BOSS Audio Systems 820BRGB Car Stereo
In the world of car audio systems, BOSS Audio Systems has been a reputable name known for offering an impressive balance between performance, affordability, and style. The BOSS Audio Systems 820BRGB is no exception. This in-dash car stereo promises not just an upgrade in sound quality but also aesthetic appeal, thanks to its RGB lighting features. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or stuck in city traffic, this stereo system is designed to enhance your driving experience. But does it live up to its promises? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the 820BRGB in this comprehensive review.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
Unboxing the BOSS Audio Systems 820BRGB is a gratifying experience. The packaging is sleek and professional, a fitting introduction to the stereo system itself. Inside the box, you’ll find the main stereo unit, a remote control, mounting hardware, a wiring harness, and a user manual. The stereo immediately catches your eye with its modern design, featuring a glossy front panel adorned with buttons and knobs that feel tactile and responsive.
The standout feature, even before installation, is the RGB lighting on the front panel. You can already imagine how this will light up your dashboard with a customized glow that matches your mood or your car’s interior lighting. The build quality is solid for a product in this price range, with a lightweight yet durable design that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy.
Installation: A Smooth Process or a Puzzle?
One of the major concerns with upgrading a car stereo is the installation process. Luckily, the BOSS 820BRGB is designed for easy installation. If you have a basic understanding of car audio wiring, you’ll find the process fairly straightforward. The stereo is a single DIN unit, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles. It also includes a wiring harness and mounting hardware, so you don’t need to make additional purchases for installation.
For those less experienced, BOSS has provided a detailed user manual with clear, step-by-step instructions. However, if you are new to car stereo installation or don’t have the necessary tools, it might be worth getting it professionally installed. The overall process, whether DIY or through a pro, is relatively hassle-free.
Design and Build Quality: A Feast for the Eyes
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 820BRGB is its striking design. The front panel features an attractive display with RGB lights that can cycle through a range of colors or be set to a specific hue. This adds a nice touch of personalization, allowing you to match the stereo’s look to your vehicle’s interior or even your current mood.
The buttons and controls are well-laid-out and easy to use, with a clean design that avoids clutter. The volume knob feels solid, offering precise control without feeling too loose or stiff. The overall look of the unit is modern, giving your dashboard an instant upgrade in terms of style. BOSS clearly paid attention to making this stereo system visually appealing, without sacrificing functionality.
Audio Performance: Does It Deliver on Sound?
Looks aside, the primary function of any car stereo is to provide top-notch audio performance. Thankfully, the 820BRGB does not disappoint. BOSS Audio Systems is known for producing sound systems that punch above their price tag, and this unit is no exception.
The stereo features built-in EQ presets, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preference. Whether you’re a fan of deep bass, crisp highs, or a balanced sound, the 820BRGB has you covered. The overall sound quality is clear and full, with no noticeable distortion at higher volumes.
Even when connected to factory speakers, the sound quality sees a noticeable improvement. However, pairing the unit with a set of high-quality aftermarket speakers will truly bring out the best in the 820BRGB, making it a worthy addition to any car audio setup.
Connectivity Options: Staying Modern
In today’s digital world, connectivity is key, and the 820BRGB delivers plenty of it. The stereo supports Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, which is essential for modern drivers who want to stay connected without distractions.
The Bluetooth connection is solid, with minimal dropouts and easy pairing. It also features USB and AUX inputs, so you can plug in devices directly if you prefer. The USB port allows for music playback from a flash drive and even provides a bit of charging power for your smartphone or other devices.
Additionally, the stereo comes with an SD card slot, adding yet another option for playing your favorite tunes. This wealth of connectivity options makes the 820BRGB a versatile unit, catering to both older and newer devices without issue.
RGB Lighting: Not Just for Gamers Anymore
One of the most eye-catching features of the BOSS 820BRGB is its RGB lighting. While RGB lighting is often associated with gaming setups or home entertainment systems, it brings a fun and customizable flair to your car’s interior.
The lights are fully adjustable, allowing you to cycle through a variety of colors or choose a static color that matches your car’s interior lighting. You can also control the brightness, so it doesn’t become distracting during night drives. While some might see it as a gimmick, the RGB lighting adds a modern and youthful vibe to the stereo, making your car’s cabin feel more dynamic.
For those who like a bit of personalization, this feature is a great addition, setting the 820BRGB apart from more basic, no-frills car stereo units.
User Interface: Smooth or Clunky?
A great car stereo needs an intuitive user interface, especially when you’re driving and can’t afford to fiddle with confusing controls. The BOSS 820BRGB strikes a decent balance in this regard. The buttons are well-placed, and the display is easy to read, even in bright daylight.
Navigating through menus is simple enough, with large, easy-to-understand icons and labels. However, the display size is on the smaller side, which can make reading song titles or adjusting settings a bit tricky at a glance. Still, the inclusion of a remote control helps mitigate this issue, allowing passengers or the driver to adjust settings without reaching for the stereo.
One minor drawback is the lack of touchscreen functionality, which some users might miss, especially given how common it’s becoming in modern car audio systems. But for those who prefer physical buttons and knobs, the 820BRGB offers a tactile and satisfying user experience.
Expandability: Room to Grow
One of the best features of the BOSS Audio Systems 820BRGB is its expandability. If you’re not satisfied with the built-in power or want even better sound, the stereo includes front and rear pre-amp outputs. This allows you to connect it to an external amplifier for increased sound quality and volume.
It also includes a subwoofer pre-amp output, so you can add a subwoofer for those deep, thumping bass lines. This makes the 820BRGB a great option for anyone looking to build a more comprehensive sound system over time, as it provides plenty of options for customization and upgrades.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?
At its price point, the BOSS Audio Systems 820BRGB offers excellent value. It combines good sound quality, a sleek design, and plenty of connectivity options. The RGB lighting adds a unique touch, especially for those who want to personalize their driving experience.
While it may lack some high-end features like a touchscreen or advanced audio customization tools, it delivers where it counts: ease of use, reliable performance, and solid audio quality. For anyone looking to upgrade their car’s sound system without breaking the bank, the 820BRGB is a fantastic option.
Conclusion:
In summary, the BOSS Audio Systems 820BRGB offers a solid mix of style, functionality, and performance. Whether you’re upgrading from an old factory stereo or looking to improve your current setup, this unit has a lot to offer. The RGB lighting, multiple connectivity options, and solid sound performance make it a worthy contender in the mid-range car stereo market.
For those looking to add a bit of flair to their dashboard while enjoying quality sound on the road, the BOSS 820BRGB is a great choice that won’t disappoint.
