In this article: We'll review 6 of our best car stereos (head units) of all types and across a variety of categories including Apple CarPlay, Video & DVD, Single DIN and more.
We've always been firm believers that what defines the ‘best car stereo' is really based on it's going to be used and in what vehicle. There's obvious things that almost all buyers want in a head unit; Bluetooth, Aux, USB, and so on. But it's tough for anyone to tell you that one particular car stereo is the best in all scenarios. Some units have strengths in connectivity like multi-device Bluetooth while others are much better at multimedia and playing video on the screen. Some are better for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while others are much better for audio quality, tuning and configuration. I guess what we're trying to say here is that the answer to “what is the the best car stereo” is: it depends!
At CarAudioNow, we try to cover all of the bases when it comes to researching and assembling a list of car stereos. Knowing that some people are looking for specific features in a head unit, we try to break out our best recommendations by the features we think consumers are looking for. Keeping up with the latest trends in car stereo tech is our job and representing those trends in our best list here is our goal!
So in this list of best car stereos, we aggregate our top picks across a variety of categories. The reality is that we have lists of our picks for each of them (which we've linked to) but since we know that different people have different preferences, this list should showcases our top picks for each category of head unit.
Here Are Our Best Car Stereos of 2022
- Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Car Stereo: Sony XAV-9500ES
- Best Car Stereo that Plays DVD & Video: Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
- Best Touch Screen Car Stereo: Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX
- Best Built-In GPS Navigation Car Stereo: Pioneer AVIC-W8600NEX
- Best Single DIN Digital Media Receiver: Alpine UTE-73BT
- Best Single DIN Car Stereo with CD Player: Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS
What size is my dash?
Fist things first though. If you haven’t already asked yourself this question, you definitely need to before reviewing this list and purchasing a head unit. In general, there are two common types of head units on the market that fit the majority of vehicle dashboards: Single-DIN (SD) and Double-DIN (DD). Double-DIN openings are the larger of the two. If your car has a double-DIN opening you can typically fit both single-DIN and double-DIN units in it. You'll just need to purchase the correct dash kit. If it's a single-DIN car stereo, you'll only be able to fit a single-DIN receiver. In this list, we primarily focus on single-DIN units. To find out exactly what size dash your car has, check out our interactive list of vehicles in our Dashboard Size: Find Your Vehicle article!
Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Car Stereo
Sony XAV-9500ES
See the full list of Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Car Stereos
Sony XAV-9500ES Quick Review
We chose Sony's XAV-9500ES as our best wireless Apple CarPlay stereo. It's part of their latest lineup of high-end car stereo products, the Mobile ES. Shortly after the announcement and release of their Mobile ES speakers, they introduced the 9500ES head unit.
The 9500ES features a 10.1″ capacitive, antiglare touchscreen that feels almost like you're touching your iPhone's screen. Combine that with its wireless CarPlay and you really do feel like it's an extension of your phone. Although the screen is 10.1″, it will fit into any single din opening which makes it an excellent option for almost any dash. Sony knew that not all dashes are similar in shape, depth and configuration so they added a four-way mounting mechanism that allows you to shift the screen to the exact position you want with the precise tilt you need to see the screen.
We tested and reviewed the XAV-9500ES in our demo box and loved some of the unique audio tuning capabilities like the advanced crossover control, 14-band graphic EQ, and notably the parametric EQ. It's really designed for audio control so that you can get the exact sound you want out of a high-performance stereo. It also features multiple camera inputs if you want to add side or front cameras in addition to a rear view camera. Be sure to check out our full review and demo of the XAV-9500ES for the full overview.
Head Unit Details
| Make | Sony |
| Model | XAV-9500ES |
| Head Unit Size | Single DIN |
| Screen Size | 10.1″ |
| Screen Type | Capacitive HD anti-glare |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 720 |
| CD/DVD | No |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (no wired) |
| Inputs | Rear USB type-c port, rear view camera & 2 additional camera inputs |
| Outputs | 6-ch preamp outputs (4v front, rear, sub) |
| Power Output | 20W RMS x 4ch |
| iDataLink Maestro | Yes |
Pros
- High resolution, antiglare 10.1″ screen
- Fits in single din dashes
- Multiple camera inputs
- Advanced audio tuning capabilities
- Great looking design
Cons
- High price point
- Doesn't have video or multimedia capabilities
- Some people don't like the look of the large clock on the homescreen background
Best Car Stereo that Plays DVD & Video
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
See the full list of Best DVD & Video Car Stereos
Latest Prices
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Quick Review
The AVH-W4500NEX is our top pick for a multimedia player. Pioneer recently introduced the NEX line to take advantage of the newest connectivity options currently available. The 4500NEX features a sizable 6.9” capacitive touchscreen that is easily installed in many vehicles to add modern functionality. The capacitive touch screen is clear and easy to see, even in bright, direct light. It can even be adjusted to compensate for bizarre dash designs and to make viewing angles easier. It packs all the best features into an easy to use device, making it our top pick.
