Sony intros Xplod head-ends with iPod, HD Radio

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.