The build quality of the M4a is just flawless, not just aesthetically either but also in how it preforms too! Over the last year I have powered many Sub-Woofer setups with the M4a, including: 4 x DD-510-D4′s, 4 x DD-512-D4′s, 1 x DD-9518-D1, 1 x DD-z18 (the list goes on too) and has always provided plenty of power no matter what Ohms it was run at too!

As stated before I don’t just use a M4a for our SPL setup that has netted us 154.7dB Officially (We use 2 x M4a’s for this) but I Daily ABTEC3 driving a DD-9518-D1 with a M4a @ .5 Ohm and it absolutely loves it! Anybody that knows me knows I like my music LOUD, so LOUD that the windshield in the Toyota Vitz is usually flexing as I commute to and from ABTEC everyday!

As far as sound quality goes the M4a lives up to the Digital Designs motto of True To The Source! I do understand an amplifier can’t be judged on sound quality alone, but in my experience with the M4a and the Sub-Woofers I’ve used with it have produced beautiful sounding Bass. Even down to the low 40Hz-20Hz that I love the most!

What amazes me with the M4a is where most High-Output Amplifiers are rated at 14.4v or even higher, the M4a is still rated at 12-14.v which makes it ideal for everyday use. At 12v the M4a makes 5200w RMS @ 1 Ohm, at 14.4v it easily makes over 7000w RMS @ 1 Ohm and some people have even clamped their M4a’s at just under 8000w RMS @ .5 Ohm on 14.4v!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Bridged: NA
• Channels: 1
• Cont Power at 1 Ohm: 5,200W x 1 @ 12v
• Damping Factor: >150
• Dimensions (Inches): 27.625L x 9.13W x 2.5H
• Dimensions (Metric): 702L x 232W x 63.5H
• Dynamic Power: 9500W
• Efficiency Thru Output: 87%
• Input Sensitivity: 0.15v – 5v
• Model: M4a
• Shipping Weight: 36 lbs

Overall the M4a in my personal opinion is the ultimate amplifier for multiple uses, be it Ground pounding, SPL or even powering your daily SQ setup the M4a will have more than enough power for your setup. If some how you need more power just add another M4a and strap them together for double the power!

On an ending note I consider myself lucky that I get use not only one but two M4a’s in my daily, because here in New Zealand there isn’t that many people that drive around with an easy 10,000w RMS on a daily basis… Yet!

Also I’d say it was the most exciting move as it wasn’t just moving a lot of stock and calling it a day, it was moving ABTEC into its own building and setting up the two sides of the business (Workshop & Retail) separately with their own needs & wants.

Plans on moving to a bigger/better location had been talked about several times and it was always going to be on the cards, as the saying goes it was just a matter of time!

Well this time came a lot sooner than expected since the building we were in ended up getting sold, usually getting notice that the building you are renting has been sold is bad news but in this occasion it was heaven-sent since it gave us the option to find a building that suited us!

Funny enough the first building I went out to look at ended up being the place Ashley and Darryl brought but I’ll get back to that soon. The first building that an offer was placed on never went through but in saying that the workshop side of it (even though the area was huge) wasn’t so ideal due to all the pillars everywhere.

So after looking at several buildings Ashley got around to looking at the first building I looked at and had already decided he had to have it! It made perfect sense too since the front half of the building was/is perfect as a Showroom/Office area and as the second half had already been used as storage for car parts it wouldn’t take to much to turn it into ABTEC’s workshop!

Preparing for a move can sometimes be just as stressful as the move itself, in this case it wasn’t so much stressful but intense due to trying to continue with everyday business while most the stock has been boxed up tends to slow you down.

Once all the packing was all done Ashley and I had to dissemble a few shelves etc at the old Head-Office which ended up taking longer than expected but finally everything was set to go!

When it came to the move everything was pretty full on, the one truck load ended up being six or seven loads and everyone was full steam ahead except for myself with a self-inflicted back injury (Very very bad timing too) but luckily enough a good customer turned up and clicked it into place!

