Sony Automobile

Features:

• Supports MDLP
• European band radio (AM/FM/UKW/MW/LW)
• Wide bit stream
• Repeat, shuffle functions
• Changer control for external CD/MD changer with ID3 tag and CD-Text display.
• Tuner Type: SSIR-EXA. Tuner features Automatic Bandwidth Control (?), Best Tuning Memory and RDS EON.
• Amp: Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSOII), 3-Band equalizer, separate bass/treble controls.
• Subwoofer switch, switches between rear and sub outputs.
• 2 color display
• IR sensor for remote control
• Integrated 24hour clock
• Removable front panel
• Mute on incoming phone call
• ISO connection
• Operating angles 0-45 degrees
• Optional Remotes: Infrared: RM-X114, Safety Commander (wired remote): RM-X45

Links:

• Sony UK page
• Sony Deutschland page

Specs: Freq resp: 10-20kHz, SNR: 90dB. Amp: 4x27w DIN into 4 ohms.

Reviews:

Features:

• CD, CD-RW, and MDLP compatible
• W.B.S. (Wide Bit Stream)
• 7-band equalizer
• Motion display
• CD-Text and MD titles display in kanji, kana, Roman alphabets
• SSM (source sound memory) -- can be set to remember DSP, EQ, subwoofer and volume settings separately for each source (CD, MD, radio).
• Can be mounted at up to a 30° angle from horizontal
• Wireless remote included

Links:

• Sony Japan page.

Specs: Amp: 50Wx4 (max), SNR: > 90dB(MD), 95dB(CD), 72dB(FM mono), FM tuner: 76.0-90.0MHz, Power consumption: 12V@10A,

Reviews:

Features:

• Group mode support
• CD/MD changer control
• SSIR-EXA Tuner with ABC
• Tuner with 40 presets
• BTM (Best Tuning Memory)
• RDS EON
• 10 Sec. Shock Resistant Memory
• Wide Bit Stream
• 8fs-Digitalfilter
• 1-Bit D/A-Converter
• CD Custom File Control
• ID3-Tag display
• CD-Text display
• List-Function: CD/MD
• Title Scroll: CD-Text/ MD
• Repeat / Shuffle
• DSO II
• EQ3 (3 Band Equalizer
• Repeat/Shuffle
• MBP (My Best Sound Position)
• Bass/treble control
• Dynamic Bass
• 2 Pre-Out
• Segmentmatrix/Multi-Color-Display
• Key Illumination: red
• Sensor for IR Commander
• Removable Front Panel
• Telephone Attenuator
• ISO Connector

Links:

• my-minidisc.com page for the unit.

Specs: Max. amp power: 50W x 4 (1khz, 4 ohms)

Reviews:

User Manuals: Installation, MDX-CA790X

Features:

• CD/MDLP double-DIN player w/CD-R & CD-RW compatability.
• Front panel illumination color is user selectable with separate RGB controls.

Links:

• Sony Japan page for the unit.
• Sony front panel illumination control simulator (Flash based).
• Geoffrey Heffernan's installation of a Sony WX-7700MDX, XT-XM1 Radio and CDX-T70MX (CD-MP3 player) all working nicely together in his truck.

Included Accessories: Connecting cord, "Hi-band" wireless remote

Specs:

• Amp: 52W x 4
• Tuner: FM: 76.0-90.0MHz, SNR: > 74dB
• CD: SNR: > 95dB

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features:

• 6 disc MDLP changer (providing up to 32 hours of MDLP audio playback).
• Disc change occurs seemlessly (no disc change delay [or only a small delay] in audio output).
• Direct loading -- no magazine.
• 10-second Shock Resistant Memory.
• Change 5 MDs while the 6th is playing.
• Wide Bit Stream processing.
• See discs and titles through clear acrylic door.
• Couples to Sony head units with Unilink control.
• Similar to Sony's prior 6 MD changers, and as such could be used with Sony's RM-X69RF RF based controller.
• Can be mounted up to 90° off horizontal.

