Verdict
As a top Budget pick in our recommended double DIN head units roundup, Soundstream’s VRCP-65 reveals a wealth of entertainment possibilities that bring any vehicle of any year into the modern era.
Pros
- A frugal CarPlay option
- Great way to integrate your iPhone
- Provides E-link for Android phones
Cons
- Secondary volume feature takes some getting used to
- May take a bit longer than usual for the radio to boot up once turned on
- Some on-screen button presses can lag
Overview
The Soundstream VRCP-65 takes music, navigation and iPhone integration to a whole new level by way of Apple CarPlay and a host of other interfaces. There’s a reason the unit earned our top Budget pick for double DIN head units, and it has everything to do with the way the VRCP fuses affordability with some of the most bleeding-edge features for the modern commuter.
Review
This DVD/CD receiver with AM/FM tuner includes a 6.2-inch high resolution TFT-LCD capacitive touchscreen display, built-in Bluetooth (version 4.0) capability for hands-free calling and audio streaming (Soundstream provides an external mic), Apple CarPlay capability, Siri Eyes Free compatibility, E-link feature using Autolink app (for Android 5.0 and higher), 10-band equalizer with six presents, subwoofer low-pass filter and level control and more.
Additionally, this Soundstream lets you quickly switch between two paired phones, so if there’s more than one driver in your household sharing the same vehicle, you’re covered.
With CarPlay providing access to a plethora of internet radio apps such as Pandora, Spotify and Amazon Music, all it takes is installing a SiriusXM tuner to the Soundstream to experience satellite radio coast-to-coast programming.
Are you more “old-school” like many of us here at 99carstereo.com, and prefer your music to be delivered by way of a Compact Disc? Don’t listen to the rumors that suggest physical media is dead – the VRCP-65 plays all your CDs as well as terrestrial AM/FM radio.
What’s more, you can make use of the Soundstream’s 6.2-inch LCD screen to view films and video on DVDs and other sources when your vehicle is parked, and if you want to take that show on the road, you can connect a video screen to the unit’s video output to keep those back seat passengers entertained.
Finally, if you’re one who likes to tweak your tunes, you’ll love the Soundstream’s 10-band equalizer that lets you shape your music per frequency…and if you ever feel the need to add amps and subwoofers to your system, the VRCP’s five four-volt preamp outputs allow you to do so easily.
Included in the box is a pre-installed sleeve, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, two “AAA” batteries, microphone with bracket, two-sided tape, two removal tools, backstrap, six ISO-screws, self-tapping screw, flange-nut, rubber boot, warranty/registration card, and warning notes.
Video
Features & Specifications
- RMS Power: 25 watts
- Peak Power: 75 watts
- Preamp Outputs: Five-channel
- Screen Size: 6.2-inches
- Smartphone Features: Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Android E-link
- Bluetooth Compatible: Yes; built-in
- Camera Input: Yes, for backup camera
- USB Input: Rear
- AUX Input: RCA (rear)
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / *Image Disclaimer: We use images/data from Amazon Product Advertising API solely on products that link to Amazon. On products with the "Price at Crutchfield" button, we use images/data from Crutchfield.com as per the partnership deal.
