If I owned a car anymore I’d probably take one of Sony’s two new Xplod decks for a ride in my whip. Both the GT920U and GT620U feature support for USB flash media and pump out 52Wx4 output. The 920 has a fold-out face plate, rear USB input and it can be customized in three different colors depending on your preference. Unless you’re Matt Hickey, of course, because he can’t distinguish between red and green, but I’m pretty sure he can see blue.
The 620 only illuminates keys in blue but it has a front USB input. Both feature an auxiliary input up front, wireless remote and Sony’s Quick BrowZer. You can playback tracks that are non-DRM via CD and USB. The 620 retails for $170 and is available now while the 920 launches next month for $250.
Man, front AUX inputs kill me. You wouldn’t believe how long I had to hunt for a decent head unit with rear AUX inputs so I could reduce cable clutter.
Think about it: if you have the cajones to tear your dash apart to install a decent stereo, surely you’re going to want to route cables nicely to a ipod cradle or something, rather than have them dangle all over the front of the dash?
I agree, Ben. I had an aux in the back of my deck in my last ride. It definitely keeps things clean and clutter free, but I think it’s more of a convenience thing.