What is the best aftermarket double DIN radio?
An aftermarket double DIN radio refers to a larger-sized radio designed to replace the factory installed car audio system. Double DIN radios have a bigger screen size, usually 6.2 inches or larger, and offer enhanced features compared to factory radios such as touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, HD Radio, and integration with smartphones. Aftermarket double DIN radios allow drivers to upgrade their in-car entertainment experience with higher quality audio, video, and connectivity options tailored to their needs and preferences. Some key reasons why someone may want to install an aftermarket double DIN radio include:
– Improved audio quality from better amplification and sound processing
– Larger display for navigation, watching video, and accessing smartphone apps
– Hands-free calling and streaming audio from a Bluetooth-enabled device
– Customizable EQ settings and audio configurations
– Physical buttons for key controls instead of solely touchscreen operation
– Access to SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and other audio sources
– Modern aesthetics and styling compared to outdated factory stereos
– Advanced safety features like backup cameras and steering wheel controls
Top Features to Look for
When shopping for an aftermarket double DIN radio, there are several key features to prioritize:
Touchscreens allow for intuitive control and viewing album art, maps, and other visual information. Larger touchscreens around 6-7 inches are easier to use than smaller screens. High resolution screens with good brightness, contrast, and viewing angles also enhance usability (1).
Bluetooth connectivity enables safe hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming from your smartphone. Ensure the stereo supports advanced Bluetooth profiles like A2DP for audio streaming (2).
Built-in navigation provides turn-by-turn directions without relying on your phone. Optical disc drives allow navigation maps to be updated over time (3).
HD Radio provides improved audio quality and additional station content compared to traditional analog radio. Seek out radios with HD Radio tuners to take advantage of these benefits (1).
Wireless connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows seamless integration with your smartphone’s interfaces, apps, maps, and voice assistants. These systems mirror supported apps on the stereo’s touchscreen for convenience and safety (2).
Image Quality Considerations
When choosing an aftermarket head unit, one of the most important factors to consider is display image quality. You want a screen that is clear, vibrant, and easy to see from different angles. Key aspects to evaluate include:
- Display size – Larger screens ranging from 6.2” to 10” provide more real estate for navigation, video playback, and system settings. However, make sure it fits the dash opening of your vehicle.
- Resolution – Look for units with higher resolution displays (e.g. 800×480, 1024×720), which offer sharper image quality and text.
- Viewing angles – A wide viewing angle (160+ degrees) allows the screen to be seen clearly from passenger seats without washout.
- Anti-glare coating – An anti-glare or matte finish prevents distracting reflections in daylight.
According to Crutchfield, higher-end units have “better glass over more of the display” resulting in better off-angle viewing. This allows more passengers to see the screen clearly1. Prioritize head units with quality displays to get the most out of video and graphics.
Audio Quality Factors
When evaluating the audio quality of a double DIN radio, there are four main characteristics to consider:
Power Output – The radio’s power output determines how loud and clear the sound will be. A higher power output is important for overcoming road noise and powering large speakers. Look for at least 50-55 watts of power output per audio channel for best sound quality. According to Car Audio Now, power requirements are higher for car speakers compared to home systems due to harsher noise conditions.
Distortion Levels – Distortion distorts the audio signal and makes it sound inaccurate. Aim for 0.5% or less total harmonic distortion. High quality radios will have lower distortion levels for purer and accurate sound.
Frequency Response – An extended frequency response will reproduce a full range of tones, from deep bass to crisp highs. Look for a frequency response curve that extends from at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz for well-rounded sound.
Equalizer Settings – The built-in equalizer allows you to adjust the sound profile to match your music tastes and speakers. An advanced equalizer like 8 or 10 band is best, as it provides more control over the tone at different frequencies.
Ease of Installation
Installing an aftermarket double DIN radio typically requires the use of a wiring harness adapter to simplify connecting the new radio to your vehicle’s wiring. Many units come with harnesses or have options to add one. Choose a radio that comes with an included plug-and-play wiring harness adapter for your specific vehicle to make installation smoother.
You’ll also need a dash kit that allows the double DIN radio to fit properly in your dash opening as the larger size won’t fit your factory opening. Many companies like Metra and Scosche offer dash kits customized for various vehicle makes and models. Be sure to get a dash kit designed for your specific vehicle. Certain premium radios also come with dash kits for popular models or allow you to add one.
Look for aftermarket head units that come with features to retain your steering wheel controls when installing the new stereo. Most major brands offer add-on interfaces or built-in control retention to preserve your steering wheel buttons for core functions like volume, source, track changing and hands-free calling when installing the upgrade radio.