Variants: MDX-66XLPRF version is a standalone unit that couples to vehicle's existing FM reciever via the antenna lead. Unit includes small, remote-mountable backlit display and wireless remote. FM "broadcast" frequency can be set to one of: 88.3, 88.5, 88.7, 88.9, 89.1, 89.3, 89.5, 89.7, 89.9MHz

Notes: Despite the info listed on Sony's own page for the unit the US version does not include a digital output. It has only analog RCA jacks. As an official Sony Xplod dealer, Crutchfield more accurately makes no mention of a digital output. -Haemish Edgerton

Links:

• Sony US page.
• Sony Japan MDX-66XLPRF page.

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-66XLP J, MDX-66XLPRF J, MDX-66XLPRF mounting J, Mounting EN/FR, MDX-66XLP

Features: SSIR-EXA ABC tuner, Can adjust the tuner bandwidth, depending on current environmental conditions. Improved sound quality and adjacent station interference result. DAB control, FM-18/MW-6/LW-6 Presets - using BTM (Best Tuning Memory), RDS/EON. Multi language, Dot matrix display, Multi colour display, Contrast Adjustment, Display dimmer, Key Illumination: red, Safety Commander interface: 3.5 mm, Sensor for IR commander (Hi-Band), Infra red (Hi-Band), Removeable front panel, Clock, Telephone Attenuator, ISO connector. MiniDisc: MDLP, Shock Resistant memory: 4 Mbit, 10 sec, Wide Bit Stream, Data Compression: ATRAC, ATRAC3, Digital filter: 8 fs, D/A conversion: 1 bit Frequency response: 10-20000 Hz, Signal to noise ratio : 90 dB, Repeat, Shuffle. CD Changer Control: CD Text, Custom file, CD/MD List function, CD Title/Scroll, Repeat, Shuffle. Amplifier: DSO (Dynamic Soundstage Organiser), EQ-7 (7-band Equalizer), separate Bass, Treble control, Loudness, Pre-amp output: Front and Rear (HPF - swicthable Highpass), Mono sub-output and swicthable Low Pass filter, Sub volume control.

Specs: 4 x 27 W output power, 4 x 52 W maximum.

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-M690

Service Manual: MDX-M690

Features:

• Segment display
• Multi colour display
• Key Illumination: Green
• Safety Commander interface: 3.5 mm
• Sensor for IR commander
• Removeable front panel
• Clock
• Telephone Attenuator
• ISO connector

  MD player:

• not MDLP (ATRAC Chip CXD2652AR)
• Shock Resistant memory:
• 4 Mbit 10 sec
• Wide Bit Stream
• Data Compression: ATRAC
• Digital filter: 8 fs
• D/A conversion: 1 bit
• Frequency response: 10-20000 Hz
• Signal to noise ratio : 90 dB
• Repeat, Shuffle

  Tuner:

• SSIR-EXA ABC tuner
• FM-18/MW-6/LW-6 Presets - using BTM (Best Tuning Memory)
• RDS/EON

  CD Changer control:

• CD Text
• Custom file
• CD/MD List function
• CD Title/Scroll
• Repeat, Shuffle

  Amplifier:

• Separate Bass

  Treble control

  Dynamic Bass

  Pre-amp output: Front and Rear.

Links: Sony Norway page for the unit.

Specs: 4 x 26 W output power, 4 x 50 W maximum.

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-CA580

Service Manual: MDX-CA580

Features: MDLP compatible. New Sony Xplod series design. 30 radio station presets, 10 second anti-shock protection, volume synching with telephone system, multi-color display, bass/tweeter adjustment,CD-TEXT support, detachable faceplate.

Links:

• Planet MiniDisc currently stocks the MDX-CA680X.
• Minidisco is also selling the MDX-CA680X.
• The German website Radio Waldecker has German information on the MDX-CA680X.
• An official Sony press release talks of the MZ-R700DPC, MDX-CA680X, and MXD-D40 units. (Browse to third page of the CES Press Releases.)
• Available from Etronics
• Available from Minidisc-Canada for US$242.

