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Mar 10, 2023 · A new car stereo (also known as a car receiver or head unit) will give you better sound, more connectivity, and more playback options than the typical factory stereo. We'll discuss these topics and more while asking a few basic questions about how you use your stereo.
- Dave Delamere
Dec 10, 2023 · Buying a new car stereo system for your car is a major purchase, so you want to be sure you get the most out of it, including future-proofing it by considering expandability and upgrade...
- Lynnae Williams
- Audio Sources
- Apps and Smartphone Integration
- Local and Satellite Radio
- GPS and Navigation
- Physical Dimensions, Physical Controls
- Power
- Installation
The most important bits that you should look for are the audio sources that you most often use. Do you need a CD player? Will you be using your receiver for DVD playback when parked? Have you ditched discs in favor of digital media? Depending on your answer, you'll have to decide whether to go with a traditional CD-receiver with a slot for your dis...
You're a CNET reader, which means the odds are good there's smartphone in your pocket that you'll want your new car stereo to play nice with. Be sure to check out CNET's guides to using your Android phone or connecting your iOS deviceto the car for details. The broad advice is to look for the "Made with iPhone" badge to ensure that the USB port on ...
Every car audio receiver sold today will feature an AM/FM radio that will tune into your local stations, but you may want to improve on that. Picking a receiver that has built-in HD Radio decoding will dramatically improve the audio quality of local radio stations broadcast in the digital format. You'll also be able to access digital subprograms fo...
Car audio receivers can do more than just play your music; many can also help to get you where you're going with turn-by-turn GPS navigation. Nearly every recommendation that we make in CNET's GPS buying guideapplies here. For those too lazy to click the link, you'll want to look for flash memory-based maps that can be upgraded via a removable SD o...
With your audio source wishlist locked in, you'll want to consider the physical dimensions and interface of the receiver itself. Primarily, this means deciding between a single-DIN or double-DIN receiver. Single-DIN receivers occupy less space in the dashboard, are less obvious to outside viewers and would-be thieves (particularly models that featu...
In addition to accepting your audio sources, the purpose of the in-dash receiver is to output that audio to your car's speakers via its internal amplifier. The power of this amplifier is stated in two ways: peak power and RMS. The peak power is measured in watts and is the maximum amount of power that the amplifier is capable of producing. Unless y...
Every make, model, and year of car is different, so installation can be tricky. However, nearly every receiver uses a standard wiring harness for connections to your car's 12V power and its speakers. If you plan on doing the installation yourself, you'll need to be able to take your particular car's dashboard apart and remove the stock radio, a wir...
- Reviews Editor / Cars
How much should I budget for a new car stereo? Car stereo prices range from about $50 to $400 or more, and there are various features and quality levels to consider. What is the difference between a basic and premium car stereo?
7 Things You Should Consider While Buying a Car Stereo. If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s sound system, there are several things to consider before purchasing a new car stereo. Here are seven things you should keep in mind: Compatibility: Ensure that the car stereo you’re considering is compatible with your car’s make and model.
Apr 25, 2024 · Here Are Our Picks for the Best Car Stereo Head Units of 2024: The Best Fully-Loaded Touchscreen Car Stereo: Kenwood DNX997XR 6.8" CD/DVD Garmin Navigation Touchscreen Receiver w/ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Best Value Android Auto Touchscreen Car Stereo: Sony Mobile XAV-AX5600 6.95" Media Receiver with CarPlay, Android Auto, and ...
Oct 29, 2021 · Step 3: Connect the New Stereo. Remove your new stereo from the box and match the wires together, connecting them the same way the previous stereo was connected. Wires will be connected to the ...
