Navigating the complexities of an older vehicle can be a hassle, especially when it comes to outdated technology. I remember struggling with my old car’s lack of modern connectivity and essential safety features like a backup camera. It made driving inconvenient and, frankly, a bit nerve-wracking when trying to park in tight spots. This was a problem that definitely needed solving, as continuing without these modern aids meant constant fumbling with phones and risky maneuvers in reverse. A solution like the BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC Car Stereo would have made a world of difference back then.
If you’re looking at getting a new car stereo receiver, you’re probably trying to solve the problem of outdated in-car entertainment and connectivity. Maybe your current unit lacks Bluetooth, the ability to play music from your phone, or modern navigation features. Perhaps you’re even missing a crucial safety feature like a backup camera. An in-dash receiver upgrade can transform your driving experience, bringing it into the modern age. The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who wants to add these modern features to an older vehicle without buying a brand new car or spending a fortune on a high-end system. They value smartphone integration, hands-free capabilities, and potentially a backup camera for improved safety and convenience. This kind of upgrade might not be for the hardcore audiophile seeking top-tier sound processing or someone who still heavily relies on CDs or DVDs, as many modern units prioritize digital media and streaming. If you’re an audiophile, you might need a more specialized unit with advanced audio tuning options. Before buying, you need to consider several things: what features are essential (CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, camera inputs, specific audio outputs)? What is your budget? What size “DIN” slot does your car have (single or double)? Will you need additional installation parts like a wiring harness or dash kit? Understanding these points will help you choose the right receiver.
Introducing the BVB9358RC by BOSS Audio Systems
The BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC is a double-DIN digital media receiver designed to bring modern smartphone integration and essential features to your vehicle. It promises features like Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a large touchscreen display, and even includes a backup camera right in the box. When you purchase it, you get the head unit itself, wiring harnesses, and a license plate mount backup camera with its video cable. Compared to market leaders that might cost significantly more, this BOSS Audio unit positions itself as an affordable alternative, focusing on delivering core modern functionalities at a budget-friendly price point. Unlike some previous versions or other models in the lineup, the BVB9358RC specifically omits a CD/DVD player, streamlining the unit for digital media. This specific product is great for someone looking to upgrade an older vehicle’s infotainment system primarily for smartphone connectivity (CarPlay/Android Auto) and adding a backup camera without breaking the bank. It’s less suitable for someone who frequently uses physical CDs or DVDs, requires top-tier sound quality for an elaborate audio setup, or expects the slickest, fastest touchscreen interface available.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Affordable price point for the features offered.
* Includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Wired and Wireless).
* Comes with a backup camera.
* Offers Bluetooth for streaming and calls.
* Features a relatively large 7-inch touchscreen display.
* Provides essential connectivity like USB, A/V input, and pre-amp outputs.
Cons:
* Touchscreen can be slow or laggy.
* Included backup camera quality is often reported as subpar and can be unreliable.
* Built-in microphone for calls may not be ideal for sound quality.
* May require additional installation parts (harness, dash kit) depending on the vehicle.
* Some users report occasional screen glitches or software quirks.
Diving Into the Features and Their Impact
Having used the BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC for a significant period, I can speak to how its features perform in real-world use and the benefits they provide.
Seamless Smartphone Integration with CarPlay and Android Auto
One of the biggest draws of this double-DIN receiver is its support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This integration fundamentally changes how you interact with your car’s system. By connecting your iPhone or Android device, you gain access to a streamlined interface that mirrors essential phone apps onto the unit’s screen. This includes navigation apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze, music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music, and communication tools for calls and messages. The benefit here is immense: you can keep your phone safely stored while accessing navigation, changing songs, or making calls through the 7-inch touchscreen or voice commands (Siri or Google Assistant). This dramatically reduces distractions and makes driving safer. The unit supports both wired and wireless connections for these features, adding another layer of convenience, although some users find wired connections more reliable initially. For me, having my preferred navigation app right there on the screen, easily accessible, has made trips much less stressful compared to trying to balance a phone mount and navigate simultaneously.
The Touchscreen Experience
The central interface for the BOSS BVB9358RC is its 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. A screen of this size is a huge upgrade from smaller or non-touch displays, making it much easier to see information and interact with controls while driving. The capacitive nature means it responds to touch like a smartphone screen, which is generally more accurate and responsive than older resistive touchscreens. The IPS liquid crystal display also contributes to better viewing angles and color representation. However, based on my experience and what others have reported, while the screen size is great, the touch responsiveness isn’t always lightning-fast. There can be a slight delay or it might occasionally require a firmer press. The resolution is 800×480, which is standard for many receivers in this class; it’s clear enough for navigation and app icons but don’t expect high-definition video quality. The ability to customize the illumination color is a nice touch, allowing you to match it to your car’s interior lighting, adding a bit of personalization.