Enough about me though, once everything had been moved it was time to start sorting everything out and easy as it sounds it became very time consuming due to still having engineers/builders on site strengthening the building to meet the new earthquake standards.

As I stated before their was a lot of steel work to be installed by a local group of engineers so the building can withhold up to an 7.5 magnitude earthquake which is apparently the new earthquake standard. My understanding is if the big one (earthquake that is) hits most of Petone would fall apart but after seeing all the work that was done here at ABTEC I’d feel pretty safe in this building.

Apart from the strengthening of the building their was a lot of building to be done too, which included the building of our Home Theatre Sound Room & numerous shelves and benches throughout the two buildings. The final touches  were having all the sign-writing placed onto the buildings and getting to see them at night which almost lights the whole street up!

Now the Showroom and Workshop had been completed we all could appreciate all the work, time and effort that had gone into it! Which included working late into the night for a few of us and the fact of no matter how late Ashley worked he was still the first here, even after we had also ran an event at the V 4 & Rotary Jamboree in Feilding on a Sunday in between all of what was going on!

The outcome of all this work & time is just amazing if I do say so myself and it feels so much better having our own space again allowing all of us to work more efficiently again due to not be all crammed into a little box on a not so ideal location.

I’d like to finish off as I do by thanking first of all the people involved with the move, all the engineers/builders/Sign-writers/Tradesman that worked on the building to get it to a standard that we all were happy with, our Suppliers for the continued support and products they supply, all the ABTEC boys partners/Wives for putting up with the constant long hours and last but not least you the customers because without you we would not where we are now without your support!

A last quick note, feel free to drop into our NEW location at 49 Hutt Road Petone for all your Car Audio & Security needs or even to check out the NEW shop and say hi!

Being ABTEC’s twentieth year in business I thought it was such a great milestone for not only Ashley ‘MAD BASS’ Burrell but for ABTEC as a whole so I just had to write something in celebration!

Since Ashley wouldn’t let me use a real photo of him and Darryl I borrowed the one below and ‘adjusted it a touch’.

When Ashley started ABTEC in NZ he was only twenty seven years old already with eleven years behind him in the car audio & alarm industry. Ashley’s younger brother Darryl was the first on board the ABTEC train and has been a major involvement in ABTEC ever since, doing a large majority of the installs while running the workshop in Lower Hutt.

Note the ABTEC Brothers below standing next to the third ABTEC company vehicle ever, a NEW (At the time) Toyota Corolla.

How things have changed in the last twenty years! Not only has the technology in car audio changed significantly but so has ABTEC as a company as well, with everything from the people over the years to the types of products and services provided.

There are only two things that haven’t changed over the years and that is Ashley’s passion for music and providing the best quality of service that is humanly possible.

Note below our ‘SOUNDS ALIVE’ motto, the meaning behind this which is a reference to having your car audio come alive or sound alive as Ashley has put it. I personally love the ‘SOUNDS ALIVE’ motto because when I listen to music in the car I like to have that rock concert experience or feel the music, and if you have sat in my car while I listen to my music you would know about what I mean about feeling the music.

As the future approaches us so does many challenges, with these challenges comes new opportunities, with new opportunities comes growth. And on the note of growth ABTEC has now got to the point of establishing itself at its NEW & IMPROVED premises in Petone.

And what a time to be doing so too on our twentieth birthday!

I’d like to close this off by saying a big Thank You to all the Customers, Suppliers, Friends & Family that have supported us in the last 20 years and we all look forward to providing our goods/services during the next 20 years too!

As we turned up to the gates at Manfeild there was a surprise when I noticed no cars were parked waiting for us. At first this had me slightly concerned until the security guards advised us that pretty much all of the competitors had turned up early and had already been pointed to our new area to run the dB Drag Event.

This new allocated area I must say is a massive improvement to our last appointed area as it not only gave us the space needed to run the event smoothly but also put us in a area were everybody could demo their cars after competing.

