audiosonics 
Remember the old days? We had cassettes and CDs – if you were earning well for yourself you might have had a multi-disc changer, but that was about it. Nowadays we carry our whole music library around on our mobiles and expect instant access to all our tunes at the touch of a button ( or a touchscreen ).
Just in recent years, car stereo designs have actually started to become larger and simpler, making room for a larger and touch sensitive screen and less buttons. Because head units have become multi-media devices, the most desirable aspect is a large, clear, high resolution screen for optimal viewing.
Fortunately on this part of the 21st century you could grab one for little over ₹10,000, so we took the time to find the top entry level 6.2 inch touchscreen stereo for your car audio system.
How We Tested
In order to find the top entry level touchscreen car stereo receiver, Audiosonics has combined several reviews across the industry. There are many criteria that we take into consideration when rating and reviewing each car stereo, including:
- Style (Looks, Design)
- Display Type
- Features (Bluetooth, Smartphone Compatibility, Equalizer, etc)
- Power Ratings (Peak, RMS)
- Price
- Expandability (No. of RCAs, etc)
- Quality (Materials used, manufacturer, etc)
- Online Reviews
- The result from our combination of sources and testing is a list of the top rated and
- reviewed head units. But in the end, the best car stereo is one that meets your
- specific needs and is compatible with your car.
The result from our combination of sources and testing is a list of the top rated and reviewed head units. But in the end, the best car stereo is one that meets your specific needs and is compatible with your car.
1 Pioneer AVH- 199 DVD
Mrp: ₹14,990
Pioneer AVH- 199 DVD
Key Feature
- WMA / MP3 / AAC / WAV Audio Format
- 13-Band Graphic EQ
- 6.2 inch VGA (800×480) Touch Panel , Fix Mechanism
- Clear Type Resistive Touch Panel With LED Backlight
- DVD Video Playback, Video format Mpeg 1,2,4 / Divx and Video Out Support,
- USB Port Built-in (rear: high current 1A handling capability)
- AUX (Audio / Video) x 1 Back Input
- RCA Pre Out: 2 x 2V (Front, Rear or S / W)
- Blue Colour Illumination
- Wired remote input w/ Learning Steering Wheel Control, Back-up camera ready
The AVH- 199 DVD is the entry level double-DIN touchscreen in Pioneer’s range of media receivers but Pioneer reckon this is one of their top sellers– and after a good fiddle and poke around with one, we can very well see why.
Design
Being from Pioneer it’s no surprise the construction and finish is right there with the more expensive multimedia units further up the range too. This high-end looking unit packs everything music fans could ever want in a compact Double-DIN design. As always, the 6.2 inch VGA touch screen is the heart of the system and perfectly showcases everything from the selectable music files and video playback.
Display
The crisp anti-glare screen 6.2-inch screen of the Pioneer AVH – 199 DVD is an instant eye-catcher and it’s the similar, most user-friendly display that Pioneer fits on their whole line up. See it, touch it – the unit is quick to use and the touchscreen is quite responsive, even Pioneer themselves say you won’t need to look at the manual to use it like a boss!
Graphic User Interface or GUI lets you upload pics and album art you like via the USB so you could customize the background to keep yourself entertained. There’s also a special plughole around the back that’s just gagging for an optional rear-view camera.
Playback and features
Best quality music requires the right players to do justice and here is the perfect one for your needs. You can pop in CDs, DVDs right in front of the fascia to make use of this system’s support for MP3, WMA, WAV and MPEG Tag formats.
The high speed USB port allows you to not only play music and videos from a USB stick but also allows for USB direct control from an iPhone or iPad.
There are two 2V RCA pre-outs for the front and rear/subwoofer that has its own set of crossover and ‘setting-up’ gibbons. But if not, the built-in 4x50w MOSFET amp will take care of the good set of speakers too.
Select one of the in-built 6 preset EQ settings, or you can use the 13-band parametric equalizer to adjust the tone, so your music is guaranteed to be the finest sounding music on the planet. Good musical times all round!
You can also hook up another adaptor if the volume controls on your steering wheel are important to you, although you do get a remote control in the package.
Verdict
The Pioneer AVH-X199 DVD delivers a lot of bang for a consumer’s buck. It perfectly walks the line between features and affordability, providing drivers with a cost-effective double DIN touchscreen option that is more than just a car stereo. Grab it if you didn’t want to break your wallet and don’t need any unnecessary bells and whistles alongside your car stereo receiver.
P.S. – If you don’t fancy a CD/DVD driver, then you opt for the similar spec MVH 199 DVD for a much lesser price.
