Buying a new in-dash receiver for your car used to revolve around a two basic choices: CD or cassette. But cassettes are a fading memory, and with the advent of MP3 players you may not carry around or even own CDs. This fundamental change in how we listen to music has spawned a new category of in-dash player — the digital media receiver.
What's a digital media receiver?
Simply put, a digital media receiver is a car receiver without a built-in CD player. In the place of a CD player, they sport inputs like USB ports, SD card slots, auxiliary inputs, or dedicated iPod® connections. Most models support manufacturer-specific connections for other peripherals, like satellite radio, HD Radio™ tuners, or CD changers, as well.
Picking a digital media receiver that suits your style
Start with the obvious — pick a model that fits in your car. Just go to "Outfit My Car" and enter your vehicle information. This will filter out the options that don't fit in your car. Plus, we'll let you know about any necessary installation kits, instructions and special adapters you may need. Now consider the following questions:
What type of inputs do you need?
Answering this question is the next step in selecting the right digital media receiver. Here's a quick rundown of what to look for.
•iPod connections: Digital media receivers are ideal for iPod users. They're often designed to make it easy to navigate your iPod's files, and some models even display album art as well as song titles and folder names. For maximum benefit, choose a model that has a dedicated iPod connection built in, rather than requiring an additional adapter or using a USB input. This way you'll have more connection options in addition to your iPod.
•USB inputs: USB thumb drives and hard disk drives are a great way to store lots of music. Note where the USB input(s) are — front-panel or on a rear cable — so they'll match up to how you want to configure your system.
•SD card slots: Some digital media receivers come with an SD card slot. If you dig the small size and portability of SD cards, consider looking for this feature.
•Auxiliary inputs: A standard minijack auxiliary input is simple to use and nearly universal. They're great for plug-and-play satellite radios, or as an extra input for another player. Be sure to check location — if you want the most convenience, go for a front-panel input. For a cleaner look, choose one that connects to the rear of the receiver.
•Bus connections: Most digital media receivers will have proprietary connections on the back for items like CD changers, HD Radio tuners, or satellite radio tuners. Be sure to check for these if you want the most expansion possibilities.
•Bluetooth®: When we think of Bluetooth, we usually think of hands-free calling with mobile phones. But many phones, and some media players, can stream stereo music wirelessly to receivers with Bluetooth capabilities. You'll find Bluetooth built in to some receivers, and as an add-on option with others.
Are you a "set it and forget it" listener or are you a "tweaker"?
Listening options are just one of the things you need to consider when shopping for a car stereo. The other pieces of the stereo are the internal power and preamp sound processing.
•Sound controls: Controls beyond basic bass and treble adjustments let you tailor the music to your car's acoustics. Even if you are the "set it and forget it" type, look for a stereo with treble, bass, and midrange controls — the ability to adjust the midrange will improve the sound of your music. On the other hand, if you're a "tweaker" who likes to experiment with the sound adjustments, look for a model with a more sophisticated equalizer (such as a parametric EQ), with digital signal processing (DSP), or with digital time correction — these types of sound controls give you total control over the effect of the acoustics in your vehicle.
What else should you consider in a digital media receiver?
Consider these features and factors when making your choice.
•Auxiliary input: If you listen to portable music players a lot, and want to be able to listen to your tunes
•HD Radio: The world of broadcast radio is entering the digital age. Radio stations broadcasting digital signals are becoming more and more prevalent. To gain the benefits of static-free reception and better sound quality, your stereo must have an HD Radio tuner, either built-in or as an outboard component. Both options are currently available.
•Satellite radio: If you want to add satellite radio to your new car stereo, make sure the stereo you choose is "satellite radio-ready." That means it can control an optional hideaway satellite radio. Most brands are compatible with radios from either satellite radio company (SIRIUS or XM), but some will only work with one or the other.
•Bluetooth: Bluetooth, whether built into the receiver or added with on an optional module, gives you the freedom of hands-free calling when used with a compatible phone. Some receivers with Bluetooth will support music streaming as well.
•Power: Are you keeping your factory speakers? If so, you don't need to worry about a brand name stereo's power rating — it'll drive your factory speakers just fine. If you intend to replace your factory speakers, however, look for one of the higher-powered models. (Remember, CEA compliant models will have lower RMS power ratings than non-CEA models.)
•Preamp outputs: Preamp outputs let you connect external amplifiers to power your speakers or a subwoofer. The number or outputs can vary, but you should have at least one set — the higher the output voltage rating, the cleaner the signal. If you know you will be adding a subwoofer, look for a model with a dedicated subwoofer output — this will allow you to adjust the subwoofer volume independently, rather than using the bass control.
•Signal processing: Higher-end stereos have advanced sound processors that can decode surround sound formats like Dolby® Digital and DTS®. Some can also process advanced CODECS such as DVD-Audio.
•Display: For ease of use, you'll want a display that shows the song, album, and artist information without a lot of scrolling. Enhanced graphics make it easier to see the display at a glance and provide you with more information. They also make it easier to control and adjust the stereo. And some displays let you select their color, for a better match to your dash lighting.
Why would I buy a higher-priced model?
For many people, a lower-priced stereo will do everything they need. So why should you spend more? More expensive stereos will offer:
•Better sound: Higher-priced stereos often feature upgraded power supplies, improved processors, and more flexible fine tuning. That means better sounding music for you, especially if you're upgrading the rest of your vehicle's audio system.
•Easier to use: Advanced controls make it easier to operate the stereo. Touchscreen controls are among the most intuitive to use and give your stereo a futuristic feel.
•"Wow" factor: Top-end stereos offer a more striking visual appearance — multicolor fluorescent displays, customizable graphics, and motorized faceplates, for example.
