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Sony announces quartet of low-cost car stereos

Sony has added four new single-DIN in-dash receivers to its Xplod line of car audio equipment.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

The midtier Sony CDX-GT550UI features a front USB port and iPod-iPhone connectivity.
The midtier Sony CDX-GT550UI features a front USB port and iPod-iPhone connectivity. Sony

Yesterday, Sony added four new single-DIN in-dash receivers to its Xplod line of car audio equipment, replacing last year's CDX-GT line. The new CDX-GT650UI, CDX-GT550UI, CDX-GT350MP, and CDX-GT250MP will all be available in the coming weeks with prices ranging from $80 for the most basic GT250MP to $160 for the most fully-featured unit, the GT650UI.

The top-of-the-line CDX-GT650UI and CDX-GT550UI have USB ports on their faceplates to connect with iPods, iPhones, Sony's Walkman, and other USB mass storage devices, as well as analog auxiliary inputs. Both units also feature Sony's ZAPPIN, Quick-BrowZer, and Jump Mode search technologies for quickly navigating large media libraries. Meanwhile, Advanced Sound Engine and Digital Sound Processor technologies use a combination of audio optimization, time alignment, and EQ7 settings to make that music sound its best.

The Sony CDX-GT350MP and CDX-GT250MP feature different illumination colors and upgrade options.
The Sony CDX-GT350MP and CDX-GT250MP feature different illumination colors and upgrade options. Sony

The $160 CDX-GT650 distinguishes itself from the CDX-GT550UI with its SenseMe application that automatically organizes connected music libraries into custom mood-based playlists, a Dynamic Color Illuminator that lets user match their key illumination to any of more than 35,000 choices to complement existing vehicle lighting components, and a two-line LCD screen. The $130 GT550UI only gets two illumination color choices--green or blue--and a single-line display.

Dropping down in both price and features, the $100 CDX-GT350MP loses the USB port and adjustable illumination color, but it maintains the faceplate mounted auxiliary input, CD playback, and AM/FM radio with RDS display, which shows artist and track information. You can also purchase add-on modules for the GT350MP to support satellite radio, HD radio, and iPod integration. Stepping down to the $80 CDX-GT250MP will cost you the capability to upgrade.

All units feature Sony's 52-watt (max) by four-channel integrated amplifier, as well as a pair of preamp outputs for connecting a subwoofer.