Customer Reviews

Sony CDXGT640UI MP3/WMA/AAC Player CD Receiver (Black)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Sony CDXGT640UI Receiver is a good receiver with easy to use functions. I purchased this to replace another Sony receiver (same model variety) from 2006 that got stolen. The USB port works well with ipods, USB memory sticks, and other MP3 player deceives. Like most car receivers, it's easy to install by following the directions packaged with the box.

PROS:
* Easy to Install
* Looks stylish
* External USB port works very well with IPOD, usb and other MP3 devices.
* IPOD search for song, artist etc works good.
* Auxilary inputs located in the back of the unit work well.
* Easy to remove faceplate
* Easy to adjust settings
* Easy to turn off demo mode, and faceplate warning beeping

CONS:
* Text/display is difficult to read in daylight.
* Display appears dim (even on the highest setting)
* Preset Buttons are very close together which may inadvertently gets pushed
* Seek Buttons have no texture or highly visible text on it, and so may take a second to realize their function, expecially when packed next to the ZAP, search, and equalizer setting buttons.
* There is a slight learning curve to understand all the features, and setting arrangements.

The fall down face plate that conceals the CD slot is the highlight of this product for me. The dim text display is the low point and is the number one reason why I would not purchase this again, but there are no other Sony options with the same look and features all in one.

Overall, I would purchase this unit again for the look of it and if its priced under $120 (which is what I paid for it through Amazon).

I've had this unit for about a month now and I'm very happy with it's functionality. It sounds great and has a lot of nice options. I bought it to interface with my iPod and I couldn't be happier with the way it does. I do always keep it in iPod control mode because it's always going to be easier to find a song on the iPod versus any CD player. However, I just can't understand what Sony was thinking on a few aspects of this thing.

First of all, as others have said, the display is ridiculously dim. You can barely read the thing during the day even with the contrast turned all the way up. My friend just had a $60 CD player installed and the display can easily be read at all times so there is no excuse for this $100+ unit to have an unreadable display. I knew about this problem before I bought it and even though it's annoying, I would still buy it again because I do like the unit. Now what really ticks me off is how easily my screen got scratched. I go on my first GPS necessary trip with this thing (only 2 hours of driving) and arrive home to find a series of scratches on the screen. What are they from? The power cord on my GPS. Yes, that nice smooth power cord scratched my screen to hell right where the time is displayed making it even harder to read in daylight hours. Couldn't believe it. Perhaps I could have been more careful, but c'mon, it should be able to take that. God forbid I ever actually wanted to take my faceplate off and slipped it in my pocket or something. I'd hate to see what would happen then.

I love it, I got four head units before this one, is the only one that plays my ipod and iphone with no problem. Pretty fast reading the usb from iphone or ipod. Great for Pandora or any radio station you like playing on your iphone.

This is my first radio replacement (11 years after purchasing my car) so obviously it is a great upgrade. I love the remote and I love the stylish look of the radio. Great buy so far!

Install was easy with my car's harness kit and I even added a powered subwoofer to complete the system. Install was fairly easy as everything was properly labeled and color coded.

I bought this car stereo to replace the deck in my 1992 Lexus SC400 that finally broke after 18 years of competent service. Early on, I decided I didn't need HD radio, nor Satelite radio capability. My Bluetooth needs were iffy, but I certainly needed USB connectivity, and easy iPod access. This unit provided that, at an extremely low price, while it was on sale through J&R.

Pros:
- Extensive feature set for the price
- File searching on a USB device is pretty easy, assuming you know what's on the USB drive
- Good sound; competent sound shaping capability
- Full low-level connectivity (front, rear, and subwoofer RCA connections) with crossover adjustability

Cons:
- TERRIBLE reflection issues, hard to read display; front face is a shiny convex panel that reflects EVERY bright light source during the day, especially the right passenger window; so bad I drop the rating on this product down one point
- Big display face isn't utilized efficiently; wastes space on spectrum analyzer display

I bought this unit as a replacement after my previous stereo was stolen. I was looking for a unit with a good iPhone interface, and this one fits the bill. I've previously connected my iPhone to car stereos with a standard AUX input or FM transmitter. The USB interface is much better. Not only does it allow you to control the iPhone from the head unit, it also eliminates the annoying GSM noise (that series of buzzing sounds you hear when your phone is too close to a pair of speakers) that I heard with my old stereo. Out of the box, the unit is configured to disable control of the iPhone via the phone's touch screen when connected, in order to encourage safe driving. This can be overridden using the "Passenger Control" feature. However, I would strongly recommend buying a dashboard mount for you iPhone before using this feature, to avoid distracted driving.

The selectable blue/green illumination was also helpful, as I found the blue setting to be a bit too bright for my taste.

My one complaint is that the faceplate is difficult to put back on once removed, but this can be overcome with practice.

My Sony CDXGT640 has been undependable, has poor sound quality and the buttons don't work. To get source selection, I have to push the on/off button is an example. Very poor quality in general.

This worked great until I upgraded my iPhone. Now I have to use the AUX input. Sony has no repair either. I purchased it on June 20th so you would think they knew about the software upgrade.

I bought this back in February. This is the best car stereo I've seen/used. The usb connects to my ipod and my Android phone with no issues. Best purchase I've made for my truck in a while.

Jam packed with features... (3) sets of outputs, USB and Front AUX jack. It also has a plug in the back for a CD changer control (only works with a CD changer as an input) unless you get a cable that 'tricks' the radio into thinking there is one connected, then you can use it as a 3rd input. It has built in LPF and HPF, sub control, all the functions the expensive Pioneers have.. Good power output, remote, etc. Sony has customer support that actually helped me with the install, and she was American...Imagine that.

The Bad - The controls are difficult, if you want to go through the tracks, the button is really small and not directly lit. (pain) to push. The Ipod controls on the deck are also difficult to remember how to work and I can't get them to consistently operate the same way. The display is also very bright if you dont have the dimming wire connected to the lights...