Manufacturer's Specs:

• 18 FM, 12 AM Preset Stations
  
• 10 Second Shock Resistant Memory
  
• 1-Bit Converter
  
• 3-Color Negative LC Display
  
• Telephone Attenuate
  
• Wireless & Rotary Remotes Optional
  
• Flip-Down Detachable Faceplate
• SSIR-EXA Tuner -- Sony's proprietary SSIR-EX tuner technology which can actually adjust the tuner's bandwidth, depending on current environmental conditions. Improved sound quality and adjacent station interference result.
• MBP (My Best Position) -- Optimizes system for listener's position; one push; easy operation.
• D-Bass -- (Dynamic Bass) Sony's unique low frequency enhancement system which provides up to 18dB of gain to frequencies below 75Hz, without midrange coloration or interference.
• Preamp Output -- Typically found on headunits, a preamp output provides low level, high quality audio signal for use with external amplifiers. Provides an ideal expansion point for high quality audio systems.
• MD/CD/TV Control w/Custom File -- The ability of a component to operate a CD or MD disc changer and a TV tuner.
• Custom File -- A feature package that provides intuitive and safe source management for an audio and A/V system. Examples include Disc Memo , Station Memo and Memo List.
• CD Text -- A compact disc and player feature utilizing disc, track and artist information encoded directly on the CD media. Both playback and media components must have CD Text compatibility.
• Station Memo -- A Custom File feature that allows the user to assign an eight character name to a tuner frequency.
• Shock Resistant Memory -- An electronic circuit that stores the audio data stream from a CD or MD in a memory buffer. If the laser pick-up mistracks, audio still flows from the buffer preventing an interruption.
• Wide Bit Stream Processing -- This technology maintains 20-bit precision through the recording process for clearer reproduction of delicate, low-level music.
• 8x Oversampling -- A digital filter which calculates 7 additional samples between those taken from the disc which provides a closer representation of the original analog signal and therefore better sound quality.
• Negative LC Display -- A liquid crystal display employing a dark backfield with its elements. This results in a primarily dark display, which improves cosmetic integration with a dark colored headunit.
• Flip-Down Detachable Faceplate -- A DIN headunit who's faceplate hinges at the bottom to reveal a media loading slot. Provides a larger area on the face for the display and controls.

Features: CD/MD slots both in face of unit. MDLP compatible. HX-DSP StageIII technology manipulates the audio to sound as if user was in a larger space. Equalizer has seven different presets, CD player is compatible with both CD-R and CD-RW recordings.

Links: Sony's Japanese press release announcing the WX-5500MDX. T's MiniDisc Comparison Tables list specs on the WX-5500MDX.

Specs: 50W x 4 output.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: First MDLP car unit. ATRAC with Type-R DSP for non MDLP tracks. Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO) (allows apparent sound field position to be adjusted with respect to listener). Hi res FL (fluoroluminescent) dot front panel. Independent high and low pass filters for front, rear and sub-woofer. Couples to G44MK2 CD player with digital connection. Includes rotary controller and wireless remote.

Links: Sony's Japanese announcement of the unit.

Specs: Operates in Japanese FM band only (76-90MHz), AM band: 522-1629KHz, SNR: >95dB, Amp: 45W x 4, Power consumption: 10 amps.

Reviews:

Description:

• 50 W power IC.
• Unique "Virtual 3D" function.
• 7-band/5-mode digital equalizer.
• "Time alignment" listening position selector.
• Independent high and low pass filters for speakers and subwoofer.
• Plays CD-R discs, but not CD-RW or non-finalized CD-R discs.
• non-MDLP.

Links:

• Sony Japan page

Specs: Amp: 50w x 4

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, Mounting guide J

Features: Wireless remote, preprogrammed 7-style graphic equalizer, EXA tuner (to prevent frequency modulation),.

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 50Wx4, Japanese FM band only (76-90MHz).

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: Three level bass boost, EXA tuner (prevents frequency modulation), station memo feature,

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 50Wx4, Japanese radio band only (76-90MHz).

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: 10-second anti-shock memory, HX DSP - digital EQ with presets and 7-band equaliser, wireless remote control, flip-down detachable face with multicolor display, CD/MD changer/TV controls, Custom File Memory, MD titles and CD Text, multi-language display (English/Spanish/French).