Out of the box, the W4500NEX is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a great option for those who want GPS along with all of the latest audio streaming capabilities. What we also like about this unit is the ability to wirelessly mirror your screen from a smartphone. You can use this feature to mirror video directly from your device to the head unit.
The unit is also iDataLink friendly, so you can integrate various system controls like climate control, heated seats, vehicle data like RPM and speed and much more. A vehicle specific iDataLink Maestro unit will be required to make this available.
What also makes this unit an ideal multimedia or video player is the expandability options that it has. Dual USB ports allow you to connect to multiple devices like MP3 players, smartphones and tablets. An HDMI input, along with 2 rear A/V inputs enable practically any video input source from Firesticks or FireTVs to game consoles. Pound for pound this is our best pick option if you want video in your car.
Head Unit Details
| Make | Pioneer |
| Model | AVH-W4500NEX |
| Head Unit Size | Double DIN |
| Screen Size | 6.94″ |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| CD/DVD | Yes |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto |
| Inputs | Dual rear USB inputs, HDMI input, dual A/V inputs, dual camera inputs |
| Outputs | 6-ch preamp outputs (4v front, rear, sub), dual-zone A/V out |
| Power Output | 14W RMS x 4ch |
| iDataLink Maestro | Yes |
Pros
- Excellent screen
- Sound quality of a higher-priced unit
- Tons of connectivity options
Cons
- Some users report connectivity with Apple CarPlay
- Some buttons can be difficult to use while driving
Best Touch Screen Car Stereo
Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX
See the full list of Best Touch Screen Car Stereos
Latest Prices
Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX Quick Review
Pioneer has been an industry leader in automotive audio equipment for decades. Leadership requires innovation, and the DMH-C5500NEX is among the most innovative touchscreen head units on the market today.
Many modern car owners have problems installing an aftermarket stereo because of limited space behind the factory head unit. Pioneer has solved every problem in the book with the C5500. The 1” thick capacitive touchscreen is wired to a “black box” that can be located where space allows. It can even be mounted horizontally or vertically.
The screen is a hefty beast. Measuring at eight inches, it gives you plenty of room to view Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on most smartphones and tablets. WebLink provides access to YouTube and many other apps. The screen can be controlled with gestures and swipes for a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Pioneer managed to get plenty of power into the C5500NEX, too. With an RMS of 22 watts per channel and a peak of 50 watts per channel, the C5500 is ready to rock. Three pairs of 4V preouts offer adaptability for subwoofers and amplifiers.
Head Unit Details
| Make | Pioneer |
| Model | DMH-C5500NEX |
| Head Unit Size | Double DIN |
| Screen Size | 8″ |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| CD/DVD | No |
| Smartphone Integration | Wired Apple CarPlay / Android Auto |
| Inputs | Rear USB input, two rear audio/video inputs, dual camera inputs (second input uses a rear A/V input) |
| Outputs | 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, sub), A/V video output |
| Power Output | 14W RMS x 4ch |
| iDataLink Maestro | Yes |
Pros
- Separate, oversize 8″ screen that allows for custom installation in virtually any vehicle
- Highly responsive touchscreen
- Intuitive user interface featuring Pioneers exclusive NEX technology
Cons
- Remote chassis mounting can require additional wiring not included with the head unit
Best Built-In GPS Navigation Car Stereo
Pioneer AVIC-W8600NEX
See the full list of Best In-Dash GPS Navigation Car Stereos
Latest Prices
Pioneer AVIC-W8600NEX Quick Review
We’ve had Pioneer’s AVIC series somewhere on the top of our list of best in-dash GPS car stereos for some time now. The most recent navigation head unit from Pioneer brings the same solid performance as the outgoing 8500 model and continues to streamline the user experience while providing tons of features. This is a high-end car stereo, but it’s really built more around functionality than it is raw power to pump tunes. The first thing you notice about the 8600 is the large motorized 7” WVGA touchscreen that hides the CD/DVD port and an SD card slot. The screen is bright and vivid, and remains easy to view in direct sun and at angles.
