GB:Car Receivers
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Car Receivers Buying Guide

With high definition and optical audio in full swing, people are updating their home audio systems  for digital compatibility.  Unfortunately, most stop with their home stereo  and settle for mediocre sound in their cars.  This makes no sense!  Your car is the place to listen to music.  Who doesn't like to roll down the windows, turn up the volume, and enjoy his or her favourite music while he or she drives?  Car receivers are a crucial component to great sounding car audio, and they provide superior sound compared to the stereo that came with your car.  Use this guide to pick out a receiver that fits your liking as well as your car, and bring your music to life!

Popular Receivers

Here are the top five most popular receivers available today:

JVC KD-G351 

  • 4 X 50 Watt MOS-FET Amplifier
  • USB Front Input
  • 3.5mm Aux input
  • RDS HS-IV Tuner
  • 24-bit DAC
  • iEQ Equalisation

Pioneer DEH-50UB 

  • MOSFET 50W x 4
  • Tuner: AM/FM
  • Front Panel Removable
  • Cellular telephone auto muting
  • iPod Direct control

Kenwood KDC-W5041UG 

  • 4 x 50W MOSFET amplifier with System Es Sound Control
  • Front panel mounted USB port
  • Removable front panel and security code
  • Two-way telephone muting
  • Front panel auxiliary cable input (headphone-style jack)

JVC KD-G342 

  • 50W x 4 Amplifier
  • 24-bit resolution DAC
  • MP3 & WMA Compatible
  • ID3 Tag Display
  • CD/CD-R/CD-RW Compatible
  • Line Output Terminals
  • Front Aux Input

Panasonic CQ C1465N 

  •  4 x 50W amplifier
  • MP3 playback
  • CD text display
  • Detachable faceplate
  • Front aux input

What Else Should I Consider?

Stereo bracket for an Audi
  • Vehicle Compatibility 
    • Will the receiver fit into the slot where your old car stereo was?
      • Although many people have their new receiver professionally installed, be sure to make sure parts are available for your vehicle before purchasing a receiver.
    • Check to see if you need a stereo fitting kit  to accommodate for extra room your new receiver might need.
    • Many receivers do not come with a wiring harness adapter.   You will need one of these to install your receiver.
  • Audio Formats
    • Determine what audio format(s) the receiver that interests you supports.
    • Check to see if you can only play burned CDs containing these formats, or you can load these file types directly on to the receiver via a USB memory stick.  
      • CD- CD Audio (not burned)
      • MP3- .MP3 
      • WMA- .WMA (Windows Audio)
      • AAC- .AAC  (Common with iTunes)
  • Power
    • Watts per channel
      • The two most common power options for receivers are 50W x 4 channels and 45W x 4 channels
        • Purchasing a receiver with lower wattage than these will affect sound quality.
    • Speakers
      • Do you have the original or after market speakers in your car?
      • Check the wattage and ohms (found in your owners manual). Compare these numbers with the receiver to see if the power is balanced.
  • Accessory Compatibility
    • Aux inputs
      • USB inputs will allow you to control your iPod from the receiver.
      • Headphone style inputs require you to play music from your iPod.
      • Does the receiver support satelite radio, or do you need an adapter?

Major Manufacturers

Related Products





External Links

  • Crutchfield.com: Everything you need to know about car stereos including install instructions and tips.