Pros:
- Crisp anti-glare screen 6.2-inch touchscreen
- 13-Band Graphic EQ
- Customizable background
- 2 x 2V Pre-outs
Cons:
- Missing 3rd pair Pre-out
- No Bluetooth connectivity
2 Blaupunkt San Marino 330
Mrp: ₹14,990
Blaupunkt San Marino 330
Key Features
- Large 6.2″ digital TFT touch screen display (800 x 480 pixels)
- USB/AUX/MP3/BT/MircoSDHC
- Front A/V, MircoSDHC & USB input
- Video output, Steering wheel control input, Rear view camera input
- 10-band parametric equalizer, 24 bit D/A converter 192 kHz
- Bluetooth: Yes, Built-in microphone plus additional external hands-free microphone
- 2 x Preamp-out (2 V)
- Playback formats: MP3, WMA, AVI, MP4, MPEG, MPG, Xvid, JPEG, JPG
- Phone Link for select Android Devices
For a CD-free listening, consumers can opt for the San Marino-330. It gets the distinct Blaupunkt look with clean lines and a piano-black front fascia.
“This radio offers a cutting-edge technology experience in terms of connectivity, integration, processing power, multimedia performance, tuner quality and flexible user interface,” said Deepak Asrani, Product head, Blaupunkt India.
Design
The Blaupunkt San Marino 330 is one of the cleanest, nicest looking units of the lot, and it’s all because Blaupunkt have kept it simple. The 6.2 inch touch screen does away with the need for keys and switches, with just a signature rotary knob to make it easy to control the volume and a little menu button running along the top left and not to forget the little display button, making the unit look as slick. ,– something we like very much.
The auxiliary input, USB and a mini Sd card slot are nicely concealed in the front of the fascia for a hassle free connectivity. This means that you or the passenger may plug-in a portable media player for an additional entertainment source easily.
Display
The San Marino-330 gets a 6.2-inch TFT touchscreen infotainment unit and the screen doubles as a display for the reverse parking camera. You can watch your favorite DVDs on the built-in screen whenever you’re parked. It also includes an A/V input for a portable video player or video game console, along with an input for a handy backup camera. The system can be synced with the rear screens as well.
Playback and features
Although the San Marino-330 misses out on a CD player, this head unit packs its digital streaming prowess with a wide variety of different entertainment options and portable media like USB, SD card, Bluetooth (HFP, PBAP and A2DP), and Aux-in.
It’ll play MP3, WMA and WAV files of digital music stuff outta your USB drive and has the ability to handle MP4, MPEG, MPG and Xvid for videos too. Nice!
In addition, you get a full 10 band digital parametric EQ and that sells a lot of people. Of course you have your 6 predefined EQs if you all feel lazy to fiddle around with the sound.
The unit has integrated high quality 24 bit/ 192 kHz sampling and also features an on-board amplifier which can deliver a maximum output 4 x 45 watts of power. It also features two sets of 2V pre-outs (Front / rear or Subwoofer) to slap any amps right manfully up their inputs if you fancy more than the 4x45w onboard power.
The system’s in-built learn option lets it get integrated with the steering wheel controls and you also get a handheld IR remote control out of the box.
Considering the money (or lack of) that this puppy will set you back, that’s pretty special.
Verdict:
The San Marino – 330 is one of the best stereos for cars since the price is very affordable and it has many needed and common features, including a front USB with 3.5 mm input, 2 Pre-Out, Bluetooth tech, radio and 45 Watts x 4 power.
This is another immediate answer for the best car stereo if you were in need of a double-DIN touchscreen as opposed to the previous single-DIN model listed.
Pros:
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Front inputs for A/V, MircoSDHC & USB
- 10 Band parametric equalizer and 24 bit D/A converter 192 kHz
- 2 x 2V Pre outs
- Simple Design
Cons:
- No CD/DVD Receiver
- Absence of 3rd pair of preout
- Doesn’t support Direct control for iPod/iPhone
3 JVC KW-V11
JVC KW-V11
Mrp: ₹16,990
Key Features
- 6.2″ WVGA touch panel multilingual display
- DVD, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3/WMA/MP4/JPEG, DOLBY® DIGITAL PLAYBACK
- 50W x 4
- 5-Band Graphic EQ, 11 preset EQ settings
- 4V Line and Subwoofer Pre-Output Level
- 3 Pre-Output Terminals
- Blue Key illumination
- Rear-View Camera Ready
- Learning Steering Wheel Remote Ready
The JVC KW-V11 DVD is set to raise the bar in the aftermarket car tech segment. For someone in search of a clear display and simple controls, this receiver is a quick and easy way to make your car audio system top-of-the-line.
