Sony CDXGT540UI MP3/WMA/AAC Player CD Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this model for my Nissan Versa without doing any homework on it...a local store was offering free installation along with a sale price, and I noticed it had a front panel USB connector so I was hoping it would play my MP3 files from a flash drive. I wasn't expecting much in terms of quality and features...I figured I didn't need to spend a lot of money since I would be using the 4 pre-wired door speakers that came with my car. To say I was blown away by the sound would be an understatement...I can only imagine what this would sound like with a nice speaker setup. In any case, here's my take on the good and the not-so-good.
Pros: - Detaching the faceplate is easy. Attaching it can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice most
should be able to get it on in under 20 seconds.
- It's loaded with many of the same features of Sony's higher-priced players. There are several
ways to locate a specific track when playing CD-Rs or USB devices containing a lot of files.
- While playing regular audio CDs sounds amazing, this unit really shines in its ability to make
compressed (MP3) audio sound as good as the real thing; an improved sound processor
(compared to the model it replaced), a feature called Digital Music Plus Advanced, plus a
customizable equalizer all combine to give your data files excitement you've likely never heard
before.
- For FM radio stations that comply with the standard, the Radio Data System (RDS) will provide
song information, help you find particular types of stations (News, Sports, Top 40, Rock, etc.),
and can even set the clock for you. The radio can also store the stronger stations
automatically (BTM), but I prefer setting them manually...otherwise, you'll end up with a lot of
presets you're not interested in.
- Although I can't comment on its capabilities with an iPod, it does play my USB flash drives
without a hitch and has several shuffle and repeat play options.
Cons: - The user interface and manual could be confusing and frustrating for some. Most of the
buttons and the dial have to control multiple functions, so finding your way around the different
features and displays requires patience and learning. I still find myself accidentally
changing a setting I didn't want to or just plain getting stuck. Since the displays are different
depending on the source (CD, Tuner, USB, Aux-in) selected and how much information is
contained in the source, you won't always see what you might expect to see.
- The preset buttons are smaller than I would like. Some, like the source/off button and the
seek+ button, are together (like one big button), and it's easy to push the wrong one. The
included remote doesn't seem to help control the unit any better and doesn't include the
ability to access all of the track finding features. It seems best suited for a backseat
passenger.
- Whether it's day or night, you may run into a problem seeing everything clearly. The blue key
illumination takes care of the buttons while driving at night, but the printed lettering above the
keys is almost impossible to read. During the day, bright sunlight can cause glare problems
and wash out the LCD display (in certain vehicles).
- When Daylight Saving Time ended Nov. 1st, even though I had the unit set up to automatically
change the clock, I had to go back into the setup menu, turn it off, then turn it back on again
before the time reset itself (at least it was accurate).
- When using the Zappin feature to hear short clips of songs to find a track to play, you have to
wait about 2 seconds in between each preview on a regular audio CD and at least 5 or 6
seconds on an MP3 Data Disc or USB flash drive loaded with songs.
For me, the pros far outweigh the cons...after all, you don't have to use all the bells and whistles just because they are there. The sound quality of the CD player and music played through the USB port is outstanding, and anyone desiring more from the radio at least has the option of expanding to HD or SAT radio. I recommend this receiver for anyone (including audiophiles), as it offers tremendous bang for the buck.


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The Xplod CDX-GT540UI is a versatile car audio solution that lets you listen to music several ways with superior sound quality. Connect, charge, and control your iPod, iPhone, Walkman player or other digital music players with USB 1-Wire--an innovative feature that also displays song title, artist, track and more.

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback with DM+ Enhancement Technology Multi-format playback lets you play CDs, CD-Rs, or CD-RWs loaded with hundreds of MP3, WMA, or AAC songs. Hear the music on your recorded CDs and MP3 files in their original vibrancy with DM+ (Digital Music Plus), an original Sony codec enhancer that reproduces detailed and high-frequency sound from compressed audio.
Passenger Control with iPod Display Function Passenger Control lets your co-pilot control the music playing from your iPod device via connected USB 1-Wire, and as they scan through your music, artist and album information is conveniently shown on the receiver display.
EQ3 Stage 2, DSO and 52 Watts x 4 High Power (208 Watts Total Power) The Sony Xplod GT540UI delivers 52 watts of peak power to all four speakers (208 total watts) for increased sound levels.
Supplied Wireless Card Remote Included The included Wireless Card Remote allows you to control the basic functions of your Sony Xplod system while keeping your eyes on the road.
USB 1-Wire for iPod, iPhone, and Other USB Digital Music Players USB 1-Wire for iPod lets you directly connect, charge, and control your digital music player via the USB jack in the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title and artist on the front display.
Ready for Satellite and HD Radio The GT540UI integrates seamlessly with the optional Sony HD Radio tuner or satellite radio receivers via built in Sony Bus control so you can receive digital radio broadcasts.
Front, Rear/Sub Pre-Amp Output with Selectable LPF/HPF A built-in LPF (Low Pass Filter) and HPF (High Pass Filter) work to deliver overall better sound, and the LPF features a phase shift function that reduces low-end reverberation.
Quick-BrowZer Feature with Jump Mode and Zappin Feature Quick-BrowZer feature lets you search and select songs by category, including artist, album, genre, or playlist. Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent increments. With Zappin feature, you can play music in 6, 9, or 30-second clips until you find the song you're looking for.
Front Auxiliary Input The front auxiliary input lets you connect almost any portable audio device to your car's sound system.
Radio Data System (RDS) Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations.
What's in the Box CDX-GT540UI receiver, Parts for installation and connections (1 set), RM-X151 wireless remote, User manual

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