It’s hard to imagine a modern car without a high-quality audio system. After all, good music helps drivers and passengers not get bored in city traffic jams, lifts their spirits during a trip, and also helps pass the time during long journeys. We present the “five” inexpensive car radios, the quality of which real buyers have already seen.
Pioneer SPH-10BT - the ability to play and control all functions from a smartphone
Music lovers will appreciate the 31-band graphic equalizer, which allows you to customize the sound to suit your musical preferences. Not only MP3 is supported, but also FLAC, as well as many other music formats. There is Bluetooth, which allows you to wirelessly connect to your phone and play music from it. You can control the functions of the radio by voice, and in addition, it can play received messages. For convenient parking, you can connect a parking radar. The music system is compatible with smartphones on iOS and Android, for which a special holder is provided for mounting. By installing the Pioneer Smart Sync app on your phone, you can further customize the lighting and sound. When connected via Bluetooth, you can answer calls without interrupting your driving. The Mixtrax option creates original mixes from your musical compositions, complementing them with color music and unusual DJ effects.
What is the difference between different models
Music in a car via Bluetooth on Android is no longer some kind of know-how: on the market you can find a large number of multimedia systems with such support, so in our short comparative review we will initially consider all models that support wireless connection to a smartphone, and then younger models without this function. For the latter, we will tell you how to still add Bluetooth connectivity.
MVH-350BT
This is a diskless device that has a built-in bluetooth with a Parrot module. An external microphone allows you to use the model as a hands-free headset. There's also the familiar standard Bluetooth streaming feature.
DEH-4500BT
This slot-loading CD car radio will come in handy for those who have a large CD collection. Plus, the kit includes all the features of the previous model. The device has a removable panel, supports iPod and Android media.
DEH-X5500BT
New Bluetooth car radio for Android and iOS devices, which has multi-backlight. It differs from other new products by the presence of the MIXTRAX function, which makes one continuous mix from your music library, creating high-quality transitions between tracks. Thanks to the built-in bluetooth, the presence of a microphone allows you to use the car's multimedia system as a speakerphone. Thanks to the microphone, you can also perform voice control (for iPhone). There is a set of LPF and HPF filters, which makes this model very attractive in comparison with its competitors.
JVC KD-X161 - bright design and support for all modern formats
The best Chinese 1 din radio with bluetooth is suitable for cars with an on-board voltage of 12 V. The list of supported formats is impressive - MP3, WMA, WAV and FLAC. There is a three-band equalizer, using which you can customize the sound to suit yourself and the preferred style of music. There's both a USB port and a line-in port on the front. You can wirelessly connect smartphones with Android version 4.1 or higher, iPhone and iPad. The radio can be listened to in the FM and AM range. The installation depth is small - only 100 mm.
ROXIMO 4G RX-1002 2DIN
An elite model with great functionality. The device can be used from the steering wheel by connecting the necessary buttons to increase or decrease the volume, as well as make calls. Having 4G included, you can connect a SIM card. Yandex navigator has been added, maps work, routes and traffic levels in the city are displayed. The screen is good, allows you to play videos and watch movies, listen to music.
Characteristics:
- amplifier, equalizer;
- GPS;
- 4 channels of 50 W;
- 32 GB of internal memory;
- high resolution color touch screen;
- SD card support;
- bluetooth, USB, audio, video outputs;
- RDS;
- Android;
- 4G.
JVC KD-X165 is a device that will fill the interior of your car with high-quality sound
The single-din radio provides you with a 3-band equalizer. If your car has a multifunction steering wheel installed, you can connect to it and switch music tracks without being distracted from the controls. The standard controls are also easy to use. Classic design combined with traditional control panel layout. The screen is backlit only in white, and the keys are backlit in any color you choose. The radio tape recorder corresponds to the 1DIN standard size, which makes it compatible with most brands and models of cars. Power supply requires 12 Volts from the on-board network.
The front side has a line input and a USB connector. The best cassette player supports the main file formats - MP3, WAV, WMA and FLAC. There is a radio tuner supporting FM and AM frequencies. Its main feature is RDS support. The delivery set includes an ISP connector, instructions and everything necessary for installation.
ACV AD-7180
Characteristics:
- radio;
- equalizer;
- amplifier;
- GPS navigator;
- multi-color, touchscreen, high-resolution display;
- 16 GB of internal memory;
- 4 channels, 50 W each;
- video and audio inputs, USB;
- bluetooth;
- works on Android.
