Find The Right In-dash car stereos

El Kameleon JVC EXAD KD-AVX77 media player

The JVC KD-AVX77 El Kameleon is a great receiver for system builders, but the touch-screen interface isn't as easy to use as some of the competition's physical control schemes.

Specs: 5.1 channel audio line-out, USB, Composite video/audio input, Composite video/audio output, System components control bus

Eclipse AVN726E DVD/GPS receiver

The Eclipse AVN726e will cover most users' hands-free calling, navigation, audio, and visual needs in a single installation. It is also an excellent starting point for system builders.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, iPod compatible, ID3 tags support, Bluetooth audio streaming, Rear-facing camera capability, Bluetooth hands-free for cellular phone, 50 Watts x 4, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, Digital player, GPS navigation system, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW

Alpine iXA-W404

The Alpine iXA-W404 shows plenty of promise, but we'll wait to see if the touch-screen interface improves with the next generation.

Alpine iDA-X305

For people who listen primarily to MP3/WMA/AAC audio, the Alpine iDA-X305 offers one of the easiest-to-use interfaces for in-car browsing of digital media.

Specs: Radio / digital player, Radio tuner, Audio line-out, USB, System components control bus

Fusion CA-IP500 iPod receiver

The Fusion CA-IP500 iPod receiver's internal iPod dock is an interesting solution for taking digital audio on the road, but we've seen more elegant and similarly priced solutions from its more established competitors.

Alpine iDA-X100 Digital Media Receiver

The Alpine iDA-X100 is a great receiver for people who transport all of their music on an iPod or MP3 player. The unit offers fantastic digital-audio integration without the need for a separate adapter, but should you ever want to just play a CD, you'll be out of luck.

Specs: Radio / digital player, Radio tuner, USB, Audio line-out, Audio line-in

JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44

The vast array of features offered by the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 creates a car audio experience that rivals all but the best preinstalled receivers.

Specs: 5.1 channel audio line-out, USB, Composite video/audio input, Composite video/audio output, Composite video input, Navigation system input, System components control bus

Sony XPLOD CDX-GT920U (in-dash car stereo)

The Sony Xplod CDX-GT920U offers many options for connecting to your digital music library and supports the most commonly used formats, unless your music library is on your iPod.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, USB, Rear channel output, Front channel output, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

Sony MEX-BT2600

For the price, the Sony MEX-BT2600 is an impressive all-in-one in-car communication and entertainment device.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out

Blaupunkt New Orleans MP58

The Blaupunkt New Orleans MP58 is a capable car stereo with support for a range of digital audio formats, a good music selection interface, and a stylish faceplate design. Its lack of iPod compatibility lets it down though.

Sony CDX GT620IP - radio / CD / MP3 player

The Sony CDX-GT620IP is a value-for-money iPod-compatible car stereo with good usability and decent sound quality.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in

Alpine CDE-9874

The Alpine CDE-9874 is a good value entry-level car stereo, perfect for those looking to play homemade MP3 discs or iPod tracks. Audiophiles might want to look a bit higher up Alpine's lineup.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in

Eclipse AVN6620

The Eclipse AVN6620 is a device for those looking to tech out their car with a single device. Its elegant design, wealth of features and expandability, and the fact that it's easy to use make it a strong contender in the all-in-one in-car device market.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, CD text, Telephone mute, iPod compatible, Dual-zone capability, Rear-facing camera capability, 50 Watts x 4, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, GPS navigation system, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW

Sony MEX-BT5100

The MEX-BT5100 is a good all-in-one option for those thinking of investing in a in a decent stereo and a hands-free speakerphone.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus, Remote control

Pioneer DEH-P6000UB

The DEH-P6000UB is a good-looking, good-sounding car stereo with great iPod support and some decent audio-tweaking options.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in, IP-Bus, Remote control, USB

JVC KD-S100

With its sophisticated digital processor and car-specific acoustic output, the JVC KD-S100 is an innovative addition to the aftermarket audio world. Its limited availability and vague pricing restrict its appeal, but new car owners may well see it as a worthwhile means of significantly improving their in-car audio.

Alpine CDA-9885

The Alpine CDA-9885 combines attractive styling and an easy-to-use music search interface with a host of expandability options, including HD Radio capability. However, those upgrading to HD Radio will have to deal with a clunky module and a hefty price tag.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

Sony CDX-GT520

The Sony CDX-GT520 is a decent option for those wanting a reasonably priced stereo to play disc-based audio. While it does support HD Radio, it requires the connection of a clunky add-on module, which is almost more trouble than it's worth.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

Sony CDX-GT420IP

Sony's CDX-GT420IP is an affordable means of taking your iPod library on the road. While its basic user interface lacks the search functionality of some other systems, this is a competitively priced and decent sounding entry-level stereo for the digital-audio age.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, IPod docking

JVC KD-AVX33

The JVC KD-AVX33 offers a hatful of media and communications car-tech features in one device. Its small screen and elegant faceplate design make it a stylish piece of hardware, but its usability is slightly hampered by a slow processor and lack of a touch screen.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, On-screen menu, Telephone mute, iPod compatible, Flip-down faceplate, Dual-zone capability, Gold plated connectors, Rear-facing camera capability, Bluetooth hands-free for cellular phone, 50 Watts x 4, DSP, Amplifier, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, Digital player, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD, DVD-Audio