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| Mr. Mobile - Info Center - Car Stereos |
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It is time to upgrade or replace your car stereo, what do you do? There are so many choices today, full motion graphic displays, MP3 compatible, DVD playback, iPod compatible, satellite radio ready, HD Radio ready, Bluetooth and GPS.. With so many options, what do you do to be sure you get everything you want and need? Well, we are here to help you make sense of it all.
What fits my car?
We have a fit guide to help you select a new car stereo that will fit your vehicle. Just enter your cars information and the fit guide will tell you not only what car stereo will fit, but what size speakers you need plus any adapters or other accessories we may offer to interface with you vehicle. Plus, we have all the kits and harnesses needed to complete the job!
What types of car stereos are available?
There are several types of car stereo’s available today. Here are the main types:
- CD car stereos– this type of unit play’s regular store bought CD’s. Most will also play your CD-R’s and CD-RW’s.
- CD with MP3/WMA/AAC playback – in addition to the above, these will also play your MP3 and/or WMA and/OR AAC encoded CD’s.
- Double Din – These units are twice the height of a standard din unit. This is the size that is used in most of today’s new vehicles
- CD/Cassette combo’s – These units have both a CD player and cassette player in one unit and are usually double Din size so there is room for both the CD and cassette mechanism.
- In dash DVD players – These units usually have either a motorized monitor or a screen mounted in a double Din chassis with a built in CD/MP3/WMA/DVD player
- In Dash Navigation systems – Some of the in dash DVD players have GPS built in or you can add GPS via an add on GPS system. The GPS will display on the in dash DVD units screen.
- CD changers – There are both in dash CD changers and also CD changers you can add and control thru your car stereo to get more CD playback capability. We have CD changers that work with both after market and OEM stereos.
What are some features available in today’s car stereos?
- Multi source playback – play back CD, MP3, WMA, AAC
- Satellite Radio Ready – This means that all you need to do to add commercial free music, live sporting events and other programming XM or Sirius have to offer is add the optional matching tuner/adapter package. Your Satellite Radio Ready car stereo will allow you to control the satellite radio functions and see the song, artist and channel info on the car stereo’s display. Monthly subscription required for satellite radio
- HD Radio Ready – This means you can add an optional HD tuner box to this radio to get HD radio and be able to access all of the CD quality sound and increased selection HD radio offers, all without a subscription fee.
- Multi color and full Motion Graphic displays – these displays have not only multiple colors some allow you to customize the color. Some also full motion graphics. There is a selection of various graphic/themes built in for you to select from.
- Built in EQ’s – better than a basic bass and treble control, these EQ’s give you more control over the sound of your music. Some stereos even have built in digital time alignment and more advanced forms of digital sound processing.
- Built in crossovers - Allows you to control the frequencies going to your front and rear speakers and/or subwoofer separately.
- Pre amp outputs – Allow you to add amplifier[s].
- High voltage pre amp outputs – Will give you better sound quality from your car stereo to your amplifier, giving you even better overall sound out of you amplifier
- iPod compatible – Most aftermarket stereos have the ability to add iPod playback with the purchase of an adapter. Most will even let you control the functions and see the folder info from your iPod thru the stereo.
- USB Compatible – Some car stereos have a built in USB input, others require and add on USB adapter to allow you to plug in your USB device and play your music.
- Bluetooth Compatible – via either built in Bluetooth capability or an add on adapter, allows you to talk on your Bluetooth phone hands free thru your car stereo system.
- Built in DVD playback – Allows playback of not only CD’s, MP3’s and WMA discs, but also DVD movies.
- GPS Navigation – Some video units have GPS navigation built in, some require you to add on a separate GPS receiver. The system will display maps and other data on the screen giving you visual and voice turn by turn directions to your destination. Some even offer real time traffic info via an option tuner.
What else do I need to know?
The difference between the less expensive units and more expensive units is simple - the more expensive units offer more features, more capabilities, better displays and better cosmetics. Overall, a $299 car stereo will sound and look better that a $99 car stereo because it will have features like better sound shaping, additional and higher voltage pre-out's, a better display, better cosmetics, a remote control. Plus iPod, HD radio, Bluetooth and satellite radio capabilities.
If you are still not sure what you should get, call or email one of our Mobile Electronic Specialists and they will be happy to help you with your selection process.
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