We ran the event in two tiers with the dB Drag Kiwi Class being run in the morning before lunch and the SOUNDS ALIVE Class being run just after 1pm giving people a break to get a feed and browse while I demo’d ABTEC1′s Wall to numerous amounts of people with some surprising reactions.

The highlights of the event to myself was David Williams new PB of a 149.6dB which I know he has been so long towards and I’m sure with some fine tuning and changes will net the 150dB he is after.

Nui Henry’s 146.7dB in SOUNDS ALIVE was very impressive and almost sounded it was made the song! Also it was good to see new-comer Matt Coley take out the Kiwi Class with a 138.3dB and Shane Snow taking out the Kiwi-Pro Class with a 144.5dB before trying to start many Harlem Shake attempts.

Now for the Results from the day.

Sounds Alive:

1st: Ashley Burrell 147.0
2nd: Nui Henry 146.7
3rd: Shane Snow 143.9
4th: Johnny Asiata 143.4
5th: Matt Coley 137.2
6th: Vaughan Clark 136.5
7th: Nathan Stevens 135.9
8th: Dave Williams 135.0
9th: Jade Coley 134.5
10th: Slade 134.1
11th: Chris Findlay 131.7
12th: Jason 127.70

Kiwi Class:

1st: Matt Coley 138.3
2nd: Nathan Stevens 136.2
3rd: Jade Coley 134.4
4th: Jason 124.6
5th: Ellen 114.4

Kiwi Pro Class:

1st: Shane Snow 144.5
2nd: Slade 142.4

Kiwi Expert Class:

1st: Dave Williams 149.6
2nd: Johnny Asiata 148.1
2nd: Ashley Burrell 148.1
4th: Nui Henry 146.0

Kiwi Extreme Class:

1st: Lance Wilson 154.7

As usual I’d like to thank the V 4 & Rotary National Team for allowing us to run our event’s at their shows once again! All the competitors New & Old that keep on turning up to support the sport, Vaughan for turning up and helping with the setup & pack-down when everyone else run’s for cover. Vaughan’s lovely flatmate for doing all our paperwork for the day (I’m sorry I’ve forgotten your name, it has been a long two weeks) and last but not least Ashley ‘MADBASS’ Burrell for organizing & funding dB Drag in NZ for all these years.

For the Official Event Results CLICK HERE

For Photos of the Winners CLICK HERE

For the Gallery of the Event CLICK HERE or HERE

For the Official Top Ten Top Guns CLICK HERE

This blog isn’t about the different set-up’s we have run as that would be novel on the product list alone, but about the build of its NEW and final set-up of 4 DD-515-D4′s in a wall.

Walling ABTEC1 had been a discussion Ashley ‘MAD BASS’ Burrell & I have had several times in the past year, the only hold back was Ashley’s concern that there would be a significant loss in Sound Quality.

After numerous discussions & phone calls with Jassa of Digital Designs Ashley had enough of an idea of how we could wall ABTEC1 and still retain the Sound Quality as to be able to demo “Normal” everyday music loud and clear as well as wowing people with the brutality of the “BASS” music.

The picture above is not the master design just so you know, but Dave’s sketch so he can figure out the final adjustments so that the box would fit into ABTEC1 and also the cutting/assembly order.

As you can see above the first job was to remove/dissemble the contents of ABTEC1, Ashley & I took charge of this and I must say I highly enjoyed taking it apart as most of the tool work I usually do these days is mainly maintaining the family car.

After this was all done it was time to call it a night since we were starting reasonably early the next day due to wanting to get the wall done in one day! Just before closing up we had Ashley return to the workshop due to having no bass, he didn’t even last a minute down the road before returning to get a temporarily Sub-Woofer.

When we turned up Saturday morning the first thing we did was lay out a plan of execution, once that was sorted I laid out all the equipment that was required of the build and got back to my Saturday Job of distracting customers giving Dave and Ashley the free time to start the prep work on the box.

