What Is A Single DIN Car Stereo
What is a single DIN car stereo? What is its difference with double DIN? So, what is the definition of a single DIN car stereo? The German standards body DIN produced the DIN automobile audio standard (DIN). For automotive head units, it specifies a height and width. When a unit is referred to as a single DIN car stereo or single-DIN vehicle radio, it signifies it meets the DIN standard’s height and width requirements.
What Is The DIN German Industrial Standard
This standard is used by automakers and automobile radio manufacturers all around the world. Automakers which is why most head units are interchangeable. While the wiring is not standardized, the DIN standard is the reason why aftermarket automobile stereos can be used. Office, instead of OEM units. Even though the DIN standard only stipulates a single height and width, head unit makers create devices that are twice as tall. Because they are twice as tall as the single DIN standard, these units are on to as double DIN. A tiny number of head units are 1.5 times the DIN standard’s height, making them technically 1.5 DIN.
How To Identify A Single DIN Car Radio
The most straightforward technique to determine whether a car radio is single DIN is to measure it. It’s most likely a single DIN if the radio is around two inches tall. It’s double DIN if it’s about four inches tall. A 1.5 DIN radio, which is quite uncommon, falls between those dimensions. There are no additional DIN measures that are with some standards. Some cars are more difficult to maneuver than others. If a dash has three vertically stacked slots, each around two inches high, and only one of them is occupied by an OEM radio, it’s most likely a single DIN head unit. It’s difficult to say whether a larger head unit is in use in these situations.
Consoles with gaps above or below a single DIN head unit are here to contain a CD player or other audio equipment. Certain car dealers and audio specialists may have original factory equipment on hand in this case.
Single DIN Car Radio Replacement
The simplest solution for replacing your single DIN car radio is to purchase a single DIN aftermarket device. While there are some minor changes in fit and finish, most single DIN aftermarket units fit into an adjustable collar that allows them to be practically in any single DIN slot.
Changing A Single DIN Radio To A Double DIN Radio
You can always go from double to single DIN head units because they are twice the height of single DIN head units, but the opposite may be difficult.
It’s crucial to measure the slots and make sure they can be reached before trying such an upgrade. Two inches tall should be the additional slot. Some automobiles contain false slots that appear to be meant to receive a device such as a CD player but are storage compartments. A 1.5 DIN unit may fit in this space, or it may be too tiny.
There may also be no removable cover, and even if the housing is removed, there may be a tangle of wires or ducting that prevents a double DIN head unit from being installed.
Other Difficulties And Dash Space
If your console has enough room, the next issue you’ll face is wiring. Even if you’re swapping out a single DIN head unit for a double DIN head unit, the wiring harness connectors aren’t always the same. That means you’ll either need to find an adapter or splice a new connector into the existing wiring harness using a wiring diagram.
The next problem is that even if the console has a blank slot underneath the head unit, it could be molded into the dash. Even if it is removable, it is unlikely to accommodate more than a single DIN device, such as a CD player. You may need to cut out the section of the dash. The one that divides the two slots! Only if you wish to replace a single DIN head unit with a double DIN device.
If your car offers a double DIN head unit option, it might be possible to replace the existing dash. It can replace the center console bezel too. It can replace with one intended for a double DIN head unit.
Why Is Double DIN Used
Before you go to the trouble of replacing your single-DIN radio with a double DIN head unit, consider whether it’s worthwhile. Although double DIN head units have greater internal space for features. With features such as touchscreens and powerful amplifiers and built-in CD changers, the costs add up quickly. Single DIN head units with slide-out screens are available if you need a large touchscreen.
You may also use that extra single DIN slot for a graphic equalizer or another helpful audio component. It’s okay, instead of cutting into the dash bezel to add components like an external amplifier or CD changer.
