Whilst most of us are used to and to a large degree comfortable getting unbranded or off brand products, when it comes to electronics, and in this case double din car stereos, we tend to be a bit more cautious then if it were a $5 product.
But is really true that the non-branded or off branded stereos are lesser in quality than their branded counterparts.
The truth is, most of the parts for these stereos come from the same factories and are assembled by the same companies that produce stereos for the likes of JVC, Kenwood and other well known brands.
So does that mean the stereos themselves are of a similar quality as their branded brothers and sisters? The obvious answer is “not necessarily”. Even though they do use the same, or similar, parts, the brands will normally have more involvement in making sure that the end products have a high enough quality for the brands image, and also bottom line. The unbranded stereos don’t have to worry so much about quality as the brands, since they don’t normally have a name with a reputation.
These units do, however, fill a market segment where sound quality isn’t as important to the end user as is the price. If you want a double din car stereo, or single din for that matter, and don’t want to spend a small fortune, then these are the perfect choice. The only advice I would give if getting one of these units is to get it from a trusted retailer with a good return policy, although in recent times these head units are having fewer problems, and in many cases no more than the branded items.
All in all, if you are on a budget and name doesn’t mean that much, an unbranded car stereo will give you just as good a listening environment as the cheaper alternatives from the named brands at a far cheaper price.