Ocala Car Audio and Tint

Car Audio, Sound systems and window tint specialists

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Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Audio Upgrade For Ocala Client

Silverado 2500HD AudioA local business owner from here in Ocala, Florida, dropped by Ocala Car Audio with his wife to talk about making some upgrades to this 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. The truck was to be a gift for their son’s 16th birthday, and they wanted an audio system and some accessories installed as a holiday present. The client found us through our website and online reviews. We put together a proposal for the client and, on his approval, scheduled an appointment to begin work on this Silverado 2500HD audio upgrade.

Starting from the Front

The addition of the Kenwood radio gives this truck top-of-the-line technology and features.
The front camera was flush mounted in the bumper.

The client chose a Kenwood eXcelon DNX893S double-DIN source unit. This unit features a 7-inch screen and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. We installed the Kenwood unit using a Best Kits BKGMK317 mounting kit and integrated the radio with the vehicle data bus using an Idatalink Maestro RR module. The module provides audio connectivity and vehicle access functions on the screen of the Kenwood.

The Kenwood radio has dual camera inputs. We used the rear factory camera and added a front camera from AIS. We mounted the LCCAM1 front camera in the center of the front bumper. The rear camera shows on the screen as soon as the vehicle is in reverse. The client just has to tap a button to bring up the camera image and can easily toggle between the front and rear camera displays.

JL Audio Amplifiers, Speakers and Subwoofers

JL Audio C3 speakers are a huge improvement over the stock speakers.
The JL Audio Stealthbox is contoured to perfectly fit under the rear seat.
With the seat down it looks like the enclosure could be a factory option.

We ran three sets of Memphis Car Audio 17-etp-12 interconnects from the source unit to a pair of JL Audio HD Series amplifiers. We used an HD600/4 to drive the front, and rear speakers and an HD750/1 to power the subwoofer enclosure. We used a T-Spec v10-rak4 V10 Series 4-AWG power kit to connect the amplifiers to the battery under the hood and a Stinger SPD570 power and ground distribution block to split power delivery between the pair of amplifiers. Our team mounted the amplifiers to a panel on the rear wall of the truck.

The client chose a set of JL C3-650 convertible components for the front of the truck. We mounted the midrange in the door on BKGMSB356 adapter plates after applying a thorough layer of Roadkill sound-damping material to the door. The sound-damping dramatically improves the performance of the speaker by sealing off any openings in the door that might allow cancellation of bass and midbass frequencies. For rear speakers, the client chose JL Audio C3-525 speakers that drop right into the factory locations.

The client wanted much better bass performance from his new system. We ordered a JL Audio SB-GM-SLVCC2/12TW3/BK Stealthbox for the Chevy. This enclosure fits perfectly under the rear bench seat of the truck and is home to a pair of 12TW3 subwoofers.

Cosmetic and Lighting Upgrades

The door trims were also upgraded with the silver accents.
The silver trim package really freshens up the interior of this truck.
The taillights not only look great, they enhance the safety of the truck.
The new headlight upgrades look great!
Even the third brakelight and bed light got a lighting upgrade!

The cosmetic upgrades began with the installation of a CarID aluminum interior trim kit. We prepped all the surfaces with wax and oil remover before mounting everything using the provided two-sided tape.

The factory headlights on the truck were starting to fade and simply did not look “fresh” any longer. We looked at several lighting options for the truck before finally settling on Anzo 111281 replacement headlights. These light assemblies feature dual projectors and a U-bar accent strip around each one. We installed a set of Racesport H1 and H3 HID headlight upgrade kits to provide maximum light output.

The client also requested a set of Anzo 311226 smoked LED tail-light assemblies for the truck. These look much better than the factory lights and make the truck look newer than it is.

The last component was an Anzo 531067 third brake light and truck bed light. This light uses LEDs for excellent output and efficiency.

Silverado 2500 Audio and Lighting Upgrade Delivery

The client and his family returned to Ocala Car Audio to pick up his truck and listen to the new audio system for the first time. They were stunned by how much better the system sounded. They said it was not only a lot louder and had more bass, everything was clearer and had more detail.

