Upgrading your car’s sound system may involve adding several components. To boost the bass, produce clearer sound, and get rid of distortions, you may need to equip your car with a subwoofer, an amplifier, and, most importantly, a new DIN head unit.
DIN head units are not the same size. Generally, they come in two sizes, which are known as the single DIN and double DIN. How do you know which to choose?
What Is a Head Unit?
The head unit is the system that controls the car’s audio, navigation, and indoor climate. Concerning car audio, a head unit is essentially the brain of your vehicle’s sound system.
It is often used interchangeably with the term “car stereo.” However, the latter is more general and can include the head unit, the speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and other components. All cars have built-in head units, but they aren’t as powerful as the aftermarket models.
Different Head Unit Sizes
If you plan to replace your car stereo, you need to choose a DIN head that will easily fit into the slot where your current sound system is. Therefore, knowing about the different DIN sizes is crucial.
Single DIN
Single DIN is the standard head unit size that measures two inches tall and seven inches wide. While the dimensions are the same for all single DIN units, the stereo depth can vary. That said, you’ll want to make sure your car’s dashboard will be able to hold and secure your new head unit.
Most older vehicles make use of a single DIN stereo, which is slim in shape and doesn’t usually come with a touchscreen display. A single head unit has basic functionality, such as FM radio and AUX or USB connections.
However, some higher-end models may come with Bluetooth connectivity. The Pioneer AVH-3400NEX is the top choice for single DIN head units. Other excellent choices are the Boss Audio Systems 612UA and Kenwood KMM-BT322.
Double DIN
The double DIN is twice the size of a single DIN. Generally, it measures four inches in length, but it has the same width as a single DIN, which is seven inches. A taller DIN provides extra room for a larger dashboard screen.
Double DIN units are usually compatible with touchscreen displays and have many features apart from the basic ones. For example, they include GPS, phone, and music capabilities. Double DIN head units are more popular in the United States, while the single DIN is more commonly used in the United Kingdom.
1.5 DIN
Earlier, we said that there are two head unit sizes. Essentially, there is another size, albeit uncommon. The 1.5 DIN head unit has a size somewhere in between a single and a double DIN unit. You will most commonly find it in factory GM vehicles.
How To Choose the Right DIN for Your Car Stereo
If your car can comfortably hold both a single DIN and a double DIN head unit, choosing the size ultimately comes down to what you want to get out of it.
Do you only use your car stereo to listen to the radio, connect your phone to AUX or USB, or take calls via Bluetooth? If so, a single DIN unit is ideal. However, if you’re looking to use the head unit for other purposes, like navigation, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and other advanced capabilities, a double-DIN unit is what you need.
To know if your car can fit a double DIN stereo, measure the faceplate of your existing unit. If it measures seven inches long and two inches tall, it’s a single-DIN, and you can only replace it with a head unit of the same size.
If your car comes with a double DIN stereo, you will have more options. In particular, you can replace it with either a single DIN or another double DIN head unit. If you choose to downgrade your head unit, you will have to get the right bracket.
Some head unit brackets may include slots for an additional component, like a graphic equalizer, along with an extra pocket for your CDs, phone, MP3 players, and other small items. Note that double DIN head units aren’t necessarily better than single DIN units. The main benefit of using a double-DIN is typically in the display.
Conclusion
Car head units generally fall under the single and double DIN categories. Choosing the right size for your car depends on the size of your existing stereo.
If your current unit is a double DIN, you can choose to replace it with either a single unit or a double unit. If your current stereo has a single DIN head unit, then that means you can only replace it with a head unit of the same size.
When buying an aftermarket DIN unit, there are several key features to consider. These include the power, input source, supported file types, preamp outputs, display, connectivity, and other features.