Car audio

Venturi Mini
The Venturi Mini is a stylish, all-in-one car tech device with an attractive design and an easy-to-use interface. While it lacks some of the robustness of in-dash systems, its portability and price tag make it an attractive option.

Alpine CDA-9885
The Alpine CDA-9885 combines attractive styling and an easy-to-use music search interface with a host of expandability options, including HD Radio capability. However, those upgrading to HD Radio will have to deal with a clunky module and a hefty price tag.
Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

Sony CDX-GT520
The Sony CDX-GT520 is a decent option for those wanting a reasonably priced stereo to play disc-based audio. While it does support HD Radio, it requires the connection of a clunky add-on module, which is almost more trouble than it's worth.
Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go 6
The Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go 6 works well as a powered subwoofer mounted in a car, but less so as a portable speaker set for an iPod or MP3 player. But the fact that it works in both situations makes the Velocity 2Go a flexible solution for your mobile audio needs.
Specs: 18.9 in x 9.4 in x 8.7 in, 2-way Active, 24 dB

Sony CDX-GT420IP
Sony's CDX-GT420IP is an affordable means of taking your iPod library on the road. While its basic user interface lacks the search functionality of some other systems, this is a competitively priced and decent sounding entry-level stereo for the digital-audio age.
Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, IPod docking

Sony MEX-DV2000
The Sony MEX-DV2000 justifies its price premium over other single-disc car stereos with its support for DVD video and its excellent audio output. While its SACD support is nice to have, it is of questionable value when on the road.
Specs: 5.1 channel audio line-out, Composite video/audio output, Microphone, Audio line-in

Panasonic CQ-C8305U
The Panasonic CQ-C8305U performs the basic functions of a digital-age car stereo well with great audio-tweaking options, intuitive file and folder navigation, and a worthwhile iPod interface. The stereo's full-motion color display adds little to its usability or attractiveness and its Bluetooth is disappointing.
Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in

Jensen MP6612i
The Jensen MP66312i provides an impressive range of media inputs, standard Bluetooth connectivity, and a usable iPod interface. Its low-rent display lets it down, but its impressive number of features is difficult to beat for the price.
Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / SD/MMC digital player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, USB, Audio line-in, Audio line-out

JVC KD-PDR30 CD Receiver
The JVC KD-PDR30 looks and sounds good, and its standard iPod connectivity will endear it to those looking to take their iTunes on the road. However, its lack of a decent search mechanism for navigating large iPod lists means that it fails one of its primary usability functions.
Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out

Dual XDMA6700 car stereo
The Dual XDMA6700 is a bargain-basement stereo, ideal for those interested in a useful Bluetooth hands-free module that also plays music.