Design
The KW-V11 has a sleek design with a glossy black body with blue key illumination on each side of the screen which allow you to access Source, Eject, Volume, and other frequently used functions,
The simple flat push buttons ensure easy selection while driving and it’s touchscreen controls let you easily navigate to your sources and set up your system.
Display
The JVC KW-V11 with its vibrant 6.2 inch WVGA touchscreen monitor, you can easily manage your music files and watch your favorite DVDs in your car whenever you’re parked. When in use, all options in the menu are displayed as emblems for ease of use and you can customize the screen to display your five favorite sources.
This unit also includes a rear A/V input for a portable video player or video game console, along with a rear input for a handy backup camera which once installed, the JVC’s screen will show the camera feed when your vehicle is in reverse — a great feature, especially if you drive a larger vehicle.
Playback and Features:
This one by JVC is a great car stereo to check out and it comes with great sound and music tweaking options. It can play from CD, DVD discs and USB that are loaded with MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG1&2, DivX and JPEG files. Plus, you can select one of the eleven preset EQ settings or you can use the 5-band parametric equalizer to adjust the tone for your separate audio sources.
The JVC KW-V11 comes with the standard built-in 4×50 watts amp, which is more than capable of powering a good set of speakers in your ride. But if that’s not enough for you audiophiles, this beauty comes with three on board pre-outs to drive external amps. Mind you they ain’t just any weak pre-outs either:
Oh no, these are high voltage 4V output and come ready equipped with high-pass and low-pass filters as well as a subwoofer filter to make it all sound great.
It also comes with a steering remote control to ensure safe yet pleasurable journeys.
Verdict
For the money, you get a rather good-looking units up from JVC. You’d be bound to forgive the absence of Bluetooth connectivity thanks to all this video and music technology available at such an attractive price.
Pros:
- Unique Design
- 3 x 4V Pre-outs
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- 5 band equalizer
- No Bluetooth
- Rear Aux and USB input
4Sony XAV-W600
Sony XAV-W600
MRP Rs. 15,990
Buy Now
Last updated on May 18, 2024 7:45 am
Key Features
- 6.2″ TFT Active Matrix touchscreen display (800 x 480 pixels)
- Front USB/ AUX/ CD/ DVD
- 55 W x 4 Dynamic Reality Amplifier 2, DOLBY® DIGITAL PLAYBACK
- Front A/V input, Rear view camera input , Video output, Steering wheel control
- 5-band equalizer
- 3 Pre-out (2 V)
- Playback formats: MP3, WMC ,AAC, WAV, FLAC, AVI, MP4, MPEG, MPG, Xvid, JPEG, JPG
Sony XAV-W600 is Sony’s entry level in-dash audio-visual media player. For the money, this has enough features which will surely make your ride as pleasurable and enjoyable as possible.
Design:
Like the other touchscreen multimedia systems, the XAV-W600 has a very simple faceplate design. With just few hard buttons along the left side of the bezel, the system maximizes the amount of screen real estate for the 6.2 double-DIN-size slot.
However in contrast, the XAV-600’s menu structure is extremely intuitive which adds to the system’s ease of use, speaking of which the aux and USB are also located in the easy-user-accessible, front of the faceplate which make it quite easy to connect your devices.
Display:
The Sony XAV-W600 features a crisp display and a user-friendly selection interface. Menus and audio-source information screens are rendered conveniently and at 800×480 pixels (WVGA), the screen is perfect for watching your favourite DVDs.
The display can also synchronously display the video from rear-view camera when you’re backing your car.
Playback and Features:
Take your entire music collection and hit the open road with Sony Xav-W600 Multimedia AV Receiver. This unit has an essential list of connectivity and media-playback capabilities. It is built to play all your tracks stored in any source including DVD, CD, or USB. It supports Divx video, MPEG 4 playback, MP3/WMA/AAC playback, WAV/FLAC Audio playback.
The built-in 4-channel Dynamic Reality Amp 2 delivers loud, natural audio at all volumes, so you’ll be able to feel the true power of every track. A five-track equalizer and three 2V preamp outputs will hone the sound quality. This system also has sub-woofer control for enhanced bass and turbulence free experience and a video line output to connect the back screen.
Verdict
This is one of the best stereos for those who want a simple solution for their audio-video needs. Its clear display and intuitive media-selection interface will attract anyone looking for a user-friendly in-car media player.
Pros:
- 3 x Preamp-out (2 V)
- Simple User Interface
- Front USB & Aux input
Cons:
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- 5 band EQ
