In the last year Sony have really lifted their game when it comes to their Head-Units and with the GS Range there is no exception either! At first glance the Sony CDXGS500R looks like any other Sony Head-Unit but I assure you it is not!
The Sony CDXGS500R like all Sony units have the same simple but effective display/design which makes upgrading from the GT Range to the GS Range simpler for the end user, the display has more than enough colour options to match your cars gauge cluster or even to set to a custom colour if you are that way inclined.
With enough features to sink a boat the Sony CDXGS500R can keep you occupied for long enough setting up the EQ/HPF/LPF or even playing around with the APP Remote which I found quite handy turning my iPhone into a gesture control touch screen, which had me changing songs easily by just swiping the screen of my phone.
The APP Remote also allows other features of playing the sound of You-Tube Videos, GPS Features and other compatible APP’s through the CDXGS500R’s speakers from your iPhone or Android device.
Specifications
iPod Direct Connectivity
iPod Control Feature
Accessory Information : Yes
CODEC (for iPod) : Depend on iPod content
List Browsing (Folders / Files) : Quick-BrowZer
Pandora Link (USB) : Yes
Passenger Control : Yes
Pause : Yes
Repeat : Track, Album, Artist, Playlist, Genre, Podcast
Resume Play : Yes
Shuffle : Track, Album, Artist, Playlist, Genre, Podcast
ZAPPIN : Yes
USB Feature & Device
USB Mass Strage Device Control Feature
CODEC (for USB) : MP3, WMA, AAC
Jump Mode : Yes
List Browsing (Folders/Files) : Yes
Pause : Yes
Repeat : OFF/ TRACK/ ALBUM
Resume Play : Yes
Shuffle : OFF/ALBUM/DEVICE
ZAPPIN : Yes
USB-capable
USB Mass Storage Device : Yes
Others
Accessory
Ant connector : JASO
Connector type : 16 Pin wiring harness
Trim Ring (Color) : Black
Feature & Device
Amp & General Feature
Automatic Level Optimizer : Yes
Aux-In : Front
DM+ (Codec enhancer) : Yes (Gen2.1)
EQ : EQ7: 7 band EQ with +/- 6 dB adjustment at 63 Hz, 160 Hz, 400 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2.5 kHz, 6.3 kHz and 16 kHz.
High Pass Filter : Selectable on/off at: 50, 60, 80, 100 or 120 Hz.
High Voltage Pre Out : 5 V
Loudness : Dynamic
Low Pass Filter : Selectable on/off at: 50, 60, 80, 100 or 120 Hz.
Output Power (4ohm, 1kHz,16V)(W) : 52 watts x 4
Pre Out : (3) Front, Rear and Sub
Rear Bass Enhancer : Yes
Sirius/XM Connector : Yes
Subwoofer Direct Connection : Yes
Time Alignment Custom : Adjustable
Time Alignment Preset : Yes
USB : Rear
Display Panel
Auto off mode : Yes
Dimmer Adjust : Auto
Key Illumination Initial : Variable
Tuner Feature
Preset : FM18 / AM12
RDS/EON (NA Only:RBDS, Others:RDS) : RBDS
AUX in Feature
Level Adjustment : -8dB – +18dB
Panel Design
Display Device (LCD/FL/OEL/TFT) : LCD
Display color (Color Variation/Nega or Posi) : Black color/Negative
Key Illumination : Variable
Panel finish color : Dark Titanium
Other Features
CD lock mode : Yes
Card Remote ( ): Option : RM-X211
Clock : 12H
Rotary commander ( ): Option : Optional wired remote input
Security : Detachable
Overall the Sony CDXGS500R is a brilliant Head-Unit with brilliant features at a very affordable price, the APP Remote feature being my favourite of all the features. This unit had so many compatible APP’s on my iPhone that I didn’t have time to test them all! Also having the USB on the rear gives it a very clean look! If you are after an affordable Head-Unit with great sound quality don’t look any further!