Upgrading your car’s entertainment system can dramatically transform your driving experience, turning mundane commutes into enjoyable journeys. The right head unit acts as the central hub for navigation, music, and communication, making every trip smoother and more connected. If you’re looking to modernize your vehicle with cutting-edge technology, finding a reliable and feature-rich car stereo is paramount.
In this comprehensive BOSS BVCP9700A-C Car Stereo review, we dive deep into one of the most popular double-DIN offerings from BOSS Audio Systems. This unit promises to bring a suite of smart features directly to your dashboard, enhancing both convenience and safety. We’ll explore its capabilities, from seamless smartphone integration to its intuitive touchscreen interface, to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your ride.
The BOSS BVCP9700A-C is designed for drivers who demand more than just basic radio functionality. With its robust support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it ensures that your favorite apps and navigation tools are always within easy reach. This model also includes a backup camera, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience that many modern drivers now consider essential.
Throughout this review, we’ll cover everything from its installation considerations to its daily performance, examining how it stacks up against competitors. Whether you’re an avid tech enthusiast or simply seeking a more integrated driving experience, understanding the nuances of the BOSS BVCP9700A-C Car Stereo System is key to making an informed decision. Let’s explore what makes this head unit a compelling option for vehicle owners.
Key Takeaways
- Seamlessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Features a responsive 7-inch double-DIN touchscreen.
- Includes a convenient backup camera for enhanced safety.
- Offers versatile Bluetooth for audio streaming and calls.
- A great value choice for modern car connectivity.
Key Features
The BOSS BVCP9700A-C Car Stereo System stands out with its comprehensive suite of modern features designed to enhance your in-car experience. At its core, the unit boasts full compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This integration allows users to seamlessly connect their smartphones, accessing navigation, music, messages, and voice assistants directly through the stereo’s interface.
Its vibrant 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display provides a crisp and intuitive user interface. The double-DIN form factor ensures it fits snugly into a wide range of vehicles, offering a factory-like appearance. This responsive screen makes navigating menus, selecting apps, and controlling media a smooth and enjoyable process, minimizing distractions while driving.
For communication and audio streaming, the BVCP9700A-C includes built-in Bluetooth technology. This enables hands-free calling, allowing you to make and receive calls safely without taking your hands off the wheel. Additionally, Bluetooth audio streaming lets you play music and podcasts wirelessly from your phone, providing a clutter-free cabin environment.
A significant safety feature of this model is the included backup camera. This rear-view camera automatically activates when the vehicle is put into reverse, providing a clear view of what’s behind you. It greatly assists with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and making the driving experience much safer for everyone.
Beyond smartphone integration, the unit also functions as a versatile media receiver. It supports various audio and video formats via its USB port, offering playback options for a wide range of digital media. While it does not include a CD player, its focus on digital connectivity ensures that you have access to virtually limitless entertainment on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless Smartphone Integration: Full support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a major highlight, offering access to navigation, music, and apps.
- Included Backup Camera: Enhances safety and simplifies parking, a valuable addition especially for older vehicles.
- Responsive Touchscreen: The 7-inch capacitive display is bright and intuitive, making interaction smooth and enjoyable.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Provides reliable hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming.
- Good Value for Money: Offers a robust feature set at a competitive price point, making modern tech accessible.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and operate, even for those new to advanced car stereos.
- Versatile Media Playback: Supports various audio/video formats via USB, expanding entertainment options.
Cons:
- No CD/DVD Player: Modernized for digital media, but this might be a drawback for some users with physical media collections.
- Installation Can Be Complex: Double-DIN installation can be challenging for DIY beginners, potentially requiring professional help.
- Sound Quality is Standard: While good, it may not satisfy extreme audiophiles without additional amplifier upgrades.
- Limited Customization: Interface customization options are somewhat basic compared to higher-end units.
- Wired CarPlay/Android Auto: Requires a USB connection for smartphone mirroring, no wireless option.
Performance Review
The BOSS BVCP9700A-C delivers a commendable performance for its price point, excelling primarily in its core functionalities. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is largely seamless, with minimal lag once a smartphone is connected via USB. Users can quickly access their preferred navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, stream music from Spotify or Apple Music, and send messages using voice commands, all displayed clearly on the 7-inch screen.
