If you are here, we are sure that you are looking for the best car stereo brand sound quality. Well, if you ask for the reason about it, we can also let you know that. We expect that you are an avid music lover and you want to stream and facilitate easy control of music either through Pandora or Spotify on your head unit. The best car stereo brand sound quality allows you to do certain other things that are beyond your expectations. The stereo for vehicles that are manufactured these days improves the sound quality of the music that you listen to by drastic levels. But nevertheless, you certainly must be expecting a stereo unit that perfectly fits your needs and requirements. Moreover, if you are a newbie, looking out for a new and technologically enhanced stereo unit can be a confusing proposition. But you do not need to worry about that at all. We are going to provide before you a list of things about stereo units that will enable you to really get the best stereo unit for your vehicle. We can guarantee you that by the end of this article you would be very sure about what to expect from your stereo unit, what are the factors that you need to consider before buying a stereo unit, which brands are ruling the market and which brand’s stereo unit will be the most suitable for your needs. Let’s proceed.
What to look for in a car stereo?
So if you have completely planned about buying a new car stereo for your vehicle you should consider the below-mentioned factors so that you always get the best from your investment in a new car stereo. Let’s have a look at them.
Power ratings
Power ratings tend to be a crucial factor in deciding about the best car stereo. The power output of the respective stereo is determined by the power of the speakers and the power of sound, that too without an external amplifier. Power ratings are further classified into two kinds of power ratings. They are classified as:-
Max power output
This is defined as the maximum amount of power that gets emitted for short periods of time. This is the maximum power that gets sent to your speakers, without an amplifier.
RMS (Continuous) power output
RMS Power is defined as the power that gets emitted by the car stereo at a continuous rate. The RMS power output is considered a crucial factor when it comes to power output rating.
Apart from these, the presence of in-built equalizers also plays a major role. It provides you with the capability to optimize the output sound by allowing you to raise or lower the level of certain frequencies. Your ability to customize the frequencies of music and sound is influenced by the number of bands that the car’s stereo Equalizer is having.
Display
This factor determines the user interface and style of your car stereo. Car stereos that are high end in nature feature a high LED pixel count. They also help in providing customizable features to your stereo that include brightness and color to complement with your car’s interiors.
Integration with your smartphone
The best car stereo systems that are available in the market today have a high level of smartphone integration. It enables you to access Spotify and Pandora and at the same time, it allows you to answer your phone calls without touching your cell phone. More advanced levels of car stereos include noise-canceling technology and microphones that not only eliminates road noise but also hone well with your voice.
Playback
Playback is the capability of a car’s stereo to vary between different methods of playing. It may include HD radio, MP3, CD, DVD, Bluetooth, Pandora, Auxiliary ports. An ideal car stereo unit is able to play all these methods of playback. You should ensure that the playback methods that you desire to use facilitate consistency with the playback features of the car stereo.
Expandability
Expandability refers to the capability of your car’s stereo to get connected to external components. The best of the car stereos feature at least three RCA outputs including front, rear and subwoofer of 4volt, Audio video input/outputs, rearview camera inputs that have compatible displays along with a microphone input.
Best Car Stereo Brand for Sound Quality Reviews
There are numerous brands that specialize in manufacturing stereo units for vehicles. At times, such a kind of variety can prove to be extremely perplexing. The stereo units that are featured by us under this sub-heading are one of the most sought after in nature and are built under reputed brands. You can read our reviews and make a decision easily all by yourself if you are going to purchase a stereo unit for your vehicle. Let’s have a look at the 10 best of them.
1. JVC KD- T905BTS
If you are looking out for a great stereo system for your car and that too at an affordable price, the JVC KD- T905BTS can undoubtedly prove to be the best bang for your bucks. With its plethora of features and connectivity options, you will surely be receiving the most desirable performance. You can listen to music on it from a variety of options including using a USB, a Smartphone, CD or any other kind of input. Its radio options that are even accessible through a smartphone include Pandora, iHeartRadio Internet as well as Spotify. JVC KD- T905BTS also has compatibility with the optional SiriusXM tuner. It features a detachable faceplate which helps to provide the service of a theft-deterrent measure. Its LCD display helps in offering up better visibility by offering broader view angles. The JVC KD- T905BTS also provides you with a great Bluetooth connectivity in a receiver. One of its most distinguished features is that it allows you to connect two phones through Bluetooth and easily switch them thereby facilitating ease in hands-free calling. To add to this, this stereo system features Bluetooth capabilities that allow you and your travel buddies to play music from 5 different paired smartphones. This unit is capable to get connected with both iPhones and Android phones. With the use of its K2 technology, this stereo system delivers great sound quality. You can also refine and balance the sound quality of your stereo as per your liking.
