various picture settings and offer some recommendations for different viewing situations.
Solutions for keeping you and your passengers entertained and connected while on the road, including in-car Wi-Fi Internet from Autonet Mobile, inCarBite iPad mounts, wireless Bluetooth headphones, Slingbox remote entertainment, and in-dash navigation systems.
Crutchfield brand manager Julie, her family, and a few friends enjoy movies under the stars with an Epson MG-850HD portable projector.
When you own a Wrangler, you need audio gear that can withstand the elements. Here are some examples of how to create such a system.
With the wide variety of subwoofers available, it's easy to get confused about the best way to wire up your system. These wiring diagrams will help you find the configuration that'll get the most out of your subs and your amplifier.
This is a thorough, informative guide to help you run speaker, Ethernet, and audio/video cables through the walls in new construction and finished homes.
There are many types of connections you may encounter when setting up your new A/V system. Find out what it all means.
The Crutchfield MasterSheet is a vehicle-specific set of instructions that shows you how to install a receiver and speakers in your vehicle. In this video, we give you a look at all of the work that goes into creating these instructions. What's more, this same research is used to fuel our massive vehicle database. When we tell you we know what fits, we really do.
Component speaker systems are the audiophile's choice for superior mobile sound. But what are component speaker systems? We'll take a look at what they consist of.
In Crutchfield's Home A/V Connections Photo Gallery, you'll find pictures of the plugs, ports, and jacks commonly used for hooking up home audio/video gear — HDTVs, Blu-ray players, receivers, and more.
Steve, Crutchfield TV expert, explains what LCD TV refresh rates really mean, and how refresh rates higher than 240Hz are achieved with backlight scanning. Find out if a TV with a high refresh rate is right for you.
When you're shopping for speakers, don't forget the tweeter. It's shape and the material it's made from have a direct impact on how your music sounds. Tweeters reproduce the upper frequencies in your music they're what makes your highs sparkle and come to life, and they're vital for proper soundstaging and stereo separation.
This in-depth video walks through the major points to consider when choosing a new amplifier. It answers the questions: How many channels do you need? How much power should you get? What are the important features to look for? And why do some amplifier brands cost more than others?
What is Apple AirPlay, anyway? Airplay® is a proprietary wireless media streaming system developed by Apple for use with devices that use iTunes® 10 (such as a computer, or iPhone),...
It doesn't take deep pockets or "golden ears" to obtain and appreciate good sound. Learn about the terms used to describe sound, so you can find the right audio gear.
Ford must have had car audio fans in mind when they built this SuperCab truck. Obviously, you'll find a bunch of audio upgrade options for such a popular vehicle, but the real beauty is that there's plenty of room for new speakers, a stereo, and much more.
The Honda Accord sedan is the poster child for what the automotive industry does right, that's why it's one of the most popular cars in the world. The 7th generation (2003-07) Accord is comfortable, well-engineered, safe, very reliable, and will maintain a high resale value. Most people keep their Honda Accords for a long time, so it makes sense to upgrade the stereo system.
A chart that shows what each surround format does, how many channels each uses, and the types of media with which the formats may be used.
We wanted to answer the most basic question about car audio: is it really worth it to upgrade? With the help of the Crutchfield Labs, we set out to prove just how much better music sounds when it's played through a high-quality aftermarket system.
In my last post , I discussed the concept of bi-wiring. Although bi-wiring doesn't increase the amount of power going to a pair of speakers many folks I've spoken with felt there's a noticeable...
One of the problems with replacing your factory radio with a new receiver, is that those handy stereo controls built into the steering wheel won't work anymore. The way to fix this dilemma is to install an adapter for the steering wheel audio controls. Watch this video to see what's involved in the process.
When planning a bass system, customers ask every day about where they should start. Doing it properly takes some planning and forethought, especially if you're starting small and intend to expand over time.
Can a company known for their high-end speakers shrink down all their technology and cram it into a set of earbuds? Our resident audiophile tries out the Bowers & Wilkins C5's to find out.
A detailed look at this Audio-Technica turntable, which offers great sound and flexibility that all vinyl fans will love, plus a wealth of DJ-friendly features.
720p, 1080i, 1080p — HDTV resolution can seem like a confusing numbers game. Find out what the numbers mean for your HDTV and high-def video sources.
Driver distraction is a growing concern. At Crutchfield, we want to help you use and enjoy the fun car audio/video gear we sell, and we want you to stay safe while using it on the go. We've compiled a list of common-sense tips to help manage distractions while you're on the road.
Need a camera to take to the beach this summer? We put the PENTAX K-5 digital SLR to the test at Massanutten waterpark in Virginia.
First impressions — thinking outside the rectangle I had my doubts when I took the Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones home for review. I like B&W products — they...
Some people might think that it's fun to review headphones. OK, it is. Generally. But sometimes I need a break. I've been wearing headphones pretty much eight hours a day five days a week...
Ralph tries out the Zeppelin Air, and compares it to the original Bowers & Wlikins Zeppelin which he also reviewed. Can the addition of Apple's AirPlay wireless technology really make that much difference?
