Sony intros Xplod head-ends with iPod, HD Radio
updated 10:10 am EDT, Mon September 24, 2007
Sony Xplod iPod HD Units
Sony this morning released a trio of Xplod head-end units for cars that emphasize portable devices as much as CDs for audio. The new CDX-GT models all optionally support the iPod as well as digital radio through an HD Radio tuner or a satellite receiver. With a special iPod connector cable, most dockable iPods can connect directly to the stereo and use the 13-line LED display to control and play the Apple jukebox while charging it at the same time. A front auxiliary input provides a line-in connection for just about any music player with a headphone jack, Sony adds.
The line begins with the CDX-GT320, a core model with one pre-amp output for audio and CD playback with MP3 and WMA support for $80. Moving to the CDX-GT420IP ($130) adds the iPod connector and a second pre-amp for a subwoofer unit. The $140 CDX-GT520 drops the standard iPod link, but adds a third pre-amp to split satellite audio into front and rear channels and AAC audio support for CDs. All the new Xplod units should be available today; an XA-120IP iPod kit adds the connector cable to the GT320 and GT520 models for $50.
CDX-GT520
CDX-GT320/CDX-GT420IP
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Pimp up your Dashboard?
Why the h*** do auto head units have to be so utterly tasteless in design sense? Where are the hi-fidelity, high technology units that are simple, functional and elegant?
Apple should release their own "autopod" head unit. It should have the ability to sync to any iPod to load it with tunes but not require the iPod for playback. And most of all, it should have an interface and design based on the Apple minimalist design philosophy, not "Yo, dawg! Pimp my s***, yo" complete with flashing lights and animations.