Marine Entertainment Review: Sony

SONY CDXHS70MW MARINE HEAD UNIT
Now Sony has a complete marine audio system to enable building a powerful or very powerful sound system into your boat. Headed by the CDX-HS70MW marine CD player, the Sony stereo is built tough to withstand whatever the marine environment may throw its way, so you can enjoy great-sounding, reliable entertainment on the water. While Sony calls this model white (based on its body colour), the head unit is dominated by an easy-to-use black front panel.

Sony guards the internal circuitry with a protective coating that prevents corrosion. The water-resistant front panel will handle severe splashing and you can also fold down a panel to seal out moisture completely to keep the internals dry. The UV, salt, and fog-resistant design will keep the CDX-HS70MW entertaining you, no matter where you navigate. The radio receiver is also useful for updated weather reports and a good quality antenna will ensure reception over great distances.

With top-power sound, it's important to have a separate audio system battery or to limit ‘motor off' use, as any audio system will drain a battery substantially.

Sony's seaworthy built-in amplifier powers your music over wind, water, and motor noise. With a hefty 52W RMS x 4 channels, there's double the power of most factory car audio systems to enjoy sound above engine noise. The stereo also features outputs to accommodate an external amp or powered subwoofer, in case you crave even more power or bass. You can adjust the sound with seven preset tone curves, and use the Dynamic Soundstage Organiser feature to enhance the sonic impact of your boat's speakers.

Not only does the stereo deliver great sound, it also offers a variety of entertainment options, like CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, CDs loaded with MP3, WMA, and ATRAC files. This versatile stereo will also control a compatible ‘satellite' radio or CD changer, and Sony's optional iPod adapter enables connection from the CDX-HS70MW's faceplate. A rear auxiliary input accommodates a portable MP3 player or any other external source.

Disclaimer: All specifications and features are manufacturer's claims. Products and features may vary from the illustrations.

SONY MARINE REMOTE CONTROL RMX55M
Sony's RM-X55M wired marine remote control enables control of music from different locations, or the control can join the instrument cluster in the cockpit. This especially suits instrument clusters with no room for a head unit/controller.

When connected, the water-resistant remote can handle mode, track selection, fast-forward, rewind, volume, seek, mute and source selection.
The remote comes with an 18-foot extension cable for mounting in a variety of locations. Therefore the stereo can be safely inside the cabin, leaving the UV and salt-tested remote to deal with the sun, salt, and spray.

SONY MARINE AMPLIFIER XM604M
Long-term durability is expected from this well-tested design. For systems using the speaker-level inputs, the amplifier powers up automatically when it senses a signal, so a separate turn-on wire is not required.

The amplifier's rear channels can be bridged, turning it into a 3-channel amplifier, and the power supply delivers stable, regulated output power for clear sound. Built-in high and low-pass filters direct different frequencies to the appropriate speakers for top power and lowest distortion.

SONY 10-INCH MARINE SUBWOOFER XSL100P5M
Seafaring party animals should also check out the rugged XS-L100P5M 10-inch subwoofer sporting an incredible 800W of power and excellent stability.

For main speakers, Sony also offers a choice of 16cm dual-cone or two-way wide-range speakers, with a recommended retail price of $149 and $199/pair.

For dealers or more information, phone 1300 137 669 or visit www.sony.com.au