Here is what they have to say about the latest line up…

“The New SR Line was created for both the enthusiasts who want to enter into the world of Car Audio and for experts who are looking for a non-invasive, yet high-performance system. In terms of the state –of-the-art electronics, mono block construction technique and versatility of use, the SR line is the best choice, balancing size, power, look and sound quality

The new SR Line is composed of 4 models: two D Class mono amplifiers, one two-channel and one four-channel amplifier. The design takes its inspiration from the Thesis line and it is strongly characterised by a solid, traditionally Audison contour.”

On approaching the venue you were greeted by some of the FOUR MASTER network of car audio dealers, they were set up at the front of the building offering free system checks, advice and SPL testing all day. Every car that went through to see them got some great advice. People got a chance to see how loud there system is on the SPL meter and how good their sound quality is from an expert pair of ears to listen to every system!

Auto Sound and Style

The show was divided into two main halls, one containing the style and performance companies such as: Motorsport Wheels, K&N, Dotz and Richbrook to name a few. There was a fine selection of cars on show in this hall from fully modified Corsa’s through to a Bentley Continental GT; so something for everybody no matter what your taste in cars.

The other hall was hosting all the car audio manufacturers and their demo cars, or fleet in the case of VIBE!

Alpine had a wide range of products on show and had brought over the VW Scirocco from Germany, built up from a standard car what you see here in only 7 days and 7 nights, it really is a beautiful car with an audio install to match its looks.

Midbass distribution, owners of audio brands VIBE, FLi & Edge seemed to dominate the centre of the hall. There was a massive range of products on display from entry level Fli woofers through to the crazy Vibe Black Death range on the stand and thier fleet of demo cars included a Porsche 911 and a new Nissan Skyline both packing Vibe audio systems.

Four Masters, a network of specialist audio dealers had a stand at the show as well as there outside ‘car doctors’ stand mentioned earlier. The booth seemed to be set up to show what a typical car audio dealers shop is like, with a range of products out for people to see including the  impressive Audison Thesis  range. They had a single car on show on the Sunday, a Mercedes with a nice simple and clean Hertz audio system.

Others in attendance included Kenwood, Parrot, Connects2, Armour Automotive, Bass Factory, JL audio & MTX. Plus a whole heap of other i’m sure i have forgotten.

Over all its was a great show with a good atmosphere and nice to see what has traditionally been a trade only show opened up to the public and hope to see it back again next year.

07.03.2010 @  Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ

Tickets still available, check out: http://www.autosoundandstyle.co.uk/

This means Matt has access to a whole heap of kit with Ground Zero audio, Tsunami wiring & interconnects and sound deadening from Ballistic. Going by the mentioned kit list this is going to be one to listen out for at shows this summer – and i’m sure you’ll hear it way before you see it!

Check out the blog and follow the full build up @ http://www.projectbigblack.co.uk/

k3 Orchestra

The TH 1.5 violino tweeter features a 34 mm Tetolon fibre dome, single layer edge wound CCAW wire voice coil; it further differentiates itself with the unique damped back chamber.

The 6.5″ sax mid-bass has some interesting features. The X-pulp cone, produced using cellulose pulp and a glass fibre mesh, provides [according to Audison] “the highest rigidity with the warm and detailed sound typical of cellulose”. The mechanical parts are created by machining solid one piece material, and the driver uses a ‘REN Neodymium magnet’. A single layer, flat wire, edge wound voice coil enhances the compact size and light weight of the mobile group while still maintaining unmatched thermal dissipation. The anti-resonant die-cast alloy basket, the aerodynamic profile of the spokes, together with the “open-air” design is said to drastically reduce back wave reflections. While the Voce midrange was created to optimize the three-way systems and it features the same advanced technical solutions as Vilino woofer.

After a brief audition of this set-up last year, running from the new Thesis amplifiers in Jaz’s Audi A4, I can safely say these are an amazing set of components. With a price tag of a little over £2000 they are at the top end of nearly any-ones budget; but in my opinion, worth every penny. Fast and accurate, with a beautiful natural sound, I look forward to hearing this car and these speakers again soon.

We aim to bring you a full feature of Jaz’s Audi A4 estate in the near future. Running a full Audison thesis setup and controlled by an Audison bit.1 from the factory headunit this car really shows how true in-car Hi-Fi can be achieved while keeping full use of the car and an almost standard appearance.

Sony's New Tune Tray Feature

The front panel flips down to reveal the Tune Tray.  You can neatly tuck away a USB drive, WALKMAN and any iPod or iTouch. This obviously removes the need for any cables hanging out the front or rear of your headunit to connect your MP3 storage device. It has Sonys 4 x 52w internal amp, 2 x 4v pre-outs and a jack input on the front face. As for the rest of the spec we will have to wait and see when sony officially release the unit in the UK around March.