Once the prep work was all done and cut it was now time for Dave to start piecing the box together and as you can see above it is a very tight squeeze (but apparently Dave likes that sort of thing).

Back to a serious note the box was so tight that it had to be trimmed down just a touch compared to the original design by 15mm each side and this might not sound like much but can slightly alter you tune, but since this box is monstrous  I don’t think it would of made a noticeable difference.

Now the box was sized up it and ready for assembly Dave marked out & pre drilled the screw holes, then all three of use got a cordless drill each and went to town on the box (yes I know that sounds really bad). There was an easy 300+ surefast/fix screws used in fixing this box together and a couple of tubes of glue too!

Before the box was lifted into ABTEC1 I gave the front face & inside of the box a quick coat of primmer and paint, but not before fitting the 12mm threaded rod to reinforce it from the extreme air pressure & vibrations it is bound to see in its lifespan.

Next on the job list was for Ashley to secure the box, amp & then fit the Sub-Woofers. Once that was all done we had to have a quick listen, which turned into about thirty to forty minutes of trying different tracks.

We soon realised that time had easily past us by and that some of us should really return home to our families, but before doing so Ashley put some Sub-Woofer bars on to stop any accidental damage to the two Sub-Woofers due to the seats being capable of sliding back into them.

Monday came quickly it was now time for the final touches to the front of the wall with Dave making up the two side panels that would house the 2 x DD-VO-B2 Horn Super-Tweeters and 4 x DD-VO-M6x9 Mid-Range Speakers.

The end product we ended up with is not only a brutal ground-pounder but also sounds absolutely beautiful on ALL music types/genres, I found that hoping into ABTEC3 after listening to the NEW IMPROVED ABTEC1 makes me sad. Don’t get me wrong here the DD-9518-D1-SC-ES on a DD-M4a is ballistic but ABTEC3 has so much clarity to it!

Overall Ashley has created a beast of a Pajero that sounds so surreal I keep on thinking to myself “How can I get Ashley to swap cars!” -Lance

If you need any Designs for a SQ (Sound Quality) or a 150+ Burp (SPL) boxes feel free to contact us on 0800 10 10 81.

**No box is to small or to large for us to make your car audio system SOUNDS ALIVE!

Smart-phone Integration

With more and more manufacturers jumping on-board with smart-phone connectivity and integration it was only natural that Sony would also jump in head first and supply not only iPhone integration but ALSO Android integration via the iPhone and Androids “Sony App Remote”.

The Sony App Remote opens up a new level of interactivity between the GS600BT and your chosen Smart-phone, not only can you control your new GS600BT from your chosen smart-phone, by for instance changing input options, volume, and tracks; you can ALSO control your smart-phone via the GS600BT in the form of selecting apps on your smart-phone using the source button as you would changing between input methods on the head unit.

Future changes I feel that would bring the App Remote to the next level:

- Music list browsing to display your files and folders in a list view to make scrolling even easier than it already is.
- Remote EQ controls to enable the user to change the preset and custom EQ settings from their smart-phone.

It’s about more than integration

While being able to integrate your smart-phone with the GS600BT is more than fun, thats not where the GS600BT stops.

The GS600BT is crammed full of MANY great features and audio controls.

Features:

- Built-in amplifier with true RMS 17watt x 4 Channels (CEA-2006/52 peak)
- Detachable face with multiple colour illumination
- Remote Control
- App Remote mode for iPhone and Android
- Bluetooth for hands-free calling (includes hands-free Mic) and audio streaming
- Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs including discs and USB thumb drives loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files, with “CD TEXT” support
- True 5v 6ch (Front, Rear, Subwoofer) RCA preouts
- Rear USB input (1.4m cord)
- Front 3.5mm Stereo Aux input
- Optional Steering wheel control interface (not included)
Audio Controls:
- Digital time alignment
- High and low pass filters
- Incredible 7-band Graphic Equaliser
- Integrated subwoofer level control
- Supports rear bass enhancer, and Subwoofer Direct Connection

Time for the low down

Menu and Controls

After many hours sitting in front of the MEXGS600BT learning its menu structure. The menu structure is very simplified without many ‘menu within menu’ options which makes the menu very easy to scroll through if on the move, yet still retaining all of the controls one would hope for and expect.

