Metra Electronics, best known for the dash kits and wiring harnesses behind most aftermarket radio installs, is now selling its own receivers. At the 2026 SEMA Show it launched Aküstik, a line of three touchscreen head units designed to work with a matching set of Metra radio interfaces, harnesses and dash kits. For anyone planning a subwoofer system, the interesting part is the outputs: all three have 4-volt RCA preamp outputs and subwoofer level control.
The short version
- Three receivers: AK-9T (9-inch), AK-10T (10-inch) and AK-10.1F (10.1-inch floating screen).
- All have wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 4 V RCA preamp outputs.
- Metra lists time alignment, a graphic EQ and subwoofer level control for the line.
- 12 vehicle interfaces, 2 power harnesses and 24 model-specific dash kits launch alongside them.
- No prices yet; Metra says availability will be announced later.
The three receivers
| Model | Screen | Chassis | RCA preamp outputs | Built-in amp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK-9T | 9-inch, 1280 × 720 | Shallow | 5 channels, 4 V | Up to 40 W × 4 |
| AK-10T | 10-inch, 1280 × 720 | Shallow | 5 channels, 4 V | Up to 40 W × 4 |
| AK-10.1F | 10.1-inch floating, adjustable angle, 1280 × 720 | Shallow single-DIN | 6 channels, 4 V | Up to 50 W × 4 |
All three add Bluetooth, AM/FM, camera inputs, steering-wheel control readiness and built-in sound tuning. Launch coverage lists time alignment, graphic EQ and subwoofer level control among the line’s features, but doesn’t say which models have which, so check the final spec sheets. The AK-10.1F fits standard Metra 95- and 99-Series dash kits, so it can go into a wide range of cars.
Built around Metra’s install parts
The bigger idea is integration. Metra is launching 12 radio interfaces for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM, Ford F-Series, Chevrolet and GMC, Honda Civic and Toyota models, which can keep factory features like steering-wheel controls, backup cameras, factory amplifiers and HVAC information depending on the vehicle. Two power harnesses (MET-AK-ISO1 for the 9- and 10-inch units, MET-AK-ISO2 for the AK-10.1F) and 24 vehicle-specific dash kits complete the set.
- Toyota Tacoma: a 10-inch kit for 2016–2023 trucks, a 9-inch kit for 2012–2015, and an interface for 2018–2023 Tacoma and Camry.
- Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator: a 9-inch kit for 2018–2023 JL and 2020–2023 JT.
- Ford F-150: kits for 2009–2014 (9-inch) and 2021–2023 with the 8-inch screen (10-inch).
- RAM, Silverado and Sierra, 4Runner, Tundra, Subaru and more are also on the list.
Metra says the kits are designed for Aküstik receivers specifically, not other aftermarket radios.
What it means for you
If you want to add a subwoofer amp and keep a modern dash, a receiver with strong preamp outputs is the cleanest starting point. A 4-volt RCA signal gives an amplifier more headroom than the 2-volt outputs on many budget units, which usually means less noise and an easier gain setting. Built-in subwoofer level control means you can turn the bass up or down from the screen rather than reaching for a knob.
If you’re keeping your factory radio instead, you still need speaker-level inputs or a line output converter; our line output converter guide covers that route, and adding a sub to a factory stereo explains the full job. Tacoma and Wrangler owners can match one of these to our new Tacoma subwoofer and Wrangler JL subwoofer picks.
Our take
Metra knows the install side of car audio better than almost anyone, so a receiver line built around its own interfaces and kits makes sense on paper. The specs that matter for bass, 4 V outputs and sub level control, are present. What we don’t know yet is price, the exact feature split between models and how the software feels in daily use. We’d wait for pricing and the first installer and owner reports before choosing one over an established receiver.