Pros
This unit comes up with an optional remote control.
It features DJ mode that helps to stream music from multiple devices.
Its display features information if the phone battery gets lowered.
Its stereo lights sync with the music.
Cons
It does not feature an HD radio.
2. Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS
Power, function and aesthetics, all these become an important factor to be considered while buying an ideal head unit. In such a scenario, the Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS can serve you in the best of your interests. It has a traditional appearance. The sound quality of this stereo is exceptionally amazing. The most unique feature of this stereo is its aesthetics, it provides you the feature of dual-zone color illumination. This feature allows you to choose and customize the text colors that are present on the screen as per your choice and preferences. It has an extensive color combination range of more than 210,000. This unit also comes up with a 10-level brightness control which helps you to create the perfect visual setting. The audio of the Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS exhibits a solid sound. It has access to Pandora, Spotify, Siri Eyes Free and Android Music Support. It has a built-in dual Bluetooth. Its other features include the built-in MOSFET amp, MIXTRAX for DJ-inspired technology, FLAC playback, compatibility with audio files like WAV, AAC, WMA and MP3, 13-band Equalizer with 7 present curves and 3 pairs of preamp outputs. This unit also comes up with a head unit and is compatible with both wheel and steering controls. This unit can be connected with two phones at once and it also features the ability to use guest mode for a third phone.
Pros
This unit exhibits a great audio quality.
It has got a simple-to-use interface.
It allows you to customize the text colors on the screen.
It has a complete set of extra and essential features of a stereo.
You can link 2 phones with this unit and use the guest mode for connecting the third phone.
Cons
It is compatible only with Android and iOS devices.
3. Sony MEX-N5200BT
When it comes to bluetooth functionality, no other unit can beat the Sony MEX-N5200BT. It easily pairs up with two phones and frees you and your partner from hands-free functionality. Along with this, the Sony MEX-N5200BT delivers a great sound quality. To provide sufficient power to either the factory speakers or higher quality replacements, it comes up with an in-built CD player, an Aux and USB inputs along with a 4-channel amplifier. It features a dedicated subwoofer connection along with three pre-amp outputs. This unit is able to play FLAC files along with a USB drive. It has 18 FM presets and this unit provides you with a voice control that is compatible with both Android as well as Siri Eyes Free. Its sound quality is managed with a 10-band Equalizer along with high- and low-pass filters. It also has an “Extra Bass” bass boost function. If you want to match the head unit lighting with that of the car’s interior the Sony MEX-N5200BT will let you do that.
Pros
Its high power amplifier delivers you with a natural and clear audio quality.
It has dual USB ports.
It exhibits plenty of power.
It can be easily paired up with two phones.
Cons
It has no unique feature.
4. Pioneer DEH-80PRS
The Pioneer DEH-80PRS is one of the best car stereos owing to its powerful and simple features. The Pioneer DEH-80PRS is built with high-quality parts and components and exhibits a full sound. It provides you with Android support and along with hands-free bluetooth connectivity. It can easily recognize compressed audio files. With its 40later circuit board, it reduces the internal noise with copper foil, thereby providing you with a clean sound. It can easily capture high, mid and low ranges when it is combined with a set of 3 24-bit D/A converters. To facilitate independent output adjustment for both the left and right channels, it features a 16-band EQ. In order to avoid static and garbled kind of audio, it features Auto Time Alignment. It also comes up with customization options to adjust the audio as per your preference. Apart from Bluetooth, it features 2 rear USB outputs, 2 rear aux inputs, SD card slot and CD playback. It has got a user-friendly interface and it is highly durable in nature.
Pros
It has got appealing and attractive aesthetics.
It is built up with quality materials.
It has a classic design and it exhibits various features.
It exhibits compatibility with the most factory steering wheel audio controls.
Cons
It is on the pricier side.
This unit can be a bit difficult to navigate while you drive.
5. Alpine CDE-HD149BT
The Alpine CDE-HD149BT is not only great in appearance but it also exhibits numerous features. To help you avoid theft, it comes up with a detachable faceplate. Its well laid-out display facilitates ease in its usage and control. With the Alpine CDE-HD149BT you can tune the system’s sound to suit your preferences. It is compatible with both iPhone and Android. It enables you to create a user profile enlisting your personal information, vehicle and alpine system. It also allows you to adjust the system’s sound settings to suit your choice.it provides you with a wide range kg audio control and sources from which you can play the music that suits your preferences. It comprises of CD player, Bluetooth, built-in HD radio tuner, USB (including WMA, M4A and MP3 files) and an AM/FM tuner. It supports Pandora along with App Direct Mode for selecting music apps. Its bluetooth feature also allows you to receive or make calls without the need to pick up the phone. This unit features a 9-band parametric Equalizer and exhibits a great sound quality. In order to fine tune your sound delivery, it also comes up with high and low crossover filters.
