Customer Reviews

Sony CDXGT540UI MP3/WMA/AAC Player CD Receiver (Black)

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this model for my Nissan Versa without doing any homework on it...a local store was offering free installation along with a sale price, and I noticed it had a front panel USB connector so I was hoping it would play my MP3 files from a flash drive. I wasn't expecting much in terms of quality and features...I figured I didn't need to spend a lot of money since I would be using the 4 pre-wired door speakers that came with my car. To say I was blown away by the sound would be an understatement...I can only imagine what this would sound like with a nice speaker setup. In any case, here's my take on the good and the not-so-good.

Pros: - Detaching the faceplate is easy. Attaching it can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice most
should be able to get it on in under 20 seconds.

- It's loaded with many of the same features of Sony's higher-priced players. There are several
ways to locate a specific track when playing CD-Rs or USB devices containing a lot of files.

- While playing regular audio CDs sounds amazing, this unit really shines in its ability to make
compressed (MP3) audio sound as good as the real thing; an improved sound processor
(compared to the model it replaced), a feature called Digital Music Plus Advanced, plus a
customizable equalizer all combine to give your data files excitement you've likely never heard
before.

- For FM radio stations that comply with the standard, the Radio Data System (RDS) will provide
song information, help you find particular types of stations (News, Sports, Top 40, Rock, etc.),
and can even set the clock for you. The radio can also store the stronger stations
automatically (BTM), but I prefer setting them manually...otherwise, you'll end up with a lot of
presets you're not interested in.

- Although I can't comment on its capabilities with an iPod, it does play my USB flash drives
without a hitch and has several shuffle and repeat play options.

Cons: - The user interface and manual could be confusing and frustrating for some. Most of the
buttons and the dial have to control multiple functions, so finding your way around the different
features and displays requires patience and learning. I still find myself accidentally
changing a setting I didn't want to or just plain getting stuck. Since the displays are different
depending on the source (CD, Tuner, USB, Aux-in) selected and how much information is
contained in the source, you won't always see what you might expect to see.

- The preset buttons are smaller than I would like. Some, like the source/off button and the
seek+ button, are together (like one big button), and it's easy to push the wrong one. The
included remote doesn't seem to help control the unit any better and doesn't include the
ability to access all of the track finding features. It seems best suited for a backseat
passenger.

- Whether it's day or night, you may run into a problem seeing everything clearly. The blue key
illumination takes care of the buttons while driving at night, but the printed lettering above the
keys is almost impossible to read. During the day, bright sunlight can cause glare problems
and wash out the LCD display (in certain vehicles).

- When Daylight Saving Time ended Nov. 1st, even though I had the unit set up to automatically
change the clock, I had to go back into the setup menu, turn it off, then turn it back on again
before the time reset itself (at least it was accurate).

- When using the Zappin feature to hear short clips of songs to find a track to play, you have to
wait about 2 seconds in between each preview on a regular audio CD and at least 5 or 6
seconds on an MP3 Data Disc or USB flash drive loaded with songs.

For me, the pros far outweigh the cons...after all, you don't have to use all the bells and whistles just because they are there. The sound quality of the CD player and music played through the USB port is outstanding, and anyone desiring more from the radio at least has the option of expanding to HD or SAT radio. I recommend this receiver for anyone (including audiophiles), as it offers tremendous bang for the buck.

You DONT need an iPod to use many of the USB input features. I'm using a tiny 2GB Lexar FireFly jump drive in the USB port- which is available through Amazon for about $12. I have loaded it with music and podcast mp3s using Windows Media Player.

I use the Sony controls to scroll through the contents of the flash drive, and can see the name of the Album or file, track name etc displayed. It would be easy to create playlists on the usb to make it even easier to use.

This means the total music "baggage" I need in the car with me is one one inch jump drive; no CDs, no expensive ipod or music player and cables to attract thieves.

I posted a 2 minute video of this Player in action on YouTube you will find it if you search for "Sony CDX-GT540UI".

I am doing a resto-mod 1977 Chrysler Cordoba and wanted to replace the stock AM/FM monoural radio with a modern unit at a price that wouldn't break the bank.

