There was a time when my car’s infotainment felt like a relic from another era. Clunky controls, limited connectivity, and a general lack of modern features made every commute feel less connected and more cumbersome. The desire for seamless smartphone integration, especially features like navigation and hands-free communication, was paramount. Without a significant upgrade, I knew I’d continue to face the frustrating experience of fumbling with my phone for directions or missing important calls, not to mention the safety hazards involved. A solution was clearly needed to bring my vehicle into the 21st century, and a unit like the BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A Car Audio Stereo System would have been a game-changer.
- Apple CarPlay - Access icons on your iPhone by activating Siri voice controls the touchscreen. Available features include Phone, Music, Maps, Text messages, Radio, Podcasts, Audiobooks
- Messages - With Siri on your side, you can ask her to read you your messages, reply as well as send them. Siri lets you concentrate on what matters most. Driving
- Maps - Need gas? Hungry? Search along your route by asking Siri, and CarPlay will direct you every step of the way and tell you the speed limit too. Third-party navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze...
Key Considerations Before Upgrading Your Vehicle’s Infotainment
Upgrading your car’s audio system is about more than just better sound; it’s about transforming your entire driving experience. People seek out new car audio systems to solve a multitude of problems: outdated technology, poor sound quality, lack of modern connectivity like Bluetooth, or the absence of smartphone integration features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These upgrades enhance safety by allowing hands-free operation, improve navigation, and make long drives more enjoyable with access to a wider range of music and media.
The ideal customer for a modern car audio stereo system is anyone who spends significant time in their vehicle and values convenience, safety, and connectivity. This includes daily commuters, road trippers, tech enthusiasts, and those looking to revitalize an older vehicle without buying a new one. If you’re constantly juggling your phone for GPS, struggling with an auxiliary cable, or wishing you had voice control for music and calls, a new head unit is likely for you.
However, not everyone needs such an upgrade. If your car already has a state-of-the-art factory system with all the features you desire, or if you primarily use your vehicle for very short, infrequent trips where advanced entertainment isn’t a priority, you might not see the full benefit. For those who prioritize raw, unadulterated sound power above all else and plan on running multiple high-powered external amplifiers, while this unit has pre-outs, you might find higher-end dedicated audiophile units from brands like Pioneer or Alpine offer more advanced audio processing capabilities. Before buying, consider your car’s compatibility (double DIN vs. single DIN), your primary use cases (navigation, music, hands-free calls), desired features (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth), and, crucially, your budget and willingness to either install it yourself or pay for professional installation. Think about whether you need a CD player (this unit does not have one) and if you want to retain steering wheel controls, which might require an additional interface.
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Introducing the BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A: A Closer Look
The BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A is a feature-rich double DIN car audio stereo system designed to bring contemporary smartphone integration into virtually any compatible vehicle. It promises a seamless connection between your car and your smartphone, offering convenience, safety, and a vastly improved user experience. When you purchase the BVCP9700A, you get the head unit itself, a wiring harness, and a trim ring, though accessories like specific installation kits, steering wheel control interfaces, or backup cameras are sold separately.
Compared to more expensive market leaders, the BVCP9700A often stands out for its exceptional value, providing core features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at a more accessible price point. While it may not boast the absolute highest-resolution screen or the most robust internal amplifier of premium models, it delivers on its primary promises effectively. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious individuals who want to significantly upgrade their vehicle’s tech without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for those with older cars looking to add modern conveniences, or for anyone who values smartphone connectivity above all else. It might not be for the extreme audiophile seeking pristine, uncompromised sound out of the box without additional amplification, or for those who demand the highest-tier screen clarity in all lighting conditions.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
* Excellent value for money, offering premium features at an affordable price.
* Seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (wired, with recent models potentially offering wireless capability, as noted by some users).
* Responsive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen.
* Comprehensive connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, SD, and AV inputs.
* Includes front, rear, and subwoofer pre-amp outputs for system expansion.
* Hands-free calling and music streaming via Bluetooth.
Cons:
* No CD/DVD player.