KENWOOD KMM-125KN - convenient model with remote control
The best 1 din radio from Aliexpress has a width and height of 182 and 53 mm, respectively. The installation depth requirements are minimal - 100 mm is sufficient. The main feature of this model is the possibility of remote control using a special module mounted on the steering wheel. There is a tuner with AM and FM support, which gives you access to all radio frequencies in your area.
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The car player is equipped with an audio jack and a USB connector. If desired, a phone or any other gadget can be connected wirelessly. On the reverse side there is an antenna input and a connector for connecting via ISO. The front panel is removable, which was done to prevent theft, because without it, controlling the multimedia device becomes impossible. The button panel with a bright red backlight is complemented by a segment display, which is illuminated in white at night.
Sony DSX-A210UI
A good example is a model from the global Japanese manufacturer Sony, assembled in Thailand. There are four channels with an output power potential of 55 W for each of them. Everything else is according to the template - supported audio formats, interface, and a 12-month warranty. The only “but” is compatibility only with Android devices and a considerable price of 4.5 thousand.
good sound without interference; backlight synchronized with the track being played; uninterrupted reading from media; high-quality assembly and impressive design. After half an hour of listening, the case may heat up; there is no control panel; inconvenient volume control, the use of which interferes with the set functions.
SoundMAX SM-CCR3055F - a good 1 DIN car radio with memory for 18 radio channels
This is a budget but functional solution with high-quality sound, capable of playing tunes in MP3/WMA format. Playing audio files is possible from an SD card, computer flash drive, portable player or smartphone. On the front there is a convenient control unit with blue backlight, a black and white LCD screen, a slot for an SD memory card, an AUX and USB input, covered with a plastic plug. The RAC line input will be useful if you decide to connect additional equipment.
The digital receiver is equipped with a sensitive radio tuner operating in the FM range. Up to 18 radio channels can be stored in memory. Good sound quality will make any trip more fun and invigorate you along the way.
Mystery MAR-414BT
A budget option is offered from the Chinese electronics manufacturer Mystery. The cost of the device is not high, installation is simple. There is a function that allows you to use speakerphone. Excellent radio reception, there is an equalizer. Micro SD memory card supported. Listening to music is supported by USB with standard MP3 and WMA formats. There is Bluetooth support.
Pioneer DEH-S110UBG - nice design combined with top sound
The car player is ideal for installation in your car, allowing you to listen to music both from external media and from radio stations. The front panel can be painted gray or black. The best single-din radio for a car will fit perfectly into the interior thanks to its laconic design, and the power comes from a 12 V on-board network. There are four channels for audio output - the rated power of each of them reaches 22 W, and the maximum is 50 W.
The frequency range is impressive - from 50 to 15,000 Hz. There are FM and AM bands. Up to 24 radio stations are stored in memory. Music can be played from a CD, flash drives or a mobile device connected wirelessly. The display is high quality and makes control more comfortable.
Proper speaker placement
Speakers must be installed only in standard connectors. It is important to take into account their dimensions and shape at the purchase stage, otherwise there is a risk that the devices simply will not fit in the area of the car dealership provided for them.
As a rule, the diameter of standard seats in the front doors can be 10, 13 or 16 cm, so small speakers can be installed. Devices measuring 15x23 cm and usually oval in shape are usually mounted in rear doors or in shelves.
Not all speakers will fit standard car connectors. For example, a front-facing audio system should only be installed in a pre-prepared location. To get high-quality sound, it is not necessary to install large speakers measuring 14–18 cm.
KENWOOD KDC-172Y - RDS and convenient screen
The best 1 din radio for sound is equipped with a push-button control panel and supports the most common music formats. Using it you can enjoy listening to your favorite tracks and audiobooks. Melodies can be played from CDs and flash drives connected to the USB port on the front panel. There is also a line input for connecting a smartphone and other devices. The radio tuner operates in the AM and FM bands. Support for RDS is declared, which allows you to receive text information from radio stations.
The buttons are illuminated in different colors and the display has its own backlight. The kit includes a remote control, and you can switch tracks using the steering wheel. The installation depth is 158 mm. The panel is removable, so if necessary, you can take it with you while parking.
Alpine UTE-92BT
An important quality in a radio is sound. It stands out among other models, so it gets second place. Disadvantages include the lack of a CD player and no remote control. Some owners considered the presence of USB in the front to be a disadvantage. Despite the old-fashioned display, the radio tape recorder leaves positive emotions.
The most affordable option in our ranking of the best
SoundMAX SM-CCR3055F is the simplest option, which will cost you only 1,200 rubles. At the same time, the model has a compact size and a USB port for connecting external devices.
