An article on how to choose a car radio, what to look for when choosing. Important Tips. At the end of the article - an interesting video about choosing a car radio.
Important selection criteria
Among the huge assortment of such goods, it is always quite difficult to choose something of your own, just for yourself, but you have to choose - otherwise your trip by car without a radio will be very boring. Background music in the cabin is already an integral part of the life of any motorist.
So, you have a need to replace or just buy a car radio for your car, but you do not know where to start? First of all, we recommend to decide on the acoustics.
If you decide to leave 4 regular speakers, then you need to choose the appropriate radio tape recorder. And if you need a serious audio system with powerful speakers, with additional speakers and a subwoofer, then you should choose a car radio with these characteristics in mind.
Next, decide on the exact amount that you can afford to purchase a car radio. For example, if you are a real music lover, we advise you not to rush if at the moment you do not have the necessary amount to buy a high-quality car radio. Save money, and then you can get exactly what you need.
And if you need a car radio only for the sake of equipping the car interior and in order for something to play there, then you don’t have to bother yourself too much - buy the most ordinary radio that has only a radio and a CD, and after that you can sleep peacefully.
So, if in the process of choosing a radio you have any questions related to acoustics, then here we can recommend you two options:
- You limit your choice to regular standard acoustics;
- You choose a multifunctional powerful audio system.
- target affiliation of your car;
- the time you spend driving;
- financial opportunities.
But if the car has become your second home, and at the same time you love very good sound at a professional level, then you need to buy a high-quality and, accordingly, expensive speaker system.
Choosing a car radio according to the parameters
So, you have decided on finances and on the type of speaker system. Now let's talk about the radio itself. When choosing it, it is necessary to take into account the main characteristics, which will be discussed later.
Size
All modern radio tape recorders have standard sizes determined by the manufacturer. Today we can observe two such standard sizes, which are marked as 1 DIN and 2 DIN.
Difference 1 DIN from 2 DIN
These two markings determine the size of a particular radio. For example, the 1 DIN marking indicates a quite common and common radio tape recorder, with which many motorists are familiar. But type 2 DIN car radios correspond in size to two car radios of type 1 DIN. That is, 2 DIN is twice the size of 1 DIN.
Which of these two types you choose is up to you. Just take into account your personal tastes and, of course, financial capabilities. At the same time, keep in mind that not every car has a place for mounting 2 DIN car radios, but it should be noted that almost all modern cars cars are designed to install a radio of this type.
It is easy to guess that 2 DIN car radios have a lot of advantages. Unlike 1 DIN, they have more advanced controls, the buttons are larger, and therefore more convenient.
Modern 2 DIN car radios are multifunctional multimedia devices with a large touch screen. On the screen, you will be able to watch not only videos, but also pass a video signal from a connected video camera to it.
Of course, based on the voiced merits, 2 DIN type radios cannot be compared with 1 DIN, and at a price they exceed 1 DIN by three or more times.
player
Almost all car radios have a built-in CD player. It can "read" R and RW CDs. About 100 MP3 songs can be recorded on a disc, which is enough even for the most demanding car enthusiast.
In addition to the CD player, the radio may also have a DVD player with which you can play video files. But, as you may have guessed, such car radios are more expensive, and for the most part they are of type 2 DIN.
Channels and their number
Choosing a car radio without fail pay attention to the number of channels that the built-in amplifier of the radio has. The vast majority of car radios have a universal number of channels - four. This is traditional because modern cars tend to have 4 speakers: two in the back and one in each of the front doors.
However, if you need more speakers and a subwoofer, then you will need to purchase an additional amplifier. In this regard, try to choose a car radio with additional, rear and front channels, as well as with separate subwoofer connectors.
Output power
Another nuance of choosing a car radio is the maximum output power. This parameter cannot be neglected, because thanks to it you will know how much power the speakers can be connected to the radio. The most common power output that most car radios have is 50 watts. That's enough power for great sound.
Summing up the above, we note that the standard parameters at the output of the car radio are four channels with a power of 50 Hz.
Display
The display is the most visible part of the car radio, so it should not be left unattended. By color, displays can be divided into monochrome, two-color and multi-color. A monochrome display is the simplest and therefore the cheapest. It has one line and the necessary labels with icons.
The two-color display is more expensive, but it also looks more attractive, which makes it a pleasure to keep track of the necessary information on the screen.
The multi-color display has more than three colors, and at the same time it has LCD and LCD panels. Such displays are mounted only in 2 DIN radios. They have the highest quality output of information, and you can view video files on them.
If it is not physically possible to install a large 2 DIN radio tape recorder in the car, then in this case you can use a 1 DIN radio tape recorder with a retractable screen - very convenient.
Backlight color
When choosing a car radio, pay attention to the color of the button illumination. At the same time, try to choose a color that would be in harmony with the color of the illumination of the main console. Otherwise, disharmony of colors may occur, and it will look very unattractive.
