Crutchfield editors' picks

t Crutchfield, we pride ourselves on matching customers to the gear that will make their lives more enjoyable. That's why each one of our catalogs highlights a selection of items handpicked by our editors, Matt and Dave.

Here are the products that stood out for the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 editions of the Crutchfield catalog. These picks cover a wide range of lifestyles and interests, whether you're hitting the road to explore new places and bringing your favorite tunes along for the ride or enjoying the comfort of your living room while watching a movie or cranking up the stereo.

Sony GS series car speakers — solid sound upgrade

It all starts with better sound in the car. Sony GS series speakers provide a great way to revitalize tired factory sound in just about any vehicle. They’re tough enough to handle an impressive amount of power, but still efficient enough to sound good even if you drive them with a factory stereo. The silk tweeters play smooth highs, while the polypropylene woofers get plenty low for satisfying impact.

Details

• Good for factory or aftermarket radios, or low-powered external amplifiers
• $148–$198 per pair, depending on speaker size
• 3-year warranty

AudioQuest DragonFly Copper — sweeter headphone sound unlocked

Many of us at Crutchfield have owned an AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC/headphone amp. This new version offers lots more power, alongside precise digital decoding. It’s a valuable addition to any desktop or portable listening rig. Pair it with a great set of headphones for more dynamics and detail from streaming services and high-res files.

Details

• thumb-drive-sized DAC with high-performance headphone amp
• twice the output power of previous-generation DragonFly amps
• USB-A connector and 3.5mm headphone output (USB-C adapter included)

Focal SUB 20 SF Slatefiber 8" shallow-mount subwoofer — astonishingly accurate

I’m so pleased Focal decided to use their Slatefiber cones for their new SUB 20 SF subwoofer. Focal builds them with recycled carbon fibers for rigidity, lightweight responsiveness, and impressive damping. The results: gorgeous bass reproduction that’s breathtakingly accurate, distortion-free, and, most importantly, powerful. And the shallow-mount design means it'll fit in some factory subwoofer locations.

Details

• 8" 4-ohm component subwoofer
• power handling: 200 watts RMS (400 watts peak)
• sensitivity: 87 dB

A beautiful audio stack from Michi

Michi is new to me, and new to Crutchfield, though a familiar name to some audiophiles. Based on everything I’ve seen, it’s going to capture lots of attention. Their matching integrated amp and CD player are a beautiful meld of performance and style. Both components are built for exquisite sound.

The Prestige X430 amp dishes out a whopping 210 watts per channel into 8 ohms. That’s plenty potent for even hard-to-drive speakers. There are lots of connections, including a phono input, balanced XLRs (the CD player has them too), and HDMI ARC for a TV.

The Prestige Q430 CD player uses an audiophile-grade ESS SABRE DAC, for precise digital decoding. I can’t wait to hear this stack in action.

Details

Prestige X430 integrated amplifier

• 220 watts x 2
• 4 unbalanced RCA audio inputs (including a MM phono input); balanced XLR input
• 6 digital audio inputs, HDMI ARC, and built-in Bluetooth®

Prestige Q430 CD player

• plays CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, HDCD, SACD, and MP3 data discs
• high-quality Sabre ESS 8-channel digital-to-analog converter
• balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and coaxial audio outputs

Seamless stereo integration with the JVC KW-Z800AW receiver

JVC’s KW-Z800AW Direct Replacement receiver works with iDatalink Maestro APX kits to integrate with the dashes and factory controls of select vehicles. It's designed to directly replace your factory display while tucking the chassis or "guts" of the system securely out of sight. You get improved sound and controls, without looking like you changed a thing.

In addition to the APX kit and Maestro interface, you'll need a vehicle-specific wiring harness since this receiver comes with no harness — once you've selected your vehicle online, we'll show compatibility information and all the parts required.

Details

• 8" high-definition display
• wired and wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ compatible
• 13-band equalizer, deep crossover settings, and built-in digital time alignment

Klipsch The Fives II — a simple yet potent audio system for TV and music

Klipsch’s latest powered stereo speakers offer some of the best alternatives to sound bars. The Fives II powered speaker system has 5-1/4" woofers — much bigger than what you’ll find in most sound bars. And in typical Klipsch fashion, they’ll play plenty loud with lots of detail. I recommend these for a TV system that’s also going to be used for lots of music listening.

Details

• 5-1/4" Cerametallic™ woofers, 1" titanium tweeters
• HDMI eARC input for connecting to a TV
• built-in phono preamp for turntables

Alpine subwoofer and amp package offers intense bass with little real-estate cost

Alpine thinks no one should have to suffer through disappointing bass output in the car — and I tend to agree with them. But not everyone wants to sacrifice the space needed to get it. That’s why we’ve bundled two of their most impressive space-saving components together into a perfectly matched subwoofer and amplifier package: their SS-SB12 downward-firing subwoofer and their compact KTA-200M amplifier.

