MEX-BT2500
1. Introduction
Every so often, it is time for us here to make a bold statement - so, here goes. With today's technology, there is no excuse for not using some sort of handsfree device when you drive. There, I said it. I just can't believe how many people still drive with one hand on the wheel and the other hand clutching their phone to their ear not paying attention to the road in front of them.
There are so many options today from the very basic wired headset to Bluetooth in-the-ear headsets to Bluetooth car kits. One area that may make the most sense is just beginning to make its way into our cars and that is Bluetooth built in to Car Stereos. Some manufacturers of Automobiles like Lexus, Acura, Toyota, Nissan and others are now offering this as an (albeit expensive) accessory and that's great.
For those who don't have this built into their cars, there is still hope. Companies like Parrot have been pioneering this technology (see my review of the Rhythm N Blue.) Now, Sony gets in the act in a very affordable way.
The Sony MEX-BT2500 is an after-market in-dash Bluetooth Handsfree Car Stereo and it costs under two hundred bucks! Read on to see if perhaps this is the way to go to add the necessary safety and convenience or handsfree calling in your car.
I have been looking for a new Bluetooth Car Stereo for a while. As I thumb through the catalogues, I always take note of the small print like "add bluetooth handsfree technology for only $200.00." Until recently, that seemed to be the norm - pay $200.00 for a good quality after-market Car Stereo and then another $200.00 for bluetooth built in. Then I ran across an ad that quite frankly, I thought was a mistake - a high quality Car Stereo with built in bluetooth for under $200.00. One click and I was on the Crutchfield web site and ordered the Sony MEX-BT2500 and they threw in all the hardware and wiring necessary to easily install this in my car.
Here are the features of the MEX-BT2500 from the Sony Web site:
- Bluetooth™ Hands-free & Audio Streaming Functionality
- Front Panel Aux In
- EQ Lite
- 52W x 4 High Power
- Detachable Faceplate
- White 13 Segment LED Display
- Supplied Wireless Card Remote (RM-X304)
- CD/CD-R/RW Compatible
- MP3 ID3Tag Indication (Title/Artist/Album)
- Multi Session (MP3/WMA)
- MP3/WMA Playback
- 24-Bit D/A Converter
- Pause function
- Drive-S
- SSIR-EXA tuner, 18FM & 12AM presets
- BTM (Best Tuning Memory)
- Bass, Treble, Loudness controls
- CD Text
- 45 degree install
- CEA-2006 Power Compliant
- Selectivity (400Hz): 75
- FM Usable Sensitivity (dBf): 9
- Stereo Separation @ 1kHz (dB): 35
- Frequency Response (Hz): 30 - 15k
- FM S/N Ratio (dB): 67
- AM Usable Sensitivity (uV): 30
- S/N Ratio (dB): 95
- THD (%): 0.01
- Width (inch): 7-1/8
- Frequency Response (Hz): 10 - 20k
- Weight (lb/oz): 2/11
- Stereo Separation (dB): 85
- Max Power Output (W): 52 x 4
- Power Ad Hoc (W): 23.2 x 4
- Preout Max Voltage (V): N/A
- Depth (inch): 7-1/8
- Height (inch): 2
- There are no accessories for this product
Bluetooth
Wireless freedom at your fingertips
Front Panel Aux In
Plugging your portable audio devices into your car's sound system is like stealing candy from a baby.
Xplod Power
So, just how much power is enough? As much as possible!
Drive-S
The latest chassis design that will help improve sound quality and durability of our head unit.
Best Tuning Memory
Setting your radio presets can be a real pain while you're driving-especially if you're in an unfamiliar area. So, let the tuner do the work for you!
CD Text
What was the name of that song? Now, with CD TEXT, your player can tell you the name of each song on a CD!
45 Degree Install
Most dashboards found in today's vehicles are perpendicular to the floor
CEA-2006 Power Compliant
All 2006 Sony Xplod amps and head units are CEA-2006 compliant.
MEX-BT2500
On to the review......