We buy radio

The buyer of a car radio has a choice of several dozen models in various price categories. So, what to look for when buying?

About a dozen years ago, a foreign radio in the car was the peak of Poles' dreams. Then few people paid attention to the parameters and capabilities of the equipment. It is important that it be branded. Today, the buyer has several dozen models to choose from in various price categories. So, what to look for when buying?

We divided the car audio market into three price segments. The first group includes radios, for which you need to pay up to PLN 500, the second - from PLN 500 to 1000. The third group includes equipment with a price of 1000 PLN and more, without restrictions.

Segment 500

This group is dominated by Kenwood, Pioneer and Sony, which offer models with the most features. The closer to the upper limit, of course, the more possibilities the equipment has. A good radio should first of all be equipped with an RDS system that allows you to display the name of the station, the name of the song or short messages from radio stations on the panel. Let's look for models with sound amplifiers using the "mofset" technology, which affects the best sound quality.

The most expensive radios in this segment should already have systems capable of playing MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) files. The volume knob is also important. This makes it easier to control the radio while driving. In addition, some models have a push-knob that allows you to quickly navigate to various audio settings. The volume knob is unfortunately not standard, cheaper radios (about PLN 300) often have less convenient two buttons for volume control.

For around PLN 500, you can also buy a radio with an AUX/IN input (on the front, on the panel, or on the back of the radio) that allows you to connect an external media player.

Even for this amount, there are models with one output connected to a separate amplifier (RCA). What does it mean? Firstly, the possibility of expanding the sound system, for example, with a subwoofer.

Unfortunately, in this price range, we are unlikely to find a branded model that can be connected to a CD changer.

Segment 500 - 1000

The radios of this group have all the best features of the previous segment, but, of course, are even better equipped. The power of the radio in this segment is the same as in the previous one, but the sound quality is higher. In addition, the hardware consists of higher quality components. The best deal for this group comes from Alpine, Clarion, Pioneer, Sony and Blaupunkt.

Almost all models have a CD changer output and a remote control included. As a rule, these are simple portable wired or infrared controllers. However, you can also find radios with a steering column remote control. Models from this group also have a great opportunity to expand the sound system. If cheaper radios mostly have a stereo system, then a quad system is no longer uncommon here, so you should look for a model with two or even three sets of amplifier outputs. If we are going to expand the speaker system, it is worth choosing a radio with low and high pass filters that will assign tones to the subwoofer, midrange and tweeters accordingly.

There are also several models on the market (especially JVC) with USB input instead of AUX/IN. In this way, you can directly play the music stored in the USB storage device. This option is also available in the segment up to PLN 500, but these will not be branded radios (the so-called unnamed). They are usually the same are equipped as branded models from the price range of PLN 500 - 1000, but with much worse sound quality and performance of the entire product.

Segment 1000 - ...

Basically, these are "top" models from manufacturers. A good radio tape recorder is an expense of 2,5 - 3 thousand. zloty. The upper price limit is even a few thousand zł. Radio stations of this group have improved sound processors, color LCD displays. Often the radio is equipped with a motorized panel behind which is a CD compartment. Some models also have the ability to tilt the bezel to a different angle to optimize display readability.

Radios in the most expensive segment also have control modules that allow, for example, to connect an iPod (this function is sometimes available in the lower segment).

Most of the models up to 3 PLN are available in the "wider" sale - such radios are, for example, in the offers of electronics stores.

In specialized stores that offer equipment for audiophile drivers, radios are much more expensive. The possibilities are almost endless - satellite navigation radios, DVD playback screen, etc.

Drivers who install such a professional audio system in their cars usually choose three brands - Alpine, Clarion and Pioneer.

The color of the display does not affect the hardware parameters. It is simply the ability for the customer to choose the color of the interior of the car or the color of the dashboard illumination.

When looking for a suitable radio receiver, you should not rely on the output power specified in the equipment manufacturer's parameters. As a rule, there are book data. The actual output power RMS (power measurement standard) for most models is about half the value specified in the parameters. So if we see the inscription 50 watts, then in fact it is 20-25 watts. When connecting speakers, the power should be selected so that the RMS of the radio is approximately two times lower than the RMS of the speakers. So do not connect the radio to powerful speakers without an external amplifier, because the sound effect will be weak.

The ease of use of the radio is primarily due to the legibility of the function buttons on the panel. According to users, the easiest to use radios are Kenwood, Pioneer and JVC (in all price groups), and the most difficult are the more expensive models from Alpine and Sony.

Some drivers still have a lot of cassettes. Unfortunately, the choice of branded equipment that will reproduce such audio media is significantly limited. There are separate Alpine and Blaupunkt models on the market, although other brands can be found in stores that still have old stock.

For drivers who would like to protect their radio from theft by XNUMX%, a good solution would be to buy one of the Blaupunkt models. These walkie-talkies can be completely removed from the car, as they have built-in memory settings. Once the equipment is disconnected from the battery, our personal settings will not be deleted.