ICE Special: Budget CD Tuners

Even if your motor is only a year old, chances are its sound system can’t cope with the digital music revolution. Car stereos have been left behind by compressed digital music files and the Apple iPod and iTunes generation; cockpits remain one of the few places where audio CDs and cassettes are still used.

The easiest way to upgrade your system is to replace the head unit, but which do you choose? We put 21 of the latest systems to the test in this giant special feature.

Compressed music files come in MP3, Windows WMA or Apple AAC formats, and you can burn them to disc. But you should check any unit can play the type you use most.

If you own an iPod or similar, most CD tuners have an auxiliary input to plug into. If you don’t, USB decks let you connect a pen drive or hard drive directly. As many cars now have double-depth DIN units, we’ve also looked at these USB options.

Verdict

Buyers on a budget should go for Pioneer’s DEH-30MP. It has great spec and performance at a low price. Second is the Alpine CDE-9848RB.

Got more to spend? Try Pioneer’s DEH-P75BT with its hands-free kit. The Alpine CDE-9850Ri has an iPod lead, and is a worthy runner-up.

For those without an MP3 player, the Clarion DB568RUSB impressed. The In Phase was second due to its SD card slot.

For cars with double DIN systems, go for the superb value JVC or the easier-to-use Alpine.