New Products - Audio Upgrades - Super Street Magazine

Pioneer DEH-P700R AM/FM/CD Receiver & CDX-PD6 In-dash Six-Disc CD ChangerThis year, Pioneer has upped the ante on built-in amplification with a series of new in-dash receivers featuring an improved power amp section. The MOSFET45 circuit in many Pioneer in-dash receivers packs enough oomph (180 watts total) to power four speakers or even two full-range speakers and a pair of highefficiency subwoofers easily. The new Premier DEH-P700R AM/FM/CD with CD changer control capability ($420) features a three-band parametric equalizer, three sets of preamp outputs, built-in DFS Alarm+, cellular/ navigation mute, and a built-in two-way subwoofer crossover, making it well suited as the control center of a system with room to grow.

If you desire multi-disc in-dash CD capabilities and have room for a second DIN-sized component, then the CDX-PD6 ($450) is a perfect match for the DEH-P900R and its built-in CD changer controls. The CDX-PD6 is an in-dash six-disc CD changer that features exceptionally quick loading capabilities--discs change in less than 11 seconds, comparable to trunk-mounted changers and far faster than in-dash multi-CD changers from competitive brands.

For more information on Pioneer mobile electronic components, call 800/PIONEER or visit www.pioneerelectronics.com.

Sony XM-604EQX Four/Three/Two-Channel AmplifierFor 1999, Sony has launched an entirely new line of amplifiers designed to appeal to a broad range of autosound enthusiasts. One of its big guns promises to be the XM-604EQX four/three/two-channel bridgeable amplifier ($350) with a built-in crossover and equalizer. The XM-604EQX is part of the new Xplod series of kick-butt amplifiers and speakers and produces 60 watts by 4 or and 150 watts by 2 into a 4-ohm load at less than 0.04 percent total harmonic distortion. In addition to power, the XM-604EQX offers a fully adjustable built-in 50-200Hz active crossover and a five-band equalizer (50/200/800/3.2/ 12.8kHz) with all controls adjustable from the top of the amplifier under a removable clear plastic panel. With its contrasting gray and red trim, this is one amplifier that you'll display proudly.

For additional information on Sony mobile electronic components, call 800/222-7669 or visit www.sony.com.

Focal Linge Mistral 165 EX Three-Way Component Separate Speaker SetAlthough not a household name, Focal offers some of the most highly regarded mobile speakers available, the choice of many well-known soundoff competitors. The Linge Mistral 165 EX ($1,172) is a three-way component speaker set that features a 6 1/2-inch aluminum die-cast woofer, 4 1/2-inch aluminum die-cast frame midrange, a 1 3/4-inch inverted fiberglass dome tweeter and separate premium crossovers. Although the three-way configuration poses some installation obstacles, its overall sound quality can be stated in one word: magnifique. When you're looking for finely detailed sound, these speakers are definitely worth an audition.

For additional information on Focal, call 888/340-4403 or visit www.focal-america.com.

Eclipse 8808 DVC 8-inch Aluminum Cone SubwooferAlthough American companies are best known for excellence in subwoofers, Japanese supplier Eclipse is out to change that perception with its expanded line of aluminum cone 8- to 15-inch subwoofers, available in 6-ohm and dual 4-ohm models. The 8808 DVC ($290) representative of the line is an 8-inch model featuring a cast-aluminum frame, double stacked magnet, and a large 3-inch voice coil for exceptional power-handling capabilities. Best of all, the 8808 DVC is optimized for box enclosures as small as 0.6 cubic feet, making these subwoofers a great choice where space is limited.

For additional information on Eclipse, call 800/55-ECLIPSE or visit www.eclipse-web.com.

Mitsubishi Mirage Coupe '93-'99
Although it shares only a name, decklid, and taillights with its sedan counterpart, the Mitsubishi Mirage coupe may be one of the best-kept secrets in the late-model-coupe marketplace. With a low sticker price, the Mirage coupe leaves its owner with a hefty budget that can be applied to a variety of aftermarket enhancements.

Since the Mirage has a double-DIN-application dashboard, it can accommodate a large fascia (7-inch by 2-inch) head unit and the combination of the Pioneer Premier DEH-P700R AM/FM/CD receiver and CDX-PD6 in-dash six-disc CD changer would be a perfect fit. The DEH-P700R is a full-featured CD head unit packed with almost every bell and whistle available, including a detachable full-flap face that completely conceals the CD opening. The built-in DFS Alarm+ feature is a valuable addition, even if you plan to install a comprehensive security system. The companion CDX-PD6 in-dash changer mounts above or below the DEH-P700R and offers the convenience of loading six discs while retaining the ability to swap individual discs in the DEH-P700R; together they form an unbeatable combination.

The Sony XM-604EQX, with 60 watts per channel, is a great match for the Focal separates and the Eclipse subwoofer. Although the Pioneer head unit has its own built-in crossover, the crossover in the XM-604EQX offers a greater selection of settings. One suggestion would be to use the crossover built into the head unit to control the input into the amplifiers via remote, offering the greatest degree of control. In this application, the XM-604EQX will be used in a three-channel configuration: 60 watts to each set of Focal separates and 150 watts to the Eclipse subwoofer in the dual voice coil mode.

The three-way Focal separates will require either a minimal amount of cutting (to mount the 4 1/2-inch midrange into the door panel, or the use of a universal kick panel pod from a manufacturer like Ai Research (405/624-6722) with its QL-U5002 universal Q-Forms speaker pod. Once installed and augmented by the solid bass provided by the dual voice coil Eclipse 8808 DVC 8-inch subwoofer mounted under the rear deck in a small enclosure, the speakers will provide audiophile-grade sonics with a minimum of modification and fabrication to the vehicle.

Since this system utilizes premium-grade components, it won't be cheap, coming in at nearly $3,000 with installation. By selecting components well matched to the vehicle, installation costs are minimized, allowing for a greater percentage of the budget to be allocated to the components rather than costly installation labor. Just think of it as a worthwhile investment using the money you saved purchasing a Mirage rather than a more expensive coupe.