Testing a “400” watt head unit that can power a subwoofer?? Sony DSX-GS80 review
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
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Your review was very accurate. I've had the chance to play with one of these and for the price it is rock solid. The only thing I would add is I would recommend a ported enclosure and an efficient sub combo. That way you get the most out of the sub output.
@HifiVega thanks for the video. I'm now debating getting the marine version of this stereo because it has a cd player (I still use CD, not very often but nice to have just in case) & still has the 45 rms x4 chann. Not sure why Sony discontinued the regular car version of the high power model that had CD Player but kept the marine. I'm just hoping I do not have the same 'output error' problem that alot of customers seem to have with these. Wanted to get the Sony AX7000 that asked you about in your other video but I'm just having a hard time justifying paying $500 for it when I feel it lacks too many features. The single din Kenwood you reviewed is sold out on Crutchfield which seemed like a nice stereo especially for only being $120!
@@itdoesntmatterwhatyourname6128 I got mine from Crutchfield
When I hit the extra bass button, the rear speakers cut out. Help
@@kongmengchar6418 for extra power need, you need to connect the head unit directly to the battery, please refer to the user manual.
The Sony MEX-XB100BT dynos at 45x4 rms @4ohm and 75x4 rms @2ohm Both absolutely amazing head units. The MEX-XB100BT has a true 120db signal to noise ratio which is the highest ever tested on any head unit manufacturered but I can't find the s/n ratio for this deck. The s/n ratio is one of the most important and most overlooked specs on a head unit. I've personally tested the mex-xb100bt side by side with over 100 head units some retailing for over $1000 and the Sony blows them all away. I have this dsx-gs80 on the way for testing and I have high hopes for it.
I just bought a pair of Infinity 822MLW marine speakers for my boat. Do think this unit alone will power those two speakers decent?
Did you ever get around to testing this unit?
I've had a Sony MEX-XB100BT in the past but, with the "Mega Bass" option disabled, it just didn 't have enough bass for me (paired with volkswagen stock speakers). Maybe there was something going wrong in the power amplifier section, but the head unit was used and out of warranty. Plus, my old subwoofer was distorting a little and the remote cable for the amplifier was damaged. Then, I realized that it was the time to upgrade to a Pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB head unit, and (sigh...) to remove the subwoofer. While I am satisfied with the new head unit, I really miss my old Macrom subwoofer😢...
I agree with you regarding the Mex-Xb100bt Sony
any update? i may replace my xb100bt for the gs80
I have the sony mex-xb100bt 40 watts rms x 4 @14.4V in my tiny hyundai hatchbag, 1997 Boston acoustics rx 57 coaxial in the front door's hpf60hz slope 3, a test setup, it is loud and clear, and a tiny swedish Dls rxt6 6,5inch tube sub lpf 60hz slope 2, powered by a PG sapphire sa 3.0x, system playing perfect from 35hz to 14800hz, my ears are 50 yo lol! 14800 hz omg! but a fun little setup so far
I tested with z5500 subwoofer. Was very impressed. Plenty of power to drive a small sub. I have big estate car and there was plenty of bass coming from the back
Thank you for the review! I'm gutting my 2002 Yukon stereo with this. Added 4 6.5 Rockford Fosgate speakers and a 8 inch Rockford shallow sub to it. Haven't finished the deck install because my Tahoe has this whole amp bypass thing and awaiting the parts to do it. I'm very excited tho. All my speakers were factory and paper mache... So no matter what it'll be an upgrade
Looks like a great alternative to the Pioneer 80PRS. Too bad the sub channel didn't really double power, that's kinda odd. I have some Pioneer head units here that say they can be bridged, I should try them as comparison. Does this head unit support more file types than the 80PRS? Also, does it display text on the screen when you use Spotify? Also I'm wondering if they fudged those 5V preouts...at least it has a volume knob! That makes it a winner in my books. Great vid homie!
It had so many features I couldn’t be bothered to try and figure them all out 🤣
I still rock my old sony 77- something or other. It's the big dog from 2000 has great sound.
My question is would this be a better unit than a Kenwood excelon kdc 702/704 as far as EQ adjustments ?
