Introduction:
Did you know that over 95% of new cars now come equipped with start/stop technology? It saves fuel and it’s good for the environment, a win-win for both drivers and the planet! But, as with any technological advancement, there are often hiccups. One such hiccup is emerging in the realm of vehicle electronics, specifically concerning car audio systems....
While fantastic for fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, start/stop technology poses a unique challenge for car audio enthusiasts. Imagine this: you're enjoying your favourite tunes, when suddenly, as your car's engine shuts off at a traffic light, so does your amplifier, cutting out your music. It's an annoyance that's becoming increasingly common…
Enter Start/Stop Ready Amplifiers:
Here's where the game changes. Kicker and Wavtech amps have stepped up to the plate, offering a solution tailored for start/stop compatibility. These amplifiers are engineered to operate flawlessly even when the vehicle's voltage dips to remarkably low levels. Some BMW, Mercedes and other manufacturers have been knows to drop down to as low as 8 volts on start/stop.
Kicker KEY Amplifiers:
Kicker KEY amps are designed to operate down to an astonishingly low 6 volts. As far as industry standards go, this sets a new benchmark, ensuring uninterrupted audio performance even in the face of start/stop technology's voltage fluctuations.
Not only are they start/stop compatible, they also boast some extremely unique features. The standout among these is the automatic setup feature. After installing and wiring up the amplifier, you simply connect a microphone, place it on the headrest, play pink noise, and let the system work its magic. It automatically sets crossovers, applies a 40-band EQ, and time aligns the sound for the front seat driver.
You're not just getting a small start/stop ready amplifier; you're getting an audio processor with AI-driven DSP and automatic setup. Pretty cool, huh?
Wavtech Amplifiers:
Not to be outdone, Wavtech amplifiers boast their own start/stop compatibility, operating reliably down to as low as 7 volts. This versatility ensures that even in vehicles with the most aggressive start/stop systems, your audio experience remains uninterrupted. These amps also boast some pretty cool features too:
Built in adaptive loading: let's be honest... cars today are getting more and more complex. Most of the time, its not possible to remove the factory radio, so you need to integrate into it. On some newer vehicles, when you remove a speaker the headunit senses the speaker is removed and will mute the audio system. With a Wavtech amplifier that wont happen! Some amps have a fixed load built-in, but not many have 'adaptive' loading. Think of it as a mirror, it looks at what load the vehciles needs and feeds this back to eliminate any unwanted muting.
Parametric EQ: on the monoblocks and 500.4mini this not only allows you to fine tune your subwoofer for the best possible performance, but in vehicles that have bass roll off, you can compensate for that too! It a matter of adjusting 3 dials; Boost (0-12dB), Width (Narrow-Wide) and Freq (30 - 80Hz).
Conclusion:
While start/stop technology undoubtedly offers numerous benefits for both drivers and the environment, it's essential to address the unforeseen challenges it presents, particularly in the realm of car audio. Thanks to innovative solutions like start/stop ready amplifiers from Kicker and Wavtech, drivers can now enjoy their music without interruption, regardless of the vehicle's voltage fluctuations. So, the next time you find yourself stopped at a red light, rest assured that your tunes will keep on playing seamlessly.
