My perfect in-dash receiver
Heads up!
Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken.Over the years I've had a lot of different car stereos. But each time I'm ready to get a new one, it's harder to choose. There are plenty of good models out there, and they all do a good job on the basics. Where it gets hard is finding a model that has the right combination of "extras" - things like auxiliary inputs, format capabilities, expansion opportunities, and the like.
I sat down one day and thought about what my perfect in-dash receiver would be like. Here's what I came up with:
Formats: My perfect receiver would play CDs, of course, but also CDs I've burned with MP3, WMA, or AAC files. No point in worrying about what type of file you're burning on the disc - it should play them all. As far as the receiver goes, it should cover AM and FM, plus HD Radio - as well. And since I get outdoors a lot, I'd like it to have a Weather Band feature as well.
Inputs: My receiver should have two auxiliary inputs. One connecting to the back, for permanent installs like my plug-and-play satellite radio, and one on the face, so I can connect up other players on the fly (like my wife's and son's iPods). There should be a front-panel USB input for using thumb drives.
I'd like to go wireless as well. My receiver should have Bluetooth® built in - it's a great safety feature for when you're answering a call while driving, and I'm sure that Bluetooth is certain to become very common for audio streaming.
Audio: Since I use external amps to power my system, my dream receiver will have three sets of high-voltage preamp outputs. A good EQ is a must as well, so at least a 3-band parametric EQ is called for. I'd also like digital time-correction, for that perfect stereo "sweet spot."
Looks: I want my receiver to have a sense of style as well. A motorized, fold-down face is a must, and a bright color display with customizable graphics will look nice in my dash. And just to be sure it all ties together nicely, the button colors should be customizable to match my dash.
And there you have it. Are you paying attention, car stereo manufacturers? (Oh, and did I mention it shouldn't be expensive, either?)
Meet Ken Nail
My name is Ken. I seek the Holy Grail of car audio excellence. My favorite color is blue.
I came to Crutchfield in 1999. During my six years as a Crutchfield Advisor, I learned a lot about the technology behind great car and home audio. I learned even more about what people wanted in their car stereo systems.
I've been a writer for car audio and fitness tech at Crutchfield since 2005. Over the last few years, I've also carved out a niche producing demo videos for our in-dash car stereos. The hands-on experience I get with car stereos while doing video production is an invaluable aid to me in learning about their exciting features. This helps me convey that information to our customers when I write about the stereo on our website.
Before coming to Crutchfield, I spent 10 years teaching music in Charlottesville area schools. I keep my musical interests satisfied by volunteering as a classical music DJ at a local community radio station, and I stay up to date with the latest in outdoor tech by cycling, running, and backpacking.
Fun facts: I've completed an Ironman triathlon, run the Boston Marathon, hiked 1150 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and lost on Jeopardy!
More about Ken
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