Frequently Asked Questions

Better sound and additional features are the two best reasons to buy a new car stereo. Aftermarket stereos usually have more powerful amplifiers and better sound than factory-installed ones. There are also additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen controls, satellite radio compatibility and more.

There are four main types of car stereos: CD receivers, digital media receivers, DVD receivers and navigation receivers.

CD receivers play CDs of course, but most models also feature an Aux and USB input as well as a radio tuner.

Digital media receivers are car stereos without CD players. They are a great option if you only listen to music from digital music players, your smartphone or streaming music devices.

DVD receivers play DVDs and CDs, but also feature touchscreen displays that show video content.

Navigation receivers combine the features of a DVD receiver with built-in GPS navigation that doesn't rely on your smartphone.

Thanks to our decades of experience, we know what type of system will or won't fit into different types of vehicles. Speak to a member of our team to determine what works best for your automobile.

Yes, but in most cases, you'll need a special adapter installed.

Some factory-installed options that are built into your existing factory stereo or use proprietary protocols may not be compatible with new aftermarket stereos. However, this is not the case with all of them, so one of our technicians will need to see your specific vehicle and its features.

Models are available that let you adjust the color for different parts of the receiver, such as the display and the buttons. You'll also find models which let you adjust for specific RGB color levels to better match.

Almost all new models offer a USB connection and many include Bluetooth as well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces allow for truly integrated touchscreen operation of many smartphone features as well.

Your factory speakers should be able to handle the output of an aftermarket receiver, but there are still limits to their performance. We recommend adding quality, aftermarket speakers to take full advantage of your new stereo.

Every car stereo is different, so there is no set formula to determine the "right" wattage. As long as you stay within the speakers' recommended power range, increasing power should add richness and depth to your music.

Generally, the increased power of a new car stereo will improve the power of the low end in your system. A subwoofer with an outboard amplifier or a powered subwoofer can also upgrade your bass.

At Radio Active, we've been installing new car stereos since 1986. Our knowledgeable technicians can take care of this job so you don't have to!

If you choose to install your stereo yourself, most cars do require a mounting kit to ensure the new stereo fits correctly and looks good in your dash. We'll recommend the right kit for your new system.

Along with the stereo's wiring harness, you may need additional wiring adapters and interfaces. One common adapter is an antenna adapter to accommodate the different types of antenna plugs in your specific model.