European model (C8500R) is visually different, has DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) Control, RDS/EON tuner, a 4x40W max amplifier and does not have the wireless remote control.

Links: Sony UK page. Crutchfield's page selling the unit. Ed Porras makes a handsome review of the Sony MDX-C8500X.

Specs: Maximum output 50W x 4 (19W x 4 RMS), FM sensitivity 8 dBf, FM 18/MW 6/LW 10 station presets

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-C8500R, MDX-C8500X

Service Manual: MDX-C8500X

Features: 1 MD capacity. MD record feature, DSO function (?), listening position selector, pre-programmed equalizer, 40 second electronic shock protection, equipped with seamless disc change function.

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 45W x 4.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: 3 MD capacity. MD record feature, DSO function (?), listening position selector, pre-programmed equalizer, 40 second electronic shock protection, equipped with seamless disc change function.

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 45W x 4.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: MD record feature, 10 second time machine recording, CD synch record, 40 second electronic shock protection.

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 45W x 4 output.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: First in-dash single DIN MiniDisc recorder. Records from radio, or connected CD or MD changer. Timer recording can continue recording even after faceplate is removed. SSIR-EXA Adaptive Reception tuner, fold-down detachable faceplate, 4-color dot matrix display, D Bass adjustable bass boost. Wired and wireless remote control options. 40-second shock resistant memory, CD/MD changer controls, TV controls for Sony mobile video equipment, 18 FM/12 AM presets, wide bit stream processing, CD Text (with CD text discs and a text-compatible Sony CD changer), D-Bass processing w/ auto level adjust, timer recording (up to 80 minutes after you park), Time Machine recording captures 10 seconds of music prior to recording, MD edit, digital input for CD changer, Rotary Encoder w/ cross key pad, telephone attenuator, multi-language display

Notes: Digital input is not optical, separately available XA-D110 adapter is needed to allow input via TOSlink. (Sony's uninformative page for the adapter).

Reviews:

• Matt Wall's review of the unit.

Links:

• Sony UK page.
• Crutchfield's page for the unit.
• Crutchfield's nitty-gritty page for the unit (local copy).
• Unit available from Minidisc-Canada.

Specs: 18 watts RMS/45 peak x 4 channels, MD frequency response 10-20,000 Hz, MD signal-to-noise ratio 92 dB, FM sensitivity 8 dBf

Comments: At last, a way to remove unwanted tracks while on the road! -eaw

User Manual: MDX-C800REC

Service Manuals: MDX-C800REC, MDX-C800REC-a

Features: Combinable in function with the CSX-G44 in-dash CD player. DSO function, variegated sound scene effects.

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 45W x 4.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: Single DIN size in-dash AM/FM/MD receiver with recording capability. Recording source can be AM, FM or attached MD/CD changer(s) (digital recording from CDs is possible). 10 second time-machine recording. ``Jog-roller'' control for volume, editing, track selection, etc. Full editing capabilities (titling/erase/move/divide/combine) available only when car is stopped with parking brake set. Features "Dynamic Sound Stage Organizer" (DSO) DSP function to adjust sound stage so that driver feels to be at apparent center of listening field. Flip out (down?) type front panel has 6 electrically settable display angles, with built-in setting memory.

Links: Sony's photo and Japanese announcement for the unit.

Specs: SNR: > 94dB, Freq. resp: 5-20kHz, FM band: 76-90MHz, AM band: 522-1629kHz, Amplifier: 40w X 4, Power consumption: 10 amps

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: Can record to MD from CD/AM/FM sources, time machine REC function (10 sec), full MD editing features, Spectrum analyzer of 296 patterns, Chinese/Katakana character support, CD-TEXT support, FM teletext reception function (VICS level couple respondent). Includes Rotary commander and cordless remote control. Radio is for Japanese FM bands only

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: Maximum output 40W x 4. FM tuner range 76-90MHz. AM tuner range 522-1,629kHz.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: Sony's first MD recording-capable car unit. Can record to MD from CD/AM/FM sources, time machine REC function (10 sec), full MD editing features, Spectrum analyzer of 296 patterns, Chinese/Katakana character support, CD-TEXT support, FM teletext reception function (VICS level couple respondent). Includes Rotary commander and cordless remote control. Radio is for Japanese FM bands only

