Lifestyle

NEW CARS carry some top quality cabin audio these days.

Manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes, Nissan and Honda partner with top brands, Harman Kardon, Burmester, Bowers and Wilkins and Bose to deliver incredible in-car listening experiences.

But if you haven’t the cash to splash on a new motor, you can replicate the effect by upgrading your current whip with some sound modifications.

When choosing a new stereo, you can select between double DIN and single DIN depending on the configuration of your dashboard, which will determine the height of your display.

If you don’t fancy any in our list, or you have an affinity with Amazon’s popular digital assistant, Alexa, you might want to hold off for the latest Boss Audio system.

Boss creates systems for boats, power sports and cars, so the Alexa-enabled LXA5 is set to be a dream and should be landing in April 2019.

Below we've rounded up our best car stereo recommendations for 2019.

1. JVC KW-M741BT

  • JVC KW-M741BT, £349 from Halfords – buy here

The JVC KW-M741BT, like its peers, has a mouthful of a model name, but that’s where the confusion ends.

This 6.8 inch touchscreen comes with Bluetooth (simultaneously compatible with two phones), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can connect your smartphone and have access to all your usual apps via the JVC Music Play app.

The double-DIN design integrates JVC’s DAB+ technology, meaning there’s no loss of signal when you’re giving the radio a go and with a 13 band equaliser, you can adjust the levels perfectly.

What’s more, there’s a 1.5 amp USB port to ensure your battery doesn't deplete faster than it charges.

2. Sony XAV-AX3005DB DAB Car Stereo

  • Sony XAV-AX3005DB, £319 from Halfords – buy here

Single-DIN shopper, with a double-DIN desire? Yours is the Sony XAV-AV3005DB, featuring an impressively responsive 7” touchscreen and a quick wake-up time—getting you on the road pronto.

There’s an immersive sound experience with four 55W outputs, extra bass and a 10 band equaliser.

Focusing on voice control, the Sony XAV-AV3005DB reduces the need to have your eyes off the road so CarPlay and Auto feature heavily.

Powerful amplification and ergonomic design helps justify a fairly reasonable price tag.

What’s more, the Sony XAV-AX3005DB is rear-view camera ready so you can pimp your ride a little harder.

If you want the above, but with a DAB receiver included, you can find it below.

  • Sony XAV-AX3005DB with DAB receiver, £419 from Amazon – buy here

3. Kenwood KDC-BT520U

  • Kenwood KDC-BT520U, £90.39 from Amazon – buy here

If you are still a bit old-school, this affordable CD-Receiver with Built-in Bluetooth is just the ticket.

Playing all your mirror discs with famous Kenwood quality, the Bluetooth connection enables you to stream music from your handset and connect your Android device to help you stay hands-free behind the wheel.

Stylish in high-gloss piano black, there are red LED accents to illuminate control buttons in the dark.

In order to protect your car from theft or being broken into, the fascia can be removed and stored in a cushioned case for maximum security.

4. Kenwood KMM-BT205

  • Kenwood KMM-BT205, £77.99 from Car Audio Centre – buy here

This new single-DIN from Kenwood is similar to its KDC-BT20U brother, except, in this case, it doesn’t have the ability to play CDs.

Kenwood has created a fantastic range to give consumers the widest selection based on their own personal needs.

With Spotify integration, this KMM-BT205 offers you six ways of accessing tunes or podcasts.

There’s also an app you can download to manage the audio output remotely.

Again, the black, gloss-finished fascia is removable. Just one tip: don’t put it in your glovebox. Take it out of the car as you leave.

5. Kenwood KDC-BT720DAB

  • Kenwood KDC-BT720DAB, £119.99 from Amazon – buy here

Offering better reception, and more channels, DAB radio really enhances your listening experience.

A single-DIN with digital radio and some of the other top stuff, Kenwood’s KDC-BT720DAB is a glossy black unit with neon turquoise LED accents.

It’s simple to connect to your existing speakers, once you’ve removed the incumbent unit.

You can use iPod, iPhone and Android devices more seamlessly, as well as connecting them via Bluetooth for hands-free calling.

The detachable faceplate deters petty criminals, but the DAB antenna isn’t included, so budget for that.

6. Kenwood DPX-7100DAB

  • Kenwood DMX-7017DAB, £339 from Halfords – buy here

Taking the top spot in Auto Express tests, the award-winning Kenwood DP-7100DAB is a double-DIN dream.

It features everything you would need for entertainment and safety on your regular commute, or longer journeys.

The 7-inch touchscreen display features CarPlay and Auto, thus displaying the screens you’re most familiar with.

Featuring DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming, this unit can even charge your phone.

Proper installation is recommended.

7. Alpine iLX-F903D

  • Alpine iLX-F903D, £700 from Halfords – buy here

This sweet design from Alpine allows a single-Din space to have a double-Din (9-in) sized display.

With an eye-watering price tag, it comes with all the expected bells and whistles of such an expensive treat – DAB+ Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB and HDMI ports.

The secret weapon is the USB video playback.

If you’ve got a lot of hanging around to do or love camping, you can kick back and catch up on your favourite box sets from the comfort of your car.

The height and angle of this super-slim unit adjusts too.

Enjoyed our roundup of the best car stereos? Check out our selection of the best car wax, pressure washers, and car polish.

Looking for more motoring recommendations? Check out our dedicated Sun Selects motoring section.

To browse our full range of Sun Selects recommendations, be sure to head back to the Sun Selects page.

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