Radio
What kind of car radio can be without a radio? Of course, there is a radio receiver, and it can pick up radio signals in many ranges. But in this case, we will be interested in only two ranges: FM and VHF - it is on them that the highest quality reception is carried out.
Try to choose a radio model that supports the RDS function. With this option enabled, the display screen will display readable information from the radio station, including the name of the radio station, weather information, advertisements, etc.
Equalizer
For those who like to experiment with sound, the radio has a built-in equalizer. When choosing a radio and showing interest in the equalizer, pay attention to its number of bands. If there are 5 of them, this is quite enough. At the same time, keep in mind that some models have special presets that automatically adjust the equalizer for a particular type of music.
USB interface
If the car radio has a USB input, this will greatly simplify the playback of both audio and video files, since the radio will read them from a USB flash drive, which is very convenient. You will no longer need to use a disk, and besides, a flash drive can accommodate a much larger number of files than a disk.
How to choose a 2 DIN car radio
If you still decide to neglect cheap devices and buy a 2 DIN radio, consider the number of playable video formats, the color and diagonal of the display, as well as the presence of a sensor.
In addition, check if the radio has GLONASS and GPS navigation systems.
The ability to use a rear view camera will not hurt you either. And do not forget to consult the seller regarding the suitability of the selected radio panel for your car. It is possible that you may need an additional panel to hide the resulting gaps between the radio and the console.
Manufacturers
We bring to your attention a list of the most popular and reliable manufacturers of car radios:
- pioneer;
- Sony;
- Alpine;
- Kenwood;
- Mystery;
Video on how to choose a car radio:
How to choose a head unit (car radio)?
There is a very wide range of signal sources on the market at the moment. Choosing the right one is a difficult task, and to make it easier, let's dig a little deeper into them. specifications. Let's try to classify car radios according to the following parameters.
Size
First of all, you need to understand which of the GU sizes available on the market is right for you. The sizes of signal sources for a car are: 1/2din, 1din, 2din and "regular". 1din devices - the classic size, the size of the "face" is approximately 18cm by 6cm, the depth is usually no more than 19cm. Until now, more than half of the devices are produced in this format. 1/2din - a device half as high as 1din, usually used to expand an existing system. 2din devices - two times 1din "one above the other". "Regular" devices copy the shape and size of the factory audio device and are "sharpened" for a specific car.
For comparison:
Source size 1/2 DIN:
1 DIN source size:
2DIN source size:
Sound or multimedia
Audio devices, unlike multimedia devices, do not have a screen for playing video. With rare exceptions, they are more interesting in terms of sound quality than multimedia devices. Decide what is more important for you - high-quality sound or multimedia capabilities, this will help you make the right choice.
carriers
IN automotive technology Today, as a rule, two types of media are used - optical discs (CD / DVD) and solid-state media (Flash through a special port, or USB Flash). Hard drives are usually used with a USB input, but there is a chance of running out of power to start the drive: usually USB power in head units is limited to 500mA. Check with the seller whether the selected GU will be able to work with your carrier without arranging additional power. There are devices both without the ability to work with USB / Flash (even now this is not uncommon), and vice versa, only with USB / Flash, without optical discs. Everyone determines the advantages of using certain types of media for himself - someone prefers to transfer music from a computer to a flash card, and someone buys discs in a store and then listens to them in a car. The choice is yours!
Playback formats Audio
The most popular are CD and MP3. Often there is also support for AAC (m4a) and WMA, less often WAV. Lossless compression formats (FLAC, WavePack/WV, MonkeyAudio/APE, Apple Lossless/ALAC) are currently not supported by anyone except for a couple of specific devices. IMPORTANT: the presence of a DVD drive and MP3 support does not mean at all that the device is capable of playing mp3 from DVD. Often the possibilities are limited to MP3 from CD and video from DVD. Depending on the expected quality of music playback, you should decide on the required playback formats: the highest quality can be obtained when playing CD-Audio and any lossless compression formats.
Playback formats Video
All multimedia devices, with the exception of diskless ones, support classic VCDs, SVCDs and DVDs. Very many now also have support for MPEG4 (DivX, Xvid, 3ivX). Support for HD codecs like H.264 is vanishingly rare. This happens due to the modest resolution of car screens - a maximum of 800x480px for top samples (in most devices the resolution is lower), while 720p requires a resolution of 1280x720px.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs and outputs in head units are various kinds and types. The presence of one or another input / output determines the possible functionality future system. Here are some options:
- Input for connecting external audio and video players and other sound or image sources, usually labeled as AUX or AV IN. There is a specialized input for the rear view camera, which is activated from certain signal(usually from switching on reverse gear). USB / SD inputs for connecting solid state media and hard drives.
- Inputs for connecting various specialized devices and expansion units - iPod, USB, BT, navigation modules, CD/MP3/DVD changers. These inputs and devices are usually not compatible with devices from other manufacturers. Digital optical and coaxial inputs for external high quality sources (rare).