Pros
It is having an attractive and appealing look.
It ensures clarity in music.
It is highly compatible with external devices.
It has numerous fine tuning audio adjustments.
Cons
It has got inconvenient placement if USB and auxiliary inputs.
It can support FLAC files through USB.
6. Kenwood Excelon KDC-X702
If you are looking for a wide range of wireless compatibility options and you are an avid music lover, the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X702 will serve you in the best of your interests. It allows you to enjoy hands-free calling for two phones through Bluetooth. It can easily get paired with 5 different Bluetooth devices at the same time. You and your travel buddies can enjoy audio streaming from your respective favorite playlists and that too from different wireless devices. This unit helps in providing you and your travel buddies with the most amount of control on the unit by directly using their respective cell phones. You have to first install the Kenwood free remote app on your phone and using the Bluetooth connection of the paired phone you can access the stereo. For facilitating easier stereo control, this unit comes up with a detachable faceplate with a cool display. This unit features an in-built HD radio tuner and with it, you can easily access Spotify, Pandora as well as iHeartRadio easily by using up your cell phone. For facilitating easy charging or connecting to portable devices, this unit comes up with dual USB ports. This unit is compatible with the SiriusXM tuner as well. With its 13-band Equalizer that comes with Drive EQ and digital alignment capabilities, the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X702 provides you with optimum sound and lets you adjust and personalize it suits your own requirements.
Pros
It features a user-friendly interface.
It produces a great sound quality.
It has an excellent smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity.
It has got a great design.
This unit is compatible with most of the steering wheel controls.
Cons
This unit has got an inconvenient placement of the USB.
7. Pioneer DEH-S6120BS
The Pioneer DEH-S6120BS is known basically for a great sound quality along with a cheaper price. The Pioneer DEH-S6120BS can easily get connected wirelessly through Bluetooth to various services that are indulged in music streaming. To be more particular, this unit can get connected with five units at once. It can play music from Apple Music Playback, Android Music Playback, Spotify, Pandora as well as SiriusXM with a separate tuner. It can also play music through CDs, MP3s as well as FLAC files. This unit allows you to customize this system suiting your own preferences. Pioneer DEH-S6120BS comes up with a 13-band Equalizer, has controls for 3-way networking, subwoofer controls along with upgraded pre outs. This unit has three pairs of 4v pre outs. Its LED display features a 210,000-color customization to suit your choice, and its simple font is easily feasible and that too at a quick glance. It helps you in avoiding distracted driving. To facilitate additional safety, this unit is hands-free.
Pros
This stereo unit is easy to install.
It is budget-friendly.
It has numerous features to suit your individual preferences.
Cons
At times this unit might get defected with rear pre-outs.
8. Kenwood KDC-BT958HD
This unit helps in delivering you with more than you expect from a single DIN head unit. The Kenwood KDC-BT958HD presents itself with a minimalist design along with various features which makes this unit an ideal choice to go for if you love listening to music on the road. It comes up with a removable faceplate and an intuitive USB folder navigation with several shuffle settings that facilitates ease in music navigation. For facilitating hands-free calling it comes up with Bluetooth connectivity, dust covers as well as mood display. It accepts music formats including AAC, WMA, MP3 and it can easily play CD, CD-R as well as CD-RW discs. It features two memory audio settings. It is compatible with iPod, iPad, iPhone as well as Siri Eyes Free with its built-in controls. It also has compatibility with iHeart, Aha, Sirius satellite radio and Pandora. The Kenwood KDC-BT958HD features 7 bnd Equalizer along with sound reconstruction as well as a high and low-pass crossover. This unit is attractive and stylish in appearance and it delivers great sound quality. The Kenwood KDC-BT958HD is extremely versatile in its performance.
Pros
It is versatile in nature.
It exhibits a great sound quality and performance.
It has numerous features along with expandability options.
This unit features a multi-color display.
Cons
The display of this unit might get dimmed during the daytime.
9. Sony MEX-XB100BT
If you are looking for a good head unit that comes up with an in-built Class-D, then the Sony MEX-XB100BT can prove to be the best product for that matter. It can reach an output of 400 W which gives you the most high-quality and ear-pleasing sound experience. With its mega bass feature, you can boost bass levels with a minimum level of distortion and at the same time, the built in amp helps in preventing hissing at high volumes. To further separate the highs, the mids and the lows, this unit comes up with filters that thereby produce crispier sounds. It lets you choose between ten different Equalizer settings. With its Bluetooth-ready head unit, it provides a wide array of options. You can listen to AM/FM, satellite or digital radio along with CDs. It also allows you to plug in your phone or iPod with the use of an AUX and USB input slots that are present on the front and stream from Spotify or Pandora. Its most eminent feature includes the presence of an LCD display that changes colors syncing with the beat.
