Review on 📻 JVC Single DIN In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver with CD MP3 Player, Front USB & AUX Inputs, Android Control, AM FM Radio, Remote Control & FREE ALPHASONIK EARBUDS by Rick Howlett

I bought this head unit for a 2001 Wrangler TJ and was pleasantly surprised at the quality I got for $57. It was halfway decent from the factory, man I was wrong. During my initial sound testing of this JVC before a full installation, I was amazed at the depth and richness of the sound, even from the factory speakers, as if I had a brand new system. I think the quality of the standard speakers is underwhelming, but I think they work great with the right head unit broadcasting the sound. I could turn the volume up louder than I've ever heard, fiddle with stations to check antenna reception and didn't get any hiss or hiss, it was and still is flawless. Uninstall/install was easy. for me: disconnect the antenna cable, remove the two plugs for the wires, unscrew the old device from the latch; Plug the new stereo into the fascia adapter, mount the stereo into the cage, attach the two wire connectors, insert the antennas, and toss it all into the dash. Boom, done. I got all the interior trims back and was happy as a clam. My car is a Jeep Wrangler so I also needed a bezel adapter and a harness adapter. The cable adapter I received required some light soldering. So if you don't bother with that, you need options. Either go to a shop for the fitment or see if JVC can make a pre-built adapter for your car (although I doubt it). I suppose you can also use wire nuts or wire ties, but you will end up with a huge mass of plastic when you're done and you'll have to find a place in the dash behind the stereo for that mass. Overall the controls and options are good for me, YMMV. There are 18 preset stations, although only 1-6 can be set and then easily accessed with a button, the remaining 12 require some scrolling in the menu to tune each one individually. To access them once they're set you'll have to press the button multiple times to cycle through all 18 presets, sucks if you're on #2 and want to listen to #13, or alternatively press another button and turn the dial up Rotate preset. Not the best system but if you have the top 6 stations on the keys it's no big deal. You can also play around with bass and treble settings, front and rear and side balance, or choose from several preset patterns. which seem to have a good range of sound settings. I've only had the stereo for a day, so I haven't dug deep enough to see if each preset station can have its own audio setting. There's also a small remote control, there's even a hole for hanging on a keychain, and the remote control has a wide range of options. I don't really need the remote because in the Wrangler you're already sitting close to the dash so reaching it isn't a problem. I think I could use it if you weren't in the car listening to music at the beach or whatever, but the remote control is IR so you still need line of sight to the device itself. The faceplate comes off easily, push the little button on the corner and the face pops out a little, you pull it out towards the steering wheel from the left side as there is a small tab on the right to hold it. The bezel fits perfectly in my locked drawer under the seat, or I could toss it in the dash and lock it. There are two additional entrances, one in the front and one in the back. Before installation, I attached a 5" accessory cable to the back and routed it under the dash by the steering wheel, which is pretty easy to install and remove in my car. Eventually I'll run the cord wherever I want to mount my battered and old MP3 player and there's a lot less clutter hanging out the front and if I ever want to connect an additional device I still have a front input. .Overall I like the stereo, it sounds great and I didn't have to change speakers which saved me money. I'm happy with the options and for the price I don't think I could have done better. Sure I could get a two-din touchscreen unit, but for a Jeep that hits trails and mud pits, it's perfect; If it fails or gets damaged I won't have a ton of dough. This unit is Bluetooth enabled but only with an available BT adapter that plugs into the back, but for a trail jeep I don't miss that feature; I don't mind connecting my smartphone with an extra cable, and for hands-free calls I use a separate BT speaker mounted on my visor. Pros: great sound, quick and easy setup, clear manual, enough features to keep me happy. Cons: Some soldering required (though most if not all aftermarket stereos will require it), post #6 station presets cannot be quickly recalled, lights cannot be individually dimmed and controlled.