Just a quick note to amend the post below - we’ve confirmed that DICE has been supplying us with USB-charging enabled interface cables for a month or so now (they have a blue connector on the interface side), but we were awaiting the arrival of the updated interface boxes that must be paired with these cables to allow charging of the iPhone 3G, iPod Touch 2nd gen and iPod Nano 4th gen. We now have these interface boxes available, so all new orders that come packaged with a DICE interface will be USB-ready. For existing customers, we will be offering the same upgrade program mentioned below, and DICE is going to be accepting older interface boxes directly for an upgrade …

Today, we received a shipment of the new USB charging cable from USASpec which finally addresses the issue a lot of our customers were having where their iPhone 3G, 4th generation iPod Nano or 2nd generation iPod Touch would work perfectly with their installed USASpec/2point5 integration package except for one major feature - charging. Since July 11th when we discovered this problem, we’ve been in touch with USASpec as they went through the development and manufacturing process of these replacement cables, and I’m pleased to say that they are here and that they work as described! From here on out, any of our spec.dock packages that are bundled with a USASpec interface (most BMWs and most Audis along with all …

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Just a quick note to announce the addition of yet another new spec.dock model to the lineup…We now have a model for the B5 chassis Volkswagen Passat (1998-2004) that fits in the ashtray and still allows the ashtray lid to close completely. Click here to enter your vehicle information and see which package is right for you! Thanks as always for everyone’s support of our growing company, and we hope to put something together for your car soon!

Just a brief note amending the post below: As we suspected, many of the major aftermarket iPod/iPhone interface manufacturers - DICE Electronics, USASpec, Peripheral and PIE - are already developing replacement docking cables for their interfaces that will hand charging duties over to USB at 5volts to support the iPhone 3G’s new requirements. According to the limited information we have so far, the new cables will not require replacing the actual interface modules or the wiring connections to the vehicle, but will simply replace the connection between the iPod/iPhone and the module, making this an easy upgrade. They expect to have these new cables available anywhere from 6 weeks to three months…more information to come as we receive it!As we …

I came to work this morning with my new iPhone 3G and began testing all the interfaces and cables we currently package with our spec.dock product, and quickly realized that Apple has removed the ability to charge the new device via FireWire. For a while now, Apple has been transitioning away from FireWire syncing for iPods and iPhones, but the physical ability to charge at 12volts via the FireWire charging pins was still there…until now.This is a problem, as nearly all the vehicle interfaces - OEM and aftermarket - use 12volt charging since the vehicle’s electrical system is already running between 11.5 and 14.5 volts, eliminating the need for extra electronics to step that voltage down to the 5volts that …

About a month ago, we put the final touches on a new spec.dock model for the current-bodystyle (2005-up) Audi A6, which mounts in the ashtray, as is typical for most of our models. I really like how this one turned out, and am looking forward to supplying some of these to A6 owners who are looking for an upgrade to their OEM iPod solution or for a way to connect to their Audi in general. I have to say that the integration as far as navigating through all your iPod’s content via the steering wheel and MMI controls as well as the instrument cluster display and Nav screen is absolutely perfect on this car, so that makes this offering even …

A new book from noted Mac publisher O’Reilly hit shelves a few weeks ago titled “Big Book of Apple Hacks,” and the Volkswagen GTI MacMini made it into these pages as the example of how to truly integrate Apple’s diminutive computer into a vehicle environment! I haven’t personally seen the completed section as of yet, but I contributed a lot of information and photos, so I’m sure it’s pretty informative. More details on this installation can be seen under the tech category here, but I’m sure the book is awesome as well, so stop into your local bookstore and give it a once-over…

We have a product over here at 2point5 that really doesn’t get near the attention that it should, as we haven’t really necessarily explained what it is and what it does…I thought now was as good a time as any to explain the versatility of the flush.dock in vehicles that we may not necessarily have a specific spec.dock model for.The flush.dock is essentially a drop-in iPod/iPhone dock for any vehicle application where there is sufficient space for its diminutive size to fit in. The length and width when viewed from above are roughly 3″ by 1.25″, and the required mounting depth is about one inch. The flush.dock can come equipped with simple audio/video output and charging leads, or can come …

