Everybody out there wants the best audio system in their car, which can add more fun and thrill to the ride. Most of them spend all of their time, energy, and also money on upgrading to the best car stereo system. It not just only enhances the car’s audio system, but also makes the dashboard of your car more appealing and attractive. Having installed the best car stereo can be the only thing you would want right now.
But, you might wonder how to do all of this?
It not just only the matter of switching from the older version to the newer one, rather it is the selection of the best and most suitable stereo for your car’s audio system.
Not every stereo unit befits every car. There are certain factors that play an important role in the upgrade, and selection of your car’s audio system; especially when it is the matter of choosing among the internationally-recognized car stereos i.e. Single DIN and Double DIN.
These car stereos were created to ensure compatibility standardize radio openings. With that being said, the automakers and car stereo manufacturers devised the interchangeable stereos with common dimensions, which can easily be compatible with any car audio system.
On that note, let’s dive deep into the functionality, quality, and durability of these car’s stereo systems, and help ourselves get a better piece of knowledge before upgrading the car stereo unit.
Let’s get started:
Contents
What is Single DIN and Double DIN?
The acronym DIN has been extracted from the name of a standards organization in Germany – Deutsches Institut fur Normung. They have set the standard for the radio openings, and now the automakers are eagerly producing the best of DINs to meet the standard.
Now, let’s consider the major quirks of both the DINs, and find out how they are similar or dissimilar from each other.
A single-DIN opening is usually 2 inches high and 7 inches wide. This perfectly compatible radio system is meant for the small-sized stereo unit space.
Meanwhile, the double-DIN opening is 4 inches in height, with 7 inches in width. The reason why it is referred to as the double DIN is that it is double the size of the single DIN.
However, the dimensions of the stereo unit are not what all matter. Instead of it, there are a lot of other factors that determine whether your single or double DIN is going to fit in position or not?
So, let’s check out the major factors that influence the settlement of single DIN or double DIN in your car’s audio system:
Will Every DIN Fits Any Car?
This is for a fact that every car is unique; and so is the dashboard, and other stuff is unique in their own terms. If you get to install the double DIN stereo in your car easily, then it doesn’t mean that it is going to look good also.
However the single DIN may fit the dashboard of any car, but not usually it happens. You have to have adequate circumstances for your DIN to be fit inside your car’s stereo.
And the bottom line is:
When you forcefully fit the stereo inside the car’s audio system, there is a gap behind it the major reason for this gap is that the single DIN or double DIN manufacturers use larger faceplate.
And the other possibility could be that the automaker industry might have got their own standard of integrated dimensions, which might not befall with some of the stereo systems.
So what is the possible solution to this problem?
There you go! We have got the solution to this problem. The ultimate remedy to avoid such inconvenience is that you must have the dash kit. It secures your system by providing the mounting kits that tend to fulfill the space behind the stereo.
And you are set!
Single DIN or Double DIN – Which one is better?
All set to upgrade your car’s stereo system? Perfect! Now here we’ll talk about the best among the two i.e. single DIN or double DIN. I am going to breakdown the advantages, disadvantages, functionality, and durability factors of both of them so that you get a better know-how of both.
So let’s get down to business:
Well, it is obvious that a double-DIN audio system can only fit in the selected car stereos because of its size. Whereas the single-DIN audio can be fixed in its own kind, as well as in the double DIN slot. The reason is quite clear that double DIN is double the size of a single one.
But, wait. This is not the end.
There are certainly other factors that make the double DIN more feasible to the car stereo system. And the foremost of all is the availability of features in it. It is more than obvious that a single DIN could not offer a bunch of quirks as that of double DIN opening. So, here the double DIN wins by providing much more than the single DIN.
Next:
The thing which makes single DIN more preferable to the users is that it leaves you with an extra amount of space. This can be utilized in different things. So, that is the plus-point of having a single DIN.
With that being said, let’s not ignore the fact that double DIN stereos offer more storage space than the single DIN. This compels the user to give it a second thought.
And what’s the best part?
You can have easier controls over the 2DIN operator as it has a wide display, ensuring maximum visibility.
Now, let’s talk about something which is common in both:
Both the audio systems produce the best sounds with high-quality precision and clarity. There is a reason behind the international-recognition and standardized compatibility if both of these DINs; which is none other than the perfect deliverance of sound.
Also Read: 10 Best Double Din Head Units
How to Install the 1-DIN and 2-DIN Stereos?
Here I am going to address the most common problem faced by the car owners that they find it difficult to install a single DIN or even a double DIN stereo into their car’s dashboard.
Well, no more hassle of going to the mechanics in order to get your stereo installed in the car. You can now easily do it yourself, by following the steps, which are as follows:
First of all, make sure the battery is disconnected:
While you install the stereo into your car, you better ensure that your car’s battery is disconnected from behind. This will help you install the DIN easily.
Secondly, learn how to dispatch the head unit:
The next important thing is learning how to access your car’s head unit. This is mandatory because you have to fit the stereo into your dashboard.
Lastly, get your stereo’s head unit unscrewed:
At last, you need to unscrew the head unit of your single DIN or double DIN stereo. In order to place it inside the dashboard.
Note:
The preceding guide is applicable to both installing a new stereo and replacing the single DIN stereo with the 2-DIN stereo system.
Also, you can check out these top rated single din head units that can provide you with high-end performance and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can we put a single DIN stereo in a double-DIN?
As per the size of the single DIN, it is smaller than the double DIN. So, you would need a mounting bracket in your stereo system in order to fill up the extra space between the single DIN and double DIN.
2. Do I need a single DIN or a double DIN?
Well, it depends upon your choice and your car’s capability. A single DIN is smaller in size and is easy to operate. Whereas the double DIN requires more caution while operating it.
3. Are all double DIN radios the same size?
No, all the double DIN radios are not of the same size as there are multiple sizes of double DIN stereos available on the market. While the standards car stereo is the single DIN, the double DIN audio system is twice the size of a single DIN.
4. Can you put a touch screen radio in an older car?
No, you cannot put a touch screen radio in an older car because it has a smaller space for the radio system, and an advanced stereo system might be unfit for it.
5. Do you need a dash kit for double din?
Yes, it is necessary to have a dash kit in your car while you switch either from double DIN to single DIN or from single DIN to the double one.
Summarizing Things Up
So, to conclude I would say that all the car’s audio systems are built differently. Most of the car-owners right now are looking for the most compatible, yet exceptionally performable stereos for their car systems. But usually, they find it difficult it choose the right piece of the stereo system for them.
Well, no big deal now! We have helped you get the basic quirks of both the single DIN and the double DIN stereos, along with the key points that are important to remember.
So, you better get your car’s audio system updated, and have the best of rides for an entire span.
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