If you’ve invested in a new set of speakers and a brand-new head unit, you will have already noticed the superior sound quality. But, if you want to fully optimise your stereo system, then you need to invest in a new amplifier. To help you understand the role of an amplifier, here is some information from the team at GC Car Audio.

What do car amplifiers do?

An amplifier is a device that amplifies a weak audio signal in order to drive the speakers. This amplification process is an essential part of every car audio system, with the quality and power of your amplifier dictating the sound quality and volume of the sound. The more powerful the amplifier, the cleaner the sound from your speakers.
All car audio systems are equipped with at least one amplifier, even if it is a basic amp that is in-built into your head unit. Many car audio systems include a secondary audio amplifier to drive a subwoofer.

What should you look for in a car amp?

When you are shopping for an amplifier, you need to ensure that you purchase the right one to suit your speakers. There are two main power ratings for amplifiers: root mean square (RMS) power, and peak power. RMS is the continuous power produced by the amplifier and is measured in watts. Peak power is also measured by watts but refers to the power available for brief sound increases and is always greater than the RMS value.
Before you commit to buying an amplifier, you should ensure that the RMS value matches that of your speakers. This will ensure the sound quality is not over or underpowered. Overpowered speakers are at risk of overheating or internal damage.
If you need help choosing the right car amplifier for your car audio system, then contact our expert team. Based on the Gold Coast, our car audio experts stock a range of great amplifiers to suit every stereo system.

No matter what car you drive, or how long you’ve been driving, drivers can always benefit from tech-assisted driving assistance features. If you’re looking to make your car safer, here are four of the best driving assistance features on the market today.

Blind spot detection

We’ve all been there, you’re ready to change lanes and almost commit to it before another driver zooms past. While all cars and drivers are different, all drivers experience blind spots. In order to reduce your risk, cameras and sensors can be built into side mirrors which alert you when it’s unsafe to change lanes. Blind Spot Detection (BSD) can also be added aftermarket with certain models of dash cams and GPS systems.

Active cruise control

While cruise control has been a long-standing feature in vehicles for decades, older cruise control technology must be reset when you encounter traffic. Active cruise control on the other hand can predict when vehicles ahead of you are slowing and decrease your speed accordingly.

Dash cams

If you’ve ever been in a car collision or come back to a damaged car after doing the groceries, you’ll understand how frustrating it is not being able to prove what happened. By installing a dash cam, you can record the car as you drive (or while you aren’t there) to ensure you have concrete evidence if you ever need to make an insurance claim.

Reverse parking cameras and sensors

While some people are parallel parking masters, most of us avoid it completely. With reverse parking cameras, you can see exactly what’s behind you, while reverse sensors will alert you if you are getting too close to an obstruction. These cameras also double up as safety feature to ensure that there are no obstacles or pedestrians behind you while you are backing out of driveways.
Want to learn more about driving assistance solutions? Call the team at GC Car Audio today. Based on the Gold Coast, we stock a range of different driving assistance accessories to increase your confidence and safety when driving.

Sunny skies, great company and endless stretches of tarmac ahead. Is there really anything better than a good old-fashioned road trip. Before you hit the wide-open road, here are a few suggested tunes from the team at GC Car Audio to make the journey even better.

Toto by Africa

Revived in 2018 as a millennial favourite, few people can resist singing along to this 80s classic. Featuring catchy lyrics, a punchy chorus and a groovy synth-kalimba solo, this tune will set you up for a great day, no matter your destination.

Ignition (Remix) by R. Kelly

This banger had people grooving on release in 2003 and the song has remained a sing-along classic ever since. Packed with rhythm and good weekend vibes, this song is the perfect addition to your next road trip.

Hey Ya by OutKast

Seamlessly weaving soul and an upbeat pop vibe, this song is a great way to get you pumped for the road ahead. With a catchy melody and powerful beat, this infectious track will be stuck in your head for days to come.

Mr Brightside by The Killers

An ultimate banger, this track can still be heard at nightclubs across the country. With amazing lyrics and a super accessible melody, if you’re looking to get your friends pumped up for your journey, then you can’t go past this absolute tune!

Chameleon by PNAU

Released in 2017 this song has become a firm favourite with people the world over. This tribal inspired dancefloor classic features toe tapping rhythms and catchy beats that will have the whole car jiving.
Want to make the most of your road trip playlist? Upgrade your car audio system today. Whether you’re looking for new subwoofers, tweeters or amplifiers, the team at GC Car Audio have you covered. Based in Southport on the Gold Coast, we can customise your sound system to meet you budget.