We got the opportunity to do a little upgrade to one of our long-time customer’s cars last week and are definitely pleased with the results! The customer wanted to change up the system he previously had installed in his E39 M5, which consisted of two AudioBahn 10″ woofers in a sealed enclosure and an Elemental Designs monoblock for power. The main goal was to dress up the trunk and to greatly increase the emphasis and definition of the bass response while eliminating the rattles the previous setup was creating.To accomplish this, we began by removing the old enclosure and trim panel and designed a bandpass enclosure to replace the existing setup that houses one AlumaPro 12″ woofer and ports through …

We’ve finally finished all of our testing with iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle, and can confirm resolutely that the spec.dock is compatible with Apple’s entire current iPod lineup as well as any iPod 3g or newer including iPod Mini. The only exception is that the 1st generation iPod shuffle is not compatible, and the current iPod Shuffle is only compatible via the use of Griffin’s Dock Adapter made specifically for the shuffle, which only works with our auxiliary packages (any package whose model number ends in “AVPKG.” Just wanted to let everyone know…If you’re interested in learning more, please

Just a quick update - we’re getting reports that some interface products (by interface products I mean Dension, DICE, Neo, USASpec, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.) work with iPhone perfectly, some charge but don’t output audio, some output audio but don’t charge, some don’t work at all…Looks like it’s time for a little hands-on testing to answer these questions once and for all! We have access to just about every iPod vehicle interface product out there, so please keep checking in for definitive answers as to what vehicle interface products absolutely work with iPhone as intended and which do not. Rest assured we’ll be on it…Happy fourth to everybody! We’ll be back at it on Thursday.

Over here at 2point5, we are still gathering information about exactly what the iPhone’s compatibility is with our entire line of spec.dock products, but the initial reports are looking pretty good for all of you out there who have gotten your hands on one of our innovative automotive iPod [iPhone?] docking solutions or are thinking about jumping on the bandwagon. Here’s the tentative scoop thus far:You hop in your car with your iPhone and drop it in the dock (we have iPhone inserts available that snap into the spec.dock to cradle the phone very nicely)…and it begins to charge while linking up with the integrated audio/control interface connected to your car. You’ll be prompted with this message:Decline the invitation to …

We’ve been putting in a lot of work since our inception, but especially over the past month or so to give 2point5’s customers an easy place to view all of our available products and packages as well as an easier way to order from us when they are ready, and we are finally done and ready to show our new face to the world! Our new store’s home on the web is www.specdock.com, and will always be up to date with any new releases, promotions, product information, new install photos and the like. Of course, we still want to hear from customers directly with any questions or concerns they may have, and our contact info can be found on the …

2point5 was recently contacted by a repeat customer to add a little sound and function to her new Nissan 350z, and we didn’t want to pass on the opportunity to lavish some brief attention on this vehicle, so we took on the job and got it done in about three days. The system consists of two JL Audio 10w0s, one JL 300/4, Focal 165 K2P components and a Kenwood DDX-8017 double DIN head unit with navigation and Sirius tuner. We paid attention as always to trying to utilize as little functional space as possible to make the audio system an enhancement to the vehicle without going overboard and eliminating the usefulness of cargo or storage areas. To this point, the …

I haven’t picked up a copy yet, but the March issue of Car Audio & Electronics has started arriving to subscribers and at retail locations (I’ll never quite understand why magazines put issues out one month ahead of the published month, but I digress). Featured inside is an in-depth article on the Car Audio Trifecta winning 300M Project and the installers who created and supported it throughout the show season this year - Matt Turner (yours truly), Randy Lively, Chris McEntyre and Billy Brown. I’m not 100% sure what the text content is, as I haven’t read the copy yet, but my good friend and super ultra mega talented photographer Ryan Flynn is responsible for somehow making myself, Randy and …

Ran into my friend Phil at J.E. Volkswagen today, and he seemed just a little hurt that the install I did a few months ago in his 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo hadn’t made it on the site yet. I think I may have even seen a little tear fall (haha). So…here she is, dude. Phil seems to have a bit of an affinity for a certain color, so when it came time to trim out the trunk and change out some equipment, I really had no choice but to go for it. I really ended up liking the contrast between the bright VW OE color and the brushed aluminum finsh on the JL 500/5 we were adding, so I …