This head unit is a feature-packed powerhouse. From the ability to play CDs and DVDs, to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the W8600NEX has it all. Some of our favorite features include the hidden SD card slot and the dual rear USBs. You can connect two phones at once now via Bluetooth, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps makes it simple to run almost any content from your phone onto the touchscreen and have control using voice commands or directly from the head unit’s touchscreen. And if your phone is MiraCast-compatible, you’ll have even greater options for streaming content on screen directly from your phone.
Of course, the reason a person buys this stereo is for the navigation and Pioneer does a top-notch job executing a user-friendly nav system. The directions are clear and easy to see with user-selectable 2D head-up, 2D North-up, and 3D display modes for all points in the U.S. including Hawaii & Puerto Rico, and Canada, too. Pioneer owners get lifetime map updates for free, so you won’t need to worry about outdated system software every time there’s a new freeway. It features a built-in RDS-TMC traffic tuner that uses a special FM band to interpret satellite data for real-time traffic updates.
This is an excellent choice when you want the best touchscreen navigation unit and you’re willing to pay for it. It’s got dual camera inputs, dual RCA connections, and a dedicated subwoofer channel for expansion. To ease connectivity to factory steering wheel controls and features, the W8600NEX is iDatalink Maestro-compatible.
Head Unit Details
| Make | Pioneer |
| Model | AVIC-W8600NEX |
| Head Unit Size | Double DIN |
| Screen Size | 6.94″ |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| CD/DVD | Yes |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto |
| Inputs | Dual rear USB inputs; HDMI input, dual rear A/V inputs; one camera input (A/V input can be used for a 2nd camera) |
| Outputs | 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer), rear A/V output (mini audio, RCA video) |
| Power Output | 14W RMS x 4ch |
| iDataLink Maestro | Yes |
Pros
- Feature-rich head unit that perfectly combines user-friendliness with functionality
- Excellent options for connecting devices and using features you already love
- Simple to use navigation system is spot-on and has great options for traffic and road avoidance
Cons
- Limited to five preset background choices
- Screen is non-adjustable and doesn’t work well when not mounted flat.
- Pricepoint
Best Single DIN Digital Media Receiver
Alpine UTE-73BT
See the full list of Best Single DIN Digital Media Car Stereos
Latest Prices
Alpine UTE-73BT Quick Review
The Alpine UTE-73BT is an upgrade from the previous 63BT model and provides better connectivity options while retaining all the features that made the previous model a top pick. Alpine added Android Open Accessory tech to the receiver which streamlines connecting your Android smartphone to play music from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora or Spotify.
Alpine also kept some of the best features from the 63BT, like the physical multifunction knob and a clean layout that looks correct in most dash panels. The single line LCD display now lets you change colors of the backlit buttons and is five times more readable than previous models, making it easier to quickly read information.
Alpine designed this stereo to work seamlessly with Apple and Android devices, and you’ll find that connections through Bluetooth are stable and simple to set up. A front panel USB port allows charging and convenient playback of music files from thumb drives, smartphones, and compatible MP3 players. The Alpine UTE-73BT now offers playback of lossless FLAC files for even better sound quality too.
Head Unit Details
| Make | Alpine |
| Model | UTE-73BT |
| Head Unit Size | Single DIN |
| Screen Size | N/A |
| Screen Type | N/A |
| Screen Resolution | N/A |
| CD/DVD | No |
| Smartphone Integration | N/A |
| Inputs | Front USB port, front aux input |
| Outputs | 6-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front, rear, and sub) |
| Power Output | 18W RMS x 4ch |
| iDataLink Maestro | N/A |
Pros
- Upgraded model now plays FLAC files and offers steering wheel controls
- Clean sound even without an amplifier, chassis is designed to accommodate KTP-445A power pack for true 50W x 4 RMS power
- AOA 2.0 simplifies Bluetooth connections
Cons
- Requires an adapter (KCU-445A) to play music from Apple products
- Alpine reduced the voltage of expandable preouts from previous model (4V to 2V)
Best Single DIN Car Stereo with CD Player
Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS
See the full list of Best Single DIN Car Stereos
Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS Quick Review
When you're looking for a head unit, power, function, and aesthetics are all important factors to consider. Across the board, it’s hard to beat the Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS.
