July 10, 2018 By Ocala Car Audio

Product Spotlight: Metra 95-HDIF

If you own a 1998 through 2013 Harley-Davidson FLH cruiser with the batwing fairing, the new Metra 95-HDIF is now available at Ocala Car Audio to make upgrading your radio easier than ever. This premium inner fairing replacement kit has a high-gloss black finish and provides room for your favorite Double-DIN radio and speakers.

Options for Double-DIN Source Units

The 95-HDIF makes upgrading your Harley sound system easier than ever. The stock radio location allows for a Single-DIN radio chassis. While there are many radio options available in that size, they don’t compare to what’s available from a Double-DIN radio.

One of the biggest benefits of upgrading to a Double-DIN radio is the availability of navigation systems. You can plot a route up to Sturgis, Myrtle Beach or Laconia to make your trip safe and efficient. Smartphone Integration solutions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are another great feature to make your ride safer. Many helmet Bluetooth kits are compatible with these smartphone solutions, so there’s no need to yell at your radio.

Metra 95-HDIF Premium Fairing Kit

The 95-HDIF includes the painted inner fairing, a radio mounting bracket, speaker grilles and rings and all the hardware required to complete the installation. The installation staff at Ocala Car Audio is available to handle the complex process of swapping over all the gauges to the new fairing and completing the radio integration process.

Installation Options and Customization

If you want the Metra 95-HDIF custom painted for your application, let us know — we have lots of contacts for great paintwork. We can also upgrade the speakers and add an amplifier to dramatically improve the clarity, detail and volume capabilities of your motorcycle audio system.

Ocala’s Motorcycle Audio Experts

If you are tired of a wimpy sound system, drop by Ocala Car Audio and speak with a member of our team. We usually have a motorcycle or two on-site with an upgraded audio system that you can audition, and we’d be happy to design a custom solution for your needs and application. If you can’t drop by, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact page for more information on any of the products and services we offer.

March 21, 2018 By Ocala Car Audio

Product Spotlight: Kenwood DRV-N520

The Kenwood DRV-N520 dash camera from Ocala Car Audio offers a combination of features not found on any other digital video recording solution. The N520 combines a high-quality recording system with the option of integration with many new Kenwood multimedia receivers. Let’s take a close look at this revolutionary camera system.

High-Quality Video Recording

The DRV-N520 includes a forward-facing Full HD 1920×1080 pixel video camera that captures images at 27 frames per second for crystal-clear video. The built-in High Dynamic Range (HDR) contrast adjustment technology helps to ensure that even subtle details are captured in the recording.

A built-in GPS receiver stores vehicle speed and location along with the video so you can show where the vehicle was and how fast it was going when reviewing information. A three-axis accelerometer adds motion information and can trigger event recordings if an impact occurs.

Source Unit Integration

The Kenwood DRV-N520 is compatible with source units like the DDX9905S, DMX905S and the popular DDX9904s. The intelligent image processing built into the N520 provides Forward Collision and Departure Delay warnings right on the screen of your radio. You can even play back videos recorded by the camera without the need to remove the 8GB microSD memory card.

Protect Yourself Against Fraud

We have heard of many cases where a pedestrian has jumped on the hood of a car or truck while stopped at an intersection. A dash camera system protects you against this unlawful behavior. If you are involved in or witness an accident, the high-quality video will help the police and insurance companies accurately determine who was at fault.

If you own or operate a fleet of work vehicles, video recording systems have proven to increase driver safety and reduce wasted time. The systems often pay for themselves in less than a year.

See the DRV-N520 at Ocala Car Audio Today

If you are interested in a dash camera system, drop by Ocala Car Audio and speak with a member of our team. We can demonstrate all of the features of our camera systems and help you choose the perfect solution for your application. For more information, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact form.

