The car audio market continues to face a challenge from the OEs, but judging from the latest crop of new products showcased at CES, it's clear the industry is still full of innovations. In the past it was the aftermarket that led carmakers to incorporate the technologies developed by the former and we enjoy various new car technologies today in large part due to aftermarket companies. Given what's happening in the car market and the general economy, it makes a lot of sense to keep your current vehicle or buy a used one and customize it with the latest gear.
Without expensive new car payments you'll probably be able to afford some cool gadgets like the ones featured here and showcased at CES.
Alpine iXA-W404
A new touch-screen double-DIN dedicated iPod receiver? Yes! If you used the single-DIN version and wanted more, this is for you. There's no disc slot, but who needs it. Just load your Apple DMP with loads of lossless music files. There is an AM/FM tuner and you can connect USB memory devices for more entertainment options. Speaking of which, you can add HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and satellite radio as well. With the NVE-P1 the W404 can also serve as part of a nav system. This is an inexpensive source unit that you can build upon.
MSRP: $550
Clarion FZ409, FZ709.
Who needs CDs. These slot-less source units play music off your iPod or other MP3 player. The 709 has built-in Bluetooth for handsfree calling, while the 409 is Bluetooth ready. Both have OEL (Organic Electro-luminescence) Full Dot Matrix displays with white and blue illumination and are satellite radio ready.
MSRP: $229.99 and $349.99
JL Audio HD800/5
Combine the old 500/1v2 and the 300/4v2 and put it all in a new single chassis and you get the versatile HD800/5, a 500-watt x 1 and 75-watt x 4, 5-channel amp. You can also use it in a 3-channel setup. Available in April, this may be all the amp you need.
MSRP: $1,099
Eclipse AVN4430
Eclipse improves on a great idea, keeping the detachable TomTom nav unit idea, but updating it and adding more features to the source unit. This definitely deserved CEA's Innovations Design and Engineering award. The unit plays CDs and DVDs as well as iPod audio and video. It's available now.
MSRP: $850
JVC KW-NT1
The latest double-DIN nav unit from JVC has a cool security feature, a 6.1-inch detachable faceplate. It is a DVD player as well with built in Bluetooth wireless technology and front mounted full-speed USB 2.0 and AV-input connections. I got a quick demo at the show and this flash-based system is surprisingly fast.
MSRP: $1,099
Kenwood DNX9140
The new flagship model offers a voice control feature so you can fully operate the navigation system and utilize features such as entering addresses, choosing menu options and selecting points of interest. The voice control system will also operate the audio and video systems, With built-in technology by Parrot and Garmin, you're covered for Bluetooth and navigation. This top-of-the-line product does it all.
MSRP: $2000.