But there’s more to this CD receiver than what meets the eye. Granted, its appearance is nondescript and traditional. As soon as you turn on this stereo is nothing short of amazing. Starting with the aesthetics, the X8800BHS gives you the option of dual-zone color illumination, allowing you to customize the text colors on your screen. This gives you have an extensive color combination range of over 210,000. In addition, the unit has a 10-level brightness control, helping you create the perfect visual setting.
In terms of audio, the Pioneer DEH-X8800 really delivers. Some of the key features of the X8800 include:
- Built-in Dual Bluetooth
- Wideband Handsfree 1.6
- Audio streaming
- Access to Siri Eyes Free, Pandora, Spotify, Android Music Support
But there are additional features that complete the system which makes the Pioneer DEH-X8800 even better. Including:
- Built-in MOSFET amp
- AM/FM/CD, and HD Radio with 100% free subscription on selected stations
- MIXTRAX for DJ-inspired technology
- FLAC playback
- Compatibility with several audio files such as WAV, WMA, AAC, and MP3
- 13-band Equalizer with 7 preset curves
- 3 pairs of preamp outputs.
The system also has a remote control, giving you complete control of the head unit without laying a finger on it. It's compatible with most steering wheel controls, has a 12-month warranty, and is CEA-2006 compliant. Toss in that the fact that you can link two phones to the unit at once and the ability to use Guest Mode for a third phone. You’ll understand why this is undoubtedly on the top of our list. Truth is, you don’t need anything else to create a great in-car experience!
Head Unit Details
| Make | Pioneer |
| Model | DEH-X8800BHS |
| Head Unit Size | Single DIN |
| Screen Size | N/A |
| Screen Type | N/A |
| Screen Resolution | N/A |
| CD/DVD | No |
| Smartphone Integration | N/A |
| Inputs | Front USB port, rear USB port, front aux input |
| Outputs | 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, and sub) |
| Power Output | 14W RMS x 4ch |
| iDataLink Maestro | N/A |
Pros
- Fully packed with essential and extra stereo features
- Great audio quality
- Ability to link 2 phones to the unit at once and use guest mode for a third phone
- Simple-to-use interface
- Customizable text colors on the screen
Cons
- Limited to android and iOS devices
Comparing Specs
There are a few simple, but important specs to head units that will make all the difference in selecting the best option for you. These include:
- Power output: For those of you who would like to power your speakers directly from the head unit, this is important.
- Pre-out voltage: For the people who will amplify their speakers, this is important. The higher the voltage, typically the better.
- Equalizer bands: May or may not be important to you, but for the audio enthusiast this will give you the granularity to tweak your sound at all frequency levels.
We put together a few quick charts to help you easily compare across the units that are on our list. We know, you're welcome!
About this List
We take our ‘best lists' very seriously. Our top pick car stereos that are compiled on this list are based on extensive research, our own experience and testing of products and of course our knowledge of the industry. In no way was this list subsidized or influenced by a manufacturer. The recommendations here are guidelines, based on what we think are quality head units that will perform well, last long and are built by manufacturers that you can trust. And our lists originate here – they are not copied from other sources and thrown together without purpose. Providing you the trust that the information you read here is legitimate, and the confidence in the product you choose from this list is our top priority. We're constantly keeping these lists up to date too, so you are seeking a car stereo, you'll always find the latest and greatest here.
Looking for a Head Unit with even more features? Check out CarAudioNow's Best In-Dash Car DVD Players for units that you can watch your favorite movies on. Or our Best In-Dash GPS Navigation Players to add GPS Navigation AND movie watching to your dash! We also recommend upgrading your car's speakers with your car stereo with one of our Best Car Speakers.
And, be sure to take a look through our Easy Guide to Installing a Car Stereo if you do decide to purchase and install yourself! This guide will undoubtedly save you time with helpful tips along the way.
What to Look For
Every car requires a unique combination of car stereo components to sound great. A car stereo may sound excellent in one car, but sound terrible in another. Additionally, the limitations in size and wiring configuration make selecting the best head unit even more difficult for you.