Sound Controls:

Sound controls have always been a strong point for Sony, this unit being no exception.

With no less than 7 preset Equalizer settings, and 1 custom 7 band equalizer.
For those that are more comfortable sticking to one of the many preset settings, you will find the enhancements to your particular music preferences more than you had hoped for. For those wanting to explore deeper into the Custom options will also not be disappointed at all with the 7 band graphic equaliser, and positioning options, to tailor the sound to your heart’s content.

Browsing and playing your music:

Music browsing on devices such as USB thumb drives, at first proved a little frustrating (being used to a different layout). Learning the best ways to search the many folders on my USB thumb drive took a while to work out, but once worked out, became very seamlessly and almost second nature, the large format lettering making browsing on the move even easier.

There are 2 cool features built into the MEX GS600BT.

ZAPPIN

Zappin enables you to play short passages (Choose 6, 15, or 30 second options) from your CD or USB music source, this is incredibly handy if you remember what a song sounds like, but just cant remember the name of the track

Quick-Browzer

Quick-Browzer enables you to browse your music via built in categories and even alphabetically, making it easier and faster to find your desired track, very useful if you store a large abundance of music on mp3 CD or USB.

Colour Illumination:

With the ever growing desire to customise the look and colour of your cars interior, the Sony MEX GS600BT does not fall short. With 12 preset colours, 5 preset Colour cycle patterns, , and an un-paralleled number of Custom colours, the MEX GS600BT will not fail to fit into even the most extreme interiors. Want to push the colours to the limit? Activate SOUND SYNC, select a preset colour Pattern and watch the colours pulsate to the music!

Tuner Talk:

With all the advancements in CD, USB, BT, and many other new technologies that constantly hit the market, its easy to forget the many Tuner based advancements that have been made. The MEX GS600BT is equipped with 2 such amazing advancements.

Digital Clarity Tuner

The Digital Clarity Tuner delivers the cleanest sound reproduction I have heard from an in-car radio tuner with not only the markets lowest s/n (signal to noise) ratios, but also un-paralleled stereo sound separation.

RDS (Radio Data System)

RDS enables your chosen Radio Station to send non audible data or digital information to your MEX GS600BT, what does this mean? This means that the Radio station can send information such as current competitions, current song playing, even traffic details (not all RDS features are available in all countries)

Handsfree Communication:

With the ever increasing need for ‘communication on the move’, there has come a huge need for hands free communication for safer driving (and in more increasing countries, to comply with LAW).

The MEXGS600BT ALSO includes with its Bluetooth connectivity, Hands-free communication including an omni directional Hand-free microphone. The MEX GS600BTs noise and echo cancelling circuitry will ensure that each and every call is made with clarity second to none, while enabling you to keep both hands safely on the wheel.

Ratings

Build Quality ¤¤¤¤¤

Ease of Use ¤¤¤¤

Sound Quality ¤¤¤¤¤

Value for money ¤¤¤¤¤

”[OUTLWD] Factor” ¤¤¤¤

Key: ¤ = 1 Star ½ = ½Star

[OUTLWD] Factor:

What is The “OUTLWD” factor?
The [OUTLWD] factor is my overall rating taking all factors into consideration, and the overall factors that I feel could make the entire experience better.

Aaron “OUTLWD” Bublitz

No need to mess with wires – Bluetooth technology delivers convenient wireless playback, hands free smartphone access and Pandora radio app control. Get the Pandora music you love on the go with complete access to your Pandora account via your Android or Blackberry phone.

