Car stereos

A car radio is an integral part of a vehicle, one of the comfort features necessary for a modern car. Any driver would be very surprised if they noticed that their car's equipment did not include a car radio or another sound source. In higher-end car models, car radios are increasingly finding less space, as they are being pushed out by multimedia systems. Essentially, these are the same car radios with screens and other smart features, such as navigation, visual parking system information, and rear-view camera feeds. However, in the market for cheaper commercial vehicles, car radios have perfectly found their niche. Because competition in the car radio market is high, a phenomenon beneficial to the consumer has occurred: a simple, standalone hands-free kit costs more than a car radio with all sound functions, an amplifier, a Bluetooth audio receiver, USB/AUX ports, and a hands-free system. Customers at the Autogarsas showroom are often surprised when we suggest a car radio with Bluetooth support instead of a dedicated hands-free kit. But that is the truth. For example, a well-known manufacturer like Parrot has not produced hands-free kits for over two years, presumably due to the sophistication of car radios and multimedia products.

The main functions of a car radio are -
The economy class of car radios includes:

• FM radio
• Aux and USB ports
• 1 or 2 pairs of RCA outputs for connecting an amplifier
• Internal 4x14W amplifier

The mid-range class of car radios includes:

Hands-free Bluetooth system (with external microphone):

• Bluetooth audio
• FM radio
• Aux and USB ports
• 1 or 3 pairs of RCA outputs for connecting amplifiers
• Internal 4x14W amplifier

Car radios for audiophiles include:

• Support for HD audio files (FLAC, DSD, and others)
• DSP sound processor (parametric equalizer, active crossover, time alignment)
• Bluetooth hands-free system
• Bluetooth audio
• 3 pairs of high-power 2V or 4V RCA outputs
• AUX and USB ports
• FM radio

Innovations in car radios include -

• Companies JVC and Kenwood have introduced Amazon Alexa voice support.
• Pioneer has introduced an integrated phone holder, parking system indication, and control via the Pioneer SPH-10BT app. At the Autogarsas showroom, we will be happy to advise you on which car radio would bring you joy; all car radios are also on our website www.autogarsas.lt

Android and CarPlay car radios

Today, more and more customers are looking for car radios with an Android system or Apple CarPlay support. Such a radio essentially works like a tablet in your car – you can use navigation, listen to music from your phone, answer calls hands-free, and on Android radios, you can even install apps directly onto the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for convenient and safe control of your phone on a larger screen without taking your attention off the road.

If your car does not yet have CarPlay, but you would like to have it, take a look at the CarPlay adapter section – sometimes it is easier to purchase an adapter than to replace the entire radio.

1DIN or 2DIN – which radio will fit?

When choosing a car radio, it is important to know what size slot your car has. 1DIN radios are shorter, single-row units, while 2DIN radios are double the height, with a larger screen and usually touch control. If you are not sure which one fits, write or call us, tell us the make and model of your car, and we will provide advice.

For those who want more screen space and smart features, it is useful to check out the offers for parking systems and rear-view cameras – they pair perfectly with 2DIN radios.

Related car audio categories

A new car radio is a great opportunity to update the rest of your system:

• Car speakers — the biggest sound improvement for the lowest price.
• Subwoofers — full-bodied bass that standard speakers cannot provide.
• Car amplifiers — for when you want more power and cleaner sound.