The innovation attached to this particular stereo is impressive, especially the quality of the audio that it generates. The software system is also quite quick and easy to use and the fact that it has support for both SD and USB is definitely a point in its favor.

However, every reward has a risk factor attached to it and with the JVC KD-S100 this comes in the form of the subwoofer, which happens to be of virtual design on the KD-S100. There is no way the virtual design even comes close to matching the presence of a real sub woofer and that is ultimately the major drawback of using the KD-S100 as your car stereo.

Ultimately, it is a good upgrade from a low-end device, but the lack of availability in some areas combined with pricing restrictions that make retailers hesitant to keep it in stock can make finding one a frustrating venture.

JVC KD-S100

This handy little unit from Pioneer can cost you as much as $249.99 (the standard retail price), although it is possible to get it on sale or used for prices that can dip below $200 depending on location and condition.

The overall design of the unit is one of the points in its favour, as are the excellent options and range of support features that you get with it. These aspects all tend to be above average for a stereo of this price range, which is definitely something that hardcore digital music users will love.

On the other hand, all of these excellent options can make operation of the stereo a little bit difficult and even the most basic functions can be frustrating for someone that has not taken the time to read through the instruction manual in order to learn how to use the stereo.

Pioneer DEH-P6000UB

There are many things to like about this unit from Sony, including the fact that there is hands-free calling functionality built into the device. There is also a lot of support for different audio options and the overall package is actually designed quite well with flair and panache.

At the same time however, the phonebook that comes with the device does not have a particularly high capacity, which is definitely a minus in a product that retails for as much as this unit does. Furthermore, navigation through audio options on the interface provided is a bit sluggish and could certainly be improved upon in future incarnations of this device.

Overall, this Sony all-in-one unit is a good purchase if you want that type of functionality, but there are trade-offs in the purchase as well. It retails for around $330.00, although used units can be purchased for as low as $225.00 on occasion.

Sony MEX-BT5100

This particular stereo has a wider price range, allowing you to find it for anywhere from $120 to $160 depending on where you look. The intuitive aspects of this unit are to be admired, as is the excellent sound quality that it produces. Other strengths of the stereo include ways to tweak your audio performance that many other units do not offer and compatibility for you to use many portable audio devices in conjunction with the car stereo.

On the other hand, the display of the stereo is quite confusing and looks very busy to the average person, which can cause frustration for new users that do not understand how to use all of the features available to them. While this particular stereo is definitely worth the price you pay for it, new users and high end users will want to look elsewhere.

Sony CDX GT620IP review

This particular product retails for $159.99 in stores at the current moment in time.

The SD48’s main strength is the fact that the support that it offers for other electronic devices is quite large. This support includes SD memory cards, removable drives that utilize a USB interface and many of the portable music players such as the iPod. Because of the fact that this support is widespread, many people that are big into the digital audio scene will appreciate having this stereo in their automobile.

On the other hand however, the overall design of the SD48 definitely leaves something to be desired, especially considering the boring look of the interface screen. If you want simplicity and support, then the Blaupunkt Brisbane SD48 is for you. If you want something high-end, look elsewhere.