Choosing Car Audio in the Smartphone Era: The Navigation-Free Theory and 3 Notable Models

The Best Choice in the Smartphone Era: An In-Depth Guide to Modern Car Audio and the "Navigation-Free Theory"

Once upon a time, the star of a car's dashboard was an expensive "car navigation system" costing hundreds of thousands of yen. However, as of 2026, that landscape has completely changed. With smartphones in our pockets having improved dramatically, providing up-to-date maps and traffic information for free, the role demanded of in-car receivers has shifted from "navigation" to a "display" that maximizes the phone's functions. In this article, we compare the new common sense of car audio in the smartphone era and three models worthy of attention.

From "Car Navigation" to "Display Audio"

Today's mainstream is the "Display Audio" (DA), which does not contain map data but instead connects with smartphones to display Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on screen. Why are products without navigation functions being chosen? There is an overwhelming difference in convenience.

Conventional car navigation systems required purchasing map update discs for tens of thousands of yen every few years, or downloading massive data over Wi-Fi. In contrast, smartphone integration ensures that apps like Google Maps or Yahoo! Car Navigation always guide you with the latest information. The speed of reflecting newly opened roads immediately into route searches is a unique strength of smartphone apps.

Additionally, for music playback, CD changers, MD decks, and ripping CDs onto the main unit have become things of the past. Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music can be operated from the car screen just like on a smartphone. In an era where even radio can be listened to on smartphones, this seamless experience is exactly what modern drivers want.

Three Notable Models Compared: Scent of Sound, Extensibility, and Disc Playback

Although they are all display audios, their characteristics vary greatly by manufacturer. Here, we compare three unique models currently attracting attention in the market.

Item	ALPINE VPC-CRP-DA7-450	Pioneer DMH-SZ700	KENWOOD DDX5020SR
Screen Size	7-inch	6.8-inch Wide	6.8-inch Wide
Reference Price (Tax Incl.)	58,000 yen	49,800 yen (Amazon)	32,000 yen
Amplifier Output	45W x 4 (KTA-450 included)	50W x 4	45W x 4
Main Features	Wired connection, FLAC support	Alexa, LDAC, HDMI	DVD/CD drive included
Extensibility	5ch pre-outs, AUX	High-performance DSP, AV input	Mirroring support

1. ALPINE VPC-CRP-DA7-450: "Sound-Specialized" Package Demanding External Amp

To put it simply, this Alpine model is "DA for audio lovers." What stands out is that the compact digital power amplifier "KTA-450" is included in the package. While many DAs use their built-in amplifiers to drive speakers, this unit runs on an external amplifier that can be stacked on the back, realizing power and resolution distinct from built-in amps.

In terms of features, it is very old-school, with only a wired connection to smartphones and no video playback support, but resources are dedicated to the audio circuit instead. It features 5ch pre-outs (front, rear, subwoofer), offering excellent extensibility for adding full-fledged amplifiers or subwoofers in the future. This is the perfect unit for drivers who want to use smartphone navigation while refusing to compromise on sound quality.

2. Pioneer DMH-SZ700: The "All-Rounder" with High-Performance DSP and Video Support

The "DMH-SZ700" under the Carrozzeria brand, synonymous with luxury machines of the past, is a benchmark in the DA world. Equipped with an HDMI input, it allows you to connect Fire TV Stick, etc., to enjoy YouTube or Netflix inside the car. This is a pleasing feature for family drives or long waits.

It also features Pioneer's specialty, a "high-performance DSP." Supporting a 3-way "Network Mode," it allows you to control the front speakers' tweeters and woofers independently. Combined with LDAC-compatible Bluetooth and Alexa integration, this model embodies a smart car life with the smartphone as a "hub" at the highest level.

3. KENWOOD DDX5020SR: Rare "Disc" Support and Cost Performance

Even in the streaming era, there is a persistent demand to "listen to my favorite CDs or watch DVDs as they are." Kenwood's "DDX5020SR" responds to this demand. It is the only one among those introduced this time to feature a disc slot, allowing you to play cartoon DVDs for children or enjoy your cherished library.

While incorporating a 24-bit DAC and supporting FLAC 192kHz, its actual market price is very reasonable in the 30,000 yen range. It supports mirroring for Android devices, displaying the smartphone screen directly on the DA.

Thinking About the Evolution of Car Audio, Past and Present

In the past, car audio was a status symbol of how many buttons and dot-matrix LCD displays could be mapped into a small 1DIN or 2DIN space. From the era of satisfying "the ownership of the hardware itself" with high-end Nakamichi CD decks and McIntosh amplifiers, we have moved to the era of "a window to access the infinite library of smartphones."

However, some things never change: the desire to listen with "good sound." In the narrow and harsh acoustic space of a car interior, Alpine's emphasis on external amplifiers and Pioneer's precise DSP adjustments are still supported today because music remains a critical element determining the quality of a drive.

Conclusion: What is Your Correct Answer?

To the question "Is navigation unnecessary?", the answer in most cases is "Yes". However, that does not mean "audio is unnecessary." Rather, how to enjoy high-quality entertainment in a cabin freed from navigation constraints is the real joy of choosing car audio today. Find the best "cabin window" suited to your lifestyle. By the way, Kurousagi chose Pioneer's model, haha.

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