September 25, 2017 By Parish Tanner

Motorcycle Audio Installation is Best Left to the Experts

When it comes to motorcycle audio installation, Ocala Car Audio in Marion County is an expert. Installing and modifying motorcycle sound systems has been a way of life for the staff at Ocala for nearly a decade. Owner Parish Tanner grew up riding motorcycles. In fact, his entire family rides whenever they get a chance. We don’t just talk about motorcycle audio; we live it.

Premium Motorcycle Audio Products

Our experience in designing and installing motorcycle audio upgrades is an extension of our marine audio system experience. The vibration and sound level challenges are similar in both applications. Obviously, motorcycles offer significantly less space for speakers and equipment. Our team has tried most of the solutions available and knows what speakers and amplifiers work to deliver amazing sound, even when the throttle is cranked wide open. Our motorcycle audio products can handle sun exposure and harsh vibrations from the biggest engines. They shrug off rain, dust and dirt. We have high-power amplifiers that are compact and efficient, and our speaker upgrades can handle the power from that new amplifier so you can crank your system and enjoy it for hours.

Expert Installation and Integration Services

The materials and techniques we use to upgrade the audio system on your motorcycle are as important as the products we choose. Wiring, fasteners, connectors and harnesses all need to provide the same level of performance and reliability we expect from speakers, amplifiers and source units. How we make electrical connections, route wiring and even the way we protect the finish on your bike are carefully planned to ensure your upgrade experience brings you countless hours of trouble-free entertainment.

Full-Time Mobile Electronics Specialists

One topic that comes up frequently with our motorcycle clients are the audio upgrades that can be purchased and installed at shows throughout the year. Both the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Daytona Bike Week see vendors from all over the country celebrating every aspect of the motorcycle culture. We see many “pop-up” retailers selling and installing sound system upgrades at the shows. While some of these systems perform well, some are mediocre. Our biggest concern is after-sales service. If you have a problem with anything we’ve installed, you can call the shop and we’ll schedule an appointment to resolve the issue. If you’ve purchased speakers or an amplifier at the show, where will you go if you need help? Some show vendors go so far as to relabel products under their name. These modifications void the warranty on those units. We service what we sell.

Ocala’s Motorcycle Audio Installation Experts

When it’s time to upgrade the sound system on your bike, drop into Ocala Car Audio and speak with one of our motorcycle audio installation experts. We would be happy to demonstrate the systems on our bikes and develop a custom solution for your cruiser. From a new set of speakers in a fairing or saddlebag to custom speaker pods on your highway bars, our team will ensure your music sounds great at any reasonable speed. You can call us at 352-512-9897 or send us an e-mail using our online contact FORM at any time for answers to questions about our products and services. We look forward to hearing from you!

July 27, 2017 By Ocala Car Audio

Ocala Car Audio Builds Great-sounding Marine Audio Systems

Ocala Car Audio creates some of the best marine audio systems in Marion County. Since 2008, we have made designing and installing premium marine entertainment systems a fundamental part of our business. We have partnered with industry-leading brands like JL Audio, Fusion, Kenwood, Memphis Xtreme and Aquatic AV to provide our clients with reliable, high-performance products that not only sound great but offer excellent value.

Marine Industry Experience

Our founder, Parish Tanner, worked in the engineering department for some of the top boat builders in the country. His hands-on design experience with brands like Regal Marine, Grady White, Key West, Pro-line, Moomba, Chris Craft, Caroline Skiff, Chaparral and more have provided him with a unique understanding of boat manufacturing and client expectations.

During this time, Parish received his American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) E-11 Electrical Certification. This training and subsequent certification ensures that he understands the guidelines and specific requirements related to working on and upgrading the electrical and entertainment systems of boats. This accreditation is crucial to the safe design and installation of marine audio systems.

Marine Wiring Practices

We use several unique products and processes when installing marine entertainment systems. First, we always use marine-spec wiring. Unlike conventional car audio wiring and cables, our marine wiring is designed to withstand exposure to high-humidity and saltwater conditions to prevent corrosion and damage to equipment. Where we make electrical connections and how we route wiring protects it from damage by moving parts and interference with factory-installed electronic components.

