If you own an old car, upgrading its electronics can make your next trip or commute to work safer and more enjoyable. With features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, MP3 and FLAC file playback, and built-in navigation, a new double-DIN car radio may modernize your vehicle for a very fair investment.

In this blog, we will highlight the top five aftermarket double-DIN vehicle stereos that are the best and most popular models for 2022 at Sonic Electronix!

Pioneer DMH-2600NEX

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

Any driver looking for a way to upgrade the sound system they enjoy while driving will benefit from purchasing the Pioneer DMH-2600NEX. A superb multimedia Bluetooth car stereo receiver, it will breathe new life into your audio experience while traveling.

Offering playback for MP3, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, WAV, AVI, DivX, JPEG and many other file formats, the device is ideal for any avid media consumer, giving you the flexibility you need to have a seamless experience regardless of the file type you favor or the device you’re pulling music from. The Pioneer DMH-2600’s dual zone feature and its compatibility with all kinds of phone are two major selling points. It offers great sound for all your favorite tracks and a crisp-clear digital display for any photos you want to project to it.

It includes an easy-to-use UI, with buttons that show on the touchscreen to make navigation simple. When combined with the optional accessory that allows control via the steering wheel, this makes it safer for drivers to use

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 6.8″ Capacitive Touchscreen Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 13-band equalizer
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready

“Awesome radio” – ★★★★★

Works great in my 06 Prius. I like that I can use CarPlay or android auto as I have both systems. Also the factory pioneer interface is pretty good. I recommend it for sure!

rsspie

Sonic Electronix Customer

Sony XAV-AX150

Durability: 5 | Value: 5 | Features: 4 | Design: 4.5 | Usability: 4.5

Interested in adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your vehicle? Sony’s XAV-AX150 digital multimedia receiver makes it possible to do so safely and affordably. 

With the use of Bluetooth, the XAV-AX150 makes it simple to do hands-free calling and stream music. You may connect a thumb drive with your favorite music, videos, and FLAC files to the rear USB port for a richer audio experience or you can connect your smartphone for usage with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The XAV-AX150 additionally provides a distance guiding display and a rear-view camera input for comfort and convenience.

With regard to the audio quality it offers, this car radio has a 10-band graphic EQ as well as a unique set of sound-sculpting tools to assist you achieve the sound you’ve always desired in a vehicle. To change the height and width of your soundstage, use the Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) on this stereo. With better stereo placement, the music will appear to be coming from the dashboard in front of you. Additionally, when ExtraBass is turned on, the XAV-AX150 automatically adjusts frequency and gain to the ideal settings in order to reduce distortion at all volume levels.

Item highlights

• 6.95″ Resistive Touchscreen Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
• 3 sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 10-Band Graphic Equalizer
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready

“This head unit is awesome” – ★★★★

I’ve had a few other head units. This one beats them all. This is best sounding and cleanest display I’ve had.

ralph559

Sonic Electronix Customer

Belva BVL62

Durability: 4.6 | Value: 4.9 | Features: 4.6 | Design: 4.8 | Usability: 4.9

With Bluetooth built into the Belva BVL62, users may stream music and make phone calls without taking their hands off the wheel. For Android devices, the BVL62 also offers phone mirroring. This makes it possible for information to be transmitted from the phone screen to the 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen display, allowing you to effortlessly handle things like navigation without having to look away from the road.

Three pairs of 4-volt preamp outputs are also included on this double-DIN to link your stereo to the rest of your car’s audio system. The BVL62 includes a subwoofer and a separate preamp output for your car’s front and rear speakers so that the sound is not only balanced but also clear throughout your entire vehicle. You may customize your system by making separate tweaks thanks to dedicated outputs for each.

By providing a dedicated input for a vehicle’s rearview camera, the BVL62 facilitates parking. Additionally, a dedicated input for all-purpose vehicle dash cameras is included. This enables you to document any trip, whether it’s for business or personal use.

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth CD/DVD Multimedia Receiver
• 6.2″ TFT-LCD Monitor Display
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 3-Band Parametric Equalizer with 7 Presets
• Phone Mirroring for iPhone and Android devices

Sonic always has what I want – ★★★★★

I was looking for car audio and found the Belva. It does everything I wanted in a head unit and you can’t beat the price. Sonic hooked me up, head unit, wiring & install kit plus a free set of headphones. I be back again, thx Sonic

Kelly

Sonic Electronix Customer

Sound Storm Labs (SSL) DDC28B

Durability: 4.6 | Value: 4.7 | Features: 4.7 | Design: 4.6 | Usability: 4.3

Head out on the road with great music with the Sound Storm Laboratories DDC28B Double-DIN CD/MP3 Player. Slide in a CD, hook your Smartphone or MP3 Player up to the Auxiliary Input, tune into your favorite AM/FM radio station, or plug into the USB port for more music options. The DDC28B also lets you wirelessly stream audio via Bluetooth from compatible devices so you can listen to streaming music services such as Spotify and Pandora.

This unit’s Pre-Amp outputs let you expand your system by adding more amps and signal processors so you can choose your sound style and take control with the wireless remote. One unique feature of the DDC28B is its detachable front panel that renders the unit inoperable and deters theft when removed.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth CD Media Receiver
• Digital LED Backlit Display
• 2 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 13-Band Equalizer
• Detachable face plate
• Built-in Alexa

“Great Value, Easy Installation” – ★★★★★

AUX unit in my 2010 Matrix stopped working, decided to upgrade the whole headunit and got this on sale.. adds all I need such as USB charging, AUX as well as Bluetooth (which was my main desire). Wiring harness was simple, just match colours and crimp, heat shrink or solder. Was installed within an hour.

Jaxson

Sonic Electronix Customer

Pioneer DMH-1700NEX

Durability: 5 | Value: 4.5 | Features: 5 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5

The DMH-1700NEX is a 6.8″ capacitive glass touchscreen digital media receiver compatible with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, hands-free Bluetooth® and SiriusXM Ready.

For a genuinely connected experience that brings many of your favorite apps right into the dashboard and enables you to converse using cutting-edge, high-quality Bluetooth connectivity, connect your compatible iOS or AndroidTM smartphone to NEX. Built-in Bluetooth® is a feature found on all NEX models, allowing for hands-free calling and audio streaming. More authentic sound quality and information are provided during talks with NEX thanks to the inclusion of the most recent Hands-Free Profile with Wideband Speech capabilities. Even the material on your smartphone can be browsed and chosen while streaming music with NEX utilizing the AVRCP profile.

Your car and music are as unique as you are. With a Pioneer NEX in-dash receiver, sound quality features like a 13-Band Graphic Equalizer with touch panel swipe settings and built-in high/low pass crossover with adjustable points and slopes provide you with the controls to tailor the listening experience to your vehicle and listening preferences.

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 6.8″ Capacitive Touchscreen Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• Three sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 13-Band Customizable Graphic Equalizer
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready
• Multi-color illumination

Great product!!” – ★★★★★

I upgraded my stock stereo to the Pioneer DMH 1770NEX. Love the touch screen, having android auto, the map on the screen, having a 13 channel EQ mixed with my Infinity reference and Kappa speakers sound awesome!! This is making my driving life so much better.

The only suggestion I have is detailed installation instructions for the backup camera that came with it. Luckily I have a friend who could help me with being partially colorblind.

indy5-35

Sonic Electronix Customer

Add these aftermarket double-DIN car audio receivers and more to your cart 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.