Sony has just introduced the Double-DIN WX-GS920BH CD receiver, offering a beautiful, high-end solution with multiple ways to get your digital music into your dashboard while still providing the ability to play your classic CD tracks. With the popularity of smartphones and streaming audio solutions, CD sales have taken a back seat to digital entertainment delivery, but in the market for this type of head unit, the option must be there. Sony has loaded the WX-GS920BH with every feature you could want. Let’s take a closer look.
The Platform
Why reinvent the wheel when you already have a garage full of race cars? The chassis for the WX-GS920BH is from one of their single-DIN receivers, but Sony has grafted a Double-DIN front panel to it. The space afforded by the single-DIN chassis can dramatically simplify installations by allowing the installer to tuck integration devices and adapters underneath the chassis.
Industry-leading Power to Spare
One of the highlights of the WX-GS920BH is the integrated high-power amplifier. Sony has been redefining the capabilities and expectations of what a head unit can achieve regarding powering a set of speakers. Most radios are capable of producing between 15 to 20 watts per channel. The Sony WX-GS920BH includes a built-in Class D amplifier that delivers more than 45 watts per channel of continuous (RMS) power. The result is a source unit that can dramatically outperform all others on the market and exceeds the capabilities of even some small amplifiers.
The Well-connected Gentleman
The WX-GS920BH includes an AM/FM receiver with built-in HD radio, front and rear USB ports, and front and rear auxiliary inputs that also is SiriusXM-ready. The USB ports are compatible with a memory stick containing MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC files. The front USB port can provide 1 amp of current for charging a phone, while the rear can provide 1.5 amps. Both USB ports support iPhone and Android phone music playback.
The built-in Bluetooth 3.0 transceiver supports hands-free calling, as well as A2DP audio streaming with AVRCP version 1.5 support. The WX-GS920BH supports two active Bluetooth connections, allowing one to play music and the other for phone calls or media.
An important safety feature included in the WX-GS920BH is Siri Eyes Free and Android voice recognition activation. Pressing and holding the volume control for more than 2 seconds activates your smartphone’s voice recognition capabilities. You can make phone calls, ask the unit to play music, or listen to incoming SMS messages and reply by simply talking.
The WX-GS920BH supports Pandora over a Bluetooth connection to any smartphone. You have the option of giving thumbs-up or down feedback to refine your musical tastes further.
The rear panel of the WX-GS920BH includes front, rear and subwoofer RCA outputs rated at 5 volts. Sony includes connections for a steering wheel control interface, as well as the included external Bluetooth microphone, and the compact RM-X231 IR remote control with the WX-GS920BH.
Handsome and Intuitive Interface
The front panel of the WX-GS920BH includes a large three-line display. The illumination of the screen and the controls can be adjusted separately from almost 36 thousand different colors. A large rotary volume control and over-sized buttons make using the WX-GS920BH possible when wearing gloves.
Signal Processing Suite
The WX-GS920BH includes Sony’s EQ10 10-band graphic equalizer and several built-in signal delay presets. The positioning system includes options for subwoofer placement as well – something unique in a standard receiver. You can choose from near, normal and far positions to further fine-tune the system.
Sony has been generous with the built-in crossovers. The front and rear RCA outputs and the internal power amplifier have crossover frequency and filter slope options. Since the WX-GS920BH has a lot of power built in, Sony has included a function called Subwoofer Direct Mode. You can connect a 2 ohm subwoofer directly to one rear speaker output of the WX-GS920BH to power it from the head unit itself, eliminating the need for a separate small amplifier. This wiring configuration provides more than 120 watts of power to the subwoofer and can provide plenty of great sounding bass for most users.
Sony WX-GS920BH Digital Media Receiver
If you are in the market for an amazingly well-appointed double-DIN receiver, then the Sony WX-GS920BH checks off everything that matters regarding a feature list. Visit your local authorized Sony retailer for a price to install the WX-GS920BH in your vehicle, including a wire harness adapter, steering wheel interface and appropriate dash kit.