This is a FULL featured unit. The speakers are responsive, crisp. I paired them with the corresponding rear SONY 6x9 speakers and installed it myself in a day.

The controls do take a bit of getting used to like anything else but after awhile it becomes second nature.

My only complaint if you will are the small function knobs which can be difficult to find while you're driving. They are also placed close together so it is easy to inadvertently select the wrong function.

Other than that, as I said in my title an AWESOME unit for the price.

Lets start with the three cons of both models:

The CDX-GT540UI has blue face plate illumination while the CDX-GT630UI offers a green backlight option too. The problem is that both of them are incapable of setting the brightness of the backlight, that is it shines too bright.

The prev/next buttons are small and hard to press.

The main knob default functionality is setting the treble, bass, fade, etc. Now, that makes no sense to me since I hardly set these options. Pressing the main know should have the functionality of that of the quick browse button.


As for the pros of the two models, both the CDX-GT540UI and the CDX-GT630UI handle (and charge) the iPhone nicely, which is invaluable for me when I get on longer trips. The music library is easy to browse both when the audio control is at the iPhone (iPod software) and at the car stereo. The sound quality is more than satisfying.


I used to own a CDX-GT630UI a couple of months back, but I sold it and decided to go for the CDX-GT540UI instead. The reasons I like the CDX-GT540UI better are the somewhat easier to reach prev and next buttons, the 1 character longer LCD display and the easier to detach face plate.

I have been researching stereo systems for a while and this one got some pretty good rating, I love the idea of the usb port and aux port, now I can play my ipod and not have an "Accessory Connected" screen anymore. I can control directly from my ipod which is awesome. I saw where people posted that it was really bright at night but i also read that there was a dimmer on it so i bought it anyways. I said all that to say that it is rather bright and can be aggravating. I even found the Dim switch and turned it on but it only affects the screen and not the blue lights on the outside which is the real problem but if you like a bright cab. get it. not that big of a deal. depends on you really. It sounds great, it looks good, if you read the instructions everything is real simple and it takes literally no time to get adjusted to it. Its worth the little money you are going to pay for it. its a quality product

I gave this stereo and speaker combination five stars, it delivered fast and the price was great, only bad thing was that you have to do some modifications for the speakers to fit a 6.75" slot.

Installed it on my 1998 Accord V6 sedan by myself for the first time with the Honda wiring harness I have ordered online. With the Honda harness and the included stereo harness, all I have had to do was match up the colors and connect the wires. There are some wires that are on one side and not on the other and I just leave them be. Any way, even with my stock speakers (no amp, no sub), the sound is AMAZING!, even for compressed mp3 via USB. Once the loud setting is switched on (not the Xplod setting which also makes things louder), the volume gets VERY loud. I never needed more than 10 on the volume. Also had to turn down the bass. The max is probably about 30. Playing songs, searching, switching between sources all happen very fast; the interface is extremely snappy. You never feel like you have to wait to hear to song.

The only minor annoyance is, at night, the light from the stereo is way too bright and there is no way to dim it down. However, if you have a car with bright orange or red dash light, this stereo would be perfect. Another thing is the controls and buttons can get a little getting used to. However, I've figured 90% of the functionality of this stereo within the first 5 minutes without having to refer to the user guide. So, please do not be too worry about that.

All in all, for the price, I would recommend this stereo 100%. You won't find a better deal.

Love this radio, would recommend it to others with the exception of not being able to control everything on my sony walkman via USB. Everything is designed for ipod nowadays, damn monopaly!!! Anyway, good buy for replacement or first radio, great price, sound, great base.

Purchased this to replace the OEM head unit in my daughters car (98 Toyota). Installed very easily end to end in less that 30 minutes, spent the most time tying the connections together with wire nuts. Fortunately, I had pre-purchased the required adapters so there was no splicing required. Excellent features for the price, great sound with the original speakers which became tons better after replacing them. Can't beat it for the price.

The Sony in-dash unit I ordered wouldn't accept my iPod hook-up. Amazon graciously sent me another unit to replace the one I thought was bad. I found the problem was not the Sony but my antique iPod which lacked the necessary data to dock with the Sony unit. Once a new iPod was purchased the unit performed flawlessly, and the other unit was returned to Amazon. Thanks guys.