The Sony GS series of source units, amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers offers excellent performance at accessible price points. In this spotlight, we take a close look at the features and benefits of the GS-Series speakers and subwoofers.

GS Component and Coaxial Speakers

The GS series includes the XS-GS1621 6.5-inch coaxial, the XS-GS1621C 6.5-inch component and the XS-GS6921 6×9-inch coaxial speaker sets. Common to all three speakers are Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) and glass fiber-enhanced pulp woofer cones. The addition of mica and glass fiber strands to the pressed pulp construction improves the thermal and structural stability of the woofer cone. Each woofer features a large ferrite magnet for excellent efficiency and a rubber surround at the top of the cone to ensure long-term reliability.

Each speaker set employs a two-way design with a 1-inch synthetic fabric soft dome tweeter. The tweeter features a rare-earth magnet for excellent efficiency. The XS-GS1621C component set includes hardware to flush- or surface-mount the tweeter. An optional angled adapter increases the surface-mounting installation options. All three speaker sets include removable grilles with two-piece fine mesh inserts. High-quality rubber rings hold the grille inserts in place securely.

The 6.5-inch speaker baskets include provisions for three- and four-hole mounting in 6.5- and 6.75-inch standard applications. Mounted depth on the 6.5-inch speakers is 2.25 inches and 3.25 inches on the 6×9 driver.

Passive Crossover Networks

All three GS speaker sets include two-way crossovers. On the coaxial speakers, the crossover components are attached to the basket. On the component speaker set, the crossover come in their own enclosures. The tweeters are filtered at 5,000 Hz with a 12 dB/octave slope for excellent power handling. The output of the woofers is filtered at 5,000 Hz with a 6 dB/octave slope to reduce high-frequency output. The first-order response of the passive network, combined with the natural high-frequency roll-off the woofer cone, results in the output of woofer and tweeter blending nicely for smooth and natural frequency response. Not many coaxial speakers include passive crossover networks with both high- and low-pass filters. This is very impressive at these price points.

Also unheard of at this price point are passive networks that can be driven from a single amplifier channel or bi-amped for more tuning flexibility. The tweeter output on the XS-GS1621C components includes 0 dB or -3 dB level adjustment using a toggle switch in the tweeter housing. To improve system efficiency and frequency response, it uses high-quality polypropylene capacitors in all applications instead of inexpensive electrolytic caps. Electrical connections use 0.110-inch and 0.205-inch quick-disconnect spade terminals.

Sony GS Series Subwoofers

The GS Series includes the XS-GSW101 10-inch single voice coil, XS-GSW121 12-inch single voice coil and XS-GS121D 12-inch dual voice coil subwoofers. All three subwoofers are based on the same MCR glass fiber composite cone material as the speakers. A heavy-duty rubber surround at the top of the cone provides reliability, and a rubber boot around the magnet gives the subs a clean look. The woofers are constructed on a black stamped-steel basket with integrated vents under the spider mounting plateau. Combined with the vented pole piece, the vents allow hot air to escape from the voice coil to improve power handling.

The 12-inch subs are rated to handle up to 500 watts of power, and the 10-inch sub can handle 450 watts referenced to the CEA-2031 test standard. Peak power handling is rated at four times those numbers. Sony includes a rubber gasket and foam tape to ensure the installation looks great and is airtight.

GS Subwoofer Applications

The single voice coil subwoofers have a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. The dual voice coil 12-inch can be wired in parallel to present a 2 ohm load, or in series for an 8 ohm impedance. Your choice of amplifier and the number of subwoofers you intend to use will determine how they should be wired. Electrical connections are made via binding posts that will accept bare wire, spades or banana plugs.

The 10-inch sub will work well in extremely small sealed enclosures or vented enclosures between 0.75 and 1 cubic foot. The 12-inch subs also work well in sealed enclosures. If you want more low-frequency output, then a vented design of around 1.3 cubic feet will dramatically increase efficiency and power handling.

