Kenwood

If you assume you're "settling" with a low-cost receiver, think again. Kenwood's KMM-BT225U digital media receiver adds a lot of options to your dash and its built-in amplifier packs a punch, giving you 22 watts RMS per channel. Bluetooth® connectivity is the real star here, with quick access to hands-free calling and audio streaming thanks to the two biggest buttons on the stereo — one for calls and one for music. And Kenwood keeps your options open with a front-facing USB input and aux input. You can even download the Kenwood Remote app (available from the App Store or Google Play) and use your phone to play music and adjust your sound settings. Kenwood steps up your app experience in the car by giving you control of your smartphone from the KMM-BT225U with a wired connection. Navigate your favorite playlists and explore new music on Spotify and Pandora. If you keep music saved on your phone, a music player, or a thumb drive, accessing it is as simple as plugging into the USB input. The KMM-BT225U can pl...