6.1″ Touch Screen Display
The high-resolution TFT (WVGA) 6.1″ touch screen display will inform and entertain you. Gesture command and on-screen touch buttons make everything easier to control and separate audio and video power supply circuits provide added clarity.

iPod and iPhone video playback
Playback audio/video from most iPod models via the RC-202IPV video cable. Also view stored album artwork during audio playback on the screen of the XAV-64BT receiver.

Plays DVDs/CDs and digital files
Multi-format playback1 lets you play MP3, WMA, AAC music files, JPEG’s or MP4 videos.

Advanced Sound Engine with EQ7
The Advanced Sound Engine uses EQ7 equalizer, adjustable LPF/HPF crossovers, Listener Position calibration, Center Speaker Organizer, Rear Bass Enhancer, and Dynamic Loudness volume leveler to create an ideal in-car listening environment.

Passenger App Control
Connect your iPhone or iPod Touch via the optional RC-202IPV cable to display compatible app content on the XAV-64BT receivers display and control the app directly from your iPhone or iPod Touch with passenger app control.

Intuitive ZAPPIN search feature
Use the ZAPPIN feature to play 6, 15, or 30 second intro clips to help you find a specific song.

Satellite Radio/HD Radio Ready
The XAV-64BT integrates seamlessly with Satellite Radio and HD Radio using Sony Bus adaptors so you can receive digital satellite radio or HD Radio broadcasts.

Auxiliary Audio/Video inputs
The dedicated rear auxiliary AV input provides additional source playback and a connection for the Sony XA-800C rear view camera (sold separately) for visibility when backing up, especially with larger trucks or SUVs.

Front USB 1-wire input
Front USB input lets you connect almost any portable USB audio device to your system. Connect, charge, and control your Walkman player, most iPod, iPhone or other USB devices via the front USB 1-Wire input and view song title and artist on the display.

Advanced Response User Interface
Enjoy fast touch screen response when selecting sources, transitioning between menu screens and searching through your USB music content.

SensMe Music App
Organize your music into playlists that perfectly match your mood, scene and location, making it easier to choose the music that fits the moment with the SensMe application.

High-powered Expansion
Whether using the internal 52W x 4 high power amplifier for your speakers or the 2 Volt Front and Rear/Sub selectable RCA pre-amp outputs to feed an external amplifier, you can dial in the output for optimum sound.

Wireless Connectivity
Compatible Bluetooth Profiles : A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)1.2
AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile)1.3
HFP (Handsfree Profile)1.5
OPP (Object Push Profile)
PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile)
Frequency Band : 2.4 GHz band (2.400 – 2.4835 GHz)
Maximum Range : Line of sight approx. 10M (33ft)
Modulation Method : FHSS
Output : Bluetooth Standard Power Class (Max. +4 dBm)
Wireless Connectivity : Bluetooth Standard version 2.0

Features:

Amplifier Section

Max power output : 52 watts x 4 at 4 ohms
Speaker Impedance : 4-8 Ohms
Convenience

Tilt Range : 0-45° mounting angle
Inputs and Outputs
12V Trigger Output(s) : Power amplifier turn on
Antenna Terminal(s) : AM/FM Antenna Input Terminal
Audio In : Front USB and Aux in with variable level
Sony Bus terminal
Audio/Video Input(s) : Front: USB input/aux input
Rear: AUX1 audio/video, rear camera with reverse input trigger
Infrared Port : Wireless remote
RCA Audio Output(s) : Front and Rear/Sub selectable RCA pre-amp outputs
Remote Jack : Optional wired remote terminal
USB Port(s) : Optional wired remote terminal
Video

Panel Type : 6.1″ TFT Active Matrix LCD Color Monitor
Picture Modes : Normal, Wide, Full and Zoom
Resolution : 800 x 480
Audio