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit. Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: Maximum output 40W x 4. FM tuner range 76-90MHz. AM tuner range 522-1,629kHz.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: 6 MD changer. Disc change occurs seemlessly (no disc change delay in audio output), Direct loading -- no magazine, 10-second Shock Resistant Memory, Change 5 MDs while the 6th is playing, Wide Bit Stream processing. Not MDLP

Variants: MDX-65RF Model: (intro: 4/2000) Standalone version that connects to existing car stereo through FM attenna jack. Includes liquid crystal display for title/track info and control information and cordless remote control with basic play functions.

Optional accessories: The Sony RM-X69RF allows wireless remote control of Sony Unilink MD/CD changers and includes an FM modulator; perfect for connecting the Sony MDX-65 to an existing non-Sony car stereo. This item is available from Planet MiniDisc.

Links:

• Sony UK page for the unit.
• Crutchfield's page for the unit.
• Crutchfield's nitty-gritty page (local copy).

Specs: Frequency response 10-20,000 Hz, Signal-to-noise ratio 95 dB, 0- to 90-degree mounting.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, MDX-65RF J, MDX-65RF mounting J, MDX-65

Service Manual: MDX-65

Features: Replacement for MDX-C7900 model; improvements include a flip-down detachable faceplate and an IR sensor for an optional Sony mobile wireless remote. 10 second shock memory, dot-matric LCD scrolls Disc/Track Titles, 3-Step D-Bass w/Auto Level Adjust, Rotary Encoder Control.

Links: Audio Warehouse Express page for this unit.

Specs: Amp: 40Wx4

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-C7970

Service Manual: MDX-C7970

Features: Nearly identical to older MDX-C7900 model. SSIR-EX Tuner, Station MemoTM, 20FM+10AM Presets (BTM), 8X Oversampling, 1-Bit D/A, Wide Bit-stream Processing, 10 Second Shock Resist Memory, CD/MD Control, CD Text, Custom FileTM, Dot LCD Scrolls Disc/Track Titles, 3-Step D-Bass w/Auto Level Adjust, Full Detachable Face w/Case, Rotary Encoder Control.

Links: Sony's page for this unit.

Specs: Amp: 35Wx4

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-C5970

Service Manuals: MDX-C5970, MDX-C5970

Features: 10 second shock resistant memory. Wide Bit Stream processing. SSIR-EX Adaptive Reception tuner. Voice Confirmation of control input. Fold down detachable front panel. Program play mode. Optional wireless remote (RM-X47)

Links: Cameron Croft's page for the Sony MDX-C8900.

Specs: MD section: Signal-to-noise ratio: 90db, Frequency response: 10-20,000 Hz Tuner: Usable sensitivity 8dBf Selectivity 75 dB at 400kHz Signal-to-noise 65dB (stereo) 68dB(mono) Separation 35dB at 1kHz Frequency Response 30-15,000 Hz

Amplifier: 45x4 at 4 ohms 19Watts continuous average power, no more than 1% THD.

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-C8900, MDX-C8900R

Features: 10 second shock resistant memory. 8x oversampling, 1-bit D/A. Ex-Change function. Digital bass boost. MD titles easily viewed through clear door. Similar in mechanics and appearance to Sony MDX-61 and MDX-60.

Variants: MDX-6@RF Model: (Intro: 4/1998) Standalone version that connects to existing car stereo through FM attenna jack. Includes liquid crystal display for title/track info and control information and cordless remote control with basic play functions.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, MDX-62RF J, MDX-62RF mounting J, MDX-62

Features: ATRAC 4 (Chip: 2652AR). 10 second shock resistant memory. 8x oversampling, 1-bit memory. SSIR-EX AM/FM stereo tuner rotary encoder level control. Detachable front panel, remote supplied. Provides MD & CD changer control. CD Text support when used with CD Text equipped CD changer. D-Bass including Digital D-Bass for MDs. Radio station naming. List function, allows scrolling through radio presets or disc names without interupting current station or disc. Auto-Scroll for MD titles. Adjustable display contrast. Auto-dimmer.