* Screen glare can be an issue in bright daylight or with darker map interfaces.
* Volume controls are small buttons, not a knob, and can be slow to respond.
* Internal amplifier might not provide high-fidelity sound at maximum volumes.
* Wired CarPlay/Android Auto (though some users report newer units may have wireless).
* Some users have noted minor glitches or occasional disconnections with wired CarPlay over time.
Unpacking the Capabilities and Advantages
Having spent considerable time with a modern car stereo system, I can share how each feature profoundly impacts the daily driving experience. The goal is always to make the time spent behind the wheel safer, more enjoyable, and truly connected.
Intuitive Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The heart of any modern head unit is its smartphone integration, and the BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A Car Audio Stereo System shines here with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This feature alone has revolutionized my commute. Once connected (typically via USB, though some newer iterations might offer wireless capabilities as reported by some fortunate users), your phone’s most essential apps are mirrored onto the 7-inch touchscreen. For iPhone users, Siri becomes your co-pilot. I can simply say, “Hey Siri, navigate to the nearest gas station,” or “Read my latest text message,” and she obliges, allowing me to keep my hands firmly on the wheel and my eyes on the road. The ability to reply to messages by voice is incredibly convenient and safe.
For Android users, “Ok Google” provides the same level of intuitive control. Google Maps and Waze offer real-time traffic alerts and turn-by-turn directions directly on the screen, far superior to squinting at a small phone display. The true benefit here isn’t just convenience; it’s a monumental leap in driving safety. No more distracted driving trying to input an address or change a song. All common apps like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, WhatsApp, and Podcasts are accessible, giving you a vast library of entertainment and communication tools right at your fingertips, all optimized for in-car use. This seamless access ensures that you’re always connected without being dangerously distracted, solving the core problem of managing your digital life while driving.
Vibrant 7-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen Display
The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen on the BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A is the primary interface for all your interactions. Its responsiveness is impressive for a unit in this price range, feeling much like a modern smartphone screen rather than a resistive, pressure-sensitive display. Swiping through menus, tapping icons, and adjusting settings are fluid and intuitive. The larger screen size, being a double DIN unit, makes it easy to see navigation maps, browse music libraries, or manage calls without straining your eyes.
While the screen performs admirably for most tasks, it does have a couple of minor drawbacks. In direct sunlight or very bright conditions, there can be some glare, making darker map interfaces a bit challenging to decipher. Also, while generally responsive, I’ve occasionally noticed a slight delay when pressing the very edges of the display. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent display that brings clarity and ease of use to the forefront. The benefit here is clear: easy, visual interaction with your car’s features, reducing the need to look away from the road for extended periods.
Reliable Bluetooth Connectivity for Hands-Free Operation
Beyond Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the built-in Bluetooth connectivity is a cornerstone feature. It allows for wireless hands-free calling and audio streaming, even if you prefer not to use the wired smartphone integration. Pairing my phone was straightforward, and the connection has been consistently stable. The external microphone provided with the unit is quite sensitive, picking up my voice clearly during calls, though some recipients have reported a slight echo of their own voice, which can be an minor annoyance that is not present when using Bluetooth call audio directly.
For music streaming, Bluetooth is incredibly convenient, allowing passengers to easily take turns being the DJ from their own devices. Services like Spotify and Pandora stream flawlessly, and the track and volume controls are accessible directly from the head unit. The audio quality over Bluetooth, while convenient, is noticeably lower than when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto via a wired connection, especially for discerning ears. This feature ensures that even if your phone isn’t connected via USB, you still have immediate access to calls and music, enhancing both safety and entertainment on the go.
Versatile Inputs and Outputs for Expanded Functionality
The BVCP9700A offers a robust array of inputs and outputs, greatly enhancing its versatility. It features both a front USB port and an extended rear USB port. The front one is great for quick connections for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or for playing music from a USB drive. The rear one can be routed to a more discreet location, providing a clean look while still offering charging capabilities (up to 1A) for your devices. It also supports SD card playback, giving you multiple ways to access your media files.
