Getting Started: Why I Needed a New Car Stereo
There comes a time in every car owner’s life when the factory stereo just doesn’t cut it anymore. Maybe it lacks modern features, or perhaps it’s simply stopped working correctly. For me, the problem was a bit of both. My old head unit offered only basic AM/FM radio and a CD player – features that felt ancient in today’s world of streaming music and hands-free communication. Trying to manage navigation or phone calls while driving became a dangerous distraction, a problem that absolutely needed solving to ensure safety on the road. A modern car stereo with Bluetooth seemed like the essential upgrade I needed.
When you’re in the market for a new car stereo, you’re likely looking to upgrade your vehicle’s audio system, gain modern connectivity options, or perhaps add features like a touchscreen display or backup camera input. This type of product is ideal for drivers who spend a significant amount of time in their car, listen to music or podcasts frequently, need hands-free calling for safety, or want to add video capabilities for passengers. However, if you’re someone who only ever listens to basic radio and isn’t interested in integrating your smartphone or adding extra features, a less complex and potentially less expensive unit might be a better fit. Before buying, you should consider the size of your car’s dash opening (single DIN vs. double DIN), the specific features you need (Bluetooth, USB, AUX, CD/DVD playback, touchscreen, backup camera support), your budget, and whether you plan to install it yourself or have it done professionally. Understanding your car’s wiring harness and needing adapters (like antenna adapters or steering wheel control modules) are also crucial considerations.
Introducing the BOSS BV9364B: Features and First Impressions
The BOSS Audio Systems BV9364B Car Stereo DVD Player is a double din head unit designed to bring a range of modern entertainment and connectivity features to your vehicle at an accessible price point. It promises hands-free calling, wireless audio streaming, and versatile media playback through its 6.2-inch touchscreen LCD monitor. When you purchase the BV9364B, you typically receive the head unit itself, a built-in media remote control, mounting hardware, a power harness, an external microphone for calls, and a user manual. Compared to higher-end models from brands like Pioneer or Kenwood, the BV9364B positions itself as a budget-friendly alternative, offering core features without some of the more advanced functionalities or polish. It’s a suitable choice for drivers who want a significant upgrade from a basic factory system, adding Bluetooth, a touchscreen, and various media options without breaking the bank. It’s likely not the best fit for audiophiles seeking extensive sound customization, users heavily invested in specific smartphone integration platforms (like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which it lacks), or those expecting lightning-fast responsiveness and premium build quality.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Excellent value for the features included.
* Reliable Bluetooth connectivity for calls and streaming.
* Versatile media playback options (CD, DVD, USB, SD, AUX, Radio).
* Touchscreen display is responsive enough for general use.
* Includes an external microphone for clear hands-free calls.
Cons:
* User interface can feel a bit slow or clunky at times.
* Lacks advanced sound customization options like a multi-band EQ.
* Screen brightness is difficult to manage, especially in direct sunlight or at night.
* Some minor software quirks like clock inaccuracies or input handling issues.
* Doesn’t support smartphone integration platforms like CarPlay or Android Auto.
Deep Dive: Unpacking the BOSS BV9364B’s Capabilities
Having used the BOSS BV9364B for a considerable time, I can attest to how its various features impact the daily driving experience. This car head unit offers a range of functions, each contributing to a more modern in-car environment.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Hands-Free and Streaming
One of the primary reasons I opted for this car stereo was its Bluetooth capability, and for the most part, it delivers. Pairing my smartphone was straightforward, and the unit reliably connects automatically when I start the car about 60-70% of the time. While it doesn’t always connect instantly, a quick manual reconnect through the phone or head unit resolves it easily enough. The hands-free calling works well thanks to the included external microphone, which I mounted near my sun visor. Callers report clear audio on their end, and I can hear them clearly through the car’s speakers. There’s a minor quirk where if you’re already on a call when you turn the unit on, it seamlessly transitions to hands-free, but if the radio volume was high, the call will suddenly be very loud – a funny moment, but something to be mindful of. Bluetooth audio streaming for apps like Spotify and Pandora is also reliable. I can play and control tracks wirelessly, though the unit doesn’t display album art or detailed song information while streaming from these apps, which is a minor disappointment compared to higher-end units. The ‘Push To Talk’ feature, linking to my phone’s voice assistant via Bluetooth, is a neat addition, allowing me to use voice commands without picking up my phone.
Touchscreen Display and User Interface
The 6.2-inch touchscreen LCD monitor is the central hub for controlling the BV9364B. The touchscreen itself is reasonably responsive to touch inputs, feeling comfortable to use while parked. Navigating the different menus and sources is fairly intuitive after a short learning curve. However, the interface can feel a bit dated and sometimes suffers from noticeable lag when switching between functions or loading menus. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s certainly not as smooth as the touchscreens found on more expensive systems. The display brightness is another area where the unit shows its budget nature. While generally fine indoors or in cloudy conditions, direct sunlight can make the screen quite dim and difficult to see. Conversely, at night, even at the lowest setting, the display can be quite bright and a bit distracting, especially since there’s no input for the car’s dimmer wire to automatically adjust illumination. There are a few factory wallpapers to choose from, but you can’t upload your own, limiting customization.
