How to choose a car radio?

Many motorists spend a lot of time in the car. Naturally, it is much more pleasant when your favorite tunes sound in the car interior. Music neutralizes extraneous sounds from outside, helps pass the time in long traffic jams. The source of music in the car is the radio. Let's talk about how to choose a car radio, what points to take into account.

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We set goals correctly

So, if you decide to change the car radio, where to start?

• First of all, decide on the type of acoustics that you would like to purchase. If the usual 4 speakers suit you, then you need to choose a model for them. If you dream of a powerful audio system with powerful speakers, a subwoofer and improved sound quality, then initially you need to select the device specifically for such functionality.
• Naturally, from the very beginning, determine the budget for the purchase. Experts advise those who think how to choose a radio, save some money and get a good, high-quality model. For those for whom sound quality is not so important, they can purchase the most budget car radio with radio and CD. A minimum of functions for them is quite enough.

Important! Many drivers are wondering what is more appropriate - a chic audio system or native speakers. It all depends on how much you are willing to part with and the time you stay in the car. If you rarely use the radio, there is no point in a powerful audio system. This money is better to invest in equipping the machine. If you like high-quality sound and drive a lot, then buying an audio system justifies itself.

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Which radio to choose in the car - selection by parameters

When buying a car radio, be guided by such its characteristics.

Size

Today there are 2 standard varieties of car radios - 1 DIN and 2 DIN. Their difference from each other, first of all, in dimensions:

• The 1 DIN radio is a standard, familiar option.
• 2 DIN - almost twice as much. 2 DIN radios are more convenient to operate. And the touch screen makes the car radio a convenient multimedia tool that reproduces high-quality audio and video. However, such a device costs, in comparison with 1 DIN, three times more expensive.

Important! Owners of old cars need to pay attention to whether it is possible to install a 2 DIN device in the car. As for modern models, they have all the conditions for mounting size 2 DIN.

Number of channels

Almost all car radios are designed for 4 channels, since in modern car models there are 4 speakers: 2 in front and behind. If you plan to install a subwoofer and additional speakers, you will also need an amplifier.

output power

This parameter corresponds to the power of the speakers that you can connect to the device. The power of most car radios is 50 watts. This is quite enough for good sound reproduction.

Display

There are 3 types of displays - monochrome, two-and multi-color:

• The most budget option is a monochrome display. It is equipped with a single line, as well as a set of functional labels and icons.
• Compared to monochrome, dual-color displays look more stylish.
• The multi-color device is equipped with a liquid crystal or LSD panel. They are characterized by the best information output.

Important! For drivers who are not able to install a 2 DIN radio in the cabin, there are 1 DIN models equipped with a retractable screen.

Backlight

Before you pick up the radio in the car, pay attention to the fact that the backlight of the radio and the center console are in harmony with each other. In devices of the color segment above the average, it is possible to choose the color of the backlight.

Radio

This feature is available on all models. It is important that the receiver catches FM and VHF signals, since good radio stations broadcast on these frequencies.

Important! Support for RDS (text information transmitted along with the radio signal) is appreciated. As a rule, this is information about traffic jams, advertising, weather forecasts, etc.

Equalizer

This function will be appreciated by fans to tune the sound. The main characteristic of the equalizer is the number of bands. As practice shows, 5 bands are enough. Some car radios adjust the equalizer, depending on the type of music, in automatic mode.

USB interface

Using the USB-interface it is possible to play music from a flash drive. This is quite convenient, since there is no need to burn discs.

Files are copied almost instantly, and a miniature USB flash drive contains much more information than a CD.

Important! The presence of a USB interface in the radio provides support for working with iPhone and iPod.

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Which car radio to choose inexpensive and good - an overview of the best models

The given rating will allow you to systematize the received knowledge about the radio tape recorders and choose the best model car radio.

Pioneer MVH-1400UB:

• Inexpensive car radio model with 1 DIN mounting connector.
• There is an LSD display.
• The device supports the following storage media: CD-R / RW.
• The radio supports the following formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, AudioCD.
• The output power is 50 watts.
• The number of channels is 4.
• The device is equipped with a built-in equalizer.
• The front panel is equipped with a USB input for playing information from a USB flash drive.

Pioneer DEH-6400BT:

• Receiver 1 DIN premium.
• The device is equipped with a monochrome display (it is possible to adjust the brightness of the backlight and display).
• Media Support: CD-R / RW.
• The radio tape recorder supports formats: Audio-CD, WMA and MP3.
• USB port allows you to play information from a USB flash drive, iPhone and iPod.
• There is a 5-band built-in equalizer, support for RDS.

Mystery MDD-6220S

Of the 2 DIN radio tape recorders, this is one of the most popular because it combines many functions and a relatively low price:

• 6.2-inch display, multi-color.
• The device supports the following storage media: CD-R / RW and DVD-R / RW.
• Supported formats: Audio-CD, MP3, DVD-Video, MPEG4, WMA, DivX, JPEG.
• There is a USB port.
• Supported radio bands: FM, CB, VHF.

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Stock footage

Now you know how to choose a good radio in your car. Read our instructions carefully and you can go shopping!