Smart Car Radio: Features & Buying Guide

Hello,

After recently replacing the antenna, my car radio reception is somewhat acceptable again, but still not perfect. I'm now looking for a new head unit. So far, I haven't found anything suitable from the usual brands. My requirements are as follows:

* DAB+ reception
* Usable FM tuner.
* Bluetooth hands-free systems with external microphones (integrated microphone only if it functions adequately even in a relatively noisy car).
* Display technology that remains readable even in direct sunlight.
* Night mode should be available in blue and/or red, with the option to change to other colors if desired.
* what is called "VW GALA" (volume boost depending on speed, or potentially something more sophisticated based on the actual ambient noise level).
* Something to read digital media from (e.g., SD card, USB stick, CD, etc.).
* No annoying beeping when removing the ignition key.
* Priced at a level that makes it not a favorite for bargain hunters.

What I've found so far seems to be failing due to the detached microphone, issues with GALA, and apparently, mostly because of the display.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what to buy there? I might be willing to compromise on the display and the microphone if necessary, as long as the other person can still understand me during phone calls. However, everything else is essential.

Bye.
peace

Look: http://www.zenec.com/

Hmm, I'm not sure if I have a complete overview of the product range yet, but so far I've only found devices without navigation (I don't want navigation, especially not without free map updates). A double-DIN unit would probably be unnecessary, but it could work. Above all, I haven't found anything about GALA. I doubt I'll be very happy with that either.

Bye.
peace

I would like to draw your attention to the Kenwood KDC-BT73DAB. The reception performance of Kenwood DAB devices is widely recognized as good. Depending on the reception conditions in your area, instead of a windshield antenna, you should consider using a roof antenna, which can noticeably improve reception compared to a windshield antenna.

It is possible to continue using the vehicle's original steering wheel controls with adapters. As far as I know, GALA is not supported by any DAB devices. I can reassure you about the clarity of speech during phone calls; the device sounds very pleasant even with the built-in microphone. I installed it in a Toyota Aygo for a friend just a few weeks ago. Due to the car's prominent interior acoustics, the person on the other end could barely hear anything, even at highway speeds and with the side windows closed. Within city limits, the clarity was also good even with the windows open, as long as you can tolerate the traffic noise around the Aygo.

Personally, I find the trend towards reflective display covers to be a disadvantage, but this is a problem that affects models and manufacturers across the board. I myself own a Kenwood KDC-DAB4551U, which also has a reflective screen. However, due to its installation angle, it doesn't cause any issues in my car. The readability of the display on the Kenwood KDC-BT73DAB is supposed to be improved by using "color 13," which would make it white. Otherwise, with one of the 24 preset colors or custom color settings, it can be perfectly integrated into practically any dashboard design.

I had already been considering the Kenwood KDC-BT48DAB. Unfortunately, it doesn't have GALA (apparently, none of their radios do, according to their customer service), and I suspect the display isn't very readable in sunlight. My factory radio has an LCD screen, which is perfect. Blaupunkt used to make devices with LCD screens, but now I can't find any anymore, and they haven't really embraced DAB+ either, especially after their issues with it.

I temporarily disabled the GALA feature on the old Blaupunkt radio that's currently installed in my car to see if it made a difference. It's annoying because the Lupo gets quite loud, and you constantly have to manually adjust the volume. I still have a Sony radio with white/bright LEDs in the cupboard – I could at least check whether the readability is acceptable when there's glare from sunlight.

Bye.
peace

Hello,

I don't quite understand the problem with the GALA signal. Is there even a car radio that doesn't have a comparable function?
In my 1998 A3 8L, I had an aftermarket car radio installed that had a volume control linked to the engine speed (determined from the fluctuations in the vehicle's voltage). So, no connection of a corresponding signal was necessary.

It was well adjustable and worked great.

Best regards, Rainer.

The two Sony units I have lying around don't have that feature – neither according to the manual nor as a setting in the menu. Kenwood doesn't generally offer it, according to what I was told by their hotline. I haven't found anything similar on JVC, Pioneer, or Alpine DAB+ tuners. My factory-installed unit from 2000 has it, and my aftermarket Blaupunkt from 2003 does too. But it's definitely not a standard feature.

Is this now typically solved via CAN bus, or is there still a separate speed signal?

Bye.
peace

Speed is communicated via CAN.

dieselschrauber wrote:

Speed comes via CAN.

and is therefore visible in the developer menu - even without the AI exaggeration factor .

Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.