- High-voltage speaker outputs allow you to connect speakers directly to the device without using an external amplifier. Not designed to connect subwoofers and serious acoustic systems due to limited power output. The theoretical undistorted limit is 20W, even if the documentation says 40-60W. Manufacturers are cunning when specifying power in the documentation, not indicating the coefficient of non-linear distortion at such indicators, or using schemes with a voltage additive, which allow obtaining higher power values with an acceptable THD for a very short period.
- Low-voltage (line) outputs and video outputs are designed to connect external amplifiers and external monitors, respectively.
- Digital coaxial and optical outputs for connecting external audio processors and/or surround sound (Dolby Digital or DTS). Rarely seen.
When choosing a head unit, it is important to provide for the presence of all the necessary inputs / outputs for the implementation of the planned system!
Audio control options
In the simplest case, sound and multimedia devices have tone control (bass / treble), volume control between the left and right channels (balance) and level control between the front and rear pairs (fader). Other audio processing options:
1. Equalizer. Meets two different types(graphical and parametric) of varying degrees of complexity (number of bands, frequency step, etc.). The more complex and powerful the equalizer, the more accurately it is possible to compensate for the shortcomings in the frequency response introduced by the car interior, equipment and installation.
2. Frequency filters. Allows you to limit the frequency band that the speakers reproduce. In a simple case, they allow you to remove the low-frequency component from the front and / or rear speakers to reduce distortion (especially when using a subwoofer). In difficult cases, they allow you to separate the operating ranges of each emitter for more precise tuning of the sound in the car.
3. Time correction (delays). Compensates for different distances of emitters from the listener. Those. makes it so that the sound from all speakers comes at the same time. Allows you to get a uniform and stable "sound stage", which is very important if you need to get sound high level quality. Usually found only in expensive audio devices and almost never found in multimedia.
4. Loudness (LOUD). Used to compensate for differences in tonal balance at high and low volumes. In most devices, it is implemented poorly; to obtain high-quality sound, it is highly not recommended for use.
5. Room effects (reverb). Artificial effects of various premises (hall, conservatory, etc.). Due to the weak computing power of sound processing chips, it introduces strong distortions into the signal, it is highly not recommended for use.
6. There may be other possibilities, which are basically variations on the theme above.
Additional features
In addition to their basic functions of playing audio or video, various functions are often added to head units. I would like to note right away that the more features the device has, the worse these features are implemented. This is due to the physically limited space for placing various electronics in the device case, as well as for reasons of the final price (a well-implemented function is expensive for the manufacturer, which does not allow setting a competitive price for the device as a whole). Therefore, oddly enough, in cheap devices there are often even more functions than in expensive ones. Serious manufacturers prefer to implement functionality with additional modules.
Bluetooth. (BT, handsfree) Wireless audio transmission technology. It is used for organizing handsfree telephone communication, as well as streaming music from the phone to the radio (AD2P). There are compatibility issues with some BT modules and some phones.
iPod. The ability to connect and control the most famous player from Apple through the head unit. Usually iPhone is also supported, but you need to be sure to check compatibility device and player/phone. With some models of players and head units there are problems with charging.
Navigation, GPS. Some multimedia devices are equipped with a GPS navigation module. by different manufacturers different software, both of our own design and well-known programs (Navitel, Avtosputnik, iGO, etc., sometimes after deep modification). Some devices, in addition to the GPS receiver, also have a gyroscope on board, which allows you to determine the direction and speed of movement without the use of satellites, for example, in tunnels. Unfortunately, built-in navigation is often hardware-limited, which results in a slow response to user actions: long route recalculation, slow map rendering. It is recommended to use external navigation modules or a separate mobile navigator. Another disadvantage of automobile navigation systems- rather poor support and rare updates, even systems based on well-known programs.
TV tuner. Devices for reproducing a television signal. Analog tuners differ, which catch the same signal as, for example, stationary antennas on houses. And digital tuners that receive a DVB-T digital TV signal (6 free channels are available in Moscow). Both formats have problems when used in a car. Analog TV on the go is caught very badly, even expensive antennas do not save. This is due to the specifics of the transmission - the antenna must be placed high. But even when used in a parking lot, there are problems: most channels show poorly, with strong ripples, or even the image will be black and white. Good tuners with good antennas slightly improve the situation, but in most devices, especially inexpensive ones, the quality of tuners and antennas is rather low, with all the consequences. Digital TV is not yet very widespread in Russia, there are few channels even in the capital. But if there is a signal - the picture and sound are almost perfect.
Summary
We have tried to describe the main features of automotive sound sources. It remains only to decide which ones are right for you. When building a complex media system, before buying a GU, we recommend contacting professionals to clarify the correct choice.
Don't forget the accessories!