The sub’s slim design lets it sit unobtrusively in the trunk or cargo area, and happily shoulders the load of, say, grocery bags, while firing out deep, impressive bass. The amp, meanwhile, is just a little bigger than the average hand, and can live just about anywhere you have even a little space. It even can mount on the back of select Alpine in-dash stereos.

Details

KTA-200M Power Pack amplifier

• 200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms or 2 ohms
• selectable low-pass filter (60, 80, 120 Hz at 12 dB/octave)
• preamp inputs only

SS-SB12 loaded subwoofer enclosure

• sealed, downward-firing enclosure with one 12" S-Series shallow subwoofer
• 2-ohm total impedance
• dimensions: 22.25"W x 5.25"H x 13.125"D

JBL DA850 — an efficient 4-zone, 8-channel multi-room power amplifier

The DA850 is designed to pair seamlessly with any JBL in-ceiling or in-wall speaker. Compact and rack-friendly, it pumps plenty of sound into 4 zones. Each zone delivers 50 watts at 8 ohms or 110 watts at 4 ohms.

Details

• 8-channel amplifier with 4 independent playback zones
• 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 110 watts into 4 ohms
• channel pairs are bridgeable to 185 watts into 8 ohms

A smartwatch for fitness newbies

If you’re just starting to get serious about establishing a fitness routine, you couldn’t ask for
a better coach than the Garmin Forerunner 70 — Garmin built this watch with beginners in mind. It’s packed with tools for monitoring fitness metrics, plus exercise programs for lots of different activities. It also offers heart, rest, and sleep monitors to aid in recovery, and coaching programs that help motivate you to achieve your goals. Available in four colors.

Details

• running GPS smart watch
• wrist-based heart rate monitor and Pulse Ox sensor
• step counter with auto goal setter and move notifications

McIntosh RS 150 wireless speaker — stream in style

Modern streaming meets retro McIntosh style and sound. The RS150 powered speaker has Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Apple AirPlay® 2, Chromecast...basically everything you expect from a streaming speaker. And don’t you just love the iconic VU meter and green logo?

Details

• 2-way 120-watt powered speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®
• classic McIntosh design features a clear glass front panel and illuminated blue meter
• works with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Spotify HiFi, TIDAL Connect, and Roon

Big sound from little speaker pods

Memphis MX63PS speaker pods make great bar-mounted options for boats or UTVs. They deliver soaring sound thanks largely to their dual-tweeter design, which produces expansive highs without a hint of harshness. The 6-1/2" woofers, meanwhile, play punchy bass, while built-in LEDs put on a light show.

Details

• 6.5" cage-mount speaker pods with RGB LED lights
• power handling: 150 watts RMS (300 peak)
• speaker sensitivity: 92 dB
• impedance: 4 ohms

Samsung S90H — A bang-for-the-buck OLED TV

As an OLED TV owner, I’ll vouch for the incredible detail and deep, dark blacks that make movies practically come to life. The Samsung S90H delivers it all, alongside the company’s Glare Free technology, something that was previously only available on their flagship models. The lack of screen reflections is a game changer for those of us with sunny rooms who can’t get enough of the outstanding picture quality OLED delivers.

Details

• self-illuminating OLED HDR+ display panel produces infinite contrast, vibrant color, and absolute black
• Ultra Viewing Angle with Glare Free Technology for a crisp, accurate picture from every angle, even in daylight
• Samsung Vision AI delivers AI-powered personalization features and picture/sound optimization

8-channel JBL car amplifier with built-in DSP — for the win

Get superior sound in your car by adding an amplifier to pump up the power, and a digital signal processor to fine-tune the sound quality. JBL’s compact DSP4086 8-channel amp/processor will do both.

The DSP4086 was designed to take the signals from your vehicle's front speakers, rear speakers, front center channel, and rear subwoofer. You can then process those signals to create eight powered outputs, and you have the ability to power and control your front tweeters.

• Featured in our article: Best budget car amplifiers for 2026
• 8-channel car amplifier with digital signal processing
  • 40 watts RMS x 8 at 4 ohms
  • 60 watts RMS x 8 at 2 ohms
• DSP and 31-band EQ tuning tools accessed via USB connection to a Windows PC

Sennheiser RS 275 — the ideal TV headphones

Sennheiser has long been the gold standard for TV headphones. This latest version has more ways to connect the transmitter to your TV, including HDMI, as well as even more stable wireless transmission. Great for late-night movies and the hard of hearing.

• includes one HDR 275 headset, headphone stand, and BTA1 Bluetooth® TV transmitter
• over-the-ear, closed-back design helps keep out external noise
• ultralight headphones design with soft-lined headband and plush, removeable ear pads

Kenwood DMX8709S — a real in-dash entertainer

The Kenwood DMX8709S digital multimedia receiver is a premium command center for a top-notch infotainment system. It supports high-res audio playback, plus satellite radio when you add an optional tuner. Bluetooth® connectivity makes hands-free calling and wireless music streaming easy. And when you’re streaming music, Kenwood’s Music Mix lets you pair five phones so everybody can pick their tunes. With built-in wired and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, you'll have all your most-used phone features a touch away on the big 6.75" capacitive touchscreen display.