Band : AM / FM
Equalizer : EQ7: 7 band EQ with +/- 6 dB adjustment at: 63, 160, 400, 1000, 2500, 6300 and 16000 Hz
Format(s) Supported : MP3/WMA/AAC/JPEG/MP4/XviD files1
Frequency Response : DVD / CD: 10-20,000 Hz
Preout Impedance : 220 ohms
Preout Voltage : 2 volt
S/N Ratio : Audio Power: CEA2006 S/N 80 dBA
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (dB) : DVD/CD Player: 120dB
Station Preset(s) : 18 FM / 12 AM
Tuner Frequency Range : FM: Tuner Frequency Range(MHz): 87.5-107.9
AM: Tuner Frequency Range(kHz): 530-1710
Tuner Type : SSIR-EXA with RDS
Volume Control : Tel/Nav Attenuation Circuitry
Wow and Flutter : Below measurable limit
Convenience Features
CD Text Display : CD/MP3/WMA/AAC data displayed
Dimmer Adjust : Selectable Auto/on/off
Key Illumination : White Key Illumination
On-Screen Clock : 12H
Power

Current Drain : 5 – 7 amps
Input Voltage : 12 V DC car battery (negative ground)
Output Power : 52W x4 Watts Max Power – CEA2006 Standard Power Output: 17 Watts RMS per channel into 4 Ohms, 4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than 1% THD+N.
Video Features
Color System : NTSC / PAL / SECAM / PAL-M
Capability

CD : DVD/CD-R/RW
Display

Aspect Ratio : 17:9
Display Technology : TFT (WVGA)
Text Displayed : Source, artist, track, playback time, menu and clock
Tuner

FM Usable Sensitivity : 8 dBf
Frequency Response : FM: 20-15,000 Hz
S/N Ratio : 80 dB (stereo)
Selectivity : 75 dB at 400 kHz
Stereo Separation : 50 dB at 1 KHz
Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx) Depth : 6.875″ (173mm)
Dimensions (Approx) Height : 4″ (100mm)
Dimensions (Approx) Width : 7.125″ (178mm)
Dimensions (Approx.) : 7.125 x 4 x 6.875″ (w/h/d)
178 x 100 x 173 mm (w/h/d)
Weight (Approx.) : 4 lb. 3 oz. (1.9 kg)

This time round I have used the blurb from Sony’s Spec Sheet, the reason for this is that I don’t think I could of said it any better!

I have been used this unit for a while in my work/daily car and it is just a gem of a unit, easy to use and I love using the gesture controls. With a quick swipe of the screen I can change songs/albums while not even looking at it!

On a closing note the XAV-64BT must be one of the best priced quality double-din Bluetooth units on the market and this alone makes it a worth while unit to buy in comparison to single-din unit at a similar price range!

Since we had tested everything from the DD-512-D4′s to the DD-Z18 in ABTEC3 (Toyota Vitz) over the past year either on ‘Burps’ or on our ‘Sounds Alive’ music class I thought it was about time to do some testing with the DD-510-D4′s and see what I could get out of them.

We had given the DD-510-D4′s a quick test two nights before the V 4 & Rotary SPL & Sounds Alive Sound Off so I had a very good idea of the result I was going to get, the hard part was keeping my mouth shut since I was blown away with the result.

After a 635Km drive from Wellington to Auckland it was time for a quick nap, then of to the V 4 & Rotary SPL & Sounds Alive Sound Off. Once at the event everyone was having a peek in the windows of competitors cars seeing what we all were running, I even recall a couple of people chuckling to themselves that I was running 10″ Sub-Woofers at a Sound Off not knowing that I had a 150+dB in them.

Once we had setup the dB Drag site setup it was time for me to go through my routine of checking and rechecking my car making sure nothing was forgotten, there has only been one change to my system of late and this is my Alpine Head-Unit that is attached to a pedestal.

It has finally got to the point where the CD skips from ‘Burps’ so having the Head-Unit outside the car made perfect sense, not only does it solve the problem with the CD skipping but also is a good fail-safe since I no longer have to rely on a remote control if something goes wrong.

