Buying a car radio - a guide
When choosing a car radio, you should not consider only the low price. It may turn out that the equipment breaks down quickly, it will also be difficult to find a service that will repair it under warranty.
The stores are full of cheap radios made by unknown companies from China. They seduce with an attractive price, but experts advise you to think carefully about buying them. “They are poorly made, plus the sound leaves much to be desired,” they emphasize. That is why sellers are advised to add and use products from well-known companies. The simplest models cost PLN 300. In the price range up to PLN 500, the choice is huge. For such money, everyone will definitely find something for themselves.
Connecting and matching the radio
The head unit must match our car. Firstly, its style and backlight (many devices have at least two backlight colors to choose from). Secondly, this is a way to connect to the car's on-board network. Now most cars are equipped with the so-called ISO Bones, which make the task easier. If they are not available, you can use adapters adapted to each car. It is best to ask about them from the seller from whom we buy the radio.
When it comes to installing a walkie-talkie in the cab of a car, the so-called 1 din. It will fit most receivers, but the hole in the dash can be larger to fit the car manufacturer's radio. In such a situation, special frames are the solution. They exactly match the shape and outer size of the hole after the original radio, while the inner mounting hole in this frame is 1 DIN, which is the main size. The seller should help in choosing a suitable frame. There is also a 2 DIN standard - that is, double 1 DIN. Media players with DVD, GPS navigation and a seven-inch monitor are usually this size.
What is standard?
The main functions that every car stereo system should have, except for the radio, of course, are the ability to play mp3 files, adjust the tone and volume. The CD drive is becoming a less and less requested feature as we start storing our favorite music on more convenient media. A good and practically common addition is the AUX and USB connectors, which allow you to connect an iPod, mp3 player, USB drive with music files or recharge your mobile phone. The standard - at least in Europe - is also RDS (Radio Data System), which allows various messages to be displayed on the radio display. When upgrading your audio system, you might be tempted to opt for a radio with a built-in Bluetooth hands-free kit. This is a simple and convenient solution. Instead of installing an additional device in the form of a hands-free kit, it is enough to equip the car with a suitable radio. It is worth remembering that the proposed devices differ in the amount of available functions or the number of paired phones. The range of possibilities and solutions is huge, so it is worth asking the seller for advice - preferably in a specialized store with radio players. Radios with screens that support a rear view camera are no longer a luxury. A few hundred zlotys are enough for them.
Good speakers are important
It is worth remembering that we will be satisfied with the sound quality only if, in addition to a good radio, we also invest in decent speakers. The optimal setup consists of a front system (two mid-woofers, called kickbasses, in the doors and two tweeters in the pit, or tweeters) and two rear speakers mounted in the back door or on a shelf.
In turn, the basic set of speakers is a pair of so-called. coaxial, i.e. integrated with each other. They include a woofer and a tweeter. The choice of speakers on the market is huge, the price range is also large. However, PLN 150 for coax (two per set) and PLN 250 for individual (four per set) in the most popular size 16,5 cm is a reasonable minimum.
Installation and anti-theft
It is best to entrust the installation of the radio to specialists so as not to damage the equipment or installation in the car. The cost of the basic assembly is low: radio PLN 50, speakers PLN 80-150. The best protection against theft is equipment insurance. It is also possible to install the radio permanently. To remove them, the thief will have to work hard, but he can also damage the dashboard, which will expose the car owner to additional costs. Another solution is radio code security. Another difficulty is anti-burglary film on the windows and, of course, car alarms. Most likely, they will not prevent the thief from getting into the car, but they will not give him time to steal.
Are you buying a radio? Pay attention to:
– matching dashboard,
– price,
– the ability to connect in the car, i.e. ISO stick, mounting frame or steering wheel controls, RCA outputs for external amplifier (if available),
– additional equipment depending on the needs, such as USB, iPod, Bluetooth, etc.
- before buying, it is worth listening to the entire set (radio and speakers) in the store to make sure that the sound quality is satisfactory.
radio players
Famous brands with traditions:
Alpine, Clarion, JVC, Pioneer, Sony.
Cheap Chinese brands:
Payne, Naviheven, Dalko
speaker
Famous brands with traditions:
Vibe, Dls, Morel, Infinity, Fli, Macrom, Jbl, Mac Audio.