A head unit is the gateway and frontrunner of your car audio system. Not only does your head unit control the functionality and the performance of your car audio system, it’s also the single most visible component, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the first things that people choose to upgrade.
If you’re looking to upgrade your head unit, here are some helpful tips from the team at GC Car Audio.

Budget

Before you go out looking for a new head unit, you need to set a strict budget. Tell your salesperson upfront what your budget is and try not to fall in love with a model you can’t afford.

Power

For those that love their tunes, power will be one of the biggest considerations, but in good sound systems, the built-in head unit amp will be bypassed. The only time you need to consider the power of your head unit is if you are building a car audio system on a budget and aren’t as concerned with sound quality. It’s also a good idea if you’re building your car audio system piece by piece and want a decent inbuild amp to tide you over before you upgrade to a better amplifier later.

Added features

Depending on the audio system that you want to build, you should look out for handy added features, such as: auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, preamp outputs, steering wheel controls, remote control, theft protection and switchable illumination options.

Audio sources

While most people these days favour Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and auxiliary inputs, there are still those that like their audio old school and want a head unit that can play audio cassettes and CDs. If you want something a bit different consider finding a head unit that can play DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.
Need help finding the right head unit for your car audio system? Call GC Car Audio today. Our experienced Gold Coast team can find you a head unit that suits your lifestyle and budget and give you advice about the right way to build your own sound system.

Most of us don’t pay attention to developments in car audio systems, but looking at the last 10 years, the technology in this area has grown in leaps and bounds. Most of today’s motorists don’t know what an eight track is, and few will remember when audio cassettes were phased out and replaced with CD players. You also probably didn’t notice when car aerials became a thing of the past.
Interested in what the future has in store for car audio systems? Here are some insights into the future.

The Ac2ated sound system

Unveiled in 2017, the Ac2ated sound system is currently being developed by an audio component supplier called Continental AG and is set to be the biggest development in car audio this decade. Based on the principles of stringed instruments, this system uses a small transducer comprised of a magnet wrapped in copper coil to generate micro vibrations.
Unlike the oscillating membrane found in conventional speakers, this transducer uses existing interior components to produce high-fidelity audio (sound with minimal distortion). For example, the system could use the rear window as a subwoofer and the dashboard, floor and windshield for the mid-range and the A-pillars for the tweeters.

The benefits

The Ac2ated sound system creates immersive 3D sound that can be experienced in a completely different way. By using existing components to enhance and produce sounds, car manufactures could reduce weight and energy consumption, while freeing up a lot more interior volume. The Ac2ated sound system weighs less than a kilo, takes just 1 litre of space and should be able to match the sound quality of 10-20 speakers.
Looking for the latest in car audio? Come and visit the team at GC Car Audio. We have a huge range of quality head units, speakers, processors, tweeters and subwoofers that can be combined to create your very own custom car audio system.

We are blessed with a beautiful sub-tropical climate on the Gold Coast, and there’s nothing better than getting out and about to see everything our beautiful region has to offer. To help you plan your next day trip, here are 5 great suggestions from the team at GC Car Audio.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is always a draw card for tourists, but even us locals can enjoy the glitter strip’s cafes, bars and entertainment. With world renowned beaches, great eats and idyllic beachfront markets, there’s always something happening in this little metropolis.

Currumbin

If you’re looking for something beachy, but a little more low-key, then why not take a drive to Currumbin. Whether you want to try your hand at paddle boarding, surfing, or you just want to take a dip in the ocean, Currumbin has something for everyone.

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park is a must-see for all Gold Coasters. If you want to see spectacular waterfalls and lush rainforest then this is the place for you. The Natural Bridge section is a favourite with locals due to its heavenly cave-like rock formation and waterfall.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

If you want to make a real day of it, wind your way up to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat set in the stunning Lamington National Park. Go for a stroll along the many nature walks or feed the native Crimson Rosellas and King Parrots. You can even stay at the retreat or indulge in a spa treatment.

Hinze Dam

As well as being our main source of drinking water, Hinze Dam is a great place to spend a family filled day. With awesome playgrounds, bike tracks and walking tracks, as well as great swimming, fishing and boating opportunities, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Want to make the most of your next day trip? Upgrade your sound system at GC Car Audio! We have a huge range of speakers, head units, subwoofers and processors to improve your sound quality. We can customise your car audio and transform the way you listen to tunes.

Digital sound processors are an essential part of car audio systems. While most people invest in great speakers, subwoofers and head units, they often forget about sound processors. To help you understand the importance of sound processors, here is some helpful information for the team at GC Car Audio.

What do sound processors do?

