The content of the article:
- Standard audio system - to be or not to be
- SSZ system
- The audio system of the future
- Concert sound without leaving your car
- Wide range with the Infiniti Kappa
Korean developers of the Kia auto concern in the near future promise each car passenger personal comfort - listening to different music at the same time without interfering with each other. What kind of technology is offered by Kia engineers and what other innovations are emerging in the field of car audio?
Standard audio system - to be or not to be
Apart from premium cars, already on the assembly line equipped with elite acoustic systems such as Harman Kardon or Bose with well-placed speakers and the presence of subwoofers and amplifiers, the classic standard acoustics rarely pleases the owner. It has a too narrow frequency range, when it sounds, it can give out “plastic” overtones and, in general, have a flat and not clear sound.
At high volume, such budget systems are audible even to those around them, as interior details, door plastic, torpedoes and other car parts begin to sing along to the music.
Really "correct" speakers should, without embellishment, smoothing, modification, convey every shade of voice and sound of instruments. The purity of sound, the absence of impurities with emphasis on all the features - this is what characterizes good acoustics.
We must give it its due - the standard audio system is reliable, plays music as standard, has a good volume, and therefore is suitable for those drivers who only need a background in the car while driving.
True music lovers know that high-quality sound does not depend at all on the sound volume, but on its "transparency" and volumewhat the manufacturers of acoustics are striving for and for the sake of which real sound wars are being waged.
SSZ system
Owners of a large family often face the following situation on trips: the father of the family wants to listen to a sports broadcast, his wife wants to listen to an audiobook, and children need cartoons, and each one is different. To avoid conflict, either you have to give in to one person or give everyone a gadget and headphones, but still feel uncomfortable with extraneous noise.
SSZ - Separate Sound Wave technology - is similar to headphones that can suppress noise. Their microphones measure the level of external sound signals and, converting them into an inverted wave, send it to the speaker. Thus, the out-of-phase wave absorbs and removes external noise of the same frequency.
A car sound system requires a more complex approach, since it will have to either amplify or attenuate the signal frequencies in different zones, while simultaneously neutralizing their mutual influence. However, Kia experts are confident that work on the technology will soon be completed, which at the same time will significantly reduce the level of road noise, but will not interfere with the driver's information from their navigator.
The system, which has been developed since 2014 in collaboration with Samsung Electronics engineers, will use a large number of speakers installed in the cabin, which will project sound onto specific seats. They will be programmed to pick up phase shift and cancel out sound waves from other speakers.
An added benefit is an increased level of privacy during wireless phone calls.
The audio system of the future
Focal, in collaboration with Arkamys, a developer of innovative acoustic systems and digital sound processing, conceived of an exclusively French, exclusive car audio system.
The French sound is very recognizable, as it is strikingly different even in handwriting and character. Thanks to Arkamys, surround sound has already been received by Peugeot and Skoda, and Renault and Citroen are also actively using it. High-quality acoustics are able to adapt to the needs of their users and adjust surround sound in any direction. For example, on a single trip, the driver can only direct the sound wave towards himself for the best possible sound. In addition, Arkamys systems boast impressive low frequencies, accurate tone reproduction and excellent distribution throughout the cabin.
The secret of the technology is acoustic sound correction, which is finely tuned and adjusted during the installation of the system by an expert acoustician. It is based on digital sound processing, eliminating the errors created by the car interior and the capabilities of the loudspeakers. Thus, the sound fully conveys its volume and original clarity.
Two world leaders in car audio have teamed up to, according to a press release, enhance the enjoyment of listening to music and create a soundstage right in the car.
Concert sound without leaving your car
The world-renowned company Pioneer presented the Z and D car audio systems, which not only stand out for their high performance, but also create the feeling of a concert in a car salon.
Developed for several years, the speakers have smooth directivity and an extended frequency range, delivering correct and high-quality sound. The tweeters - tweeters - of the new audio system are made of aluminum, have a 29mm diameter in the Z series and 26mm in the D series, a compact size and a swivel mount for maximum control of the sound direction.
For the speaker cones, the developers chose the durable and heat-resistant Twaron synthetic fiber., thanks to which you can get not only a quick response of the equipment, but also a clear bass. If the music lover still feels a bass shortage, Pioneer offers a Z-Series subwoofer that combines powerful and precise bass with a very small cabinet.
Although the cost of Z and D series acoustics varies from 13 to 21 thousand rubles, Pioneer experts assure that the quality and sound they create fully justifies its price.
Range with Infinity Kappa
One of the oldest American companies, now owned by the largest concern Harman, is distinguished by its consistently thoughtful design of its equipment, elegant appearance and excellent sound. The new 93ix series has gained such a wide frequency range - from 35 Hz to 30 kHz - that it eliminated the need to install a subwoofer.
The design consists of a super-tweeter that perfectly details the sound and very lightweight speakers made of durable ABS plastic, as well as an expanded key cone area, a sensitivity of 90 dB and an adjustable stand for changing the direction of sound.
This innovative 3-way coaxial speaker is recognized as the flagship of the series and has set new standards in automotive acoustics. An important indicator of good coaxial acoustics of this kind is the external crossover (special equipment to prepare the correct frequency range for the speakers).
It is generally accepted that a high number of parts in a crossover indicates its better quality, but harms the damping coefficient. In fact, this can be noticeable only when the acoustics are working from a car radio; when working with an amplifier, there will be no such effect.
To convert a 2-way system to a 3-way system, you do not need to install additional components - the crossover is switched with one button.
The car owner will be able to truly appreciate the Infinity Kappa 93ix speakers after their competent installation and their long-term operation - at least 15-20 hours. Any speaker, even the most expensive one, will not sound as it should without the appropriate acoustic design and volume. With the Kappa 93ix, no difficulties will arise - a standard car interior is enough for them to show themselves in all their glory.
As a post-sound ...
Car manufacturers do not set themselves the task of equipping their models with a good audio system. Since it does not affect either the quality of the car, nor its speed or reliability, then there is no point in spending time and resources on it. Even though the cars are not equipped with the worst brands - Philips, JVC, Panasonic, their simplest configurations are not able to satisfy not only real music lovers, but even just lovers of good music.
Although in recent years the quality of audio systems has been steadily growing, as recent developments show, it turns out that they are still very far from being perfect.
