About the Sony MEX-BT31PW
Bluetooth® convenience
Bluetooth® convenience
Sony's MEX-BT31PW CD receiver puts great sound and Bluetooth® connectivity into your dashboard. Hands-free calling is a given with this receiver, and you'll also enjoy wireless audio streaming from your mobile devices. Siri fans, you'll be able to talk to your assistant through this Sony, then hear her instructions through your car speakers. And if you're a Pandora® Internet radio fan, you can control your stations from the receiver, plus give "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" ratings.
Listen to your favorite Pandora stations with the MEX-BT31PW and your smartphone.
Serious sonic controls
Whether your music's on a smartphone, an iPod®, or CDs, the MEX-BT31PW has the chops to make it sound great. The built-in amp delivers realistic sound with excellent depth of field and soundstaging, and you can tweak the audio with a variety of tools, including a 7-band equalizer and digital time alignment. The two sets of preamp outputs come in handy when you expand your system with external amps or powered subs.
Want to keep your steering wheel controls?
In most cars, you'll need an adapter to retain those controls with this car stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and radio, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. You'll see the adapters that work with your vehicle when you add this receiver to your cart.
Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.
iPod/smartphone note: If you're going to use your iPod or smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for compatibility information.
Product highlights:
General Features:
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- built-in MOSFET amplifier (17 watts RMS CEA-2006/52 peak x 4 channels)
- plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files
- Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
- detachable face
- remote control
Smartphone Features (see Details for info on compatibility with specific smartphones and apps):
- built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control
- plays music files on select Android phones
- Siri Eyes Free control with compatible iPhones via Bluetooth
- Pandora Internet radio control with iPhone, Android, and Blackberry smartphones
- Quick-BrowZer, Zappin, and Jump Mode search features
Audio Features:
- EQ7 7-band equalizer with 8 preset tone curves
- DM+ Advanced improves digital file sound quality
- Listening Position time alignment
- high- and low-pass filters
- loudness
Expandability:
- inputs: front panel auxiliary input; front USB input
- outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front, rear/subwoofer)
Other Info:
- compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
- CEA-2006 compliant
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # MEXBT31PW
What's in the box:
Sony MEX-BT31PW owner's manual
- CD receiver (w/ 10A fuse)
- Face
- Sleeve (installed)
- Trim ring (installed)
- Wiring harness
- Wireless remote control (RM-X231)
- CR2025 Lithium battery (installed in remote)
- 2 Radio removal tools
- 4 Flathead ISO-mount screws
- Operating Instructions (En/Fr)
- Installation/Connections sheet (En/Fr)
- US Limited Warranty sheet
Customer reviews for Sony MEX-BT31PW
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More details on the Sony MEX-BT31PW
Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | Front | |
Audio/video Input | --- | |
USB Input | Front | |
USB Port Power | --- | |
Backup Camera Input | No | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | Bluetooth | |
Alexa Voice Control | ||
Android Control | Yes | |
Memory Card Slot | USB | |
Bluetooth Compatible | Built-in | |
Satellite Radio Ready | No | |
HD Radio | No | |
Navigation | --- | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | Classic/5Gen | |
Nano | 7/6/5/4/3/2/1 | |
Touch | 5/4/3/2/1 | |
iPhone | 5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS/3G/2G | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | 17 watts | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | --- | |
Peak Output | 52 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 4-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | No | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Video Screen | No | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | ||
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | ||
Preamp Voltage | 2 volts | |
Screen Size | --- | |
Screen Type | --- | |
Display Color | White/Black | |
Key Button Color | Blue | |
EQ Bands | 7 | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | Adapter required | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 8 dBf | |
European Tuning | No | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | Yes | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | MP3, WMA, AAC | |
High-res Playback |
Product Research
Built-in Bluetooth
Disc & USB Playback
iPod/Aux Integration
AM/FM + Pandora Radio
Audio Section
Display Features
Remote Control
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology: The Sony MEX-BT31PW is equipped with built-in Bluetooth (version 2.1+EDR), allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit. In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:
- Hands-Free Communication: HFP 1.4 (Hands Free Profile), PBAB 1.0 (Phone Book Access Profile).
- Audio Streaming: A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).
Simple Pairing: Up to 9 phones or audio devices can be registered with the MEX-BT31PW (only one device can be used at a time). The unit can be set to automatically reconnect to the last connected Bluetooth device when the ignition is turned on.
Hands-Free Communication w/ Integrated Mic: The Sony MEX-BT31PW supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone (such as your iPhone or Android smartphone). Bluetooth hands-free communication helps to minimize distraction while driving by allowing you to control your mobile phone from the head unit, so you don't have to touch your mobile phone. The controls of the MEX-BT31PW can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also features an integrated front-panel microphone, so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode.
- Answering Calls: Incoming calls can be answered manually or automatically (between 3-10 seconds) through the Sony head unit, while the ring tone is output from your car speakers and the caller's name or phone number is displayed on the head unit's LCD. Incoming calls can also be rejected if desired.