The touchscreen’s responsiveness is a definite strong suit, registering touches accurately and smoothly. Swiping through menus and tapping on icons feels natural, akin to interacting with a modern tablet or smartphone. Brightness levels are generally good, providing adequate visibility in various lighting conditions, though direct sunlight can sometimes cause minor glare, a common issue with most in-car displays.
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming performs reliably. Pairing devices is straightforward, and the connection remains stable during use. Call quality is clear on both ends, thanks to the integrated microphone, making conversations easy and safe while driving. Audio streaming also maintains good fidelity, ensuring your music sounds crisp through your car’s speakers.
The included backup camera is a significant performance enhancer, offering clear video feedback when reversing. The image quality is sufficient for identifying obstacles and judging distances, providing peace of mind during parking maneuvers. Its automatic activation is quick, ensuring you have a real-time view as soon as you shift into reverse, contributing significantly to overall driving safety.
While the unit’s internal amplifier provides decent sound output for most factory speaker setups, audiophiles might find it a bit lacking in raw power or nuanced sound sculpting. However, for the average user looking for an upgrade over a stock stereo, the sound quality is more than satisfactory. The ability to play various digital media formats via USB further extends its utility, offering flexibility for your content needs.
Who Should Buy This?
The BOSS BVCP9700A-C Car Stereo System is an ideal choice for drivers looking to modernize an older vehicle without breaking the bank. If your current car stereo lacks essential features like smartphone integration or a backup camera, this unit offers an excellent upgrade path. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who rely heavily on their smartphone for navigation, music, and communication while on the road.
This head unit is perfect for daily commuters, families, and anyone who values safety and convenience. The integrated backup camera provides an invaluable assist in tricky parking situations and greatly improves rear visibility, a crucial feature for many drivers. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even less tech-savvy individuals can quickly adapt to its operation, making for a less stressful driving experience.
Furthermore, if you’re a DIY enthusiast with some experience in car audio installation, or if you’re planning to have it professionally installed, the BVCP9700A-C offers significant value. It provides access to premium features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a large touchscreen display at a price point that makes it highly competitive in the double-DIN stereo market. It’s a solid investment for enhancing both the functionality and enjoyment of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BOSS BVCP9700A-C support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No, the BOSS BVCP9700A-C requires a wired USB connection to your smartphone for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. It does not support wireless versions of these features.
Is the backup camera included with the BVCP9700A-C, or is it sold separately?
Yes, the “C” in BVCP9700A-C indicates that a backup camera is included as part of the package. It’s a convenient addition that enhances driving safety and parking ease.
Can I play CDs or DVDs on this car stereo?
No, the BOSS BVCP9700A-C is a “Mech-Less” unit, meaning it does not have a CD or DVD player. It focuses entirely on digital media playback via USB, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration.
What size opening does the BVCP9700A-C require for installation?
This is a double-DIN head unit, which typically requires an opening of approximately 7 inches by 4 inches (180 mm x 100 mm). Always check your vehicle’s specific dashboard dimensions and consider a dash kit if necessary.
Does the unit have physical buttons, or is it entirely touchscreen?
The BOSS BVCP9700A-C primarily relies on its 7-inch touchscreen for most operations. However, it does feature a few essential physical buttons along the left side for quick access to volume control and basic menu functions.
Final Verdict
After a thorough review, the BOSS BVCP9700A-C Car Stereo System emerges as a highly competitive and feature-rich option for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle’s infotainment. Its robust integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alone makes it a compelling choice, bringing modern smartphone functionality right to your dashboard. The responsive 7-inch touchscreen and reliable Bluetooth connectivity further enhance the user experience, making daily drives more enjoyable and connected.
The inclusion of a backup camera is a significant value-add, providing a crucial safety feature that many drivers desire. While it foregoes a CD player in favor of digital media, this aligns with current trends and offers ample entertainment options via USB and streaming. For its price point, the BVCP9700A-C offers a fantastic balance of features, performance, and affordability, punching above its weight in the crowded car stereo market.
Ultimately, if you’re seeking to transform an older car into a modern connected vehicle, or simply want to upgrade from a basic factory unit, the BOSS BVCP9700A-C is an excellent investment. It delivers on its promises of enhanced connectivity, safety, and entertainment, making it a highly recommended choice for a wide range of drivers. This unit truly offers a gateway to a smarter, safer, and more engaging driving experience without breaking your budget.