Our battery system upgrades ensure that life support systems like bilge pumps, navigation lighting and ship-to-shore radios will always remain functional. You will always have enough power to start the engine to get home safely, even after a day spent partying at the local sand bar. Isolating the entertainment system from the system batteries is not an option – it is the only way to do it right. The reliability of your boat and your safety is our number-one priority.

Ocala Car Audio Marine Installations

We use a product called Starboard to create speaker adapters, subwoofer enclosures and amplifier mounting racks. Starboard is a high-grade polymer that we can mill in the same way we would use wood, but unlike wood, it will not rot or degrade when exposed to water, ensuring that whatever we create for you will last for decades.

We use stainless steel fasteners in all of our installations. Carbon steel fasteners will corrode quickly when exposed to saltwater. Nobody wants to see a line of brown rust running to or from that new speaker installation.

System Design

Whether we are working on a Cigarette, Fountain or Donzi off-shore race boat, or a Mastercraft, Moomba or Malibu wakeboard boat, every system we design offers exceptional performance, reliability and ease of use. Our choice of speaker and subwoofer mounting locations optimizes sound delivery for everyone on board. Bluetooth streaming, chart plotter integration and satellite radio options are no problem for us.

Marine Audio Systems and More

From a simple radio upgrade or speaker replacement to lighting and accessory installations, Ocala Car Audio can handle everything your boat needs. Drop by our store at 804 NW 27th Avenue and talk to a member of our team, or e-mail us using our online contact FORM for more information.

July 13, 2017 By Ocala Car Audio

Ocala Client Comes To OCA For Scion XB Backup Camera Solution

A local client came to Ocala Car Audio in search of a backup camera solution for his 2006 Scion XB. The client has done business with us before.

We showed the client a few options for displaying the camera image. We started with a replacement rear view mirror, then showed him a multimedia radio. The Kenwood DDX-9903S offers a dedicated rear view camera input that shows up when the vehicle is put in reverse. This source unit also includes Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The customer loved the added features of the radio and the fact that the camera image would be displayed on a 7-inch screen.

We used an ADS Maestro RR and the TO1 harness to allow the new source unit to display information from the vehicle. The Maestro interface taps into the car’s CAN bus and shows information like tire pressure, battery voltage, coolant temperature, engine RPM and vehicle speed. We mounted an AIS LCCAM1 camera above the license plate.

The customer likes the camera system and loves the new radio.

If you are interested in a similar package for your vehicle, contact us here.

May 18, 2017 By Ocala Car Audio

2013 Chevrolet Silverado Audio System For Ocala Based Client

A client from Ocala, Florida, came to Ocala Car Audio for a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado audio system upgrade. He wasn’t impressed with the way the stock system sounded. He wanted the system to play louder and be clearer. There was one caveat: He also wanted to maintain a storage location for his toys. We had a look at his truck, then designed a system to meet his goals.

The client chose a Kenwood DNX892HD receiver and a Maestro RR integration module so that the radio it could display vehicle information. Tire pressure, vehicle speed and engine RPM are just a few of the pieces of information that the RR extracts from the CAN data network.

The Kenwood receiver feeds audio to a Memphis Car Audio PRX700.5 amp. The amp powers the factory speakers and a shallow-mount subwoofer. We created a custom enclosure under the rear seat that holds the sub and the amp, and still has room or the client’s toys.

The client loves the way the system sounds and is impressed with what we created for his gun.

If you are looking for an audio upgrade for your car or truck, drop by Ocala Car Audio or contact us here. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

December 6, 2016 By Ocala Car Audio

Safer Driving With Apple CarPlay

At 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

You’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.

November 25, 2016 By Ocala Car Audio

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

One 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

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

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

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.

July 20, 2016 By Ocala Car Audio

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.