Ford must have had car audio fans in mind when they built this truck. Obviously, you'll find a bunch of audio upgrade options for such a popular vehicle, but the real beauty is that there's plenty of room for new speakers, a stereo, and much more. Plus, the truck's modular construction makes it easy to get into the dash and speaker locations, and then put things back together when you're done.
Powered subs include all the elements of a subwoofer system — subwoofer, amplifier, and enclosure — in one easy-to-install package. Here's a look at how you install a typical powered subwoofer.
There's no doubt that Quincy Jones is a man with golden ears (witness his 27 GRAMMY® awards for starters). According to Mr. Jones , AKG's Q701 Premium Class Reference Headphones "are the...
Infinity Kappa is Infinity's high-performance line of car speakers. They're designed and built to give you excellent sound, especially in an amplified system. Watch as one of our experts shows you why Infinity Kappa Series car speakers are such a popular choice when building a car audio system.
Confused about wiring your subs, and picking the right amplifier? Ken Nail will get you on the fast track to big bass with this simple guide.
This is a thorough, informative guide to help you run speaker, Ethernet, and audio/video cables through the walls in new construction and finished homes.
With the wide variety of subwoofers available, it's easy to get confused about the best way to wire up your system. These wiring diagrams will help you find the configuration that'll get the most out of your subs and your amplifier.
Take a look at a typical amp wiring scheme.
This step-by-step guiide will help you match your bass gear together, whether you have the subwoofers and want to find the amplifier to run them, or you've already got the amp and want the right subs for it.
Besides giving you tight tonal control over your music playback, equalizers offer you plenty of other useful features. Find out how to choose the one that's right for you.
A guide to solving noise problems in your vehicle's audio system.
Where can I mount my amp? What wiring do I need to hook up my amplifier? Does any of it come with the amp? What size power and ground wires do I need for my amplifier? How much air space do I need around my amplifier? What's the biggest amp I can hook up to my car's electrical system? Plus more!
3D isn't just for movies anymore. You've probably seen a 3D movie or two in a theater, but watching sports in 3D is something different. For one thing, you can only watch sports in...
Dual voice coil subwoofers are a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts who want more flexibility in wiring their sound systems.
Need to know know which size of wire you need for installing an amplifier? Use our handy cable gauge chart to find out.
From playing music in the den to delivering surround sound thrills or even multi-room entertainment, today's receivers offer more options than ever. Here's what you need to know to find a model that's right for you.
Jim Ralston outlines some tips on how to adjust your subwoofer for better home theater performance.
Learn how Niles remote control extender systems let you keep your A/V components hidden away, but still control them with your regular remote.
Woody finds out you don't need to travel to enjoy the AKG K 495 NC noise-canceling headphones.
3D TV gives you a three-dimensional viewing experience in the comfort of your home. Find out what you need to get 3D TV, what you'll be able to watch, and how it works.
Over-the-air broadcasts provide some of the best-looking HDTV signals, and they're free. Take a look at what goes into choosing and installing a HDTV antenna.
What does satellite radio sound like? What will I hear on satellite radio? Does satellite radio carry local stations? Can I get satellite radio in a leased vehicle? Plus more...
Pioneer's DEH-P7400HD CD receiver feature MIXTRAX technology to spice up your in-car listening experience. Once you plug in your iPod®, iPhone® or USB device, you'll experience pulsing lights and DJ-like transitions from song to song - it's like having your own virtual DJ on board. Take a look at MIXTRAX and it's other features in this demo video.
In just a few short years, iPod control has become a prominent feature of car stereos. Car A/V companies have acted just as quickly to develop stereos that let you take advantage of the iPhone's fantastic app capabilities while you're driving. In this article, we're going to take a quick look at four different types of app interactivity.
These days we can integrate iPod control with almost any vehicle's stereo by using vehicle- or stereo-specific adapters.
Crutchfield writer Dominic took four different portable GPS navigators out for a road test to compare various features, such as destination entry, lane guidance, 3D graphics, voice recognition, and more.
Crutchfield shows you how to install an antenna in your vehicle for a satellite radio or GPS navigation system.
Just because you can't replace your vehicle's factory stereo doesn't mean you have to live with a poor sound system. In this short video, Crutchfield experts take a look at how a fellow employee created a high-performance car audio system.
Matt Schaeffer built a show-stopping system in his 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Welcome to another in a series of posts on "Easy to use stuff." These articles highlight products that with little or no support can be used by most anyone. In particular, I write...
Add bass to your Sonos system. Sonos just released a wireless subwoofer for their Play:3, Play:5, and Connect:Amp music players and we got to try it out.
Confused about what's in the speakers you're thinking of buying? This glossary examines the materials used in constructing car speakers as well as some common speaker design elements.
Learn about the different types of wall mounts out there, and find out what kind might be best for your installation.
Stealthbox subwoofers sound so good because JL Audio analyzes each vehicle's acoustic properties, carefully measures the available space, and extensively tests and tweaks each prototype to optimize the sound for bass and the location for stealth.
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Car Audio, Video & GPS | Home Audio | iPods, Tablets & Headphones | TVs & Video | Cameras & Camcorders
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