Is there such thing as a 1.5 DIN radio?
What is a 1.5 DIN radio?
A 1.5 DIN radio refers to a standard head unit size for car audio systems. DIN stands for “Deutsches Institut für Normung”, which is a German national organization that sets standards across various industries. The DIN standard provides specific dimensions for car stereo head units to allow for interchangeable installation and sizing.
A single DIN head unit measures 2″ high by 7″ wide. A double DIN head unit is twice the height at 4″ high by 7″ wide. A 1.5 DIN radio sits in between at 3″ high by 7″ wide. This provides 50% more surface area than a single DIN radio while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.
The 1.5 DIN standard first emerged in the 1980s as an alternative to increasingly popular double DIN units. It allowed for a larger radio with more features than a single DIN, while avoiding the bulkiness of a full double DIN. Many automakers offered 1.5 DIN radios as standard or optional equipment well into the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the size became less common in the mid 2000s as double DIN units with touchscreens became more mainstream and affordable [1].
Advantages of a 1.5 DIN Radio
One of the biggest advantages of a 1.5 DIN radio is that it has a slightly larger display than a single DIN radio. While a single DIN radio has a display that is about 2 inches high, a 1.5 DIN radio has a display that is about 2.5-3 inches high 1. This extra display space allows for larger graphics, bigger text, and more information to be shown on the screen.
Another advantage is that a 1.5 DIN radio can accommodate some physical buttons and knobs below the display, while still leaving room for a larger screen. Single DIN radios generally have to place all controls on the front panel below the small display. The extra space on a 1.5 DIN model allows for a more flexible and customizable layout 2.
Finally, a 1.5 DIN radio offers more mounting flexibility than a double DIN radio. While double DIN radios require a specific double DIN mounting space, 1.5 DIN radios can be installed in either single DIN or double DIN slots, with an inexpensive adapter bracket. This makes 1.5 DIN a versatile option for more vehicles.
Disadvantages of a 1.5 DIN radio
While 1.5 DIN radios offer some benefits over single DIN models, they also come with some drawbacks compared to both single and double DIN stereos. Two of the main disadvantages of 1.5 DIN radios are the smaller display size compared to double DIN units, and the more limited model availability.
Most 1.5 DIN stereos have a display size of about 4″ high by 6″ wide. While this is larger than the typical 2″ high by 4″ wide display on single DIN models, it is smaller than the minimum 6.2″ high by 4″ wide screen that double DIN radios offer. For drivers who want a large, high-resolution touchscreen display for navigation, video playback and more, a double DIN unit would be the better choice.
There is also a more restricted selection of 1.5 DIN radio models available compared to the abundant options for both single and double DIN units. Most major car stereo manufacturers like Pioneer, Kenwood and Alpine offer far fewer 1.5 DIN options. So drivers have less flexibility in choosing specific features or aesthetics with 1.5 DIN stereos.1
Overall, while 1.5 DIN radios provide a nice middle ground between single and double DIN units, the smaller displays and fewer model options can be limiting factors for some car audio enthusiasts and drivers looking to customize their dash.
Popular Models and Brands
Some of the most popular brands for 1.5 DIN car stereos include Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, and Sony. These companies offer a range of models from basic traditional stereos to high-end Android Auto/Apple Carplay touchscreen units.
For those looking for a traditional radio experience, brands like Pioneer and Kenwood offer 1.5 DIN models with physical buttons for basic controls. These tend to range from $100-200 and focus more on audio quality over extra features.
Touchscreen units are also available from Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC and Sony. These models integrate smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple Carplay for navigation, app access, and hands-free calling. Touchscreen 1.5 DIN stereos range from $300 up to $600+ for flagship models with added features like DVD playback.
Overall, Pioneer and Kenwood make some of the most popular 1.5 DIN units across all price ranges. Sony and JVC are also solid options, especially for touchscreen units on a budget. With a wide selection between $100-600, 1.5 DIN stereos offer great flexibility whether you want a simple audio upgrade or a high-tech dashboard overhaul.
Installation Considerations
Installing a 1.5 DIN radio in a vehicle requires some special considerations compared to a standard single DIN unit. The main issues revolve around properly mounting the smaller radio in the dashboard and adapting the wiring harness.
Since 1.5 DIN radios are not as wide as typical single DIN units, there will be gaps on the left and right side when fitting it into the dashboard kit. Some installations can carefully align the 1.5 DIN radio to center it evenly in the space, while others may require fabricating a trim ring or plate to fill the gaps around the radio.
You also need an appropriate wiring harness adapter to connect the new 1.5 DIN radio to the vehicle’s factory harness. Metra and Scosche are two major brands that offer harness adapters for most vehicle makes and models. The adapter plugs into the car side and provides the standard power, speaker, and other connections on the radio side.