For visual enhancements, there are dedicated rear and front camera inputs. Connecting a backup camera has been a huge safety improvement, providing a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle, especially useful in tight parking spots. The AV input allows you to connect other external video or audio sources, expanding your entertainment options. Furthermore, the unit boasts front, rear, and subwoofer pre-amp outputs. This is crucial for anyone looking to expand their sound system with external amplifiers and a dedicated subwoofer, allowing for a much more powerful and detailed audio experience beyond the internal amplifier’s capabilities. Finally, the steering wheel control interface allows you to use your car’s existing steering wheel buttons (with an optional adapter), maintaining a factory-like feel and reducing the need to reach for the touchscreen, further bolstering safety and convenience. This comprehensive suite of connections ensures the this advanced car stereo system can serve as the hub for a complete in-car entertainment and safety system.
Sound Quality and Customization
While the BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A provides a respectable 80 Watts x 4 peak power, it’s important to set expectations for its built-in amplifier. Like many budget-friendly head units, the RMS (Root Mean Square) output, which is the continuous power, is significantly lower than the peak rating, likely in the 15-watt RMS per channel range. At lower to moderate volumes (up to about 35-40 out of 50), the sound quality is clear and perfectly acceptable for everyday listening. However, pushing the volume much beyond that can introduce noticeable distortion, a common characteristic of integrated amplifiers at this price point.
The built-in Preset EQ is a welcome feature, allowing you to quickly switch between various sound profiles like Rock, Pop, or Classical to suit your musical taste. For those who want more control, basic Bass/Treble/Balance/Fader controls are available. The real potential for superior sound, as mentioned before, lies in utilizing the pre-amp outputs to connect external amplifiers. This allows you to bypass the internal amp’s limitations and drive your speakers and subwoofers with dedicated power, achieving much higher fidelity and volume without distortion. For a casual listener, the built-in sound is fine, but for the audio enthusiast, the pre-outs provide an essential upgrade path, solving the problem of lackluster power and sound quality for more demanding listeners.
Physical Controls and User Experience
One minor ergonomic consideration is the lack of a physical volume knob. Volume adjustments are made via small, somewhat flimsy buttons on the side of the unit. While they work, they can be slow to respond and are less intuitive than a knob, especially while driving. The piano black finish, while sleek initially, is also prone to attracting fingerprints, requiring regular wiping to keep it looking pristine. The backlighting for the control buttons sometimes requires cycling the headlights on and off to activate, a small glitch that can be easily remedied but is worth noting. Despite these minor physical annoyances, the overall user experience, driven by the responsive touchscreen and robust software features, remains very positive.
What Users Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
I’ve perused numerous reviews from actual users, and the consensus is largely positive, especially considering the price point. Many drivers commend how this system brings their older vehicles firmly into the modern era, touting its affordability as a major plus. The seamless operation of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a recurring highlight, with users appreciating the fast and responsive performance. One individual with both an iPhone and an Android phone found the dual compatibility a perfect fit for their needs. While some minor issues were noted, like screen glare in bright conditions or the absence of a volume knob, the general sentiment is that the value provided by this this BOSS Audio System far outweighs its small drawbacks. Many consider it the best CarPlay unit available at its price point, with some even praising recent updates that have brought wireless CarPlay to newer iterations.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Upgrade for You?
If you’re still living with an outdated car stereo, fumbling with your phone for navigation, or risking safety with manual controls, it’s time for an upgrade. The complications of distracted driving and missed connectivity are significant, making a modern head unit not just a luxury, but a necessity for safer, more enjoyable commutes.
The BOSS Audio Systems BVCP9700A Car Audio Stereo System is an excellent solution for this problem. First, its robust Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration puts essential smartphone features safely on your dashboard. Second, its responsive 7-inch touchscreen offers an intuitive user experience. Finally, the versatile inputs and outputs provide expandability for future audio upgrades like external amplifiers and cameras. For a feature-rich experience that won’t break the bank, this unit is a strong contender. To learn more and see if it’s the right fit for your vehicle, Click here to check it out!
Last update on 2025-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API