If you are interested in upgrading the audio system in your car or truck, drop into our store, call us at 352-512-9897 or send us an e-mail HERE for more information.

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Safer Driving With Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlayAt Ocala Car Audio, we work hard to offer our clients the latest and greatest technologies for their vehicles. Of course, safety always remains a top priority in everything we do and sell. Did you know you can now use your iPhone safely while driving? The only way this can be done is with Apple CarPlay. We are thrilled to offer this new technology to our clients; read on to hear more about it!

What is Apple CarPlay?

So what is Apple CarPlay? Great question! CarPlay is a software designed by Apple themselves to work specifically with an iPhone. It is compatible with any iPhone 5 or newer. This software is also built into many of the aftermarket radios that we sell here at Ocala. By having one of these radios installed in your vehicle, you’ll gain access to this incredible technology that allows you to use your iPhone while driving.

Siri Does the Work So You Can Focus on Driving

Apple CarPlayYou’re probably wondering, “How can I possibly use my phone while driving and remain safe?” The answer is ‘Siri’! She does all the work so you can keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. When you step into your vehicle and connect your iPhone, it instantly syncs with the CarPlay software in your radio. With one tap, you select the app icon on your radio that you want to use and the rest is done through voice control/Bluetooth. You tell Siri what to do and she does it. Simple as that.

What Apps Work with CarPlay?

Most of the common apps that you use most are available on CarPlay. This includes messaging, phone calls, maps, music and reminders. Additional apps such as Audible, Pandora, Spotify and Stitcher are also available. Imagine driving down the road and wanting to send a text message. Instead of picking up your phone and typing it word for word, you just tap the messaging icon on your radio. Siri will then ask you who you want to text. Through Bluetooth, you tell her who it is you want to message and then she will ask what you want the text to say. You tell Siri and then she confirms the message with you before sending it. If the person texts you back while you’re still driving, Siri will even read the message to you! The same system works for all the other apps available as well.

Stop by Ocala Car Audio Today

If you want the convenience of using your iPhone safely while driving, stop by Ocala Car Audio today. Our store is located in Ocala, FL and one of our team members would love to chat with you about which options are available in your vehicle. You can also contact us here for more info.

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Repeat Client Gets Mazda RX-8 Audio Upgrade And Accessories For Her New Car

Mazda RX-8 AudioOne of our clients brought this clean 2008 Mazda RX-8 to Ocala Car Audio for a significant audio system upgrade. We had built a system for this client’s RAV4 several years ago. She had been looking for an RX-8 for more than a year and was excited to bring it in for a system and a few accessories once she finally found it.

As always, we ensured that we understood the client’s goals for the system and for the vehicle. She loves music and likes cars, so she wanted a system that sounds great and looks kind of cool at the same time.

Initial Steps A Foundation For Great Sound

We took delivery of the vehicle and removed the factory source unit, door and rear speakers. We ran Memphis Car Audio 17-ETP-21.6 6-channel interconnect cables, a T-Spec V10-RAK4 power wire kit and new speaker wire through the car. Then we treated the doors with a healthy dose of Roadkill sound deadening. The sound deadening not only blocks road and wind noise, but dramatically improves the performance of the door speakers by sealing off openings in the doors.

Kenwood Door Speaker Upgrade

The large Kenwood woofer was installed in the door using a custom adapter.
Plenty of sound deadening was applied to the door to maximize the speaker performance.

The factory door speakers are quite large, so we made a set of adapter rings out of expanded PVC foam for Kenwood eXcelon-series XR-1800P 7-inch components. We mounted the tweeters in the stock location at the top of the door. We replaced the rear speakers with a set of Kenwood KFC-X693 in the factory locations.

JL Audio Provides Awesome Bass

Mazda RX-8 Audio
The enclosure utilized a slot-vented port for increased efficiency.