Digital sound processors have several functions, but the most useful is their ability to correct issues with your head unit. Most factory car audio systems are designed to compensate for lower quality speakers. This is achieved by artificially manipulating the system’s frequency profile.
As soon as you replace your original speakers with higher quality products, this artificial manipulation will become extremely apparent and one you install a decent amp, you’ll notice it even more. Luckily, a digital sound processor can fix this.
A sound processor works to undo the artificial manipulation od the factory unit. Some digital processors have downloadable custom profiles that will automatically fix the issue and enhance your overall sound quality.

Installation process

The installation process for sound processors varies from model to model, but most are designed to be tucked away in the same place as your amplifier. A sound processor either sits between the head unit and the amplifier, or directly between the head unit and the speakers. In some cases, sound processors will plug seamlessly into your head unit and existing harness.
When it comes to choosing a sound processor for your stereo system, then you need the professionals. Based on the Gold Coast, our team can assess your current system and find the right processor to optimise your sound quality. Whatever your budget and whatever your vehicle, GC Car Audio will weed out any audio issues and improve your tuning and levelling.

So, you’re considering upgrading the subwoofer in your car to get some quality bass, but you’re not sure what you need. The team at GC Car Audio have you covered. To help you choose the best subwoofers for your car stereo system, here are some important things to consider:

Size

When it comes to subwoofers, size does matter. The bigger the subwoofer, the bigger the bass, so keep that in mind when looking at different models. If you’re looking for big sound, make sure you take measurements before you start shopping so you can find the biggest subwoofer that fits the available space.

Enclosure

While size is certainly important, the enclosure you choose will also have a big impact. The enclosure (or box) contains the subwoofer and comes in three main styles: sealed, ported and bandpass. For a deep sound (without the vibrations) a sealed enclosure is best. This type of enclosure gives a tight sounding bass that won’t rattle your teeth.
Ported and bandpass enclosures don’t have the same bass depth as sealed enclosures, but they provide louder sound. So, if you listen to tunes with loud bass and you aren’t bother about accuracy, then these enclosures are the go.
Alternatively, you can choose subwoofers that are designed to work without enclosures. These woofers are mounted to board and installed in your trunk which then acts as a makeshift enclosure. For this to be effective you need a trunk that is airtight and narrow.

Power, sensitivity and frequency

When it comes to subwoofer there are three stats that you should be aware of RMS value, SPL, frequency range, and ohms. A higher RMS value means more bass, but this will only shine through if you have a head unit or amplifier that matches (or exceeds) the RMS of the subwoofer.
The sensitivity is measured in sound pressure level (SPL) and refers to how much power the sub needs to produce a certain volume (the higher the SPL rating, the less power needed). If you have an underpowered amplifier or head unit, you should opt for a subwoofer with a high sensitivity. The frequency refers to the range of sounds that your subwoofer can produce, so to optimise your sound quality, you want something on the lower end of the scale.
If you need help deciding on the right subwoofer for your car stereo, then visit the team at GC Car Audio today. Based on the Gold Coast, we stock a huge range of subwoofers and other car audio products to completely transform your sound system.

One of the most ignored topics in a car music system is car speaker crossover. Because the concept of crossover is kind of complex. But before understanding crossover, I would welcome you to know about types of car speakers and how they work.

How Crossover Works:

Now if you know about car speakers then you probably know that there are different types of drivers used in different car speakers. For example, Tweeter is a type of speaker. This speaker can play sounds that are of high frequency. A low-frequency sound will be played in tweeters. On the other hand, a sub-woofer is a speaker that plays the lowest frequencies in comparison with other speakers. It can’t play a high-frequency tone. So they need something to identify and separate frequency ranges and then channel them to different speakers. That is what is done by a speaker crossover. It simply works like a traffic police and fixes lane for different frequency ranges of sound.

Types of Crossovers:

Now there are two types of speaker crossover. They are –

• Passive Crossover

This type of crossover sits between the speaker and the amp. It is really easy to install and cheap to buy. But this crossover doesn’t utilise the full efficiency of an amplifier. What it does is that it filters out frequencies to adjust the whole sound and as a result, users get less freedom to use the volume.

• Active Crossover

Active crossovers are hard to install and they are more expensive than a passive crossover. On top of it, this requires an extra power source to work. But the bright side is that it doesn’t filter out frequencies like a passive amplifier. So, you can change the volume of your treble, bass or mid-range individually. This keeps the experience of listening music the way it was intended for.

In order to keep the quality of your speakers well, you will need an active crossover. Or else, your sound quality will get affected. But do remember the limitation of the budget before buying an active crossover for your car music system. If you want quality setup for your car audio system or marine stereo system, GC Car Audio can provide you with solutions.