A quality car stereo will give you the features you love while conforming to the environment of your car and create an excellent reproduction of the music that you love. With the right car stereo, you'll be able to custom tailor frequencies to your car, integrate your favorite music/media device, connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and much more.
At CarAudioNow, we use multiple key criteria when rating products in our top lists. Below is a list of criteria that we take into consideration while choosing the best car stereos for your vehicle.
Power Ratings
Power ratings are extremely important feature to consider while choosing a car stereo. Without an external amplifier, the power output of the car stereo is what dictates the power of your speakers and ultimately the power of sound. There are typically two power output ratings that are given with car stereos:
- Max Power Output: Max power rating is the maximum amount of power that the car stereo can emit for short periods of time. It is the maximum amount of power that will be sent to your speakers (without an external amplifier)
- RMS (Continuous) Power Output: RMS power rating is the amount of power that the car stereo can emit at a constant or continuous rate. This is the most important power output rating.
Along with power handling and output, the level of control of the output sound's shape is also very important. This control is typically made through a built-in equalizer (EQ). It will allow you to tailor the shape of sound, raising or lowering the level of certain frequencies in order to best optimize the output sound for the environment of your car. The higher the number of bands that the car stereo's equalizer has, the more you will be able to customize the frequencies and shape of your music and sound.
Display
Display features play a huge role in how stylish and user-friendly car stereos are. High end car stereos will have a high LED pixel count, and give customizable features like color and brightness in order to match the color of your interior.
Playback
Playback can be defined as the methods that your car stereo is capable of playing back audio. CD, DVD, MP3, HD Radio, Pandora, Auxiliary (Aux) Ports, Bluetooth; these are all examples of playback types that the a single din head unit should typically have.
You will want to make sure that the playback methods that you intend on using is consistent with the playback features of the car stereo. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a head unit that doesn't play your music in the format that you have it. Here is a breakdown of the most popular playback features we recommend you look for:
- HD Radio: HD Radio is the same radio stations that you listen to, but with a higher audio quality and more metadata than tradition radio. Metadata includes titles, artists, albums and more.
- CD Player: CD players will play your favorite CDs in multiple formats, including CD,CD-R/RW, MP3, AAC, WAV and WMA.
- Auxiliary (Aux) Port: Auxiliary ports allow you to connect any music device that you may have using a headphone connector. Typically, the best car stereos will have an auxiliary port on the front of the unit (in our opinion).
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth music allows you to connect to your music on a smartphone or other bluetooth enabled device, playing all of your music wirelessly from your device via a Bluetooth connection.
- USB Port: A USB port will allow you to connect your music devices via a USB connection. It will allow you to listen to your favorite music from your device, while charging it for endless listen time.
- XM Radio: XM radio is satellite radio such as SiriusXM, that allows you to connect and listen to thousands of channels of radio via a satellite connection. This increases the coverage of radio that you have, however requires a paid subscription.
Smartphone Integration
All of the top reviewed head units will allow you to fully integrate with your smartphone, enabling the best features such as Pandora and Spotify while allowing you to answer phone calls hands-free. With recent legislation prohibiting you from using your phones while driving, it is becoming increasingly important for the best car stereos to fully integrate with your smartphone. Additionally, they will come with microphones with noise-canceling technology that will hone in on your voice and eliminate road noise.
Expandability
Expandability is what allows you to connect external components to your car stereo. The best car stereos will have at least three 4volt RCA outputs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer), Audio/Video (AV) input/outputs, rear view camera inputs (with compatible displays) and a microphone input.
How to Install a Car Stereo
Installing a head unit or replacing one can range in difficulty. A head unit could take you as little as 30 minutes to replace, or all the way up to 4 or 5 hours depending on the type of car you have and the complexity of the system. There's a number of variables that can dictate how difficult and time consuming the task really is:
- Dash and trim components – In our experience, the most difficult cars are typically German. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen. The dash and trim components are very stubborn and tight and difficult to remove.
- Wiring – Wiring can vary from car to car. This really depends on the number of features that the car has. For example OnStar on GM cars, or just an OEM amplified stereo. These are the things you need to know prior to wiring your car and ordering the adapting harnesses (we'll get more into detail on this soon).
- Mounting the new head unit – This can be especially difficult if you choose to DIY. However, in most cases you'll find that there are adapting ‘Dash Kits' from providers like Metra and Scosche that will simplify the mounting and installation of the stereo.
