JVC KW-V840BT Review in 2024 – Apple Friendly Stereo?

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Nothing says iPhone compatibility than a dedicated Siri button…

So I assume you have an iPhone and you are looking for a compatible stereo? There are so many stereos on the market that it’s hard to choose. Every year each brand tries to outdo the others.

I’ve found this gem in the clutter. Thanks to one of my readers suggestion I’ve taken it out for a spin.

This is the reason why I’ve written this JVC KW-V840BT review. I’m keeping everything consistent, so I’ll be showing you the good and the bad. What’s the point of creating a review and talking only about the pluses? That’s not a review. It’s a paid promotion.

Here’s the quick preview. This JVC head unit is double DIN. It has a 6.8” touch screen. It supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Before I get your hopes up, it’s tethered connection only.

The sound that comes out of the speakers is way better than the stock system. It has everything you need to keep you entertained on long drives. Plus, it keeps you safe because you can make hands-free calling easy. Not to mention, Siri and Google Assistant can reply to text messages after dictation. Audio streaming is flawless if you have a compatible mobile phone.

So let’s get this JVC KW- V840BT review started.

Here’s the bird’s eye view for this head unit.

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Who is the JVC KW- V840BT for?

This car stereo is for those who want to enjoy a great drive thanks to excellent sound. This car stereo supports both Apple and Android phones.

The only drawback is that you can only use the apps while you’re connected through the USB port.

Now it’s not the cheapest unit on the market. You know the JVC brand, and you know what it stands for. This is why the price is higher.

As a driver, you are interested in the most important info on display. The JVC KW-V840BT car stereo delivers that.

What can the JVC KW- V840BT do for you?

The JVC KW-V840BT head unit allows safe driving. By having hands-free control over the phone, you can keep your eyes on the road.

Both Apple Carplay and Android Auto work with this head unit. So Siri and Google Assistant will be there to serve you. You not only able to make hands-free calls but texts as well. You can get texts read to you, and you can dictate responses. Both assistants will send the replies. How cool is at?

Now it’s a double-DIN unit. If you have a single DIN car, then this won’t fit. It’s a good idea to pick a different model.

This small head unit is packed with features. Besides the standard radio (FM/AM). It comes with SiriusXM ready.

No matter which is your favorite audio app, both Spotify and Pandora are present and can do the audio streaming.

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JVC KW- V840BT shortcomings

I’m hoping that one of these days I will find a car stereo that doesn’t have flaws. I shouldn’t hold my breath, right?

As you have guessed, the JVC KW-V840BT head unit has negatives. Let’s see if they are a deal-breaker for you or not.

When I was testing this unit, there were some issues with the Waze app. You need to connect via the built-in Bluetooth, or there will be no music. For some reason, Waze is dominating. It takes over both your phone and the head unit. If you change the phone screen the display changes as well.

I’ve noticed a significant lag on the screen. This isn’t a permanent thing. It comes and goes. It’s annoying when it’s happening.

Menu navigation is illogical. It took me quite a while to get used to this twisted method.

Who else loves to create radio presets? Well, here’s the good news you can, but you won’t like it — they over complicated it. I mean there are 3 bands where you can save 6 stations. That’s a total of 18 stations.

Are you ready for the bad news?

Wait, this gets worse? You can’t give a name to the preset, only a number. Keeping in mind like 5 stations is OK but 18 you gotta be kidding…

I knew that Pioneer was the one who usually went overboard with safety features. Now the crown has been taken. The new king for uber safety goes to JVC.

If you happen to tap the radio controls too much while you’re driving, you will be locked out. You are forced to pull over, set the brake, and make the necessary changes.

Luckily there’s an elegant fix to it. I’ll tell you all about it in the next chapter.

Are you still with me? Or did the negative list above scared you away?

How To Get The Most Out Of JVC KW- V840BT?

The first step is to get it installed. If you don’t have experience in the field, I recommend getting it done by a pro. It saves you a lot of time and avoids headaches.

There are two additional add-ons that I recommend. The first one is the iDatalink Maestro. This device helps you keep your stock steering wheel control. If you want true hands-free calling, this is the way to go. This device is sold separately.

Plus, it will give you a lot of vehicle diagnostic information. I usually check the tire pressure, voltage, and temperatures before I hit the road.

The second thing that I recommend is the parking brake bypass. If you don’t want to be locked out of your radio, you will install it. I mean pulling over the highway to reset that retarded safety feature is not fun.

Last but not least, do remember there’s a 13-band equalizer. You can tweak it to get the best out of sound. Each music input source can be customized. If you don’t want to waste time on it, just pick a preset, and you’re done.

If you are interested in the outputs here they are: rear video output, 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)

You might also like: How to reset JVC car radio 

JVC KW-V840BT Review Conclusion

We have reached the end of the JVC KW-V840BT review. I hope that I gave you clarity about this car stereo. You should know by now if it’s a good fit for you.

Do you have any thoughts or ideas? Do share them below.

Also, if you want me to does a review, feel free to reach out. If there’s enough interest, I will do it.

Catch you next time.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I listen to SiriusXM satellite radio?

Yes this JVC stereo has SiriusXM satellite radio. You can enjoy your favorite shows wherever you are.

Is the KW- 840BT compatible with Apple Carplay Android Auto?

Yes both of them Apple Carplay Android Auto are supported. With the built-in Bluetooth you can connect your Android or Apple Phone. You might need a hands-free car kit if you fully want to utilize Android Auto Apple Carplay. This car stereo is Weblink compatible so you don’t necessary need android auto apple carplay. Once you’re connected with any apps on your phone the sound quality is excellent.

Does the built in amp deliver 22 watts?

Yes this JVC head unit has a built in amp which delivers 22 watts of power. If it would be 50 watts it would’ve been even better. Outputs: rear video output, 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear and subwoofer). The 4V preamp outputs are just out of this world. Power output: 22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels.

What is the advanced audio distribution profile?

The advanced audio distribution profile or A2DP for short determines what’s the maximum quality of audio that can be streamed through built-in Bluetooth devices. This works with any compatible mobile phone. You can do audio streaming as  well.

What kind of files can this stereo play?

The most common ones like MP3 WMA. Thanks to the Audio playback you can see artist album images. And the sound quality is pristine.

What’s monitor touch control?

The monitor touch control is a function that helps you do tasks efficiently. With one gesture you can change the song or the volume.

Can I mount a rear view camera?

Yes there’s a rear view camera input. It’s next to the audio video input.

Does built-in Bluetooth links me to Phone Book Access Profile?

Yes it does (Bluetooth profiles).

Where is the USB input located?

Like with most models it’s a rear USB input.

What can the iDatalink Maestro do for this JVC receiver?

If you connect the iDatalink Maestro to the JVC unit you will get back your steering wheel controls. Not only that but you can get vehicle information as well. For example the DVD receiver will display the tire pressure, temperatures, gauges voltages etc. This is why it’s a good idea to get an iDatalink Maestro installed. It’s not included in the package it’s sold separately.

Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Brian Beasley