Optima Batteries
Let's face it, stock systems generally lack power for our cool stuff.
Enter Optima Batteries. They offer an
excellent line of high performance batteries that'll supply your system with reliable,
clean power. Ya see, stock batteries haven't really changed much. Like, last month my lame
stock battery died. There i was in the dead of winter in New Hampshire snow with a dead
battery. Well, now i got me a great battery and my system loves it too. Optima uses a
sealed, zero-maintenance, lead-acid electrochemistry with a unique spiralcell design.
Ordinary batters only have about 4,000 starts in 'em whereas the Optima lasts over double
and more! From 9,000 to 12,000 starts which means ya won't get stuck in the New Hampshire
snow like me. What's more, their batteries also charge faster too! The standard models
offered are the 800U dual terminal unit, 800S top posts only both priced at $135), and the
850/6 six volt top post unit. If you're looking for a 'deep cycle' batter, Optima also
offers the D750U and 750S ($189). You can see Optima's
www site for more info. Look, don't be like the guys below! Get an Optima Battery
'cause i like to enjoy the music for a long time and hate being stuck in the snow!
Stinger 150 Amp Honda Alternator
Next up is Stinger who offer
more accessories then i can shake a woofer at! Stinger now offers simple bolt for bolt
replacement, 150 amp high-output alternators for Honda cars. These units also easily hook
up and are fully compatible to the factory wiring/computer. This unit is available in
either factory aluminum or chrome plating. As we all know, Stinger offers gold plated
battery posts, RCA connectors, fuse blocks, and way too much for me to list here. HEY, why
not check out Stinger's www site to see all
their stuff.
Bel 855STi
Well, i dunno if you drive like me, but a radar detector is a must
for me. Enter Bel-Tronic's new BEL 855STi and BEL 850STi radar detectors.
Both offer X, K, Ka, front and rear laser detection, VG-2 shadow technology, audio mute,
video off, Safety Warning System (SWS) with voice which includes 58 digital voice and text
messages... and much, much more. Gotta admit i own a Bel myself. This new unit, like all
their other better units, won't false as much as most other, give you good range to detect
the presence of radar or laser guns, and alert you of hiway hazards, emergency vehicles,
and more. To learn more about Bel's radar detectors call 1-800-341-1401.
Dynamat was there showing all their resonance control
mats. The new news is that they will soon be making Dynamat for home construction! Well,
this is a car audio show dude. Anyway, nothing really new by them, but it was good to see
all their products and not just their Dynamat stuff. Most places never stock their
high-temperature handling Hoodliner for the hood of your car. Hoodliner is also 97% heat
reflective so it can handle even those really hot, high-performance engines. Almost every
car in competition i know uses some form of resonance controlling devices like
Dynamat/Hoodliner. May i humbly suggest you check 'em out too.
DEI now offers wire and amplifier kits! If you feel 'wire
is wire' then get outta here now!!! For those who know that better wire means better sound
will check out DEI's new oxygen-free-copper (OFC). Using highly flexible outer covering,
high strand count thinner copper wires, it looks like another high-quality yummy by DEI.
Their three new "Amp Kits" come complete with virtually everything one might
need to do your own install. The Premium Power Kit 4 AWG includes twenty feet of red 4AWG,
five feet of black 4AWG, in-line fuse holder with 60A fuse, gold plated distribution
block... They also offer a 10AWG and an 8AWG kit. Call DEI at 1-800-283-1302 for the
lowdown on this.
Brax E-CAPS
Brax was there showing their line of power capacitors. Anyone with a big
system will tell ya' you must use power caps for cleaner, more stable power. Their model
IPC 1.5 ($859) is a 1.5 farad power cap which also monitors its own voltage and digitally
displays its voltage too! Electronic protection is also included. They also have the Helix
Smart .5 ($238) which is a .5 farad power capacitor with over-voltage and short circuit
protection. i never knew about Brax until i heard of them being used for superior sound
quality in a very high-end tube amplifier. Hmmm... these guys deserve a close look.
Street Glow
For those of you who want that magical light, Street Glow was out in full
force at the show. No matter of you need neon for your license plate, or 10",
15", 20" or under-car neon Street glow has what ya need. Offered in white,
yellow, orange, red, coral pink, purple, neo-blue, turquoise, or green. They also were
showing their new neon strobe light and music interface! The music interface unit controls
your neon to not only turn it on or off, but it can also have your neon light flash to the
music too!
High-Performance Audio Reviews
(Accessories)
