Over the past few years, Double-DIN multimedia receivers have taken the spotlight when it comes to new head units. With that said, Sony knows that single-DIN solutions are still an important part of the industry. The Sony MEX-GS620BT offers more connectivity features and source options compared to most of the multimedia receivers on the market in a Single-DIN format. The intuitive design and layout make it easy to use while driving. A Sony GS 3-Year Warranty provides peace-of-mind, as well as an indication of the long-term reliability that Sony is well-known for. Let’s dive in and check out the MEX-GS620BT Bluetooth CD Receiver.

Audio Source Options

Having your cake and eating it too should be a label on the front of the MEX-GS620BT. This radio features an AM/FM receiver with RDS information display, a CD mechanism, USB and auxiliary inputs on the front panel and a second USB port on a wired pigtail on the rear of chassis. The unit also includes Pandora streaming and control for iOS and Android devices. You can add an optional Sirius SXV300V1 tuner for SiriusXM reception almost anywhere in the country.

The system can play MP3, WMA and AAC audio files at sampling rates up to 48kHz from a CD. Switching to a USB mass storage class device adds support for WAV and FLAC formats. The MEX-GS620BT includes USB music playback support for Apple iPhone and Android AOA 2.0 compatible devices. The front USB port charges devices with 1 Amp of current and the rear will provide 1.5 Amps. With so many songs available to the listener, Sony has included a search function called Quick-BrowZer. You can select from different categories, then jump through the track options quickly using the main control dial. Quick-BrowZer works wirelessly with AVRCP compatible Bluetooth devices as well.

Unique Remote Control Solutions

The free Sony | Music Center app for Android and Apple iOS devices provides full control over the radios source, function and configuration settings from your smartphone. You can set up the equalization, seating position, button / screen illumination colors, and much more through the app. The connection to the radio is handled wirelessly by Bluetooth to reduce clutter. SongPal is onboard and is a great solution for custom installations where you are using a tablet in the dash instead of the radio.

Sony has provided a dedicated connection to let your installer connect a steering wheel control interface to make your new radio safe to use while driving. Sony includes an RM-X231 infrared remote control with the radio for more conventional long-range control.

Dual Device Bluetooth Connectivity

You can pair two Bluetooth devices to the MEX-GS620BT simultaneously. The primary phone can stream audio and handle phone calls. The secondary device is for phone calls only. Sony has included NFC pairing to get your NFC-enabled smartphone connected quickly and easily. An included external microphone provides excellent outgoing sound quality on Bluetooth calls and voice recognition tasks. Siri Eyes Free and Google Voice compatibility is provided to make calls, listen and send text messages, and choose the music you want to enjoy.

Sony MEX-GS620BT System Features

You can choose from 35,000 different display and control panel illumination colors; both capable of being set independently to match your OEM lighting color palette in the dashboard. Or you can opt to let the radio follow the beat of your music with various color patterns. The reverse-LCD screen has 12-characters, each with 14 segments to make it easy to show numbers and letters. Audio configuration features include a 10-band equalizer called EQ10, high- and low-pass crossovers and an extensive list of adjustments to configure a subwoofer.

A function called Extra Bass works in conjunction with the volume control to reinforce low-frequency output across a wide range of listening levels, while minimizing distortion and clipping at high volume. ClearAudio+ processing helps optimize different source formats for natural and realistic reproduction. Finally, the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) will restore high-frequency audio information lost in compression to MP3 and WMA formats.

Your installer can fine tune your system using the Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO) and listening position adjustments. Sony has pre-programmed signal delays into these features to help create a realistic soundstage in your vehicle.

Sony has equipped the MEX-GS620BT with their Dynamic Reality Amp 2 internal amplifier. They rate the amp as being capable of producing up to 55 Watts per channel into a 4 Ohm load, or 20 Watts using the CTA2006 Standard. The preamp outputs are capable of producing up to 5 Volts of signal and have an output impedance of 220 Ohms.