The output of the class d chip is already bridged. So u can only pbtl if sony allows it. & Even then it would not make more power at 4ohm. U would need 2ohm or 1ohm load to get 100w ..
Just bought this unit from Crutchfield very happy with it iam running Dual alpine swe-1043 subs alpine spe-6000 speakers 4 of them a alpine mrv-m500 amp and now this head unit i find my systems sounds so much better than it did with a Panasonic head unit.I was going to buy the alpine cde-175bt but choose the sony instead glad i did it thanks for the video it was one of the reasons why i bought it
I've been waiting for someone to review this unit. Thank you sir. This is perfect for my Miata where space is limited.
The Sony MEX-XB100BT was 100x4 with CD. It was awesome. I messed up; I sold mine on Ebay a few years ago. I want another one, but they're discontinued.
LOL same here looking for a unit for my mx5. do you used it?
For those people out there, The IC in the 45x4 sony decks is the TI TAS5414C. I Find the efficiency being in the low 30's VERY odd. usually only true class A or heavy bias class AB amps get that low. The TAS5414C's datasheet states at 4 Ohm 28Wx4 efficiency to be about 92%. I Suspect that DC-DC power supply inside the unit to raise the supply voltage is messing with your ratings
%30 would be gettin maaaad hot 😅
It's because in that particular test, he still was driving all channels and just set the amp to sub bridge, which at 4 ohms gave him the same power output of roughly 50W but he probably calculated the efficiency by dividing just ONE channel output by total output while he was driving all the other channels as well. I'd say it would be roughly 80-90% since 3x50W output into 4 ohms / 170W total power draw
Glad someone actually did this. I've been trying to find in depth info on this unit and it's nonexistent. Not even Sony provides anything in-depth on the high power technology. I was once sent a screenshot of the SMD meter reading 360w for the sub by an installer/shop owner. I'm assuming that was testing something else like peak burst wattage or something?
Maybe they were running it at a lower impedance on music? A music number will usually be higher by itself
I can attest that during Sony training here in Utah. They had a Chevy with a full Sony speaker system. Front rear and subwoofer set up powered entirely off of this deck and I had to say it was impressive as hell for just a deck.
angellaketown it would be interesting to do a full set up with it
HifiVega I tell you it was impressive for just deck. Perfect for like one of my kids first system without all the equipment. Won’t replace a real amp but hey wasn’t meant to just another option for minimal equipment setup
Could it run a setup of 60w rms front/rear and 200w 4ohm sub?
@@angelvip2474 really good options for a simple diy upgrade
It’s a good option for something like a standard cab mini truck, where you don’t have a whole lot of room.
I have the dsx-gs900 head unit. The wiring should be similar to this unit. Can you explain how I connect the left and right rear outputs to a subwoofer? It is not explained in the manual. All it says is to run the deck in 2 ohm mode.
I'd like to see where it starts to distort on all channels and actual volt output on rca outs along with distortion on those as well
Very impressive and I agree it is value packed. A thought....testing real RCA volt output and distortion levels (radio and RCAs).
I meant to test rms voltage out. If I had a thd meter I’d test that too
@@HifiVega I think where this head unit shines is in the RCA outs... when I install these they're much more powerful than any other head unit to the amplifiers.
You can’t use a 15 amp fuse with this deck. If you actually read the manual it states that you must wire directly to the battery not the fuse panel because it draws more current than the fuse at the factory panel.
Or at least that’s what the model from 2018 states.
You can, but won't be able to use the internal amp to its full potential. I spoke with a Sony rep at Knowledgefest who confirmed that "because people don't read instructions" they did implement a protection for that into all the high power decks, where if it starts to see voltage drop under load (due to using undersized OEM wiring) it will automatically dial back the power to prevent said people from constantly blowing fuses.
I've personally tasted with a XB100BT, and at least on that model, yes it is true. On a factory circuit, it will not blow a 15A fuse, because if you turn it up there is a noticeable cap once you reach a certain output level, and it will not go any louder regardless of how much more you increase the volume. Switch to a direct 10awg battery feed, the cap disappears and the deck lets you use all available power.
Is there a lot of distortion from head unit when at higher power ? Can you teat the clipping point of the unit ?
I don’t have a thd meter, but at 3/4 volume it’s very clean
I just bought this from my local audio shop for my semi truck I didn’t believe the owner when she told me that they could power a sub
I can power 2 subs. I use it to do just that and it works well.
Only headunits like this are worth more than 150$. These 300+ plus double dins with a basic maybe 20w rms headunits are dick riculous.
I agree
Call me old, but I just can't seem to walk away from the CD....I guess I'm just OLD SCHOOL...LOL
I feel you!
Same here! I felt many years that “something is missing” with those “media” hu:s.. 😁
Check out the Sony MEX-XB120BT same output as this one just with a cd player as well 👍
Sony next 820bt same power and features but has cd player and another aux input too
@@paulgood2218 I've used ,Sherwood,Panasonic,kenwood,Sony, jvc,but I must say I'm alpine man..lol
Seems like Sony is moving back to it's ES roots. :-)
We can wish!
I'm having trouble getting my sub to operate on my boat. Using a new Sony MEX-M72BT, Clarion 10" sub. I have x2 RCA connections out receiver, bare wire sub. I've splicing, etc. Not working. How should I connect these two?
Hopefully Sony fans really enjoy this. It seems like they were really falling out of the audio scene.
I think the entire GS line is an attempt to reach out to us enthusiast
Damn sony why not use the pbtl feature of this chip. It should do 150w if two channels are put in parallel & with 2ohm speaker.
Old post but, my guess is overheating. It's already gonna be hot, and its hot being the dash as well from the heater core.
From my experience sony is the best headunit to get. Ive had sony, pioneer, jvc, dual, and kenwood. Bought a kenwood for my sierra and wished id gotten a sony.....lol.
I gotta soft spot for Kenwood
I always loved the clarions and nakamichi, the kenwood excelons were really good as well. Now there are alot of chinese off brand that makes decent h/u with a crazy amount of features for under 300. As long as you dont need a cd player and have room for a double din sized tiltable screen .
I need help,my set up is a skar zvx 8 dual 4 in a prefab skar SPL series running off a skar rp800.1 I believe I’m not getting the full potential on this sub. What would you recommend I should do with what I have,thank you
Would you get 4x45 w rms if you hooked each channel to a 4 ohm load, like in a car? Thanks for the vid
Yes
Round about yes
45-55 watts rms is more realistic
I bought a Sony MEX-XB120BT. It has the same power ratings. It was the reason I purchased the head unit. It saved me an amplifier. It has a very clean signal. With my DD1 it has less than 1% distortion at full volume. I think it's a great option for people that may be trying to save a few bucks. I got mine on sale for 179 at Crutchfield. Thanks for the review!
How u sure it has the same power ratingsV
@@leguito08 well when one company's power ratings are proven accurate, we tend to trust that all their ratings are accurate even tho they haven't all been tested by BigD. But if that isn't good enough, you can always clamp test whatever you're using.
@@russellburgan9023 i dont know which one buy this one of the review or the DSX - A416 BT or the one you bought, can you help me?
@@russellburgan9023 And even if a company’s ratings are NOT accurate, chances are they are fairly consistent between models.
Where do you connect the subwoofer wires to?
Im just looking for a good quality headunit. Im trying to have a 4 12” sub set up in my truck: i plan on upgrading the stock speakers in my truck too.
That unit is bada$$!!! Some people don’t understand how loud you can actually get off 88 watts. 🤔 I might have to do something with that idea. Great upload brotha!!! Keep up the great content!!
3RD ERA you can do a few things with 88watts
HifiVega true true!!
Can you explain something to me? I recently bought 400w pioneer speakers, can this sony power them at the maximum they want?
I think this is pretty awesome. Good test. Love the fact it has a sub channel. I can imagine this in tight 2 seater car sports car with slim line subwoofer.
That would be a nice set up
In this set-up would it be pointless to add an active slimline subwoofer? A passive would make more sense right?
Great test I have been curious about this unit for a while now. It's a shame it doesn't have a "network mode" like the pioneers have so you can split the inernal amp (actively) between mids & highs. I guess with that much power though you can afford to run passive crossovers on each speaker and still get decent sq/headroom
Just buy a speaker set that has separate crossovers for tweeter and mid. Thats what ill do soon.
