Get to know the top five aftermarket Bluetooth car stereos that are most in-demand among Sonic Electronix customers this year.

Jensen MPR2110

Durability: 4.9 | Value: 5 | Features: 4.9 | Design: 4.7 | Usability: 5

For those who want a simple Bluetooth car stereo that offers solid audio performance at a great price point, the single-DIN Jensen MPR2110 is the best match.

Although this head unit doesn’t play CDs due to its mechless design, it does its job well wirelessly and sonically. When you pair your phone, you can make hands-free calls, and an integrated microphone makes installation easier. Audio streaming allows you to listen to your favorite music and podcasts. If you have some favorite songs, you can save them to a USB drive for when you’re out of cell tower range. Four preset EQ curves make fine-tuning the sound a breeze and its built-in amplifier ups the quality of your audio system for an above ordinary listening experience on the road.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Multimedia Receiver with USB and AUX
• LCD Text Display Display
• iPhone and Android compatible
• 2 sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 5 Preset EQ Curves

BOSS 820BRGB

Durability: 5 | Value: 5 | Features: 5 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5

The Boss Audio 820BRGB Double-DIN In-Dash Mechless AM FM Receiver with Bluetooth will turn up the volume on all of your favorite tunes. Connect your smartphone or MP3 player to the aux input, select your preferred AM FM radio station, or plug in to the USB and SD Card ports for additional music options. The USB port can be used to charge USB devices as well. You can choose any hue that suits your mood with the multicolor illumination option.

Item highlights

• 60W x 4 Chan. Max • 17W x 4 Chan. RMS
• 2 Sets of Preamp Outputs
• Equalizer with Selectable Presets
• Bluetooth Calling and Music Streaming
• Mechless Unit

Pioneer MVH-S322BT

Durability: 3 | Value: 4 | Features: 4 | Design: 4 | Usability: 3

The MVH-S322BT is made to fit the needs of the Smartphone lifestyle. This digital media receiver enters a new world when using Pioneer Smart Sync with Amazon Alexa. You can increase your access, whether wired or wireless, by using this application. Three RCA pre-outs at 4V each are provided, and the receiver has an integrated amplifier. It has a 13-band programmable graphic equalizer that rises to 31 bands when Pioneer Smart Sync is used. Only Standard Mode is supported by this receiver’s crossover network.

The single-DIN design of the MVH-S322BT offers plenty of room to display useful information. It also has a large Rotary Commander and easy-to-access preset buttons, so you can instantly select your favorite FM stations and more. Simply connect your iPhone or Android smartphone and safely enjoy Spotify or Pioneer Smart Sync app. Bluetooth connectivity allows for safe and convenient hands-free calling, as well as wireless music streaming from your smartphone. Thanks to Pioneer’s unique Advanced Sound Retriever technology, the sound quality will be as close to the original recording as possible. You can even connect two Bluetooth phones simultaneously. Make no mistake, the MVH-S322BT is a true high-end car audio system. It reads FLAC files, is equipped with a 13-band Graphic EQ, an on-board 4 x 50 Watts MOSFET amplifier, and when paired with Pioneer’s Smart Sync app, takes your smartphone to a whole new level.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver
• Digital LED Backlit Display
• Pandora and Spotify capable
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 13-Band Equalizer

Pioneer DMH-241EX

The DMH-241EX is a 6.2″ resistive touchscreen digital media receiver designed to improve in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity with your smartphone. This receiver makes hands-free phone calls simple. Pioneer’s included external microphone provides crystal clear sound. Stream music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more from your compatible phone or other Bluetooth® devices.

This double-DIN receiver includes a backup camera input that enables you to add a rear-view camera. The system automatically switches to a full-screen image of the rear view when the car is placed in reverse gear. The full-screen image returns to the source screen last in use when the vehicle is taken out of reverse gear.

Pioneer’s in-dash receivers offer playback of files encoded as high-res FLAC up to 192kHz/24 bit through USB. With Pioneer, your high-res FLAC is no longer confined to your home hi-fi system – put your music on the move.

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 6.2″ Resistive Touchscreen Display
• Apple and Android compatible
• 3 sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 13-Band Graphic Equalizer

Belva BDMRS1

Durability: 4.5 | Value: 4.5 | Features: 3 | Design: 4.5 | Usability: 4.5

A mechless single-DIN receiver with Bluetooth connectivity, the Belva BDMRS1 enables users to make and receive calls wirelessly without endangering other road users. Additionally, the user can stream music and other media from a smartphone directly to the stereo by using Bluetooth connectivity. While keeping your eyes on the road, browse your playlist.

The BDMRS1 has front USB connections that let you to attach flash drives, media players, and charging cords to the device itself for immediate access to your media in addition to its wireless connectivity. You can access media stored on a microSD card using the front microSD slot on this receiver. The front panel of this device also has a 3.5mm auxiliary headphone jack, which can be used to connect to any media device that has a 3.5mm auxiliary cable.

This single-DIN receiver has a preamp output that is specifically designated for your car’s front, rear, and subwoofer speakers. You may customize each component of your system individually thanks to dedicated outputs for each. As a result, you may easily change the subwoofer’s bass without changing the bass of your front and rear speakers. To top it all off, the BDMRS1 boasts vibrant lighted button lighting that makes it easy to use the stereo’s capabilities, like volume, at night.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver
• LCD Text Display Display
• 2 sets of 1 volts preamp outputs
• Digital Equalizer
• Front AUX, USB, and SD Card Inputs

Get these Bluetooth car stereos and more at Sonic Electronix, the world’s premier retailer of car electronics and consumer electronics. We’ve sold online since 2000 and are the recipients of various customer service and product awards. Check out our selection of car stereos, amps, subs, speakers, and more from Pioneer, JVC, NVX, Belva, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Cerwin-Vega, and more.

The post Top 5 Best-Selling Bluetooth Car Stereos of 2022 appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Although Bluetooth car stereos offer a wide range of entertainment, convenience, and safety advantages, they are not just available on head units with the technology built-in. Even if your head unit lacks Bluetooth, you might be able to use add-on kits to access functions like hands-free dialing and even online music streaming.

Get to know all the functions and capabilities of a Bluetooth car stereo and its benefits below:

Hands-Free Calling

Bluetooth car stereos offer a much more integrated experience when it comes to communication. It allows you to place calls using a Bluetooth earpiece, a built-in microphone, and your car speakers, or on your phone’s speakerphone.

There are two profiles that Bluetooth car stereos can use to facilitate hands-free calling. One is the Headset profile (HSP) that are usually found in hands-free calling kits and provides only basic functionality. The other is a Hands-free profile (HFP) that is more fully featured.

HFP has more advanced capability while HSP is more frequently seen in aftermarket hands-free calling kits. Your mobile phone will typically only function as a Bluetooth earpiece and offer very basic communication when paired with a Bluetooth car stereo or hands-free calling device that supports HSP.

When you pair your phone with a hands-free profile-compatible device, the head unit normally mutes or lowers the volume when a call is answered. This kind of Bluetooth connection delivers a substantial level of convenience and greater safety because it prevents you from having to take your hands off the wheel to handle the stereo.

Stored Contacts

You can normally use the head unit to access the contacts that are saved on your phone when a Bluetooth vehicle radio supports the object push profile (OPP) or Phonebook Access Profile (PBAP).

OPP transmits contact information to the head unit, which can then save in the Bluetooth stereo’s memory. You can use it to retrieve the data for hands-free calling, but you have to manually send the updated contacts again.

A little more sophisticated is the phonebook access profile, which allows the head unit to get contacts from an associated cell phone at any time. This facilitates updating contact information and may also lead to a better hands-free calling experience.

Music Streaming

You can wirelessly transfer music and other audio files from your phone to your car stereo if the head units you use for it support Bluetooth audio streaming. A Bluetooth car stereo that supports the advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) will be able to play any music, audiobooks, or other content that is stored on your phone.

You might also be able to listen to Internet radio using services like SiriusXM or stream music via apps like Spotify. Additionally, you can manage the streaming audio from the head unit if your Bluetooth vehicle radio supports the AVRCP audio/video remote control profile.