Premium Entertainment and Communication

When it is time to upgrade the radio in your car or truck, drop into your local Sony dealer and check out the MEX-GS620BT. Be sure to bring along your smartphone to experience all of the fantastic connectivity options. With all the modern sources and file formats covered, coupled to an easy-to-use design, the MEX-GS620BT is destined to be one of the most popular single-DIN CD receivers on the market.

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.

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.

One of the most popular upgrades to a car audio system is to add an amplifier to the speakers. Providing your speakers with extra power allows them to play louder without fear of damage from harmonic distortion. Over the years, Sony has offered many different amplifier solutions that sound good and offer excellent value. Recently, Sony introduced a cool little amp that is a perfect upgrade to a factory or aftermarket radio. In this product spotlight, we are going to look at the Sony XM-S400D Class D four-channel amplifier.

Size and Specifications

Sony has used the industry-reference CEA-2006 Car Amplifier Standard for the power ratings, as well as the signal to noise ratio specification. Sony rates the XM-S400D as being able to produce 45 watts per channel into a 4 ohm load and a signal to noise ratio of -83 dBA when referenced to 1 watt of output into a 4 ohm load. Lastly, the frequency response of the amp is stated to be 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a tolerance of the -3dB to +0.5 dB.

As you can see from the images, the XM-S400D is in the ultra-compact class of amplifiers. The amplifier measures a diminutive 7-1/4 inches long, 1-1/2 inches tall and 2-1/2 inches wide, excluding any wiring. If you are looking for an amplifier that will fit in a dashboard or center console, then the XM-S400D is one of the smallest on the market.

Features and Connections

Sony built the XM-S400 around an anodized aluminum extrusion with stamped-steel end panels. As simple as it is, it is quite handsome. There is a set of quick connect terminals on each end of the amp. On the right side is a connector for power and remote turn-on input wiring, as well as the eight output speaker wires. Built into the connector is a 15 amp fuse to protect the amp. On the left side is a plug that will accept the included four-channel RCA signal input harness or a different plug with eight wires for speaker-level input signal connections. The amplifier features smart turn-on when using the speaker-level input connections, so there is no need to run a remote turn-on wire in this type of installation.

The left side of the amp also has three signal processing switches. Directly adjacent to the input connection plug is an input select switch. Your installer has the choice of using four channels of input, each routed to the four output channels. Alternatively, if the input select switch is set to the 2-channel mode, the left front input signal is fed to both the left front and left rear output. The right front input feeds both right channels.

Sony has included crossovers on each pair of channels. The front channels have an optional high-pass filter, and the rear channels have an optional low-pass filter. Sony specifies the crossover frequency for both filters at 120 Hz with a slope of -12 dB per octave.

There are no sensitivity controls on the XM-S400D. Sony has designed the amp to produce full power when 1 volt of signal is present at the RCA input jacks or when 8 volts of signal is present on the speaker-level inputs.

Installation Design Features

Sony has included a pair of removable mounting tabs with the amplifier. If you need to secure it to a panel, simply insert the tabs into the slots on each end of the amplifier, secure them with the provided hardware and screw down the tabs. With that said, many installations will find this compact amplifier strapped, tied or taped to a factory wiring harness.

To the left of the signal input terminal is a Power/Protect LED. This LED will illuminate when the amp is on and functioning normally. If the LED is flashing quickly, then the amp has detected a short circuit or the speaker-level input or power connectors may not be inserted into the amp completely. If the LED flashes slowly, it means the amplifier has overheated.

Sony XM-S400D – Big Power in a Small Package

If you are looking for a little amp that can add some big power to your system, then it is well worth checking out the Sony XM-S400D. It offers at least double the power that most premium head units can produce, and it will work with either a factory or an aftermarket head unit. Visit your local authorized Sony retailer for more information, pricing or scheduling an installation.

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.