Dual DCPA901 9" Single DIN Digital Media Receiver with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Over-sized Capacitive Display

Our testing and analysis of the Dual DCPA901

Over the last few years Dual has been impressing us with their diverse line of headunits. And their brand new DCPA901 is another to add to the list. This Single DIN digital media receiver features an oversized 9” capacitive display, apple carplay and android auto. All for a cost in the $350 range.

What's inside the box

Inside the box is an installation guide, quick start guide, single din trim panel, wiring harness, RCA audio and video harness, 3 pairs of mounting covers for each chosen depth, installation tools, hardware, 9” capacitive touchscreen display and single din chassis.

Rear Connections

The rear connections on the chassis include radio antenna, RCA harness input, external microphone for hands free calling, wiring harness for power ground and speaker plus a USB pigtail. The RCA harness includes RCA pre-amp outputs for front rear and subwoofers, Backup camera input, and RCA AV inputs.

Display

Connecting the display to the chassis is a little confusing at first, but ultimately pretty simple. The display connects directly to the mount on the front of the chassis. First, select your depth position by removing the four perimeter screws on the top of the chassis and pull the slot out to your preferred position. 

The mount has two small slots which are designed for the small hooks on the rear of the display. Plug in the harness of the display to the chassis and latch it into place. The next step is to install four screws. Clearly you can’t possibly fit a screwdriver behind the display to do this. The display can rotate 90 degrees left or right, allowing enough space to install the screws on each side of the mount. The final position selection is height. 

When I first booted up this headunit it, there was no Android Auto source, and instead it said Android Mirror. This was quickly solved by updating the firmware, the files for which are located on Dual’s product page of the DCPA901. Copy the files onto a blank USB thumb drive, turn the headunit off, insert the thumb drive, and then boot the headunit back up. Android Auto was added with the update and worked perfectly. 

Although the display is capacitive, at times it was a little unresponsive, you really need to hit the right spots on the screen. The operating system isn’t much to write home about, but it gets the job done. The display itself is huge, and I’m loving the rotary dial. Commands on the bottom include hands free connection, home and seek buttons. 

Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Apple Carplay and Android Auto are this headunits best features, however it is not compatible with Wireless Apple Carplay or Wireless Android Auto which was a huge miss. But when considering the cost it’s acceptable. Use the rear USB for both apps.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows hands free calling and wireless music streaming. The USB will not allow music playback from a smartphone outside of Carplay or Android Auto.

USB Audio/Video/JPEG Playback

In addition to the rear USB pigtail, the display also features a USB port on the side. A USB thumb drive will play back music and video files. For audio it is compatible with MP3 and FLAC files. For video it is compatible with MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-2.5 files.

Screen Mirroring

It is possible to screen mirror a device to this headunit with its RCA AV inputs located on the RCA harness. Using our mirroring adapter HDMIV-2, for iPhone use a Lightning Digital AV Adapter, and USB-C Android use the Beuler BU-CHMDI6. Link in the bio for all adapters.

XAV-AX5600 Testing

Two channels driven, 4 ohm, 1 KHz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 35, 19.27W RMS per channel, 0.9% distortion and 8.7 volts of output.

AMM-1: 14 Watts

Current draw: 4.67 amps

Two channels driven, 4 ohm, 40 Hz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 35, 19.23W RMS per channel, 0.9% distortion and 8.7 volts of output.

AMM-1: 16 Watts

Current draw: 4.83 amps

RCA Testing, 40 Hz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 40, 5.12 volts output

Distortion: 1.02%

RCA Testing, 1 KHz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 40, 4.69 volts output

Distortion: 1.01%

Car stereo installation

We show you the complete process of installing a Pioneer Double DIN car stereo in a Chevy truck. The in-depth video shows the installation of the interface, and steering wheel control.

Stereo Installation Basics

Let's start with the basics of replacing your car stereo receiver. In out first video we demonstrate how to crimp or solder your wiring, mount your new receiver to your dash kit and prepare everything for an installation in your vehicle.

Wiring Harnesses Explained

What do all of the wire colors mean? Aftermarket manufacturers have made car stereo receiver installation an easier process by using a standardized wire color scheme. We walk you through what each individual wire does, this way if you have an installation that doesn't perform properly you will have the resources to begin troubleshooting your installation.

Simple radio Installation

In our third video we demonstrate this installation process from start to finish. We show you the complete process of installing a Pioneer Double DIN car stereo in a Chevy truck. The in-depth video shows the installation of the interface, and steering wheel control.

Complex radio Installation

In our fourth video we demonstrate a much more difficult installation of a Car Stereo receiver. In this video we are using a more complicated dash kit and a difficult level of installation.