Links: A user's review of the unit. Another, in depth review. Sony's page for the unit.

Specs: MD signal-to-noise ratio: 90dB. Amp: 40W x 4 (peak) 17W x 4 continuous in 4 ohms.

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-C7900R, MDX-C7900

Service Manual: MDX-C7900

Features: Wide Bit Stream. Katakana/Alphanumeric display, MD/CD/TV/DSP control functions. Equipped with a "rotary commander" for safe operation while driving.

Specs: Amp: 35W X 4. FM: 76.0-90.0 MHz, TV: Ch 1-3 (Japanese), AM: 522kHz-1629kHz.

Links: Sony page for this unit.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: First double DIN size MD*CD+DSP+Equilizer audio master unit. DSP/7 Band graphic equalizer. Custom file for tone settings, input with rotary encoder. While looking at the display you can sequence through the control menu. Equipped with a "rotary commander" for safe operation while driving.

Specs: 5hz-20Khz S/N 104dB. Amp: 35W X 4. THD (CD) 0.007%. FM: 76.0-90.0 MHz, AM: 522kHz-1629kHz

Links: Sony page for this unit.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: 7 Band graphic equalizer. 5hz-20Khz S/N 105dB.

Links: Sony page for this unit.

Reviews:

User Manuals: J, mounting J

Features: ATRAC 2. Wired remote.
Weird negatives (compared to the original MDX-U1 unit):

• Can't lable radio stations
• Only 10 character display
• Only 1 pre-amp output
• Track info doesn't scroll by default

• Better display
• LOUDness option
• Better look
• Larger preset buttons
• ATRAC 3

Links: Sony Page info. Crutchfield sells this unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-C150

Features: ATRAC 2. AM/FM tuner. 10-second shock resistant memory. Staggered 1 bit pulse D/A converters. 12 character display for MD disc/track titles. X-tal lock tuner with SSIR EX front end. 20 Fm + 10 AM presets, best tuning memory. UniLink CD/MD/DSP/TV control with custom file memory. Station memo tuning stores 8 character station names. Disc memo function and program bank control. Loudness button, mute button, intro/repeat/shuffle play modes. 2 preamp outputs with preamp fader. 20 watts x 4 high power internal amplifier. 4 channel amplifier input for processor. 2 color selectable illumination, quartz clock. Full face detachable security with carrying case. Frequency response 20Hz - 20KHz.

Links: Sony Page info.

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-100

Features: ATRAC 1. First in-dash MD unit. Wireless Remote (No Amplifier).

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-U1

Features: ATRAC 2. Wireless remote. (No Amplifier).

Links: Sony Page info. Comments from an owner. Crutchfield sells this unit and has further info on it. MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit.

User comments: The MDX-400 is really nice. It has two parts - the in dash 4MD changer, and a separate tuner/preamp unit. This makes it much easier to install, since all of the connections are made on the preamp unit, which doesn't have to be crammed into the dash where the stereo goes. There are connections for power, Sub, Front, Rear, Unilink, 2 antennas, wired remote, and MD changer. There's also a wired remote included, which is necessary because the display is so big that they couldn't fit all of the buttons onto the front panel.

The MD changer function works great - there's a cartridge which holds 4 MDs, and it changes between discs in a few seconds. The 2-line display shows the disc or track name on the top line, and the elapsed time on the bottom. The LCD is backlit in a blue-green color, and the buttons can be switched between green and red illumination.

It has a diversity antenna system, which constantly samples two antennas to determine which has the best signal. This gives improved radio reception in areas with weak signals.

It controls an optional TV in the car, and you can see the disc name and track names on the TV. It also controls an optional DSP module which lets you set your seat position and then it digitally delays the signals from each spkr by different amounts so that they all reach the specified position at the same time. The DSP has 10 DSP modes which you can link to your CDs, so that you can have your classical CD play in the concert hall DSP mode, and the disco CD play in disco DSP mode automatically.

The only mis-features that the MDX-400 has are:

• It does not have the "source tone memory" function (independent bass/treble settings for FM, AM, MD, and CD) that most sony ES car receivers have. This is instead implemented with as the "Last Sound Memory" function of the optional DSP. So, you have to have the DSP if you want this feature.
• The "Loudness" function is disabled if you have the DSP connected. Without the DSP, the loudness function works fine.