At the end of the day, some vehicles are better candidates for an upgraded Car Stereo than others. If you're looking to install one of these head units yourself, check out our How to Install a Car Stereo guide where we'll walk you through the basics.
FAQ
Car stereos can vary in features, sizes, price and more. The best stereo for your vehicle is going to depend on a variety of aspects. That said, the top car stereo manufacturers and brands typically will include Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, Clarion and sometimes Jensen or Boss. Most of which are all featured on one of our best car stereo lists.
Yes, it is possible to install a new car stereo yourself with the right tools and knowledge. Adaptive, vehicle specific dash kits and wire harnesses today from manufacturers like PAC or Metra make swapping a head unit quick and easy. They even provide step by step instructions. However, if you're not confident in your ability to do so, it's recommended to have a professional perform the installation.
A single-DIN car stereo is considered the traditional size. It's the smaller of the two. A double-DIN is a larger option that provides more screen real estate for features such as navigation and smartphone integration. Be sure to check the size of your dash via our Vehicle Dash Size Database.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are smartphone integration systems that will allow you to use your phone's navigation, music, and messaging apps directly through the car stereo's display. They will have a similar look and feel (for example app icons and general interface) as the operating system on your iPhone or Android device. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto can be available on head units via a wired or wireless connection – be sure to check whether the unit supports the one you want!
Some car stereos with built-in navigation may require a connection to the internet to provide real-time traffic updates and access to maps. Others may have pre-installed maps and only require an internet connection for updates.
Car stereos with high-resolution audio provide improved sound quality by playing back your audio at a higher bit rate and sample frequency than traditional formats. This results in a more detailed and accurate reproduction of the music.
what about pioneer deh-x3800ui
These car radios aren’t cheap, you can find many at under $40 on amazon.
The aren’t cheap because they are actually good.. moron.
Hi ! Which one is 32-bit ?
Why do all units still come with CD players? It’s 2017, for God’s sake.
CD’s still have the best sound quality, try it!
Because some people still like good quality music! Bluetooth doesnt care about audio quality.
I guess Alpine is not what they used to be, ranks at the bottom of the list.
If only the Pioneer DEH-80PRS had HD .. oh well ! I’ll probably make that purchase anyway .
I so much concur with you comma it looks like I will probably end up doing the DEH – 8800. Seems nice that it has a 13 band EQ, and still has 4 volt pre outs for my amplifiers.
I want a great stereo for the car I had just restored and the stereo has to be as great as the car,its a Lincoln so I want something that fits the bill,its got to have GPS and Ipod,4 speakers and two tweeters and a amp
I have actually owned all of these units over the years and the best unit hands down from user friendly to sound quality and everything in between is the pioneer deh80prs. Well worth the money.
I have had many car stereos, Alpine, Pioneer, Blaupunkt , as they were going downhill. I loved the sound of the Alpine but their build quality was terrible. It was always breaking down. And with Alpine everything is an additional charge. My favorite, hands down is the Pioneer deh-80prs. Everything is included. Bluetooth, IPod connection. The sound to me is better than alpine at a fraction of the cost. I bought my first one for $350. , they are now $250. . Great receiver and paired with quality speakers and amps you can’t get a better sound system. Highly recommended!
I was an Alpine guy in the past. Sorry to see in general the overall degraded quality and general lack of elegance from a decade past… even so, I find it interesting that Sony doesn’t have a single deck listed here.
They do. #3 on the list: Loudest
I have kenwood car stereo mp3 player of single din type in my car. iI have problem in the head unit (detachable portion). Can I use Pioneer car tape head unit of single din at the kenwood car tape amplifier unit (this means that the head unit ang tha amplifier unit will be of different make)?
I’ve owned many of the brands (Clarion, Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, Sansui, Sony) over the years however I keep going back to JVCKenwood products. My current deck is a cheap JVC that has served me well in two vehicles over the years (no issues). I just purchased a new eXcelon deck and plan on installing it this weekend. Hopefully it will be a quality deck. My fav was my Alpine from the mid-90’s. To bad nothing is made like the great gear back in those days.
Good list. I’m wondering if you have any information on how these various units handle the power antenna output? I recently upgraded my unit to a new Alpine and was dismayed to find that the unit raises my antenna for all input sources. Previous units have only raised the antenna when the radio was selected as source. Wondering if this is now the new norm?