Each car radio in the MobileGadjet rating is worthy of your attention, and which one to choose among them is a personal matter. Here you need to proceed from your budget, preferences in design, functionality and manufacturer. And if you use any model from the list, then share your user experience in the comments.
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Manufacturers
Not always, but it’s still worth paying attention to the brand when choosing a radio. Not only the price, but also the reliability of the radio and its durability depend on how well the manufacturer treats its products and how high quality it makes them.
Advice! If your budget is limited, then it is better to buy a radio with less functionality, but from a good brand, than to buy a low-quality device, but packed with a huge number of functions, some of which may not be used at all.
Among the brands that have proven themselves in the production of radio tape recorders are Sony, Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood and others. But these companies are considered the best on the market for such goods. And it is better to choose a device made by one of these companies.
USB car radio with built-in monitor Pioneer MVH-G111
The difference between a conventional and processor radio
How to choose a processor-based radio
In processor-type car multimedia centers, a DSP controller is installed, which is responsible for processing the sound signal. The microprocessor allows you to take into account the location of the speakers of the sound system in the car. Programmable time delays ensure sound transmission without advance or delay, which improves the perception of musical compositions. Car radios with DSP are equipped with frequency filters and a multi-band equalizer to improve sound parameters.
How to choose a car radio
Car audio is a delicate matter. For some, it becomes a hobby on which considerable money is spent. But it all starts with the head unit. Armen Kopelyan equipment, will talk with Komsomolskaya Pravda about how to choose the best car radio .
What types of car radios are there?
If you lack a standard system or it simply doesn’t exist, then the question of choosing music arises, because few people agree to drive while the tires rustle. Modern cars use two standard sizes - 1 DIN and 2 DIN. The first option is more compact; most often there are no color touch screens. The second one is larger; it can accommodate the color display coveted by many, but there are exceptions. Sometimes radio manufacturers do not comply with DIN sizes. Then the panel has to be redone and spacers need to be looked for.
Display
With screens, everything is very simple - a large touch screen significantly increases the cost of the radio. But this is a justified investment, because you can output a signal from a rear view camera to it or even set up broadcasting from a DVR. And smart systems have generally taken interaction with the driver to a new level. But keep in mind that the screen must be bright and have good click response, otherwise you will be disappointed with the purchase.
Communications
The standard set today is a memory card, USB and AUX. Moreover, the latter is going out of fashion, giving way to Bluetooth. Wireless communication, of course, cannot compete with traditional media in terms of sound quality, but it is simple and you can make a hands-free device from the best car radio. Of course, if the radio supports it.
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New multimedia systems
Back in the 2000s, systems running on WinCE appeared - in fact, full-fledged computers in the car. Then they were replaced by Android. It was very much loved by nameless Chinese manufacturers, who offered entire tablets in radio cassettes for little money. But truly convenient systems have only been in use for a few years - CarPlay for Apple and Android Auto from Google. At first, standard systems appeared on their basis, and now third-party systems can be selected. Yes, without a connected smartphone their functionality is weak, but they have full synchronization or easy navigation. Moreover, this direction is only developing.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a CD player, pay attention to the following important aspects:
- Sound quality. You are choosing a device that will play audio recordings, so sound quality is of utmost importance. Some models have a surround sound function, this can distinguish them qualitatively from potential competitors.
- Built-in radio type. The design of each receiver includes a tuner. Depending on the model, it can be analog or digital. Using the latter, you can more conveniently search for frequencies of various radio stations in automatic mode. The advantage of analog radio is the ability to finely tune frequencies manually if the quality of the received signal leaves much to be desired.
- Disc playback formats . Modern radios have support for many formats, in particular the most popular – MP3. Make sure the model you choose plays the type of audio discs you have.
- Additional functions . Pay attention to what useful functions the radio is equipped with. For example, the equalizer function will allow you to adjust the sound of low and high frequencies to your taste. The RDS tuner function will allow you not only to receive the sound of a specific radio station, but also useful text information on the display, if the station itself supports this format.
- Radio design . To ensure that your device fits seamlessly into the surrounding interior and makes a pleasant impression on listeners, you should choose externally aesthetic models based on your own taste preferences.
- Manufacturer . Currently, most audio equipment is produced in Southeast Asian countries for various reasons. The quality of products will largely depend not so much on the country of origin, but on the company. The best equipment will be produced by companies that specialize in acoustic systems, or at least have extensive experience in this matter, as well as positive feedback from customers.