Connectivity: Bluetooth and Beyond
Beyond CarPlay and Android Auto, the BVB9358RC offers robust Bluetooth connectivity. Pairing my phone was straightforward and quick, making it easy to stream music wirelessly. The audio streaming quality via Bluetooth (A2DP) is decent, certainly a step up from older car systems. However, the hands-free calling feature via Bluetooth is where I noticed a significant drawback. The unit uses a built-in microphone, and frankly, the call quality on the receiving end isn’t the best. Road noise and ambient sounds are picked up heavily, making it difficult for the person on the other end to hear you clearly. If you rely heavily on making calls while driving, this is something to consider; you might find yourself switching back to holding your phone (not recommended!) or pulling over. It lacks the external microphone that many higher-end units include for better voice pickup. The unit also includes practical ports like USB (a front USB-C for media/charging and a rear USB-A specifically noted for CarPlay/Android Auto and charging) and an A/V input, providing flexibility for connecting various devices or media storage.
Adding Safety with the Included Backup Camera
A major selling point of the BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC is that it comes bundled with a backup camera. This is a fantastic value addition, as purchasing a camera separately can add significant cost. The included camera is designed to mount near your license plate and automatically displays the rear view on the touchscreen when you shift into reverse. This feature instantly enhances safety, helping you spot obstacles, children, or pets behind your vehicle, drastically reducing the risk of accidents while backing up. It includes distance lines on the screen, though they don’t curve with your steering wheel, which takes some getting used to. While the inclusion is great, the quality of the included camera is functional but not stellar. The image can sometimes be overly bright or grainy, and some users have reported intermittent issues with reliability, especially in certain weather conditions. The installation involves running a wire from the camera to the head unit, which can be time-consuming, and the included video cable might be too short for larger vehicles, requiring an extension. Despite these minor flaws, having a backup camera at all is a huge safety improvement for many older vehicles. The unit also has an input for a front-view camera, should you wish to add one later.
Audio Performance and Customization
The BVB9358RC delivers 80 watts x 4 channels (320 watts peak), providing plenty of power for most factory or aftermarket speakers. It supports various audio formats, including high-resolution FLAC, WAV, MP3, and WMA, which is great if you have a collection of lossless audio files. The audio quality is surprisingly good for a unit in this price range – it’s clear and offers a decent amount of volume without distortion, especially when paired with capable speakers. It’s certainly a notable upgrade over many stock systems. However, if you’re an audiophile, you might find the sound quality adequate but not exceptional. The unit features a built-in DSP with a 13-band EQ, crossover settings, and time alignment, offering a good degree of control over your sound compared to basic EQ presets. There are also front, rear, and subwoofer pre-amp outputs, making it easy to expand your audio system by adding external amplifiers and a subwoofer, which is a big plus for those who want more power and bass. The AM/FM radio receiver includes a switchable tuner for US/Europe/Latin America frequencies and supports RDS/RBDS, displaying station information and song titles where available.
Installation Considerations
Installing a double-DIN receiver like the BOSS BVB9358RC generally requires some level of comfort with car electronics or professional help. While the unit is a “true double-DIN fit,” meaning it’s sized for standard double-DIN openings, your specific vehicle will likely require an aftermarket dash kit and a wiring harness adapter to connect the unit to your car’s factory wiring without cutting. These parts are sold separately. The unit also has inputs for connecting to existing steering wheel controls, but this requires an additional interface module (like the Metra ASWC-1, as recommended by BOSS), also sold separately. The backup camera installation, as mentioned, involves running a wire from the rear of the vehicle to the dash. While the wiring harness connections to the radio harness are often color-coded and straightforward (many users solder or use crimp connectors), routing wires neatly and connecting the backup camera trigger wire (usually to the reverse light circuit) takes time and effort. Some users noted needing to modify mounting brackets or dash kits slightly for a perfect fit in their specific vehicle models, highlighting that while the unit is standard sized, car interiors vary. The process isn’t plug-and-play for most vehicles, so be prepared for that.
What Others Are Saying
Having browsed through various online forums and retail sites, it’s clear that many users share a similar sentiment about the BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC. A recurring theme is the exceptional value it offers for the price. People are often surprised by how well it performs, especially coming from outdated factory units. Many highlight the successful integration of modern features like CarPlay and Android Auto, which were previously inaccessible in their older cars. The inclusion of a backup camera is frequently praised as a major bonus that justifies the cost alone. While the positive feedback is strong, users are also realistic about its limitations. Comments often mention the touchscreen being a bit sluggish compared to high-end units and the included backup camera not having the best image quality or sometimes experiencing glitches. The quality of the built-in microphone for phone calls is another point where users note it falls short compared to units with external mics. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus is generally positive, acknowledging that for a budget-friendly head unit, the BVB9358RC provides a wealth of modern functionality that significantly improves the driving experience.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your car stereo is an excellent way to tackle the problem of outdated in-car technology and enhance safety features like a backup camera. Ignoring these issues means missing out on convenient smartphone integration and potentially increasing risks while maneuvering. The BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC Car Stereo stands out as a great fit for solving these problems for several reasons. Firstly, it offers essential modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth at a highly competitive price point. Secondly, the inclusion of a backup camera adds a crucial safety benefit without extra cost. Lastly, despite some minor drawbacks common in this price range, the core functionality is solid, providing a significantly improved experience over older systems. If you’re looking for an affordable way to modernize your ride, this unit is definitely worth considering. Click here to check it out.