In some cases, more custom fabrication work may be required to securely mount the 1.5 DIN radio in the dash opening. This can involve 3D printing brackets, using filler panels, or other custom metalwork to create a clean factory-like installation. Proper mounting is important both for security and to prevent rattles and vibrations while driving.
Overall the smaller 1.5 DIN size can present some challenges for installation compared to a full single DIN radio. But in most cases these obstacles can be addressed with harness adapters and some custom fabrication if desired.
Audio Quality
1.5 DIN radios can deliver excellent audio quality compared to factory stereos. Most models provide 45 watts RMS or higher of power per channel, which ensures sufficient amplification for most car systems with 4-8 speakers. High-end units offer 75-90 watts or more of power for use with additional amplifiers and subwoofers (Source).
Top 1.5 DIN radios feature advanced sound processing technology like digital signal processors (DSPs) to tailor the frequency response. These ensure a balanced, optimized output for the make and model of vehicle. They can adjust for things like road noise cancellation, staging, and equalization. It enables listeners to fine tune the acoustics for their specific car cabin (Source).
Nearly all models support connections for 4 or more car speakers. High-end units include 4 or 5 sets of RCA line-level preamp outputs for adding amplifiers and external woofers or subwoofers for extended low-frequency response. Some even have built-in amplifiers to power a dedicated subwoofer. This dramatically enhances bass quality over stock head units (Source).
Smart features
The 1.5 DIN radio comes with several smart features that can connect your vehicle with your devices and provide enhanced listening experiences and convenience. Some of these popular smart features include:
Bluetooth, Android Auto, & Apple CarPlay
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream audio from a Bluetooth-enabled device like your smartphone. 1.5 DIN radios also typically support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which mirror compatible smartphone apps directly onto the radio’s display for ease of use while driving.
Navigation & WiFi
Many 1.5 DIN radios come with built-in navigation that provides turn-by-turn directions without the need for a phone connection. WiFi connectivity allows the radio to receive over-the-air updates and access online content.
Voice Control
Voice control features allow you to operate certain functions of the 1.5 DIN radio using voice commands for hands-free control. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road.
Customization Options
One of the main advantages of a 1.5 DIN radio is that it can be easily customized.
The most popular customization options include:
Faceplates
One part of a radio that is visible when installed is the faceplate. Most 1.5 DIN radios offer replaceable faceplates that easily snap on and off. By removing the stock faceplate and installing a custom one, you can change the look and feel to match your car’s aesthetics. Popular options include carbon fiber, faux brushed aluminum, and paint-matched faceplates to blend into your vehicle’s dashboard.
Screen Wallpapers/Themes
Many modern 1.5 DIN car stereos also have customizable on-screen wallpapers or themes. You may be able to upload a custom image or select from preloaded designs to set as your radio’s background screen. This allows you to personalize the look whenever the radio is powered on.
Button Illumination
Higher-end units may allow customization of button backlighting color. So if you’ve installed some custom interior lights or under-dash lighting, you can set your stereo buttons to match. This helps provide a cohesive look rather than clashing illumination colors within your vehicle’s cabin.
Future outlook
The future of 1.5 DIN car stereos remains unclear. On one hand, they fill an interesting niche between single DIN and double DIN stereos. Their compact but versatile design appeals to certain car audio enthusiasts and custom installers.
However, as more car dashboards incorporate larger touchscreen displays, demand for aftermarket head units of all sizes may decline over time. With smartphone mirroring and hands-free capability coming standard in many vehicles, the need for a secondary custom car display is reduced.
That said, 1.5 DIN radios could see growing use cases in specialized contexts like classic car restorations, racing vehicles, custom show trucks, overlanding rigs, and marine vehicles. Their flexibility makes them well-suited for specialized vehicle cabins with limited space.
While unlikely to enjoy mass market popularity, 1.5 DIN car stereos should maintain a niche user base well into the future. Their versatility and customization potential will appeal to car audio enthusiasts even as screens and connectivity become standard from automotive manufacturers.
Summary
Is there such thing as a 1.5 DIN radio? While there is no official 1.5 DIN standard, there are many innovative double DIN audio receivers on the market that have a decreased mounting depth. These “1.5 DIN” radios offer many of the features and benefits of a full double DIN stereo in a reduced depth packaging that fits in snug recesses and smaller dashboard openings.
These slim form factor receivers still deliver the enhanced audio power and integrated multimedia smart features that drivers demand. However, the compact size comes with some limitations, tradeoffs, and requires careful installation planning. While 1.5 DIN stereos do not have the physical space for advanced heat dissipation, cooling systems, and connectors found on standard double DIN models, they still provide a compelling option for upgrading your ride’s media and navigation capabilities where a shallow mounting depth is needed.
As dashboard designs evolve and integrate smarter infotainment offerings, we expect to see continued crossover between single DIN, double DIN, and innovative slim DIN audio products that balance features, performance, and discrete installation possibilities.