HD Radio Review

 

 
 

 

 

Sony CDX-GT320 HD-ready CD deck Review

 

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Sony CDX GT-320 that are compiled from multiple sources and reviews from across the internet.

Pros: Great sound, in particular HD reception. Easy to use. Budget friendly HD Car Stereo. Many reviews indicated a good bass. Also, it will play not only audio cds, but it will also play data ones that have MP3s and WMAs. Sony's powerful internal amplifier and quality CD section go a great job in delivering impressively clean sound.

Cons: Can’t transition back and forth from HD Radio stations to analog.

You can enhance your car's musical abilities with this in-dash deck that supports many features, including your Apple iPod, satellite radio and of course HD radio with 52W x 4 of sound wherever you go with the Sony CDX GT-320.

Product Features

  • 52 watts peak power (17 watts RMS) x 4 channels
  • HD car radio compatibility on the stereo displays information from HD Radio broadcasts (HD Radio delivers CD-quality sound for compatible stations in areas where HD Radio is available; requires additional tuner, not included)
  • Also satellite Radio-ready: compatible with XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (XM or SIRIUS tuner, antenna and subscription required for activation)
  • Apple iPod-ready (adapter required, not included) for a quick and simple connection
  • CD-R/RW, MP3 and WMA playback
  • Theft-deterring detachable faceplate; CD text display can display HD messages, such as artist name.
  • Front auxiliary input on the Sony CDX GT-320 allows for easy connection of most portable audio devices
  • 2.2V front, rear and subwoofer selectable pre-outs
  • HD Radio Tuner with 30 presets (12 AM, 18 FM); support for HD radio
  • EQ3 advanced sound feature delivers amazing sound control, allowing you to adjust the sound until it's just right
  • DIN mounting style
  • The Sony CDX GT-320 also includes wireless remote.

Performance

With the HD tuner connected, the Sony CDX-GT520 makes HD Radio its own separate source, which gives drivers the opportunity to browse through only those radio stations that broadcast an HD signal. While we like this segmentation of the HD Radio, it comes at the cost of all the other FM and AM analog stations, which are no longer available with the HD tuner connected. However, the HD Radio output is noticeably crisper than standard analog FM radio, and the artist, track, and channel text information that accompanies most HD broadcasts is slick. While the CDX-GT520's HD Radio output is crystal clear, its volume range is significantly lower than that for disc-based audio.

The CDX-GT520 has a strong range of audio-customization features, including a customizable EQ curve, six EQ presets, and also a separate volume setting for a standalone subwoofer. Three sets of preamp outputs give a range of options to those who desire more than the standard 17 watts (RMS) per channel provided by the system's built-in amplifier. In addition to the standard EQ settings, the this HD car stereo also features Sony's Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO). This system makes use of phase shifts in the audio output to give the impression of sound coming from higher up in the cabin. The difference between the three DSO settings is extraodinary, with the higher settings able to project the car speakers' output, this giving a far more immersive acoustic listening experience than with the DSO off.

As a standalone HD car radio device, final reviews show that the CDX-GT520 is a very user-friendly in-dash car receiver that provides support for a good range of digital audio sources as well as some decent audio-customization features.

 

 

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