The SoundQ Garage

Send us Fan Mail Tired of the “one is better” noise around source gear for car audio? We take a clear, real‑world look at using a DAP versus an iPhone as your primary source, and why the right choice depends on how you drive, how you listen, and how simple you want your chain to be. From clean digital paths and cable choices to safety, convenience, and battery reality, we map the tradeoffs without the hype. We start with the iPhone path many of us already use: a straightforward USB connectio...

Send us Fan Mail Forget hype cycles and spec-sheet wars—this conversation is about how music actually feels in a car, and what it takes to get there. We sit down with 20-year-old tuner and fabricator Brayden Cooper, whose journey runs from chaotic basement speaker walls to precision car, bike, and even boat installs. He’s the mind behind a Toyota Camry that pairs five Boston GT amps and a Helix DSP Ultra with baffle-mounted Boston SPG 555 racetrack subs, delivering stage depth, smooth tonalit...

Send us Fan Mail Miss the rush of a great car audio demo that changes your mind on the spot? This season one recap brings you there, starting with Ryan’s beta test of Xcelsus wide band speakers that made a strong case for a clean, coherent two-way system. We unpack why wide bands can unlock simpler installs, tighter imaging, and less crossover complexity, while still being honest about the trade-offs and timing before retail release. We also track the builds that kept our community buz...

Send us Fan Mail What separates good car audio from truly exceptional sound? In this deep-dive conversation with Miguel Rios of Waveform Tuning, we uncover the secrets behind creating automotive sound systems that rival high-end home setups. Miguel shares his fascinating journey from audio-obsessed kid with a boombox strapped to his bicycle to becoming one of the most respected mobile audio tuners in the country. His unique business model—flying directly to clients nationwide to perfect thei...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you reconnect with a car audio legend after nearly 30 years? Pure audio magic! Dan Herrington, former co-owner of Car Tunes II and IASCA World Finals champion, takes us on an unforgettable journey through the golden era of car audio competition and beyond. Starting with his early days at San Diego Auto Sound in the early 1980s, Dan shares how his obsession with overcoming the physics of car audio led him to create some of the most innovative sound systems o...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when passion for exceptional car audio collides with real-world installation challenges? In this revealing conversation with Mike Buononato, we explore the complex relationship between DIY enthusiasm and professional expertise in the pursuit of sonic perfection. Fresh from the SVR competition with its 52 competing vehicles, Mike shares his astonishment at how uniquely each system interpreted "accurate sound reproduction." His experience auditioning the Riven cen...