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-400

Features: Uses 4 MD magazine.

Links: Sony Page info.

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-40, ChangerMagazinesupplement

Features: Voice-activated using speech recognition for station names. Voice-memo feature allows 6 voice messages of up to 15 seconds each to be recorded to unit (not to MD). DSP function allows user to adjust virtual sound stage for better placement.

Links: Sony UK page. A TWICE article describes this unit. Crutchfield.com has good information for this unit.

Specs: Amplifier power: 45-watt x 4

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-C8970, MDX-C8970R

Service Manuals: MDX-C8970R, MDX-C8970

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-61

Service Manual: MDX-61

Features: 10-second (4Mbit) shock-resistant memory, SSIR-EXA tuner, MD titles and CD-Text, CD/MD changer/TV tuner controls, Custom File CD, Wide Bit Stream Processing, Station Memo, D-Bass, flip-down (removeable) face, cellphone mute, optional wired and wireless remotes.

European model (C6500R) has RDS/EON tuner (displays station name) in place of Station Memo, and is visually different. A blue-display version (C6500RV) is available to match VW and Vauxhall cars.

Links: Sony USA's page for the unit. Sony UK page. Sony UK page. Crutchfield's page selling the unit, Edworthys (UK) sales page. The North American market MDX-C6500 styling is really in-your-faceplate compared to the more muted European edition. (However Francisco J. Montilla reports that the Spanish edition faceplate looks just like the N. American one).

Specs: Maximum output 50W x 4 (19W x 4 RMS), FM sensitivity 8 dBf, FM 18/MW 6/LW 6 station presets

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDX-C6500X, MDX-C6500R, MDX-C6500RV, MDX-C6500RX, MDX-C6500R

Service Manuals: MDX-C6400R, MDX-C6500RV, MDX-6500X

Features: ATRAC 3. One disc can remain in play while others are changed.

Links: Sony Page info (translated), Sony Japan Page info. Kenwood (Japanese) Page info. Kenwood Italy's page. Crutchfield carrys this unit and has more info on it.

User comments: (regarding the MDX-61 follow on unit) I have to say that the MDX-61 MD changer is the most wonderful car stereo component I've ever owned! I love the shuffle play - it doesn't repeat (unlike my CDX-81 CD changer that I exchanged for the MDX-61) and there is almost never a delay between songs, even when changing discs (thanks, 10 second memory!). It is such a joy to load it up with 6 discs, press shuffle play, and get over 7 hours of non-repeating music. It's like listening to a radio station that only plays songs you like! I wish there was a home MD changer...
-Fred Hamilton ([email protected])

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-60

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-C5960R

Features: RDS (Radio Data System -- automatically acquires alternate signal for station (if available) when current signal is weak. Also tracks highway information and pauses music when information broadcasts are made) 40 presets (20FM, 10AM, 10LW). Equipped with a "rotary commander" for safe operation while driving. Rotary jog-dial on the unit itself used to adjust the volume. CD Disc Memo (requires CD changer with custom file function). MD/CD changer control. Cellular telephone auto mute. Bass/treble - balance/fader control - loudness. 10 character display for MD titles, which auto scrolls. Only 6 sec. shock resistant meory. Multi color display, similar form as the XR-C900 (white characters on black background, multi selector), although no flip-down front. "CD-custom file" and "CD-text". No remote sensor. Detachable face. Wired remote. 2 sets of preamp outputs.

Availability in North America:

• Crutchfield, Speed and Sound Electronics in NY 1-800-647-6863 or 718 531-1300, price: $404.95
• Auto Sound Design in Ontario (416) 226-5775, price: CN$557.
• Audio Worx. From USA call (888) 843 9679, from other places (905) 898-6715, price: Cn$480. Email: [email protected].

Links: A user's review of this unit (including some comments on installation).

Specs: Amp: 13W RMS/35W peak X 4, MD SNR 90dB, FM sens. 8dBf

Reviews:

User Manual: MDX-C670