Car audio

The Bottom Line: The JVC KD-AVX77 El Kameleon is a great receiver for system builders, but the touch-screen interface isn't as easy to use as some of the competition's physical control schemes.

Specs: 5.1 channel audio line-out, USB, Composite video/audio input, Composite video/audio output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Alpine CDE-102 is an excellent OEM replacement stereo, but serious audiophiles and system builders should look further up the product lineup.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, USB, Audio line-out

The Bottom Line: The Alpine iXA-W404 shows plenty of promise, but we'll wait to see if the touch-screen interface improves with the next generation.

The Bottom Line: For people who listen primarily to MP3/WMA/AAC audio, the Alpine iDA-X305 offers one of the easiest-to-use interfaces for in-car browsing of digital media.

Specs: Radio / digital player, Radio tuner, Audio line-out, USB, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Fusion CA-IP500 iPod receiver's internal iPod dock is an interesting solution for taking digital audio on the road, but we've seen more elegant and similarly priced solutions from its more established competitors.

The Bottom Line: For users who spend much time listening to broadcast stations that offer HD Radio, the Alpine TUA-T550HD's increased sound quality and functionality make it a worthwhile addition to an Ai-Net compatible Alpine receiver.

Specs: HD radio tuner, HD radio

The Bottom Line: The Alpine iDA-X100 is a great receiver for people who transport all of their music on an iPod or MP3 player. The unit offers fantastic digital-audio integration without the need for a separate adapter, but should you ever want to just play a CD, you'll be out of luck.

Specs: Radio / digital player, Radio tuner, USB, Audio line-out, Audio line-in

The Bottom Line: The vast array of features offered by the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 creates a car audio experience that rivals all but the best preinstalled receivers.

Specs: 5.1 channel audio line-out, USB, Composite video/audio input, Composite video/audio output, Composite video input, Navigation system input, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Sony Xplod CDX-GT920U offers many options for connecting to your digital music library and supports the most commonly used formats, unless your music library is on your iPod.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, USB, Rear channel output, Front channel output, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: For the price, the Sony MEX-BT2600 is an impressive all-in-one in-car communication and entertainment device.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out