Versatile Media Playback
The BV9364B offers a wide array of media playback options, covering most bases. The integrated DVD player works well for watching movies (while parked, of course!) or listening to CDs. It handles standard DVDs and CDs without issue, though it doesn’t support DTS audio and only plays Dolby Digital in stereo, which is fine for in-car listening but worth noting if you were expecting surround sound. Playback from USB drives and SD cards is also supported, and I’ve primarily used the SD card slot for storing my music library. Files up to 32GB are compatible, and the unit can play music, photos, and videos from these sources. Initially, I experienced some reboots when rapidly skipping tracks or playing certain file types like .ogg, but after cleaning up and standardizing my music files to .mp3, this problem seems to have disappeared, suggesting it might have been an issue with the media files themselves rather than the unit. There’s also a standard AUX input, which is always useful for connecting older devices or anything without Bluetooth. The AM/FM radio tuner works as expected, with switchable US and Europe frequencies. While some users have reported reception issues, I’ve found the FM tuner to be decent, though perhaps not as strong as a high-quality factory unit in fringe areas.
Inputs and Outputs: Expanding Your System
Beyond playback, the BOSS BV9364B Car Stereo provides several inputs and outputs allowing for system expansion. It includes USB ports, one of which offers 1A charging – a handy feature for keeping your phone topped up. There are inputs for front and rear-view cameras, which is a significant safety upgrade potential. I added a backup camera later, and the integration worked as expected, with the unit automatically switching to the camera view when I put the car in reverse. However, a notable quirk mentioned by users (and something I noticed) is that the backup camera volume is set to a fixed level, which can be jarring if your music volume is much lower or if you’re on a Bluetooth call, as it can mute the call completely. The unit also offers front, rear, and subwoofer pre-amp outputs (RCA), allowing you to connect external amplifiers and a subwoofer for more powerful and customizable audio. I used the pre-outs to add a powered subwoofer, which significantly improved the bass response, although I found using the front pre-outs gave me better sub control than the dedicated subwoofer pre-out initially. A steering wheel control input is available, but like most aftermarket units, it requires a separate interface module (like the Metra ASWC-1, which I successfully used) to integrate with your vehicle’s existing steering wheel buttons.
Audio Control and Power
The BV9364B provides basic audio customization with controls for balance, fader, bass, and treble, along with some built-in EQ presets. While functional, it lacks the granular control of multi-band graphic or parametric equalizers found on more premium stereos, which limits the ability to fine-tune the sound precisely to your liking or compensate for speaker characteristics. The built-in amplifier is rated at 80 watts x 4 Max Power (which translates to a much lower continuous RMS power, typical for head units). This is sufficient to power most factory or aftermarket speakers for a decent listening experience without external amplification. I’m running four 6×9 speakers directly off the unit, and the volume is plenty loud and distortion-free at levels I typically listen at. For serious volume or demanding speakers, adding an amplifier using the pre-outs is highly recommended, as noted by BOSS themselves. The included wireless remote control adds convenience for passengers.
Warranty and Installation
BOSS Audio Systems provides a 3-year platinum online dealer warranty when purchased through Amazon.com, which offers a good level of confidence in the product’s longevity, especially at its price point. Installation of any double DIN unit can vary significantly depending on the vehicle. While the wiring itself is generally standard (especially when using a vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter), fitting the double DIN chassis into some dashboards may require modification, as noted by several users, including filing down plastic or trimming metal dash pieces. Professional installation is recommended by BOSS, and based on the potential complexities of dash fitment and wiring harnesses, it’s sound advice if you’re not comfortable with car audio installations.
Hearing from Others: Real User Experiences
Based on reviews I’ve seen online, many users share a generally positive sentiment about the BOSS BV9364B, often highlighting its excellent value for money. People appreciate the inclusion of features like Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, the touchscreen interface, and the variety of media inputs (USB, SD, AUX, CD/DVD) at such an affordable price point. Many find the sound quality acceptable for their needs, especially when paired with upgraded speakers or an amplifier. However, common criticisms align with my own experiences, including the somewhat slow interface, occasional Bluetooth connection hiccups, issues with screen brightness and lack of auto-dimming, and some minor software quirks like the clock not keeping perfect time or specific volume behaviors with the backup camera. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus often remains that for its cost, the touchscreen radio offers a substantial upgrade over many basic factory stereos and provides a solid set of modern features for budget-conscious buyers.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Upgrading your car stereo from a basic factory unit to something more modern like the BOSS Audio Systems BV9364B can dramatically improve your driving experience by adding essential features like hands-free calling, audio streaming, and versatile media playback. Not solving the problem of outdated connectivity can lead to dangerous distractions while driving, compromising your safety. The BV9364B is a great fit for solving this problem for several reasons: it offers reliable Bluetooth, provides a user-friendly touchscreen interface for control, and supports multiple media sources, all at a very competitive price. While it has its minor flaws, it delivers on its core promise of modernizing your car’s audio system without a hefty investment. If you’re looking for a feature-rich, budget-friendly double din car head unit that covers the basics and then some, this unit is definitely worth considering. To find out more and check the latest price, Click here to learn more!