- Dialing a Number: There are a number of ways to dial a phone number using the MEX-BT31PW's front-panel controls. You can simply enter a phone number manually from the head unit's control-dial. You can also transfer your phonebook contacts (up to 1,000) to the head unit and scroll through your phone's contacts from the head unit's front-panel controls and LCD. You can even store up to six contacts as presets for even quicker dialing. In addition, the unit will store the last 20 calls that were recently received, missed, or dialed. For greater convenience, you can make a call using voice tags stored on your paired mobile phone. Redial lets you easily call back the last number you dialed.
SMS Indicator: The SMS indicator informs you of any incoming or unread SMS messages on your paired Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. You will still need to view the text message from your phone, as well as create and send text messages from your phone.
Wireless Audio Streaming (with Song/Artist Info): The Sony MEX-BT31PW also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone (such as your Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android, or Blackberry device). You'll be able to playback & control stored music and music apps on your Bluetooth-enabled mobile device through the head unit; basic playback functions include - Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast-Forward/Reverse, and Shuffle/Repeat. The head unit will also display your stored music's and music app's song information; such as Artist name and Song/Album title. Advanced music navigation features will still need to be done through your Bluetooth-enabled mobile device.
Siri Eyes Free Control: When paired and connected with an iPhone 4S or 5/5C/5S via Bluetooth (not USB), the Sony MEX-BT31PW has the ability to access Siri through its front-panel controls and integrated microphone. Simply activate the "voice dial" function on the MEX-BT31PW to engage Siri and use the integrated microphone to communicate with Siri. Siri's voice will heard through your vehicle's speakers. All Siri functions including hands-free calling, music search, setting reminders, text-messaging, audible navigation, and more can be done through the head unit and its microphone. You can even ask Siri to get directions to a destination and the turn-by-turn instructions will heard through your vehicle's speakers, while the on-screen map still displays on your iPhone 4S/5/5C/5S. The head unit's audio is attenuated while Siri provides audible directions.
Disc & USB Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs. The unit supports the playback of MP3/WMA/AAC music files on a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
USB Port: The receiver's front-panel USB (type-A) port can be used for plugging in a (MSC) Mass Storage Class USB device; such as select Android smartphones (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only), portable digital audio players, or USB thumb drives. The head unit can play MP3, WMA, and AAC music files stored on compatible USB device. USB portable devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The Sony MEX-BT31PW supports the following types of MP3, WMA, AAC files recorded onto CD-R/RW disc or loaded onto a USB mass storage class device.
Media Type | CD-R/RW | USB MSC Device |
---|---|---|
File System | ISO9660 Level 1/2, Romeo, or Joliet | FAT 12/16/32 |
Playable File Types | MP3/WMA/AAC: bit rate up to 320kbps | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 150 folders/300 files | 10,000 files |
Tags | ID3 tag (version 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4), WMA tag |
Compressed Audio Display Information: The CD receiver can display the following ID3/WMA-tag information; Track number, Elapsed Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Title.
Search Functions: The Sony CD receiver offers three unique search functions to help you find your music.
- Quick-BrowZer: The unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allow you to search for a track on a CD or connected USB Mass Storage Device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist).
- Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments.
- Zappin: With the Zappin feature, you can play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your CD or connected USB device.
Off Insert/Eject + Auto Reload: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. The head unit will automatically begin disc playback, when a disc is inserted with the receiver set to a different source or powered off. The CD player will automatically reinsert the disc if it's ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.
Mounting Angle: For proper CD playback, this unit must be mounted between 0 (horizontal) and 45-degrees.
iPod/Aux Integration
iPod/iPhone Audio Playback w/ DAC Bypass: The MEX-BT31PW's front-panel USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via the iPod dock or Lightning connector-to-USB cable that comes with your iPod or iPhone (not included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for iPod/iPhone connection lets you directly connect, charge, & control select iPod/iPhones via the USB jack on the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title & artist name on the front display. The USB connection bypasses the iPod/iPhone's DAC and uses the head unit's 1-bit DAC to maximize sound quality. You can choose to control the your iPod/iPhone from the head unit (Head Unit Control Mode) or from the Apple device's clickwheel/touchscreen (Passenger Control).
- Head Unit Control: The MEX-BT31PW's Quick-BrowZer feature allows you to browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song, Genre, Playlist, or Podcast from the head unit's front-panel control; content in each category can be search alphabetically (A-Z). The unit also offers basic playback controls; such as Play/Pause, Fast Forward/Rewind, Previous/Next Track, and Repeat/Random. During Head Unit Control mode, the MEX-BT31PW will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information; including track #, elapsed playing time, song title, artist name, and album label. Newer Apple devices with iOS 6.0+ allow you to continue to use your Apple device's touchscreen to navigate your stored music and access music apps; older iPod/iPhone devices will be locked during connection.
- Passenger Control: In Passenger Control mode, you can navigate the stored music on your iPod/iPhone device through its clickwheel or touchscreen; as well as music apps on an iPhone (iOS 3.0+). Basic playback functions, such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track are still available from the head unit. Advanced music navigation will need to be done from your Apple device. You'll also still be able to view song/artist information on the head unit's LCD.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony MEX-BT31PW is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 4/9/2014):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Bluetooth | Charge | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video | Head Unit | iPod/App | Pandora App | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | Phone | Audio | Siri | ||||
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | |
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | |
4 | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | |
4S | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5 | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5C | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5S | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
4th | 6.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
5th | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
nano | