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Darvex.com is taking it up a notch in 2009.  The site will have a new look, new features and better functionality.  In an effort to improve the customers shopping experience we’re making several changes.  Look for a new shopping basket with on the fly shipping quotes.  This will allow customers to compute the multiple shipping options as they add products to the basket.  We’ll also have live order status with upgraded track ability.  With numerous behind the scenes upgrades you’ll have an easier time finding the products you need.  We would like to thank everyone that’s used us for the past eight years.  Have a great new year and be sure to watch for the upcoming changes to our site.

darvex.com

Kenwood on Friday introduced its I-K50 in-car head unit with support for Apple’s iPod players and the iPhone 3G via its front-mounted USB port. The I-K50’s CD drive will play back MP3, WMA and AAC-encoded files, while the USB port will allow users to plug in USB flash memory keys loaded with the same supported types of audio formats. Plugging in iPods, including the classic, nano or touch, will allow users to control them via the head unit’s controls instead of the music player’s own controls, making it easier for drivers to focus on the road. Users can search the music collections stored on their iPods, iPhones or USB keys alphabetically via the head unit.

The new head unit’s integrated amplifier is rated at a maximum power rating of 50W x 4 and has a built-in dB equalizer PRO function that lets users dial in a two-step bass boost. Users with audio players other than Apple’s can also plug them into the I-K50 via the front-mounted auxiliary stereo input jack. The head unit includes an AM/FM tuner and saves up to six presets in memory.

The head unit should retail for $260.00 and be released mid 2009.

Peripheral Electronics has released several how to videos for OEM and IPOD integration.  Peripheral sets the industry standard when it comes to car stereo integration.  Now you can watch the pros at work via youtube.  Click the link below to view several of the top adaptors in use.

Peripheral Electronics On Youtube

Purchase Peripheral From An Authorized Dealer

Installing a car stereo can be a scary thing, but with a little preparation and patience it doesn’t have to be difficult at all. In this photo slide show, we show you how to handle what is usually the first, and most basic, upgrade to a car’s audio system: installing a new receiver.

While the details of car stereo installation may vary from vehicle to vehicle and between different receiver models, the basics are typically the same. Most installs only require simple hand tools, with the only special items necessary being a wire stripper.

For purposes of this walkthrough, we’ll be using twist caps, a very temporary method of connection that is suitable for Car Tech testing purposes. Our stereos typically don’t live in the vehicle for more than a week at a time. For your more permanent installation, we’d recommend soldering your connections.

Click here to view the CNET step by step pictures

Sound Quest has released an installers dream kit.  It includes all the critical connectors, screws and parts needed for a DIYer or pro installer.  Check out the laundry list of parts included below.  It also includes the handy clear case.  It’s a time saver to have the parts at the job instead of half way across the garage.

Buy A Kit Here

• This kit includes:
• 16 - 14 Gauge Crimp Caps (50)
• 10 - 12 Gauge Crimp Caps (20)
• 18 - 22 Gauge Butt Connectors (50)
• 14 - 16 Gauge Butt Connectors (50)
• 10 - 12 Gauge Butt Connectors (20)
• 14 - 16 Gauge (Female) Quick Disconnect (20)
• 10 - 12 Gauge (Female) Quick Disconnect (20)
• #6 14 - 16 Gauge Vinyl Spade Terminal (20)
• #6 10 - 12 Gauge Vinyl Spade Terminal (20)
• 8″ Wire Ties (50)
• 4″ Wire Ties (50)
• #8 14 - 16 Gauge Ring Terminal (10)
• 3/8″ 10 - 12 Gauge Ring Terminal (10)
• 8 Gauge Ring Terminal
• 1″ Phillips Truss Head Screw (50)
• 1/2″ Phillips Zinc Wafer Head Screw (30)
• 1-1/4″ Phillips Drywall Screw (30)
• Roll of Electrical Tape
• Wire Crimping Tool
• Wire Stripping Tool

I have ordered from Darvex mulitple times and will continue to do so. Every order has always been correct and has been delivered quickly without inflated shipping costs. Darvex sells items that are instock and ready to go, I have never had an item backorder or delay. I found them orginally on ebay and now order directly from their online store. They are the ONLY on-line source for wiring and installation accessories that I trust to get my order right everytime.

