Though single-DIN Bluetooth CD radios don’t get talked about as often as their multimedia receiver brethren, products like the Sony MEX-N5300BT remain in high demand. As the premium product just below the GS-Series source units, the MEX-N5300BT is equipped with all the source feature and connectivity requirements you’ll need to ensure that you will be entertained and productive on your next automotive adventure or commute to work.
Sony MEX-N5300BT Source Features
The USB port on the face of the MEX-N5300BT will play MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC audio files from a USB memory stick as well as Android Open Accessory (AOA) 2.0-compatible and Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)-compliant smartphones or portable media players. Alternatively, you can connect an iPod or iPhone and choose the music you want while recharging the device with up to 1 amp of current. The Sony | Music Center app for iOS and Android allows you to control the functions on the radio remotely using your smartphone.
The MEX-N5300BT includes Bluetooth for audio streaming (A2DP) with remote control function (AVRCP), as well as hands-free calling with phone book access (PBAP). You can have two phones paired simultaneously to the radio and place an outgoing call from either unit. Sony includes an external microphone for use with Siri Eyes Free, Android Voice Recognition and Bluetooth phone calls. Sony includes Near Field Communication (NFC) functions to make pairing Android phones with the NFC Easy Connect app intuitive and efficient.
The CD mechanism will play both store-bought CDs as well as homemade CD-R/RW audio discs. You can also burn discs with MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC audio files for hours and hours of listening enjoyment.
Adding SiriusXM satellite radio is as easy as having your installer add an SXV300v1 tuner and signing up the for service. The radio includes a 1/8-inch auxiliary input on the front panel so you can connect a portable media player or any device with an analog output. Finally, the integrated AM/FM tuner supports RDS/PTY information display, so you will know what song is playing and the call letters of the station you have selected.
Display and Vehicle Integration Features
The front panel of the radio features a 12-character LCD with variable color illumination. You can configure the backlighting for the buttons to be the same as the display or choose from any of more than 32,000 hues. The face of the radio is, of course, removable for added security when you are away from the vehicle.
Your installer can connect the steering-wheel-mounted radio control buttons in your vehicle to the Sony MEX-N5300BT using any of a number of interfaces to make using the radio safer and more intuitive while you drive.
Audio Functions and Specifications
Sony has equipped this radio with a 10-band graphic equalizer that provides up to 6 dB of boost or cut at each frequency of the preset frequency bands. The equalizer comes with eight preset equalizer curves and includes the ability for you to customize curve to your liking.
In terms of configuration features, high- and low-pass crossovers are available for the 2-volt front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. Subwoofer level and polarity controls are also included to make system tuning easier and more accurate. The internal amplifier is rated to provide 20 watts of power into a 4-ohm load and has a maximum power rating of 55 watts.
If you are in the market for a single-DIN CD receiver that won’t break the bank, visit your local authorized Sony car audio retailer today and ask for a demonstration of the MEX-N5300BT.
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One of the most recent source unit introductions from Sony Car Audio is the 
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Another unique feature that’s exclusive to Sony is the ability to feed volume control commands back into a factory amplifier. Say you have a Toyota with the factory JBL amp. You can configure the AX210SXM and the Maestro RR to use the volume control built into the factory amplifier while the source unit provides a clean, clear signal. The result is amazing sound quality without distortion or clipping. This unique feature also gives it the ability to integrate with all MyFord Touch (or MyLincoln Touch on Lincoln vehicles) features.
The XAV-AX210SXM includes Android Auto and CarPlay smartphone integration technologies to let you make phone calls, listen to text messages and dictate responses safely and efficiently while driving. These systems also include support for myriad entertainment options like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Apple Music and Tidal, as well as many options for podcasts and audiobooks.
The Sony XAV-AX210SXM includes an AM/FM receiver, will play CDs or DVDs and has a rear USB port for digital media playback or smartphone connectivity. Digital audio file playback includes MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV formats, and the system will play Xvid, MPEG-4. WMV, FLV and MKV video files at resolutions up to 720×576 pixels (depending on the format). Bluetooth audio streaming is also included. An SXV300V1 SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver comes with the radio, and Sony has worked with SiriusXM to provide a free 90-day trial of the service to get you going right away.
The XAV-AX210SXM features an easy-to-use and intuitive rotary volume control that doubles as a quick-access button to equalization functions. A built-in 20 watts-per-channel amplifier will drive your factory-installed speakers, or you can upgrade your vehicle with an external amp using the 4.0 volt-capable front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass crossovers further enhance the system design and tuning options that are available. The rear chassis of the AX210SXM is not as tall as a full-size 2-DIN receiver to make it easier for your technician to mount the system in your dash.
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The left side of the end panel features no less than four 40-Amp ATC fuses. The center of the panel is home to the input connections. Your installer can choose from a pair of line-level RCA jacks or connect the amp to a factory-installed source unit or amplifier using the provided speaker-level input terminals. It’s well worth noting that the LC-1.1500 will accept speaker-level signals up to 40 volts RMS. This high-voltage compatibility eliminates the need for an external line-level converter. Last but certainly not least, an RJ-11 jack serves as the connection for the optional ACR-1 remote level control.
It should come as no surprise that signal processing has always been one of AudioControl’s strengths. Starting with the basics, the 1.1500 includes an adjustable -24dB/octave electronic crossover with a Linkwitz-Riley alignment. The crossover is adjustable from 30 to 230 Hz. Beside the crossover is the amplifier sensitivity control. When using the line-level inputs, the amp will produce full power with an input signal between 500mV and 6 volts. When using the speaker-level inputs, the input voltage range increases from 3V to 40V. Input and output level optimization LEDs are included to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the level-setting process.
A look under the top cover of the AudioControl LC-1.1500 reveals a massive power transformer flanked by two large banks of filtering and stiffening caps. The output from the Class D circuitry features two large toroidal filters and two large caps. An internal shield keeps RF emissions away from the signal processing circuitry for improved sound quality. All the caps and transformers are secured in place with silicone to prevent damage from vibration. The majority of the signal processing and control components on the board are high-tolerance surface-mount devices.
The 1.1500 is rated to produce 850 watts of power into a 4-ohm load and 1,500 watts into a 2-ohm load. The S/N ratio specifcation of -102 dBA referenced to full power and the bandwidth is 24Hz to 230Hz with the crossover at its maximum frequency. A 24dB/octave infrasonic filter that AudioControl calls the PFM Subsonic filter protects your vented subwoofer systems from damage.