How to choose a car radio? Separate the main from the minor

Agree, now it is difficult to meet a car without a car radio. After all, this thing is really necessary. Imagine you are in a traffic jam, you are going over long distances, not even having the opportunity to talk. Musical accompaniment is a great way to diversify your trips.

Not always standard devices can please drivers with good sound and quality. Therefore, over time, car owners are faced with the problem of choice. The problem is, because such a variety of models is now available that you can get confused in two accounts. Especially the newcomer who still does not know how to separate the main from the secondary.

In this article we will look at the main factors of choice and show what is really important.

Device Manufacturer

Today, there are many manufacturers who are trying to improve the radio, release some improved models. There are brands that specialize in the release of only tape recorders, there are those that provide a wide range of products.

Tip # 1: do not dwell on the manufacturer. This is just a name that can hide a different quality. And where is the guarantee that the top brand you will find an excellent device? Sometimes the products of a little-known manufacturer becomes better.

When choosing a radio, consider its functionality, sound quality and don't forget about the design.

Standard size

Here, fortunately, the choice is small: 1-DIN or 2-DIN. There is no third. Here, keep in mind that you can install a 1 DIN receiver in the console for 2 DIN, but taking into account that you have something to occupy free space.

But the opposite can not be done. It will require drastic changes in the design, because you need to free up additional space for installation.

Tip number 2: if your car initially provides for the installation of a radio with a size of 1 din, then select the appropriate device. Or you can do a global remake of the center console. And this is on condition that you will be sure of the expediency of such expenses.

Maximum output power

And here you need to be careful not to fall into the marketing trap. For example: on the counter there are two models with the same functionality, but one with a power of 50 W in 4 channels, and the other-60 W with the same 4 channels. And of course, you are likely to choose the second. "There is more than a figure, it means better"-the novice will think.

Maximum power is the maximum value, which in practice may be less.

Tip # 3. Don't chase after big numbers. Of course, the difference in 4x7 or 2x35 watts is obvious. But to find this difference between 4x40 and 4x45 models is very difficult in practice.

If you know that you will install powerful acoustics, then immediately pay attention to external amplifiers. These are small mechanisms that will give good power.

Display Type

This parameter is also often the main marketing, but in fact is not always decisive. The type of display depends on the functionality of the model. If you are interested in buying a radio with a large screen, then you will need a device with a color LCD.

But if you want simple. radio, whose task is only to play music, then pay attention to the model with a segment display. So, the backlight will not blind the eyes, the screen does not fade, and you can read the letters even in bright daylight.

Tip # 4: choose the type of screen depending on your goals and desires. Sometimes it is better to pay, and sometimes-this overpayment will be completely useless.

Bluetooth Support

This feature not only simplifies the use of the radio, but also increases your safety. Imagine you are driving on the highway and here you are called. The phone is in your pants pocket. Which is safer: get a smartphone or answer a call using wireless technology? Of course, the second option is much better.

Tip number 5: in modern conditions, Bluetooth has become an indispensable function. Moreover, you can use any device as a hands-free. Here the overpayment fully justifies the result.

Also include the ability to play music via Bluetooth. So you can not overwrite your favorite songs several times, but listen to them immediately from the phone.

Front Panel Connectors

Today, models have an impressive list of interface. Therefore, you can listen to music from a variety of devices. But not all of them are really needed.

Consider the most popular connectors:

• AUX-normal 3.5 mm. Jack. It is designed to play sound from external devices with headphone output.
• microSD and SD/MMC are analogues of the same slots as on PCs, smartphones and tablets. Now this is a less popular option, since a memory card cannot work without a card reader, so there are difficulties in recording music.
• micro USB, mini USB and USB. Only full-size USB is relevant, allowing you to read a USB flash drive without additional cables and adapters.

Tip number 6. Do not choose universal devices that immediately support all possible connectors. It is better to buy a model where only the inputs you need will be, but the functionality has been improved.

Connectors on the back

The functionality of the car radio depends on the presence of connectors on the back side. For example, using USB connectors, you can connect extension cords, make a hidden connection to the DVR.

Consider the most popular connectors:

• Antenna input is required to listen to the radio. Immediately consider the support of wavebands. In the city, their need is minimized, but on the highway and in the suburbs it will be very useful.
• A GPS antenna is needed for car stereos that have navigation provided.
• The HDMI connector is needed so that you can output the image from an external source. So, there is a synchronization of the screen of the device, for example, with your phone. This technology is not yet so relevant and is only being introduced in the market of auto accessories.
• RGB input is required to enable full navigation.
• Login to control the buttons on the steering wheel is needed only if such mechanisms are provided in your car. After all, it is not always convenient to reach for the radio to switch music. It’s much easier to click on the right button on the steering wheel.
• DVR is required to connect the DVR. This is not to say that this is a really important function. After all, it only allows you to view the video, so you can use the usual USB-input.
• A connector for connecting to reversing lights is an important function if you are planning to install a camera.
• The presence of a TV tuner-here you can bet. If TV is meant for the driver, then we immediately discard this idea, because watching a movie reduces the safety of the trip. For passengers, only relevant over long distances, especially for children.

Tip number 7. The connectors on the back are much more important than on the front. But this does not mean that you should choose all the available functionality at once. For a standard car owner, it will be enough: USB, antenna input and control capabilities using the steering buttons, if provided. At 130.com.ua you can buy a radio tape recorder in an auto in Kharkov, Odessa, Kiev with delivery in Ukraine.

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