Hello, thanks for your comment. Typically, if wired correctly, the power antenna output is only active when the radio is on. I’m wondering if your power antenna was wired to the accessory instead of the power antenna output on the back of the unit?
In my old Opel I used a simple, non-mechanical Kenwood (KMM-204?) for years. I have given it to my son a year ago, so I had to find something for replacement. I bought an Alpine UTE-72BT, it works well.
BUT I am not enthralled from the quality of FM receiver of this Alpine. The highs are a bit “shh”-ish, “grainy”, “intrusive”, not clear. Nonetheless, the sound from USB stick or external source is adequate, and the sensitivity of FM receiver is excellent, too. I cannot state, that FM sound quality of this Alpine is terrible, but I can say, it is irritating in the long run. Sometimes I feel better to switch to USB when I am tired. Even also I know, that the quality of the FM broadcasting is not the best most times, but the difference between the Kenwood and this is senseble.
The FM sound of Kenwood was much more clear and balanced. As I mostly listen to radio during driving (also for listening for daily news on a music-profile radio station), the FM quality is a keypoint for me.
Now, I am hesitating about buying a new radio but, it is hard to find any tests about sound quality of these boxes. The reviews I found mainly focus to the fancy features (“bells and whistles”) not the feelings of long-term usage. The few articles, what I found about sound quality, mostly enumerate Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony and JVC, less othen Alpine units. But how could I decide without buying, mounting and listening (for example from a webshop)?
I would appreciate if I could read (subjective) descriptions about LISTENing to those equipments, that were made for listening… Do you know such a revirew of these car stereos?
Since McIntosh stopped making car audio It doesn’t appear that anyone is making a real high end adult audiophile head unit in the manner of the old McIntosh MX500 or Nakamichi CD400 where reception and sound reproduction of both radio and CD were most important. The Nakamichi in particular had a CD player of equivalent quality to what one finds in high end home systems. I would be curious if any of these head units even come close to the Nakamichi or McIntosh. The other thing that doesn’t work for me is appearance. They look like a teenager drew them during a particularly boring algebra class. Would YOU put any of these in your older German car? I wouldn’t, so I am looking for a used but well cared for Nakamichi or McIntosh head unit.
I purchased a Pioneer DEH-80PRS and am disappointed with the quality/feel of the controls, unintuitive menu structure, sound quality and build quality. I have a Clarion DRZ-9255 in another car and it absolutely destroys the Pioneer. The Clarion was purchased as a demo unit for $100 more than the DEH-80PRS. An older, pre-amp out only, Eclipse deck that I owned sounded noticeably better than the Clarion. Modern decks have gone the way of poor build quality, loads of useless and/or gimicky features and poor sound quality that few of the young buyers will ever notice.
Currently running the DEH-80PRS in normal mode but will switch soon to “network” mode using built in electronic crossovers. I have read that this mode makes the sound quality even worse which is disconcerting because that was the main reason for buying this unit.
If sound quality is truly important to you I believe that there there are only two ways to go: 1) purchase a high end unit with pre-outs only and preferably one with pre-outs only AND digital out for use with a digital or DAC processor, OR 2) purchase an older quality unit (pre-outs only OR pre-outs + digital out) like Phil Salvatore has suggested above.
Calling any of the units listed above as sounding “wicked”, “solid”, or “great” is simply hyperbole or a blanket statement not offering any real guidance WRT sound quality. I don’t know how this article can be called “Best Car Stereos and Head Units…” when the Pioneer DEX-P99RS and Sony RSX-GS9 are left out.
Which one is the best for my Toyota Altis 1.8?
Hello, thanks for your comment! What year is your Altis?
The outstanding sound quality of the DEH-80PRS makes this unit far and away superior to the others on this list. Do not be distracted by comparing costs. There are only 1 or 2 units costing over 1,000 dollars that are more impressive than this unit. This box is the king of sound quality.
Why is the ergonomics never a consideration nowadays. Older stereos had proper buttons you could find just by touch. now the buttons are stupid fiddly rocker switches. and with a display that wouldn’t be out of place in a disco. Ive been looking for a stereo for two years now but cant find one that is made for humans. Manufacturers never really listen to what people really want .I did spend a lot on a Kenwood and its infuriating .
Totally agree. Searching for an easy to use, classic looking, sweet sounding stereo for my 1988 Econoline.
Bring back the knobs. Bring back the dial. I hate scanning, and those stupid little buttons.