What is the feature called that lets you run the subwoofer off the radio?
I just bought the mex-gs820bt from crutchfield . same set up amp with 3 year warranty from sony
Nice! I love Crutchfield I’ve been a customer for many years
Just bought a $200 amp and $70 speakers I should have around 200 rms to the mids and highs… I imagine it will get loud?
So are they capable of runnung 2 coaxial 4 inch speakers on 60 watts and 2 coaxial oval 9 inch speakers on 100 watts?
I got this unit to power my door speakers in my 2003 passat and god damn is it loud. Extremely well sounding too.
did it give you any issues?
anyproblems blown any fuses and did you rewire power directly from battery or just original wiring?
@klegolas4088 have it in my 96 mustang. I ran a dedicated wire to my battery just to be safe. I used like 8 gauge, even though the connector that goes into the head unit is like 16 gauge.
"Hit the thumbs down twice..it always helps" 😂🤣😂🤣..I dont think Sony will be getting my $$$ but nice review 👍
🤘🏼
So how big or how much rms sub can handle only by it self ?
Quick question I'm planning to run this beauty with an external Phase Linear PB Four a pair of MB Quart components and and 12 inch Kicker sub. Do I have to run a direct power cable to the car battery or its OK with the car wiring harness?
What's your opinion when it comes to build quality of the internals, will you consider it premium as quality of the circuits?
Thnx in advance
Go straight to the battery if you can
@@HifiVega will this make a difference in performance?
I'm not knowledgeable when it comes down to subs and amps. So, how do you hookup a sub directly to this head unit?
You can use either the 3rd or 4th or both rear speaker leads to hook up a sub. I use both leads and each one drives one 8 inch subwoofer in my set-up.
Hi guys. I have a super small area to mount a Car radio reciever. About 6 inch across, 2 inches high, and 6 inches deep. Dose anyone know of a Make or Model, thxs 🤞
This one might be a bit too deep you could check out some of the mechless models they’re shallower
I have an older version that also plays CDs in my daily and I love it. The only thing I hate is maybe 2wice a year it freaks out and resets itself. Im curious about this new one for my one car b/c all I want is a good set of front speakers and a lightweight simple sub to round it out. I dont want a separate amp
I have an amp running the sub with mine, but yeah, it has randomly glitched on me a couple times. The only settings I alter are HPF & LPF so as long as it keeps turning on I'll deal with it.
So its real give 100x4 ?!
Do I Need to plug my speakers in rca to get full power or its correct with the normal wire of the harnest
Love it
Which physical points on the rear do you wire the sub to? I know it is a dumb question but which pair of phono connectors is channel 4?
Скажите пожалуйста, как подключить сабвуфер к проводам,к каким? Напрямую.
I have this and love it. Im thinking to run 3 ways on the front channels up front at 1.34 ohms.. I know ill be pushing it but it seems to be 2ohm stable. What are your thoughts? Thankyou~
I have 3 4-ohm speakers per side up front.
If you’re using a crossover they should maintain the 4ohm impedance
@@HifiVega I'm not using a crossover
The internal amp is only stable down to 2 ohms. I would not run it at 1.34 ohms or it could burn up easily since it's not a large amp and the internal cooling isn't great if it's stuffed into a small radio space. I run mine at 2ohms to power four 6x8's in parrallel (2ohms) and I use the rear two channels to power two dvc subs (2ohms). It sounds awesome for what it is.
@@biggtastee2401 Awesome! Thank you for your comment! I have been running it in 1.34 for over one month daily with no problems so far. I do have a DSP and 8 channels of amp power going in the car soon. A strong stout lil amp but i will release it of duty soon. ;)
My head unit says its 25 watts x 4. That means it is more powerful than the 2 Fosgate Punch 45s I was going to install. I guess I dont need those amps. The amps are only 22.5 watts a channel. Saves me a lot of time and no need for a long RCA run or battery run.
Ha! Those RF’s do double that.
There's also a head unit not mainly advertized as 4x100W, but it has the NFC bells and whistles. MEX-GS820BT. It's very hard to find differences in features between these two. I like the subdued styling of this one better though.