Scott
BAGGEDBIRDS.com
Fresno, CA

I first purchased From Darvex on Ebay then after realizing Darvex and bagboy are the same I ordered a bunch more stuff from the guys there. No matter where I ordered from I had superb customer service, super fast shipping and reasonable prices to boot. I have since ordered several more times. I do not know about you but great service is very hard to find and now that I have found it I will not buy my car audio accessories and wire from anyone but Darvex. DJ

There are only two ways that Ferrari can make its sensational 430 Scuderia, one of the superstar supercars of the 2008 Lightning Lap, any better: 1) make it as affordable as a Kia Rio, or 2) make more more flavors of it. Certainly, the first option will never, ever happen, but it appears that the second one will. Say buongiorno to the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, or as we like to say, Ferrari’s spider spettaculare.

Basically, the Scuderia Spider is little more than a convertible version of the F430-based Scuderia coupe, powered by the same enhanced 503-hp V-8 mounted rear-midship and mated to the same upgraded F1 automated manual transmission. It also includes the same carbon-ceramic brakes, the same carbon-fiber dash and door trim, the same race-derived seats, all that. The only difference is that, when the weather allows you to lower the top, there is no barrier to block the engine’s aria from your ear canals. We salivate at the mere thought.

Weighing a claimed 3175 pounds, 285 pounds lighter than the last F430 Spider we weighed and 94 pounds more than the 3081-pound Scuderia coupe that we used in this year’s Lightning Lap, the Scuderia Spider boasts a sparkling power-to-weight ratio of just 6.31 pounds per horsepower. Ferrari claims that the Scud Spider can hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds on its way to a very breezy top speed of 196 mph, which is just 2 mph less than the closed car. Ferrari also boasts that the Scud Spider is the fastest droptop ever to lap its Fiorano test track. No surprise there.

Only 499 Scuderia Spiders will be built, each with black wheels, black headlamp surrounds, and black interiors. All will also feature roll bars with carbon-fiber shells, and a removable iPod touch that docks in front of the dashboard and syncs up with a bespoke “new-generation” audio system.

As far as we’re concerned, however, the only audio system we’re interested in sits right behind the passengers. Which we hope, someday, will include us.

Click to view more photos of the Bentley Azure T.

(Credit: Bentley Motors)

Bentley has taken its Azure luxury convertible and upgraded, well, everything. The result is the Azure T, what Bentley is calling the world’s most elegant convertible. Talk about lofty ambitions.

The “T” is a performance designation that Bentley has been using since 1996 to discern what are essentially hot-rod versions of what it deems as flagship vehicles. Of course, when you’re talking about Bentley, the term “hot-rod” is relative. Extensive use of real wood, metal, and leather–as opposed to plastics–all but ensure that there will never be a superlight, high performance Bentley. No, settling into one of Bentley’s yachts-on-wheels is as much about arriving in style than arriving quickly.

But what good are luxury accouterments if you’re bored for the whole drive? The Bentley Azure T driver can entertain himself with either the 500 horsepower under his right foot or with the 1100-watt audio system at his finger tips.

For what is essentially a huge and heavy convertible, the Azure T has a fairly good 0-60 time.

(Credit: Bentley Motors)

Bentley’s craftsmen have taken the standard Azure’s 6.7-liter V-8 and twin-turbocharged it, boosting output to 500hp and 737 pound-feet of torque, for a top speed of 179mph and a 0-60mph time of just 5.2 seconds. That’s pretty quick for a heavy, convertible luxo-barge. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with three modes (Drive, Sport, and Manual).

To deal with the extra power, the suspension has been updated and now features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive, electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation. Buyers can option carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled, brake-ventilated discs. Measuring 420mm by 40mm (front) and 356mm x 28mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car currently on sale. Bentley sure loves its superlatives. Finishing out the suspension system are five-spoke, two-piece, 20-inch alloy wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires. Traction control, ESP, and ABS keep things from getting out of hand if the vehicle is driven in anything less than a dignified fashion.

For your listening pleasure, the Azure T can be equipped with an optional Naim for Bentley premium audio system featuring 10 speakers, a dual channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that Bentley says reproduces “true emotions and a ‘live’ concert-like experience.” Regardless of audio options, the Azure T system features a standard iPod/USB interface and SD card slot.

Beyond the aforementioned 20-inch wheels, the Azure T distinguishes itself from the standard model with dark mesh grills, fender vents just aft of the front wheels, and a distinct dual exhaust. Inside, the leather seats are diamond-quilted and instrument faces are finished in black rather than the standard parchment.