Top Brands
When choosing an aftermarket double DIN radio, some of the most well-known and reputable brands to consider are Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and JVC.
Specifically, Kenwood is often commended for their audio quality, customization options, and ease of use. Their double DIN radios range from entry-level models under $200 to high-end options over $400.
Meanwhile, Pioneer is known for reliable hardware with impressive sound and intuitive interfaces. Many of their double DIN head units also come with advanced features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Budget Options Under $200
If you’re looking for an affordable double DIN head unit without breaking the bank, there are some decent options for under $200. At this price point, you’ll get a basic touchscreen stereo with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. While image and audio quality may not be top notch, these budget units check the boxes for smartphone integration and an improved over factory setup.
The Pioneer MVH-S220BS is a good choice around $100. It has a 6.2” resistive touchscreen, built-in Bluetooth for phone calls and music playback, and a wired remote input. You also get HD Radio tuners and direct control for Spotify and Pandora apps on your phone. While it lacks more advanced features like navigation or a CD/DVD player, it’s a solid budget upgrade.
Another option is the JVC KW-V250BT double DIN stereo, which runs around $150. This has a 6.8” touchscreen and a built-in CD/DVD player. You can stream audio over Bluetooth and make hands-free calls. There’s also support for SiriusXM satellite radio with an additional tuner module. While screen resolution and audio power are limited, it’s a good value pick.
At the sub-$200 level, you’ll have to compromise on certain features and quality. But you can still find an easy-to-install double DIN head unit with touchscreen and Bluetooth to improve over your factory stereo. Just set proper expectations for limited resolution, no extras like navigation, and adequate but not amazing sound.
Mid-Range $200-400
In the $200-400 price range, you’ll start to see head units with larger touchscreens, built-in navigation, better displays, and more connectivity options. While you won’t get all the bells and whistles of the premium models, these mid-range picks offer a nice mix of features, performance, and value.
Some key things to look for in this price tier are capacitive touchscreens of 6.2″ or larger, Bluetooth calling and audio streaming, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, built-in navigation, HD Radio compatibility, multicolor display illumination, and at least three sets of 4V preamp outputs. You’ll also see extras like DVD playback, satellite radio readiness, and rear camera input.
Brands to consider at this level include Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and JVC. Expect responsive touchscreens, good sound quality, and relatively easy installations. While not as flashy as the premium units, these mid-range models deliver great everyday use for most drivers. Just be sure to match the features to your needs and you can find an excellent double DIN radio upgrade in the $200-400 range.
Premium Picks Over $400
If you’re looking for the ultimate in-vehicle entertainment upgrade with premium features, large touchscreens, and audiophile sound quality, these flagship double DIN receivers start at over $400 but deliver an unrivaled user experience.
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
Pioneer’s top of the line AVH-W4500NEX has a giant, edge-to-edge 7″ capacitive touchscreen for a contemporary look. It nails the high-end audio experience with built-in 14-band parametric EQ, time alignment, and advanced sound tuning. And it has integrated navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and HD Radio built-in. Expect silky smooth graphics and interface thanks to the fast quad-core processor.
Kenwood Excelon DMX1057XR
The Excelon DMX1057XR is Kenwood’s premium offering, with a floating 6.95″ touch panel display with LED backlighting. It sports 13-band EQ and sound tuning abilities for audiophile listening. Built-in navigation is powered by Garmin, providing accurate routing and traffic avoidance. The unit also has wireless phone mirroring and is SiriusXM Ready out of the box. Plus it has HD Radio and dual camera inputs standard.
Conclusion
When choosing an aftermarket double DIN radio, the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX and the Kenwood DDX9907XR stand out as top overall picks. The Pioneer model offers a great balance of high-end audio and video quality, capacitive touchscreen, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and advanced safety features like driver distraction alerts – all at a mid-range price point around $600 (as of writing). For those wanting truly premium features like DVD playback, advanced voice control, more customizable audio settings, and better interface speed/responsiveness, the Kenwood DDX9907XR is an excellent high-end choice for around $1,100.
Key factors to consider when selecting a replacement double DIN receiver include: screen size/resolution, audio quality and customization options, smartphone integration features like CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation and/or traffic capabilities, hands-free calling and voice commands, backup camera readiness, high/low level preamp outputs for adding amplifiers, wallet-friendly cost if on a budget, and ease of installation. Evaluate which features are most important for your needs and budget.
With high-quality touchscreens, booming audio, integrated navigation, and smartphone connectivity now standard on many models – double DIN stereos provide great ways to upgrade both the entertainment and convenience of your driving experience. Carefully compare the latest options to choose the best double DIN head unit for your car.