For bass, we fabricated a vented subwoofer enclosure to house a single JL Audio 12W1V3-2 subwoofer. The enclosure sits against the rear seats and the subwoofer fires down. We added a custom logo to the back of the cabinet: an intertwined bass and treble clef. We covered the logo in black vinyl for an embossed look.

Clean JL Audio Power

Both amplifiers were mounted in the floor of the trunk, protected by a removable cover.
There is still plenty of usable space available in the trunk of this RX-8

To power the system, we used a pair of JL Audio RD series amplifiers. An RD400/4 powers the front and rear speakers and we used an RD500/1 for the subwoofer. We located the amps in the bottom of the trunk floor. We created a false floor for the trunk and flushed the amps into it. A removable panel covers the amps so she can use the trunk for cargo without risking damage to the amplifiers. We finished the floor and the subwoofer enclosure trim panel in carpet. We used a Stinger SPD570 power distribution block to split the power wire from the battery to the pair of amplifiers.

Upgraded Technology With Pioneer NEX Radio

Mazda RX-8 Audio
The Pioneer NEX radio gives this 2008 model all the latest technology.

In the factory radio location, we installed a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX. She can use her smartphone for music, texting, phone calls and navigation, thanks to CarPlay and Android Auto. A PAC SWI-RC steering wheel control interface allows the factory steering wheel controls to control the new radio.

Add-On Remote Car Starter

The client requested a few other options while we had the car in the shop. We installed a Directed 5X10 security system with remote starter to protect the vehicle. To start the car, all she has to do is push the Lock button on the factory remote control three times in quick succession.

Katzkin Leather Kit Makes Interior Look New

Mazda RX-8 Audio
The combination of textured leather and the carbon fiber pattern give these covers a unique look.

The last step for the interior of the vehicle was to install a set of Katzkin leather seat upgrade kits. The new upholstery is a combination of a classic textured dark-gray leather with a matching carbon fiber textured center section. These kits fit the factory seat foam perfectly without wrinkling.

Lighting And Tint Round Out The Package

RGB footwell lighting adds to the interior enhancements.
RGB lighting was used to accent the custom-embossed music insert.
The seats, radio, tint and lighting all make a dramatic difference for this Mazda.

We installed a Memphis Car Audio LED kit to highlight the footwells and the trunk of the car.  This is an RGB lighting upgrade which allows her to select any color that she desires. We tinted the windows with a premium heat-rejecting Nano Ceramic tint. This window film blocks a majority of the heat from the sun and keeps the interior much cooler. To complete the blacked-out look of the car, we applied Oracle 8300 dark-gray film over the rear taillights.

Client Loved Her New Mazda RX-8 Audio System

The client returned to pick up her car and was blown away by the work we had done. She loved the clean look of the trunk and the custom music note on the back of the enclosure. She hopped in, had a listen to the new system and was smiling from ear to ear.

If you are looking for an upgrade to your audio system, drop by Ocala Car Audio. You can also e-mail us here for more information about any of our products or services.

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Three Stages To A Better-Sounding Car Audio System

Car Audio SystemHere at Ocala Car Audio, we love music. In fact, we are passionate about recreating your favorite concert in your vehicle. Maybe that is why, year after year, more people in the Ocala area turn to us to upgrade their car audio system. For most people, it breaks down into three stages of improvement.

1. Add a Subwoofer to Make Your Music Come Alive

Car Audio SystemDo you remember your favorite concert? The feeling of the bass hitting you in your chest? That was a subwoofer and, frankly, stock stereo systems in vehicles are anemic when it comes to bass.

Now, you may be thinking you need a large enclosure in your cargo area. In years past, it was true. Nowadays, modern subwoofers work in very small enclosures, so we can make that kick drum or bass guitar come alive in your car, truck or SUV with a compact design. We can even make a custom enclosure that tucks into a corner and often takes up practically no room at all.