I must admit I got a few odd looks when I carried the pedestal out to ABTEC3 and started hooking it all up, which is to be expected when the smallest car at the Sound Off with the smallest Sub-Woofers pulls up to get tested.

Once everything was hooked up and ready it was that time again, time to give the DD-510-D4′s some juice and see what magical numbers it puts out!

As you can see above Ashley ‘MAD BASS’ Burrell & I were and still are wrapped with the result, how could we not be too! Getting into the 150+dB range is always an achievement but doing a 153.5dB with four of Digital Designs entry level DD-510-D4′s is just Mammoth!

I’d like to end this blog by thanking Ashley for giving me the time, place and equipment for all our testing of ABTEC3, Jassa of Digital Designs for designing such beautifully made Sub-Woofers, all the people involved with & helping out during the testing and also my lady Lauren for for putting up with my constant long hours during the testing!

(“Terminator” 1985 by Wayne Harris {USA})

Over the past few years a die hard, yet small band of people have gathered together to compete for their respective classes, and strive to carve out a name for both themselves and the scene as a whole. While time goes on, faces change, and audio evolves, yet one thing remains, there will always be the “passion for the beast” that is SPL.

(Some of the many competitors from the 2013 4 n Rotary Abtec Sound Off)

Last year saw for the first time ever in New Zealand History, an incredible TEN competitors (that is the entire top ten of New Zealand competitors) reach and exceed 150dB+, this is no small feat. 150dB is akin to a Jet at take-off (at 25 meters), and can not only cause permanent hearing loss, but also has the ability to rupture your eardrums.

(A shot from the first 4 n Rotary Abtec Sound off back in 2008)

With 2013 now upon us, and the first competition now behind us, this year is shaping up to be the best yet. Starting the year with the biggest turnout at the 4 n Rotary Abtec Sound Off since its addition into the SPL calendar back in 2008 with a staggering 32 competitors, of which, already 9 competitors have hit and exceeded that magic 150dB+ .

(Some of the many cars that competed at the 2013 4 n Rotary Abtec Sound Off)

With still yet, at least 3 more major Competitions to come, we can only expect even more fun, competitors positions to change, and decibels to be pushed even further.

(Lance Wilson hits a staggering 153.5 with 4 10” Digital Designs Subs)

I would like to personally thank all those I have had the pleasure to meet along the way over the years. Without the push of everyone in the scene, the scene would not be as strong as it is today.
To the event organizers  sponsors, shops, seasoned competitors, and new comers alike I thank you, without you all, this sport would not exist.

(System belonging to Aaron Bublitz, capable of 151dB+)

Credit goes out to Aaron “OUTLWD” Bublitz for writing the above blog.

CLICK HERE for the gallery of the event

CLICK HERE for the results of the event

CLICK HERE for the national results

CLICK HERE for the 2013 top 10 sound off TOP GUNS

As I do I setup the car the way I always do before testing, checking and double checking all my settings just in case I changed something during daily driving which I do when I’m running different setups. Once that was done we positioned the Sub-Woofer Box in the boot/Hatch of ABTEC3 and gave it moderately powered sweep. Just like the four Sub-Woofer Box the sweep showed the optimum frequency @ 58Hz, so now it was time to test them.

On the first ‘Burp’ we netted a mid 150dB so I tried out a couple of frequencies above and below 58Hz, funny enough the sweet spot was 56Hz and not 58Hz as the sweep showed. At 56Hz the gain was almost 0.5dB which doesn’t sound like much but can make a world of a difference when you are competing, we also tried changing the box position and this even made a slight difference too!

On our final run we managed a 151dB out of the entry level DD-512-D4′s, so I had to know if it was a one off so tried a few more times getting 151dB every time! This result has surprised me quite a bit and to be honest I was really happy with this result. At the same time it tells me there is still more to be squeezed out of all four DD-512-D4′s, so now its time to brainstorm and test until we get that 1 or 2 dB more we are looking for but only time will tell!