Crutchfield Labs

We sample the Bose® SoundLink® Bluetooth® wireless portable speaker in the labs and at home and like what we hear.

Connect the compact Evolution Kit to your compatible 2012 Samsung Smart TV and you immediately boost its processing power, adding new features and functions.

The JVC Arsenal KD-A95BT CD receiver features a 4-line display that makes it easy to read song info no matter which source you choose. So you'll know what's playing at a glance. The KD-A95BT also has Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Check out this slick-looking receiver's moves in our Crutchfield display and control demo video.

The MEX-BT4100P CD receiver offers built-in Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming, plus Sony's App Remote feature — it displays your smartphone apps along with your audio sources, so you can launch apps with the receiver's controls. Even cooler, you can use your Smartphone as a remote control, choosing sources, changing radio stations, and viewing song and artist info. Take a look at this Sony in our display and controls demo video.

The Lotus Elise is your basic full-blooded, no-kidding sports car. It's small, it's cramped, it offers little or no luggage space, and it's completely (and delightfully) impractical for most aspects of daily life. The Elise doesn't offer a ton of room, but there's a surprising amount of room for improvement in the sound system.

Alpine's CDE-143BT CD receiver has built-in Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and has controls for your iPod® and iPhone®. Alpine's App Mode lets you tap into music streaming apps, too. Check out the CDE-145BT in this display and controls demo video.

Flat-panel TVs use either plasma or LED-backlit LCD screen technology. Learn about the pros and cons of both types so you can decide which one's best for you.

The CDE-SXM145BT CD receiver gives you the great sound you expect from Alpine, plus SiriusXM satellite radio's amazing variety of music, sports, news, and entertainment.The SiriusXM programming (subscription required) comes through the SXV200 SiriusXM tuner that's included with this receiver. Take a look at some of the CDE-SXM145BT's features in this display and controls video.

Bose offers wireless listening and controls with their first stereo Bluetooth headphones. How do they measure up? David Brown gave them a listen to find out.

The original Scion xB was a small, quirky box of a car that quickly found a loyal following in a crowded U.S. marketplace. The second-gen xB is longer, lower and wider, but it's still a practical people-mover with just enough of Scion's trademark Scion-ness to keep things interesting.

The 2004-2008 Acura TL is a comfortable, stylish, sporty sedan that's sure to make both drivers and passengers happy. While upgrading the TL's sound system can be a challenge, the effort is worth it.

If your smartphone is a big part of your life, it's only natural that you'd want to tap into it when you're on the road. Select JVC receivers work with the MirrorLink system to provide unparalleled in-dash control over an ever-growing list of smartphones. With MirrorLink, you'll enjoy touchscreen control over your music, phone contacts, and select apps - a seamless experience.

What gear would you take on a long-distance backpacking trip? Ken explains why he chose the Nikon Coolpix AW110, the Garmin GTU-10 and fenix watch, and the mophie juice pack PRO and juice pack powerstation.

If your Ford vehicle comes with factory SYNC features, you don't have to worry about losing your favorite conveniences to get navigation and better sound - iDatalink's Maestro module lets you install a Kenwood navigation receiver without losing those factory features. For SYNC systems, you'll be able to retain voice-controlled features, steering wheel audio controls, and factory audio functions, plus enjoy expanded functionality including gauges, climate controls, a distance sensor, and tire pre

Mike S. from Cape Coral, FL, wanted to add premium sound to his Backdraft Racing Roadster, which replicates the iconic looks of the 1965 Shelby Cobra. He tricked out his car with a 12" Polk Audio DXi subwoofer, some Polk Audio component speakers, and a pair of Polk Audio amplifiers.

JVC's KW-NSX1 DVD receiver works with the MirrorLink system to provide unparalleled in-dash control over an ever-growing list of smartphones. And you can view and control a wide variety of iPhone apps on the KW-NSX1's screen. You'll get basic control over audio apps like Mog and Tunein Radio for simple functions.

Alpine's Perfect FIT system lets you install certain Alpine receivers while keeping your factory look and feel. The adapters are custom-made for specific vehicles, so when you're done it'll look like they installed your Alpine receiver before your car rolled off the assembly line. And you'll even get to keep your steering wheel controls.

Kicker's Redline series of amps and subs, which includes the popular CompR and CompRT subwoofers plus their KX amplifiers, gives you the sound and performance you expect from Kicker when you're building a car audio system. Kicker's motto is "Livin' Loud," and their amps and subs can really dish out some powerful sound.

Clarion's XC1410 4-channel amp delivers 50 watts RMS per channel from a chassis that's about as long and wide as a dollar bill. This micro-sized amp can fit almost anywhere, even behind many dashboards. And Clarion managed to pack more watts per square inch inside the XC1410 than almost any other 4-channel amp made.

Sony's 2013 Cybershot point-and-shoot camera lineup ranges from the Wi-Fi® enabled DSC-WX80 to SLR-like superzooms. It includes two of the most capable compact cameras in recent memory: the pocketable, large-sensor RX100, and the world's smallest camera with a full-frame sensor, the RX1.

Enjoy the music, videos, games and apps on your smartphone or tablet with better sound. Just stream wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker system.

Peachtree Audio is new to portable speakers, but it sure doesn't feel that way. We give their new deepblue system a listen and come away impressed.

The tenth-generation Corolla's enormous popularity means there are plenty of good used models out there waiting for a good new owner. If you're looking for a reliable ride that's easy on gas, easy on the eyes, and easy to own, a 2009-up Corolla is a solid choice.

Pioneer is a worldwide leader in professional DJ gear, and they've developed their MIXTRAX technology to bring a DJ-inspired experience to your car. In this video, we get a quick explanation of how it works.

The Pontiac G6 is a long, sleek car that's available in a variety of body styles and trim levels. From the 4-cylinder base sedan to the performance-oriented GTP coupes and convertibles, the G6 range offered something for nearly everyone.

Watch this video for a quick overview of the 2013 line of Kenwood Excelon CD receivers. A Kenwood Excelon receiver gives you outstanding sound, whether your music is stored on your phone or thumb drive, or streamed through your phone from the Internet.

Crutchfield's A/V Design Group can help you plan your home theater or multi-room audio system. They'll make sure you have everything you need to complete the installation.

Kenwood's 2013 in-dash navigation receivers give you snappy GPS navigation, including free traffic updates. You can listen to Internet radio through your smartphone, talk hands-free, and play music from all kinds of sources. They're the perfect in-dash command center for your ride.

When you upgrade the audio gear in your vehicle, you'll treat yourself to better sound quality. And when you install it yourself, you'll feel pride and satisfaction from a project well done. If you're reasonably handy and can follow directions, you can do it too, with our help.

Alpine's CDE-147BT CD receiver is Bluetooth® equipped, so you can make and take calls hands-free when you're in the car. And you can stream audio from your Bluetooth devices too. Alpine's Quad illumination lets you choose from four different colors for the receiver's control buttons for a style that'll work in your car. Pandora control for your iPhone® or Android™ is built in. Take a look at the CDE-147BT in this demo video.