About the Boss 870DBI

Lots of music choices
Lots of music choices
With the 870DBI CD receiver, Boss gives you features galore, including iPod or iPhone integration via USB, Bluetooth capabilities, and theft-deterrence with a detachable faceplate – unusual for a larger 4" tall radio. You can listen to a portable audio player connected to the front-panel auxiliary input jack, as well as enjoy MP3 music files stored on CDs, a USB drive, or an SD card. You can run the show from the user-friendly controls on the radio or use the included wireless remote control. Plus, Boss protects this receiver with its unique 3-year warranty.
Bluetooth delivers wireless convenience
With the 870DBI's built-in Bluetooth technology, you can answer a phone call with the push of a button, and talk as if your caller is sitting next to you, freeing up your hands and letting you concentrate on the drive. The sensitive microphone's built into the faceplate, saving you some installation time. And the 870DBI supports Bluetooth audio streaming, so you can stream music wirelessly from compatible devices to the receiver, with basic control functions like "play" or "pause."
Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.
Product highlights:
General Features:
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- built-in MOSFET amplifier (18 watts RMS/40 peak x 4 channels)
- plays CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs, including discs loaded with MP3 files
- single-line display with detachable faceplate
- fits 4" tall dash openings
- wireless remote control
Smartphone Features:
- built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad® control
Audio Features:
- 4 preset EQ curves
- bass boost and loudness controls
Expandability:
- inputs: front auxiliary input, front SD card slot, front USB port
- outputs: 5-channel preamp outputs (1-volt front, rear, and mono subwoofer)
Other Info:
- warranty: 3 years
- MFR # 870DBI
What's in the box:
- CD receiver (10A fuse)
- Detachable faceplate (installed)
- Trim-ring
- Power/ground harness
- Speaker harness
- Remote control (CR2025 3V battery installed)
- Backstrap
- 4 ISO-mount screws
- Self-tapping screw
- Flat washer
- Lock washer
- Nut
- Rear-support bolt
- User's Manual
- "Removing Detachable Control Panel" note (taped to chassis)
- Warranty/Registration Card
Customer reviews for Boss 870DBI
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More details on the Boss 870DBI

Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | Front | |
Audio/video Input | --- | |
USB Input | Front | |
USB Port Power | --- | |
Backup Camera Input | No | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | No | |
Alexa Voice Control | ||
Android Control | Yes | |
Memory Card Slot | USB, SD | |
Bluetooth Compatible | Built-in | |
Satellite Radio Ready | No | |
HD Radio | No | |
Navigation | --- | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | Classic/5th gen | |
Nano | 7/6/5/4/3/2/1 | |
Touch | 5/4/3/2/1 | |
iPhone | 6+/6/5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS/3G/2G | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | N/A | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | 20 watts | |
Peak Output | 80 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | --- | |
Preamp Outputs | 5-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | No | |
Video Screen | No | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | ||
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | ||
Preamp Voltage | 2 volts | |
Screen Size | --- | |
Screen Type | --- | |
Display Color | White | |
Key Button Color | Blue | |
EQ Bands | None | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | No | |
Parts Warranty | 3 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 3 Years | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 15 dBf | |
European Tuning | Yes | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | Yes | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | MP3, WMA | |
High-res Playback | N |
Product Research
Built-in Bluetooth
CD/SD/USB Playback
iPod/Aux Integration
Audio & Tuner Section
Display & Remote Features
Warranty
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology: The Boss 870DBI CD receiver is equipped with built-in Bluetooth, providing hands-free communication and audio streaming for added convenience and safety in the vehicle.
Pairing: Before using the unit's Bluetooth functions, you must pair your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone or audio device to the 870DBI. Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some mobile devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Boss 870DBI.
Hands-Free Communication (w/ Integrated Mic): The Boss 870DBI allows for wireless communication between the head unit and your Bluetooth enabled smartphone. The head unit will display the caller's information and an audible ring tone will be heard through your vehicle's speaker during an incoming call. You can manually answer or end a call through the head unit's front-panel controls. The 870DBI allows you to carry on the phone conversation using the head unit's integrated microphone and your car audio speakers. Your music will mute automatically during a call. You will still need to use your mobile phone to dial a number (there is no phonebook transfer).
Wireless Audio Streaming: The Boss 870DBI also allows you to play back stored music and music apps from your Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, portable audio player using a Bluetooth connection. You can control basic music playback functions (Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) of from the 870DBI. Advance music navigation and song/artist information will still need to be handled through the Bluetooth mobile device. This unit does not display song/artist information from Bluetooth audio devices.
CD/SD/USB Playback
Disc Compatibility: The Boss 870DBI features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio and finalized CD-R/RW audio discs. The unit supports playback of MP3/WMA music files recorded onto CD-R/RW discs.
- Electronic Skip Protection: The 870DBI head unit features Electronic Skip Protection for CD-Audio (10 seconds) and MP3/WMA (60 seconds) playback.