If you are in the market for new speakers or a subwoofer for your vehicle, the GS Series from Sony offers features found on speakers often costing two to three times as much. Your local authorized Sony retailer can help find the perfect GS solution for your application.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Sony has just introduced the Double-DIN WX-GS920BH CD receiver, offering a beautiful, high-end solution with multiple ways to get your digital music into your dashboard while still providing the ability to play your classic CD tracks. With the popularity of smartphones and streaming audio solutions, CD sales have taken a back seat to digital entertainment delivery, but in the market for this type of head unit, the option must be there. Sony has loaded the WX-GS920BH with every feature you could want. Let’s take a closer look.

The Platform

Why reinvent the wheel when you already have a garage full of race cars? The chassis for the WX-GS920BH is from one of their single-DIN receivers, but Sony has grafted a Double-DIN front panel to it. The space afforded by the single-DIN chassis can dramatically simplify installations by allowing the installer to tuck integration devices and adapters underneath the chassis.

Industry-leading Power to Spare

One of the highlights of the WX-GS920BH is the integrated high-power amplifier. Sony has been redefining the capabilities and expectations of what a head unit can achieve regarding powering a set of speakers. Most radios are capable of producing between 15 to 20 watts per channel. The Sony WX-GS920BH includes a built-in Class D amplifier that delivers more than 45 watts per channel of continuous (RMS) power. The result is a source unit that can dramatically outperform all others on the market and exceeds the capabilities of even some small amplifiers.

The Well-connected Gentleman

The WX-GS920BH includes an AM/FM receiver with built-in HD radio, front and rear USB ports, and front and rear auxiliary inputs that also is SiriusXM-ready. The USB ports are compatible with a memory stick containing MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC files. The front USB port can provide 1 amp of current for charging a phone, while the rear can provide 1.5 amps. Both USB ports support iPhone and Android phone music playback.

The built-in Bluetooth 3.0 transceiver supports hands-free calling, as well as A2DP audio streaming with AVRCP version 1.5 support. The WX-GS920BH supports two active Bluetooth connections, allowing one to play music and the other for phone calls or media.

An important safety feature included in the WX-GS920BH is Siri Eyes Free and Android voice recognition activation. Pressing and holding the volume control for more than 2 seconds activates your smartphone’s voice recognition capabilities. You can make phone calls, ask the unit to play music, or listen to incoming SMS messages and reply by simply talking.

The WX-GS920BH supports Pandora over a Bluetooth connection to any smartphone. You have the option of giving thumbs-up or down feedback to refine your musical tastes further.

The rear panel of the WX-GS920BH includes front, rear and subwoofer RCA outputs rated at 5 volts. Sony includes connections for a steering wheel control interface, as well as the included external Bluetooth microphone, and the compact RM-X231 IR remote control with the WX-GS920BH.

Handsome and Intuitive Interface

The front panel of the WX-GS920BH includes a large three-line display. The illumination of the screen and the controls can be adjusted separately from almost 36 thousand different colors. A large rotary volume control and over-sized buttons make using the WX-GS920BH possible when wearing gloves.

Signal Processing Suite

The WX-GS920BH includes Sony’s EQ10 10-band graphic equalizer and several built-in signal delay presets. The positioning system includes options for subwoofer placement as well – something unique in a standard receiver. You can choose from near, normal and far positions to further fine-tune the system.

Sony has been generous with the built-in crossovers. The front and rear RCA outputs and the internal power amplifier have crossover frequency and filter slope options. Since the WX-GS920BH has a lot of power built in, Sony has included a function called Subwoofer Direct Mode. You can connect a 2 ohm subwoofer directly to one rear speaker output of the WX-GS920BH to power it from the head unit itself, eliminating the need for a separate small amplifier. This wiring configuration provides more than 120 watts of power to the subwoofer and can provide plenty of great sounding bass for most users.

Sony WX-GS920BH Digital Media Receiver

If you are in the market for an amazingly well-appointed double-DIN receiver, then the Sony WX-GS920BH checks off everything that matters regarding a feature list. Visit your local authorized Sony retailer for a price to install the WX-GS920BH in your vehicle, including a wire harness adapter, steering wheel interface and appropriate dash kit.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.