In the last days I´ve been played a bit with a new Sony CDX-GT630UI, but I believe I've learned enough already to write this review :)

The Sonys new CDX-GT630UI model brings to the table full iPod/iPhone compatibility, along with simplicity. The press releases offered little information, but, after demoing the unit first hand, I have nothing but praise for this new product.

The CDX-GT630UI is standard Sony fare, with simple buttons and a very basic but readable display. Color choices for buttons are blue or green, text is white. The stereo's main feature is its front mounted USB port. This allows a thumb drive or a mp3 player to be plugged directly in. More importantly however is the ability to plug in an iPhone sync cable.

Now, to clarify, the Sony offers too modes for iPod/iPhone. First mode is standard iPod control, which for anyone who has ever used an OEM iPod hookup, or most other stereo manufacturers, the iPod plays music through the stereo, and all song controls are done through the headunit, leaving the iPod locked and displaying an information message. With the iPhone 3g hooked in, the 'iPod' function is locked out, but the rest of the phone remains usable. Songs are chosen through the head unit only, using a tree system based on "Arist/Album/Song" as the primary sorting/listing method. Nothing new, nothing special.

THE COOL PART HOWEVER is switching into Passenger Control Mode. This frees the iPhone to be fully functional, allowing song selection to be done from the iPhone itself. Once a song is selected, the artist name/track title displays on the Sony's screen, and audio plays through the deck. If you watch a video on the iPhone, the title of the video displays on the Sony. How about Pandora? Yep, audio outputs from Pandora straight into the Sony. All through a standard sync cable that you have at home.

Unplug the iPhone and the music pauses. Plug the iPhone back in and the music resumes where it left off. There are NO AIRPLANE ERROR MESSAGES, IT CHARGES THE PHONE, ITS SIMPLE, AND IT WORKS. I have not seen anything so far that gets along this well with the iPhone 3g to date.

This Stereo is on sale at Amazon with $34.96 off from its original price($159.95-$34.96=$124.99). Click here to go to Amazon.com





Let´s take a look at all of the stereos features:

  • Flip-down, detachable faceplate with 2-line, LCD display
  • Front USB 1-wire for iPhone, iPod, and Walkman music player and other compatible devices
  • Quick-BrowZer feature with Jump Mode, ZAPPIN feature and Passenger Control
  • SAT radio and HD radio ready with front auxiliary input
  • EQ3 Stage 2, 2-volt front, rear and sub pre-outs

Let me show you what current owners have to say about it:

Love it!, November 2, 2009 I purchased this radio and installed it myself about a week ago. I love it. It looks great and it is so simple and easy to use!

I have no idea why people are saying the interface is bad and it takes a ton of clicks to get anywhere. Maybe they are taking the long way? It takes me no more than 5-10 seconds to make any adjustments. I also find the volume very easy to control. You don't accidentally enter any menus by adjusting the volume. You would definitely have to try to get into the menus.

The flip down to access the CD drive is great - it keeps it clean and lasts longer. The colors are great and the removable faceplate keeps the radio from being stolen.

The sound clarity is amazing as well. The USB port is great. I just plug in my iPod with the cable that came with it (same one you use to hook it up to your computer). It charges it and I can control the songs right from my radio! No sense in paying for the auxiliary cable PLUS cable to charge it because you can do it all through the USB that came with the iPod.

I'm beyond happy with my choice! I would highly recommend this radio and would definitely buy it again.