- Auto Reload: If an ejected disc is not removed within 10 seconds, the disc is automatically inserted again into the loading slot to protect it from dust.
SD-Card Slot: The Boss CD receiver features a front-panel SD-card slot located behind the unit's detachable faceplate. The 870DBI supports playback of MP3/WMA music files loaded onto a SD/SDHC memory card.
USB Port: The 870DBI is equipped with a front-panel USB (type-A) port for connection of a USB mass storage class device; such as your older Android smartphone (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only) or thumbdrive. The unit supports playback of MP3/WMA music files loaded onto a compatible USB msc device. USB portable devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (0.5A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.
MP3/WMA/WAV Playback: The CD receiver supports the following types of MP3/WMA music files recorded onto CD-R/RW disc, loaded onto a USB mass storage class device, or stored on a SD/SDHC memory card.
Media Type | Disc (CD-R/RW) | Flash Memory (USB Storage Device, SD/SDHC) |
---|---|---|
File System | ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet | FAT 16/32 |
Playable File Types | MP3: bit rate of 8-320 kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48 kHz WMA: bit rate of 32-320 kbps w/ sampling rate of 22-48 kHz | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 255 folders/999 files | |
Tags | ID3 tags (ver.1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3), WMA tags |
On/Off Eject: A CD, USB device, or SD-card can be inserted or ejected with the power off. When a CD, USB device, or SD-card is inserted with the power off, the unit will automatically power up and begin playback.
iPod/Aux Integration
USB 1-Wire iPod/iPhone Control: The Boss 870DBI's front-panel USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via the Dock- or Lightning-to-USB cable that comes with your iPod/iPhone (not included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for iPod/iPhone connection provides audio playback (for both stored music & music apps), metadata display, control, and charging of select iPod/iPhones through the Boss Audio CD receiver.
- Music Browsing: From the head unit's front-panel controls you can browse your iPod/iPhone's music by song, artist, album, genre, or playlist. You can also choose to control your iPod/iPhone from its own clickwheel or touchscreen.
- Song/Artist Info: The head unit will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information; including Track #, Elapsed playing time, Song title, Artist name, and Album title.
- Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge (0.5A max) your iPod/iPhone. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then this unit will not recognize it.
Apple Device Compatibility Chart: The Boss Audio 870DBI is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 6/18/2016):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Bluetooth | Charge | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video | Head Unit | iPod/iPhone | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | Phone | Audio | ||||
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
4/4S | 7.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5/5C/5S | 8.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
6/6+ | 8.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
4th | 6.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
5th | 8.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
nano | 1st | 1.3.1 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd/3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
7th | 1.02 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
video | 5th | 1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
iPad | 1 | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N |
2/3 | 8.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | |
4/air | 8.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | |
mini | 8.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
Aux Input: The CD receiver is fitted with a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input for connection of any portable audio player with a 3.5mm headphone output.
Audio & Tuner Section
80W (Peak) x 4Ch Amp: The Boss 870DBI CD receiver employs a 80W (peak) x 4ch amplifier.
2V/5Ch RCA Outputs: The Boss Audio CD receiver is fitted with 2V/5-channel RCA outputs; stereo front, stereo rear, and mono-sub. The front & rear outputs are fading, while the sub output is non-fading. The sub out contains no low pass filter or separate level control.
Audio Adjustments: The 870DBI head unit features EQ presets, Bass & Treble control, plus Loudness setting.
- EQ Presets : You can choose between 5 preset modes - Pop, Techno, Rock, Classic, Jazz, Vocal, User, or Off.
- Bass & Treble: The User EQ preset allows you to manually adjust the unit's Bass & Treble settings.
- XBS: This function acts as a bass boost.
Key Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
AM/FM Tuner (w/ RDS): The Boss 870DBI features a built-in RDS AM/FM tuner. The 870DBI features 3 FM banks and 2 AM bank for storing presets (automatically or manually). You can store 6 presets for each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 12 AM presets (total of 30). Local seek tuning lets you tune in only those radio stations with sufficiently strong signals for good reception.
Display & Remote Features
Detachable Faceplate: The Boss Audio 870DBI features a detachable faceplate to deter theft.
Single-Line LCD: The Boss 870DBI CD receiver features a single-line LCD to view song/artist information.
2-DIN Chassis: The Boss CD receiver has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as "Double-DIN"), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. The unit can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets. There is no mounting sleeve to Euro-mount the head unit. As always, please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to verify fit with your vehicle.
IR Remote: The Boss 870DBI includes a 8-button IR remote control for wireless operation of the CD receiver. The remote does not allow you to answer/end Bluetooth phone calls.
Warranty
Extended Warranty: Units purchased from Crutchfield after 3/1/2015 carry an extended warranty relative to purchases from Boss' standard dealer network. The new warranty is 3 years parts and labor.
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Customer Q&A
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I really like this unit Boss 870DBI. All the features are great. The bluetooth like it because it is built in. Also it is 320 watts. And sound good.
Wizard from Pennsylvania