It’s the weekend and you planned a road trip with your mates. When you have good company around you, there isn’t much you need for a memorable time. Having said that, a good car stereo setup to play your favorite jams doesn’t hurt either.
When it comes to car stereos, there are two major types – single DIN and double DIN. Which one is better though? This guide will give you everything you need to know about single DIN vs double DIN.
We’ll also touch on which is better and suitable for you. So, turn up the volume to 11, lay back, and read on. Let’s get started, or should we say jamming?
What are Single DIN and Double DIN Stereos?
Before we jump into the difference, it’s worth dwelling on what both these stereos are. That way you’ll be able to better understand the differences between these two.
When we say DIN, we are referring to the standard created by “Deutsches Institut für Normung”. Try saying that 10 times fast. It’s a standard body in Germany. DIN is a measurement standard and tells you the height and width of car stereos.
The DIN standard measures the height and width of the head units to be specific. For car lovers, this creates convenience. Car manufacturers around the world use this standard for their head units. That’s why most head units are easily interchangeable.
Single DIN
Single DIN stereos have a specific measurement, as do double DINs. But more on double DIN stereo a bit later. In terms of height, single DINs are 2 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
Double DIN
Double DIN stereos are larger than single DIN ones. They come at 4-inch height and 7-inch width. As you can see, both the DIN sizes have the same width measurement.
It’s the height where they differ. Basically, the size difference is one of the major characteristics. Other notable things would be sound quality (but not in all cases) and other extra features like touch screens.
Almost all good quality double DIN stereos are touch screen enabled. You’ll also find some with amplifiers. Now, if you know anything about audio, you’ll know having an amplifier will greatly improve the sound quality.
Single DIN Vs Double DIN: The Differences You Need to Know
Now that you know what these two stereo types are, let’s see the difference between single din and double DIN car stereo. We’ll start off with the most obvious one.
1. Size Differences
The size difference between the two is perhaps one of the most important things you need to note. The Size of the Double DIN stereos are twice than single DINs. Both are the same width though.
This difference in physical size also allows some extra features to be put into double DIN stereos. That’s just simple physics. When choosing a stereo for your car, you need to make sure you get the right one.
Otherwise, the stereo system simply won’t fit. And we hope it’s safe to assume that you want your brand spanking new stereo to fit properly in your car.
2. Extra Features
There are some feature differences when it comes to double DIN vs single DIN. That’s because due to the larger size of double DINs, engineers have more space to play around with.
Double DIN stereos have extra features like touch screens and easy to control UI options. This can help make the end-user experience better for you. Some might come with DVD players and HD video screens for consuming content.
It goes without saying, please be responsible on the road when driving. On the road, isn’t the place to binge your favorite show.
This by no shape of form means single DINs are inferior. They’re frankly also very feature-rich and practical. If your car can’t fit a double DIN setup, there is no reason to pout.
Some Single DIN stereos are just as capable of providing a solid entertainment experience.
3. Usability
The last difference between the two is usability. Touch screen stereos also come with more modern features. You have things like support for Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay functionality. To make driving easier, they can also be equipped with a rear-view camera and GPS. To check car stereo with rear view camera and GPS go through this article: https://motoristcare.com/best-car-stereo-with-backup-camera/
So, you’ll often find double DIN stereos with more modern features. The usability and extra features are something to consider.
Single DIN Or Double DIN: Which One Is Better for You?
Which one should you get then? Firstly, you’ll need to take the size of both into account. Which one is your car compatible with? One of the most important aspects of a stereo is the sound quality.
What good will a stereo do if it has all the smart features but doesn’t play music all that well? In terms of sound quality, single DIN and double DINs don’t sound much different.
The only time double DIN will give you better sound quality is if it comes with an in-built amplifier. Besides, good car audio gears will give you a dedicated amplifier for jamming to your favorite tunes.
Where the double DIN ups the single DIN is in its extra usability features. There is some excellent quality of life features that make using these on a day-to-day basis a joy.
If you have space, meaning if your car stereo is compatible, go for a double DIN. They’re more expensive though (duh). Otherwise, a good single DIN will do just fine.
Quick Buyers Guide
If you’re reading this guide, we figure you’re interested in a stereo upgrade or want to replace an old one. Here are the things to consider while buying a car stereo.
It’s always good to know what you expect from your car stereo beforehand. That way you can get exactly the features you want and not waste money on things you don’t need.
Audio Source
The most basic purpose a car stereo serves is blasting music. The audio source is important. You have choices here. There are traditional CD players and also an AV receiver.
But you should also consider the modern options. The new kids on the block (kids being stereos) have auxiliary or USB ports for input.
Radio
We’re going to be honest here. Most of us here haven’t really been listening to the radio all that much. Radios are still nice to have still. While all car stereo will probably have built-in radio, what you should be looking for is satellite radio support or HD Radio.
Smart Features
It’s 2021, if you can find microwave ovens with WIFI, what’s stopping you from getting a car stereo with smart features? Things like easy phone integration are great to have and make life much easier.
Not to mention, services like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay makes using your entertainment set easier and convenient. They have very nice interfaces and can play your Spotify or Apple Music library seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will I miss out on a lot of things if I get a single DIN stereo?
Ans. Not really. Single DINs are still very usable and have practical features. They also don’t sound bad either, especially if you’re going to get a dedicated amplifier anyway.
It’s mostly the smart features and touch screens that you might miss out on. If your car can only fit a single DIN and you don’t see a need for the smart features, you won’t be disappointed.
Q2. Are double DINs worth it?
Ans. If you have space and your car is compatible with a double DIN stereo, we whole-heartedly recommend getting one. They’re packed with smart and just simply more modern features.
Q3. How to tell which size fits my car?
Ans. Picking the right size for your car’s head unit is key. If you’re wondering how to tell whether you should get a single DIN or double DIN, there are easy ways you can measure.
One is to just measure it yourself. The other is to use online car stereo databases. These databases have a ton of information on which stereo fits what. If you need further help, you can always visit a fit expert or a mechanic.
Q4. My car stereo sounds muffled; what can I do?
Ans. You probably have a loose connection. This is one of the most common stereo problems. In summary, poor installations might be an issue. Other things could be improper grounding or stripped wires. To get further ado about car stereo sound problem check this article: https://motoristcare.com/why-does-my-car-stereo-make-a-buzzing-sound/
Q5. What brand stereo should I get?
Ans. Choosing a brand for your car stereo isn’t a tough choice. Pick from any reputable brand and the one that fits your needs. This is where knowing what you want from your stereo helps. That way you can narrow down your choices.
Also, look for the things we mentioned in the buyer’s guide. Brands like Sony, Pioneer, JVC and Kenwood are solid choices.
Final Words
There you have it, everything you need to know about single DIN vs double DIN stereos. You won’t miss out on much no matter which you go for. What it’ll come down to is what your car is compatible with and what features you want.
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