2. Power Gives You the Volume to Make the Music Enjoyable

At this point, you now have bass in your music, so the sound is more real to you. What do you want to do? Well, you want to crank the volume knob. To do that, you need power. Most factory-equipped stereo systems use tiny amplifiers that work OK for listening to music at lower levels, but when you want to crank it up, they run out of power. The experts at Ocala Car Audio will find you the perfect amplifier that can give you all the volume you need to enjoy your music at higher listening levels.

3. Speakers Complete the Package

Car Audio SystemFinally, you will have bass and more volume, so what is lacking? Clarity in the music. Factory speakers are very inexpensive designs, and they sound lifeless and boring, to be blunt. A good set of replacement speakers from Ocala will bring out all the details in the music that you have been missing. We have built car audio systems for clients who say, “I am hearing details in songs I didn’t know existed.” To make it more interesting, sometimes this is music they have been listening to for decades!

Find Someone who Sells Solutions, not Products

We have one final thought for you. When you decide to embark on the journey of upgrading your car stereo system, you want a shop that can design and build you a complete solution, not a company that wants to focus on individual products. At Ocala Car Audio, we take all the time needed to get to know our clients better. We consider everything from how loud you listen to it to the way you use your vehicle on a weekly basis. We will sit in your vehicle, listen to your factory stereo, and ask you what you like and what you don’t like about it. Then we go inside and audition equipment that we think are your best options. In the end, we design and build a solution tailored to your unique needs.

Stop in and Experience us for Yourself

The only way to get the Ocala Car Audio experience for yourself is to drive on down here with your vehicle and get to know us better. You can also contact us by clicking HERE.

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Top Reasons To Get A Navigation System From Ocala Car Audio

Navigation SystemHere at Ocala Car Audio, we sell lots of installed navigation systems to our clients all around the greater Ocala area. You may be thinking, “Everyone has a smartphone these days, so why buy an installed navigation system?” That is a great question. Follow along as we explain the benefits of having us install a navigation system in your vehicle.

The Quality Of Mapping Is Better

First and foremost, you use a navigation system to get you from point A to point B. Unfortunately, we all know someone who has used the free navigation app on a phone, only to hear it say “You have arrived at your destination” when they surely are not where you need to be. Maybe that’s why it is free? Our systems use the same grade mapping as vehicle manufacturers and, to be blunt, they are much more accurate.

Save Your Data For Things That Matter

As time goes on, we use our smartphones for more and more things, and that eats up data. Our installed systems don’t eat up your data. Even more important, we all know that many of the wireless providers have dead spots around Ocala. If you don’t have data, you don’t have a navigation system. That never happens with our systems.

A Navigation System Is Safer To Use

Navigation SystemWhen you upgrade to an installed navigation system, it becomes your hub for all the entertainment, smartphone and navigation functions you will use while driving. What this means to you is everything is designed to work together, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road, making you a safer driver. The display is larger, and it mutes your music when it announces a turn, so you feel more confident of where you are going and are less likely to make a mistake while driving.

You Have Options Galore

Navigation SystemAn installed turn-by-turn navigation system is also a technology upgrade for most vehicles on the road. All our systems include Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, as well as USB ports to control your external media. SiriusXM satellite radio is a popular option, as are backup cameras that can be displayed right on the full-color screen.

For the ultimate in convenience, some of our systems offer Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto – the best way to safely harness the power of your smartphone in your ride. Imagine being able to talk, text, set and hear reminders, and listen to your Internet radio stations, all by using your voice.

Come Experience Them For Yourself

We invite you to contact us or stop by Ocala Car Audio – in where else but Ocala – to experience the difference an installed navigation system can make for you. Our team will design and install the best solution for your needs.

You can also contact us by clicking here.

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Product Spotlight: JL Audio RD400/4 Amplifier

JL Audio RD400Here at Ocala Car Audio we are always evaluating the latest gear to meet our client’s needs. A great amplifier that has given us a lot of flexibility, in both system design, and solving space issues, is the JL Audio RD400/4.

