Spotlight: JBL Legend 700 Double-Din Stereo

JBL, one of the biggest names in the audio industry, is releasing its new Legend 700 double-din touchscreen head unit this month. Designed to fit in any vehicle that has a double-din stereo slot, the Legend 700 and its 7-inch touchscreen display make it easy to modernize the infotainment system in many old cars and trucks. I’ve had at least eight vehicles in my life that really could’ve used this thing, but I digress.

The standout feature of the JBL Legend 700 is its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making smartphone integration a breeze for iPhone and Android users alike. Once connected, it’s easy to make hands-free calls, stream music or podcasts during a long road trip, use in-dash navigation, and see notifications from many other apps. Most of the cheaper head units on the market don’t come with CarPlay or Android Auto, relying instead on a wired USB connection to listen to music or make calls.

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While Bluetooth connectivity means there aren’t any extra wires cluttering the cabin, a built-in USB outlet can be used to charge devices on the go. In addition to wireless smartphone integration, the JBL Legend 700 comes with an AM/FM tuner and 30 station presets, allowing drivers to listen to their favorite radio shows or stations. It also comes with a steering wheel control input, allowing for these buttons to retain their function after stereo replacement, a feature that many other options don’t provide.

This head unit is designed to work seamlessly with JBL speakers and amplifiers, and it comes with integrated subwoofer controls and a 16-band equalizer to balance the audio as desired. In short, the JBL Legend 700 will elevate any vehicle’s basic stock stereo system to a more immersive audio experience.

Installing this new JBL head unit is no more difficult than any other double-din stereo setup, and most do-it-yourselfers can knock it out in one to four hours. The wiring is typically the most challenging part, but an aftermarket wiring harness makes it much easier, taking a lot of the guesswork out of re-pinning everything from scratch.

The JBL Legend 700 is set to hit the shelves this month for $299.99, which is about average for a stereo system in this segment. A 6.75-inch touchscreen head unit from Planet Audio with similar features retails for about $240, while a comparable option from Jensen costs $350.

With all the features it comes with and backing from a renowned name in the audio industry, the JBL Legend 700 is poised to be a solid option as soon as it hits the market.

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