When buying a head unit, regardless of whether you install it yourself or trust the installation center, do not forget to take care of installation accessories, this will save you time and reduce the number of possible problems.
ISO adapter. An adapter that allows you to connect power to the radio without damaging the standard wiring. On the one hand, it has a mating part of your car's connectors, on the other, DIN / ISO connectors, which are used by most manufacturers of car head units. Even if the head unit does not have DIN/ISO connectors, you won't need to cut the standard wiring for installation (which is especially important if the car is under warranty), it is enough to correctly unsolder the standard "tail" of the head with the ISO adapter.
Antenna adapter. Many car manufacturers come up with a variety of connectors for a conventional radio antenna. At the same time, manufacturers of head units have long been defined in standards and use only two types of connectors: DIN and ISO. In order not to cut the standard antenna chip, an adapter is needed.
Transition frame. Here, car manufacturers also "took care" of the problems of the user who decided to replace the standard PG. The variety of shapes and sizes of standard equipment is amazing, in order to bring the gaping hole in the dashboard to standard 1din or 2din, there are special transitional frames. Often such frames come with a set of fasteners that simplify the installation of a new device. If there is no transition frame for your car, we are ready to make it for any type of car radio.
Adapters for steering wheel controls and CAN adapters. More and more often in cars there are special buttons for controlling the audio system without removing your hands from the steering wheel. When replacing standard system the user has a quite reasonable desire to leave such convenient function, and such a possibility exists. Most head unit manufacturers place a dedicated input for steering wheel control buttons. Where there is no such input, it is almost always possible to control the radio using a wireless IR remote control. For these purposes, special adapters are used that translate the commands of the car's steering remote control into a language understandable new radio. There are both highly specialized models of adapters with a limited set of cars and devices, and trained IR adapters. In modern European cars, all electronics communicate using a special data exchange protocol, in general case this protocol is called CANBUS. For such cars, a CAN adapter is required, which not only translates CAN commands from the steering to the radio, but also receives several signals important for connection from the bus, such as ACC (first position of the ignition switch - accessories) and ILL (turning on/off instrument lighting to organize dimming the brightness of the radio display at night).
Have you chosen a tape recorder? Now you can and need it !
(C) Alter Vita Studio. Moscow 2010.
If you purchased a car without an audio system, then you can choose in the store and install the radio you like. Before you decide which system is better to buy, first of all, you need to know the size that is suitable for your car. The length and width dimensions are standardized and there are 2 options:
- 1DIN - 180x50 mm;
- 2DIN - 180x100 mm, i.e. twice as wide.
Depth has not been standardized and varies by various models from 160 to 180 mm.
Almost all new cars have a 2-din size. Such devices allow not only to play music, but also have bluetooth, a functional LCD display and many other functions. This is a universal multimedia device that allows you to make your car trip more comfortable.
To make it easier to choose from the huge range of offers on the market, a ranking of 2 din car radios has been compiled, which presents the best deals for 2017.
Pioneer AVIC-F980BT
Pioneer AVIC-F980BT is the top model in the Pioneer line and is a multimedia navigation system. This is probably the best 2DIN car radio currently available. It is equipped with a 6.2-inch anti-glare touch screen, the quality and color of which allows you to view videos and movies in a good image. High quality sound is provided by a powerful built-in sound processor.
The 2 DIN radio can play all modern audio formats, including the relatively new flac, which provides sound quality close to CD audio. Unlike many analogues, in which disc drives have been removed more and more recently, there is a drive here that allows you to play CDs and DVDs.
There is full support for synchronization with Apple and Android smartphones, Apple Car Play is supported, which allows you to control voice commands. Also, the 2-din car radio has built-in Bluetooth for voice control.
Can work in conjunction with smartphone applications, displaying current situation on the road, information about nearby objects. Also included is a TMS receiver for tracking road conditions and building optimal routes.
It is convenient to have two connectors for the camera: one, the second for an additional one. There are also two USB ports. Thanks to this, you can, for example, connect an ipod and a USB flash drive at the same time to expand your music library.
Here are some technical characteristics that the best car radio has:
- radio receiver RDS FM/AM with 24 preset stations;
- Aux input for multimedia devices;
- CD with AAC, MP3, WMA playback;
- DVD with DivX support, MPEG-1,2,4, DVD-Video Region 5;
- via USB, additional FLAC, WAV, FLV, H.264, MKV and WMV playback is possible;
- navigation with multitouch;
- navigator with 45 maps of the countries of the European continent, including Turkey;
- maximum power 50x4 watts.
The cost of the car radio 2DIN Pioneer AVIC-F980BT is an average of 37 - 40 thousand rubles.
Pioneer AVH-X5800BT
The rating of car radios continues Pioneer AVH-X5800BT. It's cheaper multimedia system, since it does not have a built-in navigator. Otherwise, it is very similar to the first model. True, there is already a larger display, 7 inches, which also allows you to view images and videos.