Jarred Vista
A year and a half after this video is made. Is there an updated version of this or anything that has an internal amp? I want to install a good head unit in a jeep TJ but don't want to add a standalone amp. I'm liking the idea of these powerful head units. Thanks
$199 Sony sign me up 4 2...
$350+ 4 Pioneer DEH80PRS if U can find it N.O.S...it's over 11-12 yrs old
$1,999 4 Pioneer DEH99PRS
Great video audio tutorial commentary demo editing unbias observation & testing HiFi " U da B E S T ! "
I have the Mex Xb100bt and I'm not seeing any performance differences. I know they switched it from the stand alone power and ground to all in one harness. What's your take on this
Little cool for what I think 💬 yeah
Nice! 176 watts for a head unit is stout. The flexibility of different ohm loads and bridging for a subwoofer should make this a winner for Sony. An endorsement from Hifivega isn't going to hurt either.
Ha they probably wish I didn’t test it!
Stephania Route
Can we choose between network mode and Standard mode?
What was the max volume of the headunit before clipping? I have the same unit but when tuning with my dd1 it start to distort at around volume 27.
I didn’t check on this one while I had it on the bench, but I’m sure it’s close to the same
Awesome video! Ive always liked sony some of the best equiptment I've ever owned my whole system in the livingroom is sony except for my cerwin vega subs.
Can’t lose with a Vega!
Rodriguez Stream
Could this be a new wave of, lots of class d amps are small, little and hardly any heat.I remember my old pioneer sometimes would make a car smell. How hot that woud get plus car had no A/C
Didn’t even get warm through all my tests
We do need more head unit tests. Reddit is overloaded with noobs buying 200 watt boss head units.
There are only a few of us still using them
Shana Extension
Guys what 8" sub you recommends that this hu will do decent job, not mad for amp for now 🤔
Something efficient maybe a Kicker comp c, Savard Rap, Image Dynamics ID
@@HifiVega thank you
@@HifiVega Kicker CWRT82 what you think?
Hey, thanks for a great video.
I'm looking to upgrade the OEM head unit of my Scenic III, along with front and back speakers (without subwoofer). Do you have any advice in which direction should I go when choosing speakers? 2 ohm, 4 ohm, 8 ohm? I'm mostly into Hi_Fi stereo but I'm a DUD when it comes to car stereo, just bought my first car actually :D
The standard would be 4ohm speakers for replacement in most vehicles. Some of the factory Bose systems run 2ohm drivers, but that’s an outlier. If your upgrading the HU then 4ohm will serve you well
So I have to alpine speakers 80 watt rms and 280 watt peak will it be good to power x2 speakers?? I was assuming no because 4x100 rms it would only be 2x200 on just 2 speakers drive a older bmw so only has 2 speakers it’s convertible
Corbin Squares
Attempting to use an iPhone from the Sony's rear USB gives me a "USB Overload" error message.
Alf Underpass
AH Sh** doesn't have CD :( I did read in the manual that you got to connect the head unit directly to the battery to get the extra power.
Stoltenberg Harbors
Friesen Highway
What’s max volume on pre outs before clip ?
I didn’t test this one for that... I did this HU before I had the way I wanted to test hu’s down
Cathy Cliffs
Elouise Branch
Jamison Overpass
MacGyver Bypass
Reinger Mountains
Brendon Harbors
Angela Shores
Corkery Junction
Deondre Plain
Baylee Drive
Larkin Fields
Wolf Springs
Parisian Ridges
Graham Avenue
Eliane Forest
I'm running the same deck and a Audiopipe apmn 1300 with one audiopipe bdc2 12 I need someone to tell me how to set the deck for the hpf and LPF
Presley Island
Does anyone know the power cumsumption on this one? Got one, in my camper and im afraid it uses alot of power. And it really should'ent with a class d amp.
Jaden Tunnel
Antone Squares
Andres Spur
Priscilla Camp
I wish i could find one of these. I just need a decently powerful /clean deck, but these are sold out everywhere.
A lot of head units are sold out nowadays
@@HifiVega I got one! Good enough for a high sensitivity 8" sub and a couple of decent 6-1/2's
Great video. I've always loved Sony head units.
Thanks
Kohler Glens
Dickens Key