This year, the 300M Project has been all around the country with its owner displaying the intricate features, design attributes and build quality that have made it such a success this show season. I’ve lost count at this point, but the owner has had to make a special place in his garage to put all the first place trophies - one from every show he’s been to with the car. One of these wins was at a SEMA event in Pennsylvania earlier this year, where the 300M won a chance to compete against the nation’s best show cars in the Car Audio Trifecta. Well, the finals were held this past week at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and the …

So this vehicle has been done for about four months, and has already been featured in Car Audio & Electronics magazine (it is a CA&E, Eclipse, Davin Wheels and 2point5-sponsored project), but I checked the site stats the other day, and it would appear that tunertricks is still alive and well, so I thought I’d put some photos up for those of you who may not have picked up the magazine…The theme and purpose of this project was to update certain technology features of the Charger, improve the sound staging, imaging, quality and overall output as well as to make subtle changes to the interior and trunk that didn’t call too much attention to themselves unless you knew changes had …

I’m sure everybody is tired of seeing the 300m as the last post for months, but I can explain…One of the members of the team at HiFi Buys here in Atlanta (Randy Lively) and myself (Matt Turner) have set off on our own and formed a new company dedicated to providing integrated solutions for electronic enhancements that improve the total in-car experience. Our company is 2point5 (named for the width of the typical iPod dock opening), and our primary focus right now is on the development, production, marketing and sales of our premier product - spec.dock - which is essentially a drop-in vehicle-specific iPod dock for most of today’s popular vehicles. As of right now, we cover many BMW, Porsche, …

I’m pretty sure this is the longest I’ve gone without posting - so sorry about that for those that were checking back to see completed pics of the 300M. I can’t even begin to express how busy we all were from October through the end of January getting everything done with this project and others. Anyway, here it is in all its glory. These shots are all from the CES 2006 show floor in Las Vegas. The car was featured in Orca Distributing’s Focal/Audison booth and was very well received. Look for coverage coming up in Car Audio Magazine and Performance Auto and Sound. The car will also be going to Car Audio’s Trifecta show in Pennsylvania and the Spring …

Tonight before we left after another long day, we mocked up the entire install in the 300m project car to see how far we have gotten and to make some final decisions on seams, finishes and design for the interior. The only parts left to fabricate are the left and right door panels, although there is (a lot) of finish sanding and test fitting - not to mention wiring - to accomplish before we can start sending parts and the car out for paint and powdercoating as well as beginning to upholster other pieces of trim. We’re really pleased with the outcome thus far, so enjoy the photos and please keep checking for (near) future updates. Make sure to click …

We’ve been on the audio/video portion of the project for exactly two weeks now and are very pleased with the progress on the 300m we are building for CES. Almost every portion of the fabricated interior panels have been framed, fiberglassed and roughed in with body filler. The overhead door rotation mechanism was installed Tuesday and is working perfectly, and we are looking forward to testing the xb-5 logic circuit that was built specifically to run the doors on Monday. We’re right in the middle of the project, so look forward to big changes in the following weeks. I’ll update every chance I get (weekly is likely) so that the process and the time involved is clear. Have fun checking …

I mentioned this project briefly (and vaguely) in a few previous posts, and am now ready to let everyone see a few choice shots of our biggest undertaking to date. This 300m is undergoing radical modifications to take it from dad’s sports sedan to a one of a kind show vehicle that is slated to make its debut at the 2006 International CES in Las Vegas this January. We have already stripped the 300m of all its original interior panels and accessories (few will make their way back to the car) and have trailered the vehicle to ASK Research and Development (an Atlanta-based machine shop and engineering facility) for extensive door modifications. Before we can start any of the interior …

It’s almost as if the guy that posts on this site just lost interest or something, eh? Actually, we’ve been extremely busy here building drop-in iPod docks, handling the daily flow of cars in and out of the bay and putting the finishing touches on a pretty cool project - an S-Class Mercedes with an entirely hand-fabricated custom trunk housing a ridiculous audio system and a custom interior including reupholstered seats, painted dash trim, a modified rear deck and an Eclipse double-DIN head unit in the factory radios’ former dash location.
When this vehicle came to us, there was already a system installed in the trunk with a one-piece painted fiberglass tub trimming it all out and the head unit was …

