Upgraded car audio systems can significantly boost your ride’s entertainment value. These devices include a stereo receiver, amplifiers, and speakers.
The Pyle In-Dash Car Stereo is a do-it-all model that’s affordable and packed with modern features. It’s easy to manage via touchscreen or voice and works seamlessly with your smartphone.
Pyle In-Dash Car Stereo
If you want to upgrade your car’s stereo system but don’t want to break the bank, this Pyle model is a great option. It’s affordable yet boasts a long list of modern features, including backup camera capability. You’ll also enjoy versatile media playback capabilities thanks to built-in Bluetooth and a microphone with hands-free calling. This stereo also has a 7-inch motorized touchscreen display that offers easy viewing while driving, as well as smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A high-powered amplifier and advanced equalizer settings ensure the best possible audio quality. These features help you tailor your music to your vehicle’s speakers while boosting or reducing the volume as necessary. You’ll also be able to adjust your sound settings with presets for balance, fade, bass, and treble.
The RCA inputs and USB port provide plenty of options for connecting external devices. There’s also a built-in FM radio for listening to the latest hits. You can even connect a DVD player for movie-watching on those long drives. With the rear and front input jacks, you can add more components for even more versatility.
With a 7-inch multi-color LED LCD display, this Jensen head unit offers plenty of visual appeal and easy functionality. The built-in AM/FM radio and CD player make it easy to listen to your favorite tunes. There’s also a convenient aux input for hooking up your MP3 player or phone.
You’ll be able to keep track of important information while you drive with a built-in GPS navigation system. This feature will help you avoid getting lost and find the quickest route to your destination. It can also show real-time traffic updates so you’ll know when to expect delays.
An AV receiver is the heart of your system, and this one has all the essentials. It can handle all of your favorite multimedia sources, including MP3s, podcasts, and streaming audio. It also supports HD audio for crisp, clear audio reproduction. It has a range of other modern conveniences, including backup camera integration and built-in Wi-Fi for accessing the internet while you’re on the road.
Boss Audio Systems Multimedia Car Stereo
Boss Audio Systems is a brand that is serious about design and sound quality, and their line of in-dash stereos will satisfy any driver. You can choose from a variety of Boss car stereo models that include the latest features to help you keep up with technology and play your favorite music. You can also get a model with an LCD touchscreen, which makes it easier to use the system mid-driving and helps you stay safe on the road.
If you are looking for a double-DIN stereo that can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, then you should consider the BVCP9685A. This is a fairly low-cost stereo that includes both of these features, and it will work with most modern cars. It has a large external screen that is easy to see, and it also supports steering wheel controls and backup camera input when connected to the proper wiring harness. Its other features include a built-in AM/FM radio with 30 station presets, and it has USB ports on cables that support both media playback and charging.
The BVCP9685A is a double-DIN receiver with a 6-inch capacitive touch screen, which is easy to read in bright sunlight or at night. Its buttons are located along the left side, which allows for a slim hardware interface without taking up too much space. The display is slightly smaller than some competitors’, but it is still a decent size for the format and offers plenty of room for icons and text. Its Bluetooth connectivity provides hands-free calls and access to your phone’s apps, and there is a dedicated button to return to the main Boss menu.
Another great option for a double-DIN stereo is the BOSS Audio 616UAB multi-media stereo. It’s a simple, basic digital media receiver that doesn’t have CD capabilities but it will give your older vehicle the benefit of streaming music technology. It has a USB input, an auxiliary input, and a FM radio with AM capability, and it supports Siri and Google Assistant.
The stereos that you select should complement the style of your car and be able to provide you with the best possible sound quality for your budget. You can opt for Boss Audio Systems’ full-range speakers, which will provide you with a balanced sound across all frequencies, or component speakers, which have separate drivers for high, middle, and bass frequencies. You can also go with a subwoofer, which is designed to enhance the low-frequency sound.
Jensen Car Stereo Receiver
The receiver (also called the head unit) is both the brain and heart of your car audio system. It determines how much power is pumped out to your speakers, what features you have available, and how easy it is to expand your system down the road.
The Jensen MPR210 single-din digital media car stereo is a great example of a basic, but feature-packed, car video & radio receiver. Its 7 character LCD display offers a clear viewing experience and the built-in EQ allows you to tailor your sound preferences. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily play music from your phone and supports a variety of file formats.
One of the more unique aspects of this unit is its ability to support SiriusXM satellite radio, though it will require the purchase and installation of a separate SiriusXM Connect module. This will enable you to listen to a wide selection of commercial-free channels, including music, talk, and sports radio. If you’re a frequent road tripper, this is likely a very attractive feature to have in your vehicle.
Another useful aspect of this model is its ability to read most common storage devices, including CD / DVD discs (which are still pretty popular), USB flash drives, and SD cards. This makes it easy to upload Gigabytes of your favorite tunes and have them instantly accessible on your drive. It also comes with Pioneer’s unique MIXTRAX technology that creates a DJ-style mix of your songs.
In addition to being able to play audio from multiple sources, this unit can also play back video content from your car’s rear camera. This will allow you to see what’s happening behind your vehicle while driving, which is a great safety feature. It also has a convenient push to talk assistant, which is helpful for hands-free communication with friends and family.
Finally, this receiver can be connected to a compatible backup camera via the RCA inputs, which will give you an added level of safety while backing up your car. It can also connect to your mobile device via AUX input, which will let you hear calls and use apps without removing your phone from its case.
Alpine XM-S2
The Alpine XM-S2 is an excellent choice for drivers who want to upgrade their vehicle’s audio system without breaking the bank. This dual-DIN radio comes equipped with an integrated SiriusXM tuner, a built-in AM/FM antenna, and Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free phone calls. Its sleek design and simple operation make it an ideal upgrade for most vehicles.
This radio also supports Apple CarPlay, which gives you access to your music, apps, maps, and more right on your dashboard. Just connect your iPhone to the Alpine iLX-W650 via USB and use the touchscreen to control your music while you drive. This system uses advanced gesture controls to let you swipe, move up and down, left and right, to adjust the volume and select tracks and stations.
The iLX-W650 is also SiriusXM-Ready (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately; subscription required). You can listen to your favorite satellite radio channels, including the popular talk and sports programming. Its built-in AM/FM antenna is designed to receive the best possible signal in your area, allowing you to enjoy crystal clear audio from coast to coast.
This head unit features three 5V preouts, letting you easily expand your car’s speaker setup with subwoofers and other components. Its 24-Bit DAC provides superior sound quality, and its 3-band parametric EQ allows you to customize the sound of your car’s speakers. The CDE-175BT is also Android AOA 2.0-compatible, allowing you to pair your smartphone to the receiver using Near-Field Communication technology. During a phone call, your music automatically mutes and displays the caller ID on the display.
The iLX-W650 has a single USB port for playback of MP3 files from portable storage devices. Its 3.5mm analog auxiliary input lets you add any audio source that doesn’t support the USB connection. Its detachable faceplate has a total of 18 physical buttons that allow you to select tracks and radio stations. It also has a metallic control knob that alternates between media controls and SiriusXM menu selection.