Sony Xplod CDXGT520 GT Series Head Unit

by Sony

Product Details

User Manual [695kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.5 x 4.4 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000WBSCAW
• Item model number: CDXGT520
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,951 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer Manufacturer's Description (October 15, 2008)
Sony's CDX-GT520 CD receiver is ready for expansion. It's compatible with Sony's iPod adapter, satellite radio tuner, and HD radio tuner, so you can always add more features as needed. To start with you'll get 52 Watts high power through 4 channels, a full-featured CD player, MP3/WMA support as well as support for iTunes AAC format, AM/FM radio, and a front panel auxiliary input, all packed into an attractive gun-metallic case.

Sony's CDX-GT520 CD receiver is ready for expansion. Click to enlarge.

Features front panel auxiliary input.

Stylish blue key illumination makes control in the dark a snap.

Detachable Faceplate
The CDX-GT520 features a detachable, flip-down faceplate with clock and 13-segment LCD display. Blue key illumination makes control in the dark a snap.

45 Degree Install
This receiver features a 45 degree maximum mounting angle, allowing them to be used in virtually any custom or unusual installation.

Front Panel Aux In
The auxiliary input is built right in to the face of the head unit, so to use external devices like MP3 players, all you need to do is plug-n-play.

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback
In addition to CDs and CD-R/RWs, you'll enjoy playback of MP3, WMA and AAC audio files burned to CD, with ID3 tag support--title, artist and album info will be displayed on the LCD.

AM/FM Radio
Always have your favorite stations at hand with 18 FM and 12 AM presets.

Customize Your Sound
Dial in your sound using Sony's EQ3 parametric equalization, with 7 presets offering a wide variety of solutions, or make individual Low/Mid/High adjustments.

For a more powerful system, use the preamp outputs with an external amp/subwoofer.

What's in the Box
Sony CDX-GT520, installation hardware, manual

Product Description

CD player with built-in amplifier (17 watts RMS/52 peak x 4 channels)

Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files

Fold-down, detachable face with a blue LED display

Remote control

EQ3 (seven preset tone curves and a 3-band equalizer)

Dynamic Soundstage Organizer adds presence and life to your music

Compatible with Sony's iPod adapter, satellite radio tuner (tuner, subscription, and antenna required), and HD Radio tuner

Inputs: front-panel auxiliary input

Outputs: three sets of preamp outputs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Sound for a good price, November 28, 2007

By 

Nate (Montana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Xplod CDXGT520 GT Series Head Unit (Electronics)

I have just received this deck and installed it in my truck. I purchased it because it was such a good price I couldnt pass it up.

Pros: Plays all formats as described and has the front jack to plug in any audio device. Great sound with no back noise even with stock speakers in a yr 2000 model truck. You can adjust the contrast and the dimmer wich is probably nessicary for night driving. The remote has ACC feature to quiet the stereo fast and it has glow in the dark buttons.

Cons: The detachable front is kind of tricky to get off as it has no detach button, it is a slide to the right to detach front face. There is no dimmer cable in the back, you must manualy dim from the options menu by holding in the volume button. Transversing through folders is a bit slower than I prefer but is not too bad.

Overall, if you want a great single din in-dash car stereo with that crystal blue glow and great sound with a front aux jack for an Ipod or any other audio player, this is a good buy.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Budget Priced Stereo That's Suprisingly Deep, February 21, 2008

By 

P. G. Keller "Packerfan75" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Xplod CDXGT520 GT Series Head Unit (Electronics)

I just had this one installed in my Subaru today and it's a big improvement over the original stock one. Honestly, the biggest feature for me was the auxillery input on the front so I could use my ipod and not have to mess around with a bunch of cd's in the car anymore. But I found some nice suprises from this deck.

The CDX-GT520 features 6 EQ presets, separate volume settings for a standalone subwoofer and is HD and satellite radio ready(although you need to buy a separate unit for the HD radio). There are also 3 sets of preamp outputs for when you want more than the standard 17 watts per channel provided by the system's built-in amp. Sony's Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO), offers 3 settings with which to give you a fuller range of sound as well as a loudness feature to clearly hear the music in detail at lower levels. To me, this was more music to my ears as I love the ability to fine tune the sound to my liking and not just the factories presets. I found the XPLOD setting to be too overwhelming to the point where it just cluttered things, so it's great to have the custom option. But I can see the advatage of the other presets for those who just want to pop something in and not have to fiddle with the EQ.

I also really liked the adjustable level setting for the auxillery port as ipods and mp3 players can come across a little low and can make use of that extra kick. Nice feature.

The picture of the faceplate looks good but it looks even better in person. Not just the blue lighting mind you, but the overall dark charcoal paint is classy looking. There's contrast and dimmer options for the color display as well if you find it too bright for your taste. You also have the choice of 2 visual displays for EQ or can turn it off altogether. It's good to have options.

Funny enough though, my biggest complaint here is that there isn't a case provided for your detachable faceplate. I remember getting one with my old Pioneer stereo for my last car and that was 5 yrs ago. I assumed there'd be one included here but there isn't. The face detaches/attaches a little funny too and it took a bit to get the feel of it. That's about it for the negatives.

Overall, this is a very good choice for a car stereo. It's reasonably priced, easy to set up and use and has some very nice EQ options for those of us who are a little more particular. It also packs a punch volume wise, I can't imagine anyone needing more. You really can't go wrong here.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stereo, Great Price!, April 14, 2008

By 

Sammy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Xplod CDXGT520 GT Series Head Unit (Electronics)

This is a great stereo! Unlike some people, I happen to like the beeping sound it makes when I leave the car. This reminds me to take off the faceplate. My car was once broken into, and I only had a factory stereo. I can't imagine what they would do to the car now. In case you don't like it, the noise can be silenced. It just takes a while to figure it out. The stereo also has great sound. I just wish I had better speakers to go with it. Also there is a dimmer which is great. So if it ever seems to bright just turn it down. I would recommend this stereo to anybody looking for one. Sony has really made some good stereos.