Find The Right Car audio

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

Alpine CDE 102

The Alpine CDE-102 is an excellent OEM replacement stereo, but serious audiophiles and system builders should look further up the product lineup.

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

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 TUA T550HD HD Radio tuner

For users who spend much time listening to broadcast stations that offer HD Radio, the Alpine TUA-T550HD's increased sound quality and functionality make it a worthwhile addition to an Ai-Net compatible Alpine receiver.

Specs: HD radio tuner, HD radio

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.

Blaupunkt Brisbane SD48

The Blaupunkt Brisbane SD48 is a simple, digital-age stereo ideal for those who store small amounts of music on SD cards or USB drives, although iPod owners will find it frustrating. For an entry-level stereo, it offers a good range of audio customization features.

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

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

Sony CDX-GT420U

If you've got $130 and want a system that plays MP3s from a range of sources, the CDX-GT420U is a good bet. If you're looking for something visually or acoustically refined, look higher up on Sony's model lineup.

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

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

Parrot 3200 LS Color

The Parrot 3200 LS Color combines everything we like about previous Parrot devices--including a simple control interface and a great voice recognition system--with a striking color display. The result is an attractive, easy to use aftermarket hands-free calling device.

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.

Venturi Mini

The Venturi Mini is a stylish, all-in-one car tech device with an attractive design and an easy-to-use interface. While it lacks some of the robustness of in-dash systems, its portability and price tag make it an attractive option.