CES 2006 Top Ten Picks

Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty
This interface delivers control and flexibility to aftermarket and OEM sound systems with up to 153 bands of equalization (6-channel 1/3-octave EQ) and signal manipulation. Its processor automatically corrects, and if needed sums, the OEM inadequacies and overcomes prior factory equalizer settings by restoring a flat frequency response. Tuning is made possible wirelessly via an optional Bluetooth-enabled Palm OS allowing the user to tune the sound system in real-time anywhere within the vehicle while providing a before and after snapshot of the sonic manipulation. Rockford also built in an auxiliary input for other in-car entertainment devices such as gaming and MP3 players. -CT

Rockford T15KW 15,000-watt Amplifier
Chris Lewis (elecetrical engineer and owner of Pyramid Audio) told me that the T15kW had uniquely big capacitors so it really could produce 15,000 watts (but not for long).-BB

Audiovox XM Passport Tuner
It's a tiny satellite-radio tuner that pops into vehicle systems, home systems, and portables. Only 1.65 x 1.3 x 0.44 inches, the Passport goes from one system or docking station to another, so users only need one XM subscription. The XM Passport is $29.99, and the vehicle and home docking stations are $29.99 each. -BB

Alpine PDX Amplifiers
The PDX family of full-range digital amplifiers combines an impressively small, uniform design. Each of the power dense amplifiers (Alpine claims 60 percent smaller than conventional full-range amplifiers) measures 10.5"L x 7.5"W x 2.5"H and is claimed to maximized output power and efficiency for better-than-analog sound reproduction. Because of their efficiency at all power levels, the three model PDX amplifiers do not require an internal fan or bulky heat sinks and their identical size permits them to be stacked and locked together for minimal space consumption. -CT

Alpine PLT-5 (LAT)
If getting big bass in a small place is your objective, Alpine's powered PLT-5 should be on your short list. Its particular tapered shape allows it to be snugly positioned behind the seat of most standard-cab trucks while producing output comparable to two 10" subwoofers in 20 percent less space. The PLT-5 system is based on Tymphany Corporation's revolutionary Linear Array Transducer (LAT) technology that uses six 5-inch cones, and Whise Automotive's innovative Ultra Reflex enclosure design technology. This compact system also integrates Alpine's new PDX digital switching amplifier producing 250 watts for bass you have to hear to believe. -CT

Visteon Dockable Entertainment with Game Boy Advance
Ever wish that 10.2-inch, flip-down overhead monitor you just installed in your ride were removable? Ever wish that it supported software of your favorite video games? The new Dockable Entertainment system from Visteon does just that. The entire player/monitor removes from the mounting/charging base installed in your vehicle and can be used virtually anywhere. Featuring Game Boy Advance, it enables users to enjoy more than 750 supported game titles using a wireless remote and the ability to compete with one another by plugging in a handheld Game Boy Advance into the game link. And for those who simply want to watch movies, the unit also supports DVD-based video. -CT

Pioneer AVIC-Z1
Pioneer's latest version of the AVIC line may be the smartest navigation unit yet. It does everything a nav unit should and some extras that no one has a right to expect. With state of the art voice recognition software, the use of smart route algorithm, lane information, XM NavTraffic, and route-learning capability, the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 actually does the thinking for you. The AVIC-Z1 uses a large hard drive for quick navigation routing/rerouting while allowing storage for your music library. It learns your routes and even has Bluetooth capability to boot. -BO

Clarion N.I.C.E. P200
Doubling as a nav unit and portable media player, the N.I.C.E. P200, a more compact version of last year's N.I.C.E., plays a number of video and audio formats from its 20GB hard drive onto its 4-inch LCD. It works with all versions of the DivX video format, including secure premium titles from DivX content partners. -Brook Howell

Kenwood DDX-6019
Boasting a 6.95-inch (we'll just round up to 7) monitor with an anti-glare surface and five tilt position, this double-DIN head unit promises easy viewing. It plays the standard gambit of formats as well as being HD Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio ready. What's more, add-ons bring iPod and Bluetooth phones into the mix. -BH