This past weekend, we got an opportunity to install some nice gear in a customer’s 2005 Aston Martin DB9 (with 700 miles on the odometer). Given that this car will get to 60mph in 4.8 seconds and will top out at 186mph or so, the owner felt that he needed an Escort Passport SR-7 and ZR-3 laser shifter along for the ride to avoid those annoying 180 in a 55 speeding tickets. He also wanted to add XM satellite radio to the Aston for some choice musical selections appropriate for such a ride…
You don’t just use some velcro and stick on the XM and SR-7 controllers in a vehicle like this, so we opted to modify the existing dome light …

Last week we put the finishing touches on this 2005 Lexus GS300, adding a JL300/4, a JL 500/1, two JL 10w6v2 subwoofers, two pairs of 5.25″ MB Quart Q-Series seperates and a little bling to the factory supplied audio system…
The point of the enclosure and amp rack design (as well as the trim that surrounds it) was to create an elegant way to display the audio equipment while still providing access to the spare tire and some usable trunk space. The enclosure has an acrylic bottom and back, so that the amplifiers mounted underneath in a seperate rack can be seen through the Lexus logo-shaped window in the vinyl and suede-covered trim panel. Some white lighting (leds and neon) and …

The owner of this 2005 E55 was disappointed by the quantity and quality of sub bass that his factory 10″ flat-piston subwoofer produced, and came to the shop looking for increased output with basically no loss of storage space. This vehicle originally had a Mercedes-option storage drawer installed underneath the rear deck, and the customer wanted to make sure that whatever we did gave him the same (or more) amount of dedicated storage while greatly improving the sound in his car and not standing out as something obviously non-factory when closed. Wow. That’s a bit of a challenge…
Well, the attached photos show exactly what we came up with, and I think we hit the mark (thanks to Randy Lively for …

I meant to put these up on the original MacMini GTi post, but decided it might be better just to do them seperately, so here are a couple of extra shots of the car that don’t really relate to the Mac install at all… I did the trunk about two years ago and am currently working on getting some nicer and larger wheels for the car to step away from the stock exterior look. I also didn’t mention - for those who may wonder - that the car is a 1.8t GTi, not a VR6. Thanks to everyone for checking it out. The response has been overwhelming.

Myself and two of the Pro Audio Team members - Randy Lively and Chris McEntyre - started in on a customer’s new M3 today. We are basically just installing a JL1000/1 monoblock amplifier for the subwoofers (two JL10w6v2s) and a JL 300/4 for the front and rear midbasses and tweeters, along with an Alumapro 5farad capacitor and a PAC LC1 to control the input gain to the sub amp. This will all be integrated into the factory system as the car will retain its factory navigation radio and speakers. The system itself is not really over the top, but the install will be very understated and completely custom, so I thought I’d hook everyone interested up with a daily dose …

Boston Acoustics showed a wild new subwoofer design at CES called the Revolution. It is a 13″ x 9″ (if memory serves) oval-shaped monster with a huge motor structure, machined aluminum basket and neodymium magnet assembly. The oval design will allow for a larger cone area in the same (horizontal) space a typical 10″ subwoofer would occupy. Aside from being a well-built, power-thirsty automotive woofer, the dust cap design is particularly intersting for those constantly running back to their favorite shop with smoking or frozen-up woofers. The speakers’ voice coil is attached to the dust cap, which is - in turn - held in place by six socket-cap screws. If and when the speaker stops functioning due to voice coil …

Just installed one of these units on Tuesday, and the best thing about it is that, um, it works! The tuner itself is pretty small (about the size of an Alpine KCA-420i iPod interface) and includes an Ai-Net pass-through for connecting an iPod or a changer easily. The iPod adapter worked flawlessly, as did the Sirius, with the only aberration being that I had to make sure the Alpine head unit’s tuner was set to Area 1 (this can be found in the setup menu) to make it recognize the Sirius tuner. The only other issue I had with the SIR-ALP1 at all is that it is not powered by the Ai-Net buss, requiring a hard connection to memory power …

So another big deal went down while I was busy not updating the old site: Myself and a group of four other installers from my company were asked to build two cars in ten days for General Motors and Number One Parts, Inc (NOPI) to debut at the 2004 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Needless to say, we rose to the challenge of outfitting them with gear from Kicker, Boston Acoustics, Eclipse and Audiovox, and somehow got them done. Some of the better images are previewed above, but definitely check out the full array of photos in the Gallery. We worked pretty much twenty-four hours a day for ten days straight and got them completely done in time to …