Remote App Control

Different other apps on a linked phone may be controlled remotely by other Bluetooth profiles. A Bluetooth car stereo may remotely run apps like Pandora on your phone using the serial port profile (SPP), and then A2DP and AVRCP can be used to receive and manage the streaming media.

Visit Sonic Electronix and discover our extensive inventory of single-DIN & double-DIN Bluetooth car stereos from leading auto audio manufacturers like Kenwood, Pioneer, Belva, JVC, Boss, and more!

The post Benefits of a Bluetooth Car Stereo appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Battery life

A feature to consider with most portable devices is how long the battery will last, as well as its charge time. You do not want to take your speaker out of the house expecting all-day playback for it to die after a couple of hours. On average, most Bluetooth speakers’ batteries last about 5-10 hours. Our JBL GO 2 boasts a playback time of 5 hours depending on volume and audio content.

Choose a design that works for your lifestyle

If you are looking for something to take with on the go, then something more compact with attachment options may be the way for you. If you plan to have something more stationary, then you can go for a model with light-up panels that can modified or shift per song or even a larger speaker. Knowing how you are going to use your speaker is going to determine what kind of Bluetooth you want to purchase. 

Being water-resistant comes in handy, even if you don’t take it to the pool 

This may seem like such a small feature to consider, however, if you plan to take your Bluetooth speaker out of the house, making sure it is water-resistant is important. Our NVX GlowXR3 is both weather-resistant and water-resistant with color-changing LED lights, perfect for any indoor or outdoor party.

Sound quality should be examined thoroughly

Sound quality is another important feature to look for in a speaker. Unfortunately, you cannot test out each speaker to see which one works for you. So, how do you know which is best for you? When researching Bluetooth speakers, there are some features to take a look at. 

• output power: the amount of Watts emitted by the speaker measured in decibels.
• frequency range: the greater range of frequency produced by your speaker, the clear the sound is going to be.
• sound system: each system has a number of channels, which are the speakers that will be producing the sound. 
• impedance: the lower the impedance, the better quality of sound your speaker will produce. 

Have a budget in mind when looking for the right speaker

Have a budget in mind when looking for the proper Bluetooth speaker. Just because a Bluetooth speaker cost over $100 doesn’t mean it is automatically the best choice. You do not have to break the bank for quality speakers. On the other hand, don’t buy the cheapest speaker either. Find something that is going to work for you. For more information on finding the right Bluetooth speaker for you, check out our post here.

The post Bluetooth Speakers: 5 Things You Need To Know appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

To maintain the aesthetic of your hot rod, an in-dash touchscreen isn’t necessary to upgrade your ride to have all the modern features. Voice activation for hands-free music and phone calls will make for a smoother cruise. 

The easiest way to install Bluetooth in your car is as stand-alone device. One option is to install a rearview mirror with built-in Bluetooth. Rear-view mirror devices display the caller ID in the bottom corner of the rearview mirror. This allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road when answering the phone. 

To install it, clamp the rearview mirror Bluetooth device onto your existing rearview mirror. Or, swap it out for the factory mirror. Rear-view mirror Bluetooth devices are typically powered by the cigarette lighter or battery operated.

For a more seamless Bluetooth system, install an integration kit, which is designed for each specific Bluetooth-ready stereo.  With this, your BT-ready car stereo will provide you with full controls from your cell phone. The kit should include a hideaway box and adapter, if not you’ll need to purchase it separately. 

First use adhesive to mount the microphone anywhere on the dash or console area. It’s also possible to clip it to the sunvisor. 

After this step, you’ll need to remove the stereo from the das. Remove all screws and nuts holding the head unit in the dash, and slide of the head unit. You may need to use a flat head to carefully pry it out. Now you will plug in the Bluetooth integrated harness to connect the vehicle harness to the other wiring harnesses. Put the head unit back into the dash opening and secure.

The best option when upgrading a car stereo is to choose a product with built-in hands-free capability. While you will need to open the dash to wire the new stereo into the car, you won’t need to install a hideaway adapter box. 

It’s worth the time and money to invest in Bluetooth equipment to create a smoother user experience when interacting with your car’s receiver. 

The post How to Install Bluetooth in your Car appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.