If you want aural alerts, intercom and tunes in the air, it’s more than a simple box swap. Invest in new wires and the right audio system.

By Larry Anglisano

In the old days, audio panels were simple devices that allowed the use of headphones and handled switching and separation of the communications radios. These days, audio panels are audio control hubs handling radios, patching through traffic and terrain alerts, supplying the intercom and controlling cabin entertainment.

It’s not so important to choose one brand over the other. It’s all in the installation and how fancy you want to get with entertainment. …