Pros
This unit works effectively with Pandora and SiriusXM.
Its in-built amp provides a more powerful audio quality.
Its Mega Bass feature helps in reducing distortion.
This unit features a 10-band equalizer.
Cons
This unit uses a lot of power and it can easily drain your car’s battery quickly.
10. Kenwood KMM-BT322
The Kenwood KMM-BT322 is a complex gadget that can enhance the audio experience of your vehicle. Its most important features include FM/AM radio, dual Phone connection, Bluetooth, smartphone app, bass boost, graphic equalizer, customizable LCD display, USB interface, removable faceplate and many more. Its Equalizer is one of the most prominent parts of this unit. The Kenwood KMM-BT322 features a 13-band graphic equalizer which provides you great control over the sound quality. Due to this feature, you can benefit from this unit’s unique and effective sound reconstruction technology that helps to restore the high-frequency definition when it comes to compressed audio files. The Kenwood KMM-BT322 can be controlled with your smartphone. It is compatible with both iOS as well as Android devices. The wireless protocol of Kenwood KMM-BT322 is stable in nature and it facilitates smooth browsing of Pandora and Spotify playlist browsing.
Pros
This unit has got a simple user interface.
It is budget-friendly.
This unit is highly customizable in nature.
It facilitates dual phone connection.
It facilitates smooth streaming.
Cons
This unit is not too powerful in its performance and deliverance.
How to install a car stereo in your vehicle?
Installing a car stereo in your vehicle can at times be a challenging job. It also depends on the type of vehicle in which you are installing the car stereo. Apart from this there are several other factors that determine how much time will be consumed in installing a car stereo. Let’s have a look at them.
Wiring
The wiring of a car is dependent on the number of features that come up with the car. These may include an OEM amplified stereo or an OnStar on GM cars. You need to have a clear idea about them before you proceed with wiring your vehicle. It also influenced your decision of ordering adapting harnesses.
Dash and trim components
The dash and trim components are characterized by their stubborn nature. They are too tight and thereby difficult to remove. Cars that have the most difficult dash and trim components are Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen.
Mounting up the new head unit
Mounting up the new head unit can be a challenging and cumbersome task if you choose to do it all by yourself. However, in the majority of the cases, you can simplify the mounting and installation of the stereo as such cars are provided with adapting Dash kits.
Which type of stereo unit you should go for, a Single DIN or a Double DIN?
The main basis of differentiation between a single DIN and a double din head unit is their size. In inches, both are 7 inches wide. But talking specifically of the single DIN units, they are 2 inches tall. As compared to single DIN units, double DIN units are twice their height. Your choice between the two is dependent on the size of the room that you have on your vehicle’s dashboard. As a general rule, if your vehicle comes up with a single DIN unit you can only get it replaced with a single DIN unit only but if your vehicle has a double-DIN unit, you can opt for either of the Single DIN unit or Double DIN unit. The double-DIN unit has extra space that provides your unit with more functionality. But at the same time, there lies no major difference in the sound quality of both of them. Their sound depends on the making and the sound-focused features that come up with them.
The level of versatility that you expect from your stereo unit
If your vehicle supports single DIN head units, it will be able to take care of all your audio needs. But in most of the cars of recent generation, only double DIN units are preferred because they offer more than what is expected. Well, your choice between the two is also dependent on whether you want a high-performance unit or a unit with all kinds of additional features. Units that support bluetooth and Aux phone ports are the most relevant these days along with 3G or 4G technology. Double DIN units basically come up with those features. Many people also prefer units that come up with Equalizer options as well as some other enhancement features that come up with specialized head units. Bass boost is one of the most favored features of drivers. A reliable frequency restoration technology also helps in accessing compressed audio files.
The final word
If you are looking out for the best stereo unit for your vehicle, a majority of people have a tendency to buy the one that shows a great amount of versatility as well as functionality. If you are one of those who fall in the category of music junkies, you would always like to prefer a unit that produces a crisp and powerful sound that has a wide and dynamic range. The 10 models of stereo units that are featured by us are one of the best stereo units that are available in the market. But there is one important consideration to look out for. Before purchasing the best quality stereo unit for your vehicle you should ensure that the stereo unit is able to fit in properly on your car’s dashboard. You should also consider the cost that will get incurred on installation. And that’s it!!! We expect that this article would have surely provided you with detailed and descriptive information about the best stereo brand for sound quality. If you have any further queries about this subject you can let us know about them in the comments section. We will provide you with the answers to your questions as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to provide us your valuable feedback that matters the most to us. Thanks for reading.
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