The car radio 2 din can synchronize with iOS and Android phones, connect 2 Bluetooth devices, flash drive, play CD and DVD media. A lot of attention in the model is paid to sound quality, there is a 13-band equalizer, automatic tuning and sound synchronization.
- radio with RDS, FM, AM band, 24 preset stations;
- can play: MP3, MPEG-1,2,4, DivX, WMA, AAC, CD audio, DVD video;
- USB plays FLAC, WMV, AVI, JPEG;
- the price of a 2 din radio tape recorder is slightly cheaper than the previous model, on average, 23 - 25 thousand rubles;
- Max. power 50x4 W.
The average price is 22 - 24 thousand rubles, which is almost two times cheaper than the previous model. Therefore, if you do not need a built-in navigator, then it is better to buy this particular option.
Prology MPC-65AW
The third place in the rating is the multimedia center with navigation PROLOGY MPC-65AW. This manufacturer has good reputation in the car audio market. The only drawback of the product is its focus on Android devices. Therefore, buy it if you have an Android smartphone. Android 4.1 is installed on the radio itself and Google Play is supported. The center is equipped with a Wi-Fi modem and the ability to connect a 3G modem.
The navigation system has two modules, GPS and GLONASS, moreover, a licensed version of the Navitel Navigator program is installed, which includes a detailed map of Russia and 11 other countries.
There is also a Bluetooth module, a CD / DVD player, a DVR with a resolution of 1920x1080 and automatic switching on when the acceleration sensor is triggered, it is possible to connect the control buttons on the steering wheel. The DVR has a built-in battery, microphone and supports SD cards up to 32 GB. Moreover, unlike similar devices of competitors, here the registrar has its own processor, so it does not load the device's memory. You will get a high-quality picture without freezing and failures.
Other technical parameters:
- radio;
- screen diagonal 6.2 inches;
- rear view camera input;
- built-in memory 8 GB;
- DVR camera 3.35 MPix;
- the maximum viewing angle of the DVR is 120 degrees;
- supported file formats: MP3, CD audio, WMA, FLAC, Mpeg4, DVD video, DIVx, MKV, FLV, JPEG.
- max. power 4x55 W.
You can buy a 2 din radio tape recorder on average 32 - 35 thousand rubles.
Sony XAV-AX100
In 4th place in the ranking of the best 2-din radio tape recorders is an offer from Sony called the XAV-AX100. It has good sound quality characteristics and supports AppleCarPlay and AndroidAuto technologies, allowing you to synchronize with smartphones of both operating systems and control multimedia content using voice commands. At the same time, you can control navigation, view and manage the contents of your smartphone.
The 2 din 4-channel car radio amplifier processes the sound to reduce noise and display distortion-free surround sound even at high volumes. There are three additional outputs for connection audio equipment. Easily adjust the dynamic scene to improve sound quality. To adjust the sound, you can use a 10-band equalizer with a graphical interface.
The downside is the lack of a CD / DVD drive and its own navigator, at a price of around 30 thousand rubles, this seems significant. The car radio is focused on the use of a smartphone and its functions. But it got into our rating for its high-quality sound and modern technology. Few models can still boast support for both technologies: Apple and Android.
Specifications:
- with 30 preset stations;
- maximum power 4x55 W;
- Bluetooth for media and call control;
- touch display with a diagonal of 6.4 inches;
- it is possible to connect a rear view camera;
- supported file formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, MPEG4, DivX, AVI, XviD.
JVC KW-M730BT
New model car radio 2 din from Japanese company JVC KW-M730BT boasts support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and supports permanent connection two smartphones. It has two USB ports, built-in Bluetooth, connectors for additional audio output.
It is similar to the previous participant in the rating from Sony in that there is no disc drive and the emphasis is on using a smartphone. Several technologies have been implemented to improve sound quality. Such as reducing losses in digital sound processing, adjusting sound parameters. It is enough to choose the model of the car, the type of speakers and the distance to them. After that, the system itself will perform the optimal setting.
Specifications:
- FM/AM radio with 20 preset stations;
- maximum power 50x4 W;
- 13-band graphic equalizer;
- rear view camera support;
- remote control support (purchased separately);
- support for control buttons on the steering wheel;
- 1.5 A USB charging;
- touch screen size 6.8 inches;
- supported file formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, FLAC, H.264, WMV, DSD, MPEG 1, 2, 4, AVI, MKV, JPEG, PNG, BMP.
The average price of a 2 DIN car radio is in the range of 29 - 32 thousand rubles.
Premium 2-din multimedia system
The premium 2-din multimedia system with navigator Alpine INE-W928R is notable for its large 8-inch touch screen, despite the fact that the dimensions of the device remained standard 2 DIN. True, there may be difficulties during installation, so you should not install it yourself. To simplify the process, installation kits have been released for some brands of cars. In addition, the model is not new, but is still successfully sold, although its price, to put it mildly, is not low, about 80 thousand rubles.