• 6.75" capacitive touchscreen HD display
• wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
• 13-band graphic EQ and time alignment,

The sweet spot of the Sonos portable lineup

The new Sonos Play is small enough to wrap your hand around, but still big enough to give you potent sound outdoors — a compromise that’ll be a sensible choice for lots of Sonos lovers. Plus, it’s waterproof and dustproof, so it’s plenty durable for taking out in the elements.

• built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours
• automatic Trueplay™ tuning adjusts the speaker to its surroundings
• waterproof and dustproof

Garmin zumo XT3 provides reliable directions for your ride

Garmin’s zumo XT3 motorcycle GPS navigator combines rugged construction with a bevy of features to deliver a path from point A to B. You can track and share your bike’s lean angles and other key metrics during your trips. It also boasts built-in Wi-Fi® (for convenient download of map updates) and Bluetooth®, plus traffic and weather updates via smartphone app.

Everything about the zumo is designed for bikers. Garmin Adventurous Routing specifically chooses curvy roads, hills, and fewer highways to your destination. Although the adventurous route may increase the time or distance, this feature will provide a more enjoyable ride. The "Popular Paths" feature lets you see popular routes ridden by other motorcycle enthusiasts.

• 6" high-definition dual-orientation capacitive touchscreen display
• water-resistant housing designed for motorcycle use
• built-in Bluetooth for use with compatible headsets and helmets
• lean angle, G-force, max speed and more data

Big sound for your big screen

A big, beautiful TV demands a great sound system. The Harman Kardon Enchant 1100 sound bar and sub combo is ideal for larger sets. It has 11 built-in speakers, including up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos effects, and the subwoofer adds serious bass impact. Not sure you need the bar and sub? You can buy them separately.

• 11 speakers including side- and up-firing drivers for a wide, tall soundstage
• MultiBeam™ virtualization and room correction for 3D sound
• Powered sub with 6-1/2" down-firing woofer adds deep, clear bass

Focal speakers — innovated for great sound

Focal's goal is to improve the audio experience in any type of car, and these impressive ACX 165 6-1/2" coaxial speakers will easily outperform your factory speakers and bring the fun back to your drive time. Even these entry-level Auditor EVO Series car speakers contain the staples of Focal’s famous sound: the inverted dome tweeter for precise treble and an improved soundstage, a polypropylene cone for a neutral and dynamic sound, and a butyl surround for impressive responsiveness.

• 6-1/2" polypropylene woofer cone with butyl rubber surround
• Mylar inverted dome tweeter
• handles up to 60 watts RMS (120 watts peak)
• sensitivity: 91.5 dB

Deep, accurate bass that fits your space

We all want potent, tight bass. But we can’t always find the room for a subwoofer. That’s the beauty of the lastest SVS Micro. It packs two opposing 9" drivers and a powerful amp into a sealed cabinet less than a cubic foot in size. Plus it’s easy to dial in the sound from your couch with the app. Given how much our customers loved the previous Micro, we expect this to be a huge hit.

• dual opposing 9" long-throw woofers powered by massive amplification
• compact design with rigidly braced, acoustically inert sealed cabinet
• SVS Subwoofer Control mobile app lets you tune and control the sub from your "sweet spot"

AudioControl — bass that hits hard, stays clean

AudioControl's EPICX subwoofers have been hailed for their winning combination of clarity and high power handling. Now they've created a line of EPICX loaded enclosures designed to optimize the bass power of these hard-hitting subs. AudioControl’s EPICXV12 features a 2-ohm dual voice coil EPICX 12” subwoofer wired for 1-ohm impedance to let you get the most from your amp. The paper cone delivers warm, rich bass, while the composite foam surround keeps things under control.

• ported enclosure with one 12" EPICX Series subwoofer wired for 1-ohm total impedance
• unpressed paper cone with foam surround
• power handling: 500 watts RMS (750 watts peak)
• sensitivity: 86.6 dB

Desktop speakers that won’t cramp your style

Desktop speakers have one critical function: they must fit on a desk! That’s why I’m excited about these Cambridge Audio speakers. They pack a lot of wired connections into small cabinets, including USB-C for a computer. Built-in Bluetooth offers wireless streaming. And the 3" woofers offer just enough bass for background music while you work.

• 50 watts x 2 built-in Class D amplification
• .83" aluminum tweeter and 3" woofer
• analog stereo RCA, optical digital, and USB-C inputs

JVC KW-Z900W — a floating assistant that entertains

JVC’s KW-Z900W receiver boasts an adjustable 9" touchscreen display that will revolutionize your in-car experience. The easy-to-read display supports wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can easily enjoy information and entertainment hub. JVC ups the ante with this receiver's built-in, multi-user Bluetooth, high-res music capability, an option for satellite radio, and lots of tweaks to refine (or even redefine) your entire system's sound. The floating face's "ball joint" adjustment system lets you manually tilt the display up and down and side to side for the best visibility and least amount of glare.

• 9" HD floating touchscreen display
• wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
• plays high-res music files