Sony DSX-S100

All in it looks like a flashy unit, with the tune tray being a very cool feature, lets just hope it works as well as the pictures make it look!

Parrot AR.Drone

Although its not car audio I thought I would give this product a mention. New from Parrot (yes the people that make the hands free kits) comes this, the AR. Drone.  Essentially a four rotor helicopter with 2 cameras and controlled via WiFi from your iPhone!

This looks like an amazing bit of kit, and needless to say i want one! Currently we have no info regarding release date or price, but i will update you all as soon more information is available.

Here is the Parrot info on how it works:

JL Audio WX subwoofer

To go along side the new entry level amps JL Audio have released these WX series subwoofer, available in 10″ & 12″ both 4ohm units with 200w power handling.

Here is the JL blurb about the new woofers:

“Built from the same DNA as the rest of the JL Audio subwoofer lineup and dedicated to the proposition that real value can only exist when real performance is delivered.

Like all JL Audio subwoofer drivers, the WX’s are centered on a long excursion, DMA-optimized motor system, supported by our patented Elevated Frame Cooling and a highly linear suspension. This means they deliver lots of low-distortion, high-quality bass with all types of music.

WX’s are ideally suited for lower power applications and offer a powerful combination of performance, value and installation attributes.

You simply won’t believe you’re listening to our least expensive subwoofer drivers”

They really are a sexy looking woofer and with mention of the 10″ retailing for under £70 they really do look like a bargain. Not to mention later in 2010 there will be new entry level components to go with the new amp and subwoofer range; JL really will be a good option for anybody considering there first or just budget ‘popper’ car Hi-Fi system.

JL Audio 10WX

New JL Audio XD series Amps

Some new entry level amps from JL audio for 2010. Here is what JL have  say about these new little beasties:

“Last year, the HD amplifiers set a new benchmark for fidelity and efficiency in mobile amplification. This year, our newest amplifiers take our leadership in switching amplifier design and apply it to even more affordable and compact designs that open up a whole new set of installation opportunities.

The new XD amplifiers employ JL Audio’s hyper-efficient NexD™  technology to unleash huge, audiophile-grade performance from an amazingly compact package. Achieving total efficiencies above 80% and employing an unregulated power supply, XD amplifiers strike an impressive balance of fidelity, power and size while also putting far less strain on your vehicle’s electrical system than conventional “big” amplifiers.

A unitary cast alloy chassis provides ample cooling for the efficient circuitry and is monitored by our Advanced Rollback System to eliminate annoying thermal shut-down events.

Beneath a removable control cover, the XD’s feature studio-grade signal processing with fully variable crossover filters. Also included are our noise-killing, highly flexible differential-balanced inputs with remote level control capabilities via the HD-RLC remote level control (optional).

Some might just see a small amplifier… But, for those who appreciate great audio, XD’s reveal something huge.”

The new range includes a four channel with 4 x 100w rms output from a tiny footprint, then a 6 x 100w rms six channel thats not much bigger! and for sub bass duty there is a 600w @ 2ohm mono amp which shares the same 217 x 180 x 52 mm chassis as the four channel

These look like great amps for a budget system, and even better that they fit into a small space! I look forward to seeing these in an install.

The DEH-4200SD £169.99,  DEH-5200SD £209.99  &  DEH7200SD £259.99   RRP

Pioneer DEH-4200SD

The first model in the new SD range of pioneer units is the DEH-4200. Packed full of features such as iPod and iPhone connectivity, USB input,  standard jack in and the SD card reader; designed with a very nice looking fascia and a competitive RRP of £169.99 this will be a top selling headunits in 2010.

Pioneer DEH-5200SD

The mid level DEH-5200 has all the features of its younger brother but also packs in a 5 band graphic EQ, 3 x 4v pre-outs and an OEL display

Pioneer DEH-7200SD

In at the top of the pioneer SD range comes the DEH7200SD, with its smooth look fascia and OEL display its really is a beautiful looking unit. Again with all the connectivity you could ever need, the 5 band graphic EQ, Hi voltage pre-outs and Pioneer’s celebrated MOSFET 4x50w amplifier set-up this really is a headunit with everything. Well Almost, add on the pioneer DAB radio unit ready for the 2012 switch over and you’re pretty much future proofed.

These really are some lovely units from pioneer and i look forward to having a play with all of them as soon as i can. Available by the end of January you should be able to pre order any of the above from your nearest Pioneer dealer now.