Car Stereo

Also known as the head unit, radio, or receiver, this is the heart of your car’s audio system. A good car stereo does not have to have flashing lights, a double DIN size, or remote control. Choosing the best car stereo for your application is as simple as staying focused on what you like and how you listen to music. Nowadays, the EOM head unit will suffice in many cases, leaving you to only require the right amp and speakers. But, if replacing your head unit is in your future plans, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Size and Fit

I hope that by now, you are familiar with the term DIN and Double DIN! These are standard sizes for aftermarket head units, and yes, there are a few oddballs out there, but for the most part, you will be choosing between a DIN and a Double DIN. Even if your factory head unit looks a bit weird, there is a possibility that companies like METRA offer an adapter for it. But more importantly, you need to find out if your head unit is part of your vehicle’s computer BUS network, as is often the case nowadays. If this is the case, it is often better to leave the factory radio in place.

Power & Outputs

Another essential part of choosing the suitable aftermarket head unit for your vehicle is coming to grips with your expectations. Are you doing an entire sound system, or do you want better sound or advanced features? Purchasing a high-power head unit for a system that will have multiple amplifiers is a waste of money. If you are going to have amps, consider a head unit with subwoofer output and control. If you don’t plan on installing additional amplifiers, look for the highest RMS rating! Know that peak power is a marketing ploy and useless spec.

Features

The number one reason people want to change the factory radio is to add features. Yes, even today, many base model vehicles don’t come with features like Apple Pay, Android Auto, Backup Camera, Bluetooth, or Screen Mirroring.