Clean Design

The first thing you notice about this amp is the nice clean high tech appearance of the outer case. The cool blue LED lights let you know when it is powered up, and the subtle JL Audio logo let’s you know that you are looking at one of the best amps on the market today. The controls are all hidden underneath an access panel adding to the clean and simple lines. Remove the cover and you have a full complement of controls to dial in a great sounding and flexible set up.

Clean Power

JL Audio RD400/4The amplifier gives you a very useful power rating of 100 watts by 4 into 2 ohms – or 75 by 4 into a 4 ohm load. To add to its flexibility it can be bridged into 2 channels at 200 watts each – enough to make a lot of woofers to stand up and take notice. The power is  JL Audio’s NexD technology for a clean and efficient Class D amp, in a small case that gives you lots of mounting options in a small vehicle, or where space is at a premium. It all fits nicely in a 9 13/16″ by 2 1/8″ by 7″ package.

Clean Signal

JL Audio RD400The input section will accommodate either high (speaker) or low level inputs. It has built in crossovers that are selectable for high or low pass, and then adjustable for 50 to 500 Hz. It has very handy clip indicator lights that can be used to set the gains properly. It accepts 4 guage power wire and ground so you can feed it plenty of juice.

Flexibility

Use one of these amps for 4 great co-axial or component speakers and then add a second one in bridged mode for plenty of bass to keep up. This amp gives you plenty of flexibility for both.

Check Out The JL Audio RD400/4 Today

Come on by Ocala Car Audio and let our sales and installation experts show you the JL Audio RD400/4 and other solutions we have for your audio needs. For more information on this or other solutions we offer, contact us HERE.

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Subaru WRX Audio System Upgrade for Fruitland Park Client

This Fruitland Park client came to us wanting his 2016 Subaru WRX audio system upgraded after reading many of our excellent online reviews. After talking with the client, we learned his desires for the audio system upgrade and worked up a quote for him.

Powering the system is a JL Audio xd1000/5v2 that has five channels with enough power for all the speakers in the car. We mounted the amplifier up under the rear deck of the WRX on a custom-fabricated metal mounting rack. In the front, we replaced the speakers with JL Audio C5-650 component speakers. The separate tweeter allows optimal angling for the best sound quality.

We replaced the rear speakers with JL Audio C5-650x coaxial speakers and used Road Kill sound damping on both sets of speakers to enhance the system sound quality even further.

The final piece to the audio puzzle was the bass upgrade. For this system, we chose one of the finest subwoofers available: the JL Audio 10w6v3. We installed the killer sub in a custom-fabricated enclosure in the rear driver side of the trunk.

Once the system was tuned by our experts, the sound was phenomenal!

If you are interested in learning about more audio upgrades, contact us HERE.

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Ocala Dodge Durango Leather and Technology Upgrades

This Ocala client was referred to us by Alea Leather for a Dodge Durango leather interior upgrade.  After spending some time with the client, learning more about his new vehicle, we found there were a few more things he wanted to upgrade.

We started with installing the leather package from Alea Leather. The client liked the Police Interceptor aspects of his ride, so we embroidered the headrests with the logo. To give the client many more audio sources, as well as a screen for viewing a backup camera, we installed a Kenwood DNX892HD double DIN touch screen. To enhance his backing safety, we used a VOXX backup camera as well as VOXX parking sensors.

Once we had the interior freshened up, it was time to protect it. First, our window tint experts installed genuine 3M automotive window film on the Durango’s windows. This film will help protect the new interior from UV rays, as well as drastically reduce the interior temperature during these hot Florida summers. To keep the floor looking new, even during the rainy times, we installed a set of WeatherTech floor liners. These trap water and mud, and keep it from damaging the carpet of the vehicle.

With the work completed, we performed our final vehicle checkout, and then handed the keys over to the client. He loved all of the changes we made to his new ride.

If you would like to learn more about how the professionals at Ocala Car Audio can enhance your ride, stop by today or contact us HERE.

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Ocala Car Audio and Tint

12 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
352-512-9897

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday9:00 am – 6:00 pm

We are Closed on Saturday and Sunday