A full-fledged navigation system, probably the best of all offered in the ranking, includes maps of Russia and European countries in high resolution with a free upgrade for 30 days. Paid download available later latest maps from the Internet. The navigation functions are very convenient, allowing the driver to easily navigate, choose between alternative routes, track the traffic situation, and view 3D objects.
The main advantage, because of which it is worth choosing this particular option, is a large screen on which, without straining your eyesight, you can see all the necessary objects and read the text. There is also a Bluetooth module and the ability to connect Apple smartphones to play content and manage calls, it is possible to charge the gadget from the system. It is possible to save different profiles for each user. You can play multimedia files not only from iPod or iPhone, but also from USB media and CD/DVD.
Technical characteristics of the car radio 2DIN:
- radio receiver with 30 preset stations;
- supported file formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, CD-audio, DVD-video, DivX;
- 9-band equalizer;
- sound settings according to the type of car;
- adjustment .
Kenwood DDX4017BTR
The Kenwood DDX4017BTR car radio has a CD / DVD drive that can play music and movies. The built-in Bluetooth module supports the connection of two smartphones at the same time, these can be Apple or Android devices. An iPod can be connected using a 2-wire connection for faster data transfer. But for this you need to additionally purchase a special cable.
It can be controlled via the dedicated KENWOOD Remote App for smartphones, as well as instantly switch between the media content of multiple smartphones. An optional remote control can be purchased.
The sound quality is controlled by a sound processor, there is a 13-band equalizer. It is possible to use several preset settings, select automatic mode by entering the column type and distance indicators. The Drive Equalizer function reduces the effect of vehicle noise on the driver and passengers inside by adjusting certain audio frequencies.
Specifications car radio 2 din Kenwood DDX4017BTR:
- FM/AM radio with 20 preset stations;
- rear view camera connection with display parking line on the screen;
- touch screen with a diagonal of 6.2 inches;
- connection to the buttons on the steering wheel;
- CD/DVD drive, region 5, supported formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, MPEG 1.2, DivX, JPEG;
- optionally supported FLAC file format when connected via USB;
- maximum power 4 x 50 watts.
The average cost is 15 - 16 thousand rubles, buy if you want to save money, but at the same time get good functionality and meet modern standards.
Mystery MDD-6240S
Budget option - car radio Mystery MDD-6240S
The final place of the best seven is reserved for the budget option. Mystery MDD-6240S can be purchased for less than 9,000 rubles. For this money, you will get a good 2 din radio for playing audio and video with a 6.2-inch touch screen, audio and TV tuner and support for standard steering wheel control buttons. The main disadvantage is the lack bluetooth module and any synchronization with a smartphone. Music and video can only be played from discs or flash drives.
Specifications:
- FM/AM receiver;
- maximum power 4x50 W;
- slot for microSD cards;
- connection of the rear view camera;
- supported file formats: MP3, MPEG4, WMA, JPEG, DivX, DVD video, CD audio;
- remote control bullets.
These are the top 7 2DIN car radios. When choosing the option that is right for you, proceed from what media you will play media from. Do you need a disk drive, or will the files be written to a USB flash drive. If you want to manage your media library from your smartphone, then take a closer look at modern models without a disk drive. Also, decide if you need a built-in navigator, as it adds a lot to the price. Each model has its pros and cons, but all are different. good quality sound and ease of use.
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The car radio is not a video recorder, you can’t attach it to Windshield or door. For the radio there is a special socket in the car, which has standard size. And for ease of installation, receivers are also available in standard sizes to fit this jack. Such dimensions are designated by the symbols 1 DIN and 2 DIN. Recently produced cars have basically a standard receiver socket size, which is 178x50x180 mm, or 1 DIN.
Such dimensions for the installation of radio tape recorders have almost all domestic and imported cars. But there are cars in which the receiver socket is larger than the standard one. Most of these are cars from America or Japan. For such machines, car radios are produced with a size of 178x100x180 mm, that is, 2DIN. These devices usually contain several additional sound sources. This is sometimes an MD player, a cassette deck and a CD player. There are sometimes intermediate sizes of 1.5 DIN, but very rarely.
Front Panel
Which panel is best? They are greeted by clothes ... as the proverb says, which is familiar to everyone. This expression can also be applied to the car radio panel. Indeed, the front panel is the brightest element of the sound-reproducing device. Model's face. But this is not only an exterior view, but also the working part of the radio, where the main keys of various functions of the audio system are located. There are two types of panels. In the first option, the CD slot is located on the panel itself. The second option has a folding panel.
The second option is convenient and functional, as it allows manufacturers to install additional functions such as multi-color display. No less than design, the ease of use of the panel is also important. This is especially true for buttons. For example, too small buttons create inconvenience when pressed. Panel illumination must also be taken into account. Too bright illumination is undesirable - it can dazzle in the evening. Panels are mainly made either removable or hidden - in expensive cars. Of course, there are other differences between the panels: this is the shape, a set of switches, color, as well as the material from which the panel is made.
car radio tuner
Car radio tuner. What is this device? The tuner is necessary for the car radio, as an intermediary between the radio station transmitter and the audio system. This device allows you to listen to radio signals, amplifying them if necessary, and thereby ensuring playback quality. A tuner is required to receive FM/AM radio stations. In principle, it is sufficient to receive FM waves in the range from 80 to 110 MHz.
When choosing a receiver, you need to check the sensitivity of the tuner. It should be 1 microvolt or less. In some devices, in addition to the FM band, there is also the VHF band. This mainly concerns domestic ranges, such devices usually belong to a lower price level. There are also car radios that have the RDS function, the so-called ticker system. The function is convenient for those who wish to be aware of all events.
It is impossible not to notice that to adjust the sound in the line of expensive models, there is an equalizer, most often a three-band one. It allows you to adjust the necessary frequencies for high-quality sound. There are also seven-band ones, but these are mainly for professional models. Let's not forget about the remote. He is included in many modern models and is wired and remote. The remote control can be mounted both on the steering wheel and next to the gearbox. An audio system for a car is no longer just the sound in modern car radios, but often a mini-music center with a built-in monitor. The car becomes a truly home for the motorist.
For most motorists, a car is a part of life, and residents of megacities spend almost most of the day in it. Agree, being in a car is much more comfortable and pleasant when your favorite music is playing in it. With music, you don’t feel closed in the car, especially when you are driving alone or standing in a traffic jam. Music sets the rhythm and also drowns out external noise, turning the interior of the car into an oasis. The source of music in the car is the car radio, the choice of which we will tell you in this article.
The content of the article:
So, you have decided to buy or replace the radio in your car. Where do you need to start? First of all, you must decide what kind of acoustics you want to have in your car. If you are satisfied with the standard 4 speakers (which can be replaced), then you need to choose a radio tape recorder for them, but if you want to install an audio system (powerful speakers, a subwoofer, as well as additional speakers) in the car, relying on sound quality, then the radio tape recorder must be initially oriented to these functions.After that, you need to determine a clear amount that you allocate for the purchase. If you are a music lover, then it’s better to save up more money to buy a high-quality radio tape recorder and then not regret the wrong choice. If you need a radio tape recorder to simply have it, then for this you can buy the simplest radio tape recorder with CD and radio, without particularly bothering about this issue.
In this case, many drivers may have a question: whether to limit themselves to standard acoustics or install an audio system. Again, the answer will depend on several factors: on the time spent in the car and its purposes, on your financial capabilities, and also on the need for this kind of acoustics. If you do not often and do not drive a lot, then there is no point in spending extra money on acoustics. It is better to invest this money, for example, in wheels by buying alloy wheels or in lighting, replacing the standard lamas with xenon. If you live in a car and love high-quality sound, then it is definitely worth installing expensive and high-quality acoustics.
How to choose a car radio by parameters
After you have determined the amount to buy a car radio, and what kind of acoustics you want, proceed to choosing a car radio. When choosing an audio recorder model, be guided by the following parameters, which we will outline below.Size
Almost all radio tape recorders, except for those produced to replace standard ones with non-standard landing connectors, have standard sizes. To date, there are 2 standard types of car radios: 1 DIN and 2 DIN.
What is the difference between 1 DIN and 2 DIN?
This question is asked by almost all car owners who are faced with the question of choosing a car radio. The difference between 1 DIN and 2 DIN is primarily in the size of the radio itself. That is, 1 DIN is an ordinary car radio, the type of which everyone has seen and knows. 2 DIN - commensurate with 2 1 DIN radio tape recorders, below you can see a picture that clearly shows the difference between these two types of radio tape recorders: at the top - a 1 DIN radio tape recorder, at the bottom - 2 DIN.
Which type of radio to choose 1 DIN or 2 DIN - decide based on your personal preferences and the allocated amount of money. In addition, please note that not every car model has a special place for installing 2 DIN radios, although almost all modern cars provide for the installation of radio tape recorders of this size.
In 2 DIN radios, control is more convenient, and unlike car radios 1 DIN, the buttons are larger in size. In addition, the new 2 DIN car radios are available with a large touch screen, which turns the car radio into a very convenient multimedia device that can not only play movies, but also output video from a rear-mounted camera. Of course, 2 DIN radios, with a large color display, especially with a touch screen, are beyond comparison with 1 DIN, but the difference in price between them is more than 3 times.
player
The vast majority of car radios include a CD player. The CD player plays CDs: CD-R/RW. On average, about 100 tracks in MP3 format will fit on a CD, which is quite enough. More expensive models of radio tape recorders, the vast majority of which are 2 DIN, include a DVD player, it is more necessary for these radio tape recorders to play video files.
Number of channels
Be sure to pay attention to how many channels the built-in amplifier of the car radio has. Almost all car radios have 4 channels, this is universal, since modern cars are equipped with 4 speakers: 2 in the rear shelf and 1 in the front doors.
If you plan to install more speakers, as well as installing a subwoofer, then you will need an additional separate amplifier for this. At the same time, choose a radio in which there will be separate outputs for the subwoofer, front, rear and additional channels.
output power
Another parameter that you need to pay attention to is the maximum output power of the car radio. This parameter means what power you can connect speakers to the radio. Most car radios have a maximum output power of 50 watts, which is enough for good sound. Thus, the standard sound output parameters of the car radio are 4 channels of 50 watts.
Display
The next thing you need to pay attention to is the display of the car radio. Car radio displays come in three colors: monochrome, two-color and multi-color. Monochrome displays are the cheapest and simplest type of displays. The monochrome display includes one line as well as function icons and labels. Dual-color displays are slightly more expensive than monochrome displays, but have a more pleasing appearance, which improves the perception of information displayed on the display. Multi-color displays - have more than three colors, as well as LCD and LCD panels. The latest displays are installed in 2 DIN radios, and have the most best conclusion information, while you can watch videos on them. There is also a 1 DIN car radio with a retractable screen - the most practical solution for those who do not have the opportunity to install a 2 DIN radio in the car.
Tint color
When choosing a radio, be guided by choosing the color of the backlight of the buttons, in harmony with the color of the backlight of the center console, otherwise you will get color disharmony, which will not look very nice. Radios, starting from the middle segment, have the ability to choose the color of the highlight.
Radio
All car radios include a radio receiver with the ability to receive a signal in several bands. We will be interested in only 2 of them: FM and VHF, since it is in these two bands that high-quality radio stations broadcast. Choose a car radio model that will support RDS. RDS is text information that is transmitted along with the radio station signal and displayed on the car radio screen. As a rule, a radio station displays its name, phone number, weather and traffic information, advertisements and other information through RDS.
ID3 tags
In addition to CD text (displaying the artist and song title on the device display), some car radios support ID3 tags that contain MP3 files. These tags contain information about the track being played, which is displayed: artist and track name, album information and other information that the radio supports.
Equalizer
For fans of tuning the reproduced sound in the radio, there is a built-in equalizer. The main thing that you need to focus on in the equalizer is the number of its bands. In principle, 5 equalizer bands will be enough. Also, some models of car radios include equalizer presets that automatically adjust the equalizer for a certain type of music.
Availability of a USB interface
The USB car radio will allow you to play music files stored on a USB flash drive. This is very convenient, since you do not have to constantly burn the disc. Files are quickly copied to a flash drive, and besides, depending on the size of the flash drive, many more tracks can fit on it than on a CD. If there is a USB interface in the radio, depending on the characteristics of the model, it may have support for working with iPod and iPhone.
How to choose a radio 2 DIN
When choosing a 2 DIN radio, we recommend focusing on the following functions (if necessary): diagonal and color of the screen, the presence touch screen, playable video formats, the presence of GPS and GLONASS navigation systems and the ability to connect a rear view camera.
If you still decide to opt for a 2 DIN radio, then check with the seller: will it fit into the panel of your car, and whether a special additional panel is needed for this, which is used in case to hide the gap between the panel and the radio.
Which car radio to buy
Which company to buy a car radioThe most popular and good quality are the radio companies:
- Pioneer
- Mystery
- Kenwood
- Alpine
Pioneer MVH-1400UB
Budget car radio. Mounting connector 1 DIN. The presence of an LCD display, with the display of the 1st line of 10 characters. Media type support: CD-R/RW. Support for formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, AudioCD. Maximum output power: 50W x 4 channels. There is a built-in equalizer. Radio bands: FM/MW/LW, RDS support. On the front panel there is a USB-input with the ability to connect a flash drive, as well as an iPod or iPhone.
Device price: 1700 rubles.
Pioneer DEH-6400BT
Model 1 DIN radio premium segment. The car radio includes a monochrome display, with the ability to adjust the brightness of the backlight and the brightness of the display. Illumination multicolor. Media support: CD-R/RW. Support for formats: Audio-CD, MP3 and WMA. The presence of a USB output (support for connecting a flash drive, as well as iPod and iPhone). The radio includes bands: FM/MW/LW, there is RDS support. The built-in equalizer has 5 bands.
Device price: 4800 rubles.
Mystery MDD-6220S
One of the most popular 2 DIN audio recorders, which combines wide functionality and relatively low cost. Multicolor touch screen 6.2 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio. Supported media: CD-R/RW and DVD-R/RW. Supported formats: Audio-CD, DVD-Video, MP3, MPEG4, DivX, WMA, JPEG. Support for memory cards: SD and MMC. There is a USB input for connecting a flash drive. Radio bands: FM, VHF, MW.
Device price: 6000 rubles.
