Early in 2017, Sony launched its XAV-AX100 multimedia receiver with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to rave reviews from retailers and consumers alike. Sony is taking its smartphone connectivity solutions to the next level with the introduction of the new XAV-AX200SXM. This unit builds on the performance and reliability of the XAV-AX100 and adds new features to appeal to even more consumers.

Smartphone Integration Technologies

The XAV-AX200SXM includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These smartphone integration solutions are designed to allow you to listen to and dictate responses to text messages, make phone calls and choose the music you want to enjoy by simply talking to your radio. Streaming music, turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic information and instant access to the music on your phone is as easy as asking for it. The CarPlay and Android Auto features bring your phone’s approved apps and content to your dashboard for quick and easy use while driving.

Audio Source Options

The XAV-AX200SXM includes a CD/DVD mechanism to let you enjoy your favorite artist or watch a movie or TV show when you are parked. The USB port on the rear of the chassis will let you play MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC audio files as well as MPEG-4, H.264, WMV, FLV, MKV and XviD video files from a memory stick. Sony has graciously included a SiriusXM satellite radio SXV300V1 tuner with the unit. You also receive 90 days of free SiriusXM service so you can enjoy your favorite programming from coast to coast right out of the box. The built-in AM/FM tuner includes RDS information display, and you can stream music from your smartphone using the Bluetooth connection, and control Pandora and Spotify as well.

System Connectivity Options

One of the coolest features of the XAV-AX200SXM is its triple camera input. Your retailer can add a dedicated backup camera, a blind spot monitoring camera on the side of the vehicle, a parking camera in the front grille, rear seat monitoring for small children or a hitch camera for trailering. Tap the Camera button in the menu and choose the view you want. The backup camera image appears automatically when you put the transmission in reverse.

A built-in four-channel amplifier provides 20 watts per channel of CTA-2006 certified power with up to 55 watts per channel of dynamic power delivery to bring your music to life. Three pair of 4 Volt preamp outputs with Subwoofer Level Control makes it easy to upgrade your sound system further.

Built-in high- and low-pass crossovers work on the internal amplifier as well as the preamp outputs to optimize the signal for your chosen speakers. A popular example of the benefit of built-in crossovers would be the addition of a subwoofer and an amplifier. The built-in crossovers will let your installer filter out the low-frequency information being sent to the internal amplifier to improve the clarity, detail and output from the smaller speakers in the system.

Sony has included a 10-band graphic equalizer to let you fine-tune the performance of your system. The EQ includes preset curves, or you can make adjustments on your own. The Dynamic Soundstage Organizer helps to improve front soundstage imaging in the vehicle. DSO offers three presets that include signal delay adjustments to put the driver front and center of the performance.

The Sony XA-NV400 add-on GPS navigation module can be added to provide integrated route planning. Text-to-Speech functionality provides audible guidance while the TomTom software helps you get where you want to go. Mapping includes the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Onboard navigation is a popular solution for people who travel to other states or countries and want to avoid cellular roaming charges and possible dead zones in cellular coverage.

Elegant Interface

A 6.4-inch TFT touchscreen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels is flanked by easy-to-use volume, tracking and source selection controls. The backlighting on the controls is adjustable and you can upload your own wallpaper or choose from several built-in color schemes. The on-screen menus are programmed to provide quick and intuitive access to all sources. Factory steering wheel controls can be integrated into the system using a third-party adapter for additional safety, and some vehicles’ controls can be custom programmed via Sony’s custom programming feature.

Experience the XAV-AX200SXM at Your Local Authorized Sony Retailer

With the addition of the CD/DVD mechanism, the included SiriusXM tuner with 90 days of service, triple camera inputs, a more powerful internal amplifier, and 4 Volt preamp outputs, the XAV-AX200SXM is the perfect evolution of the incredibly popular XAV-AX100. If you are in the market for a receiver with CarPlay and Android Auto that won’t break the bank, visit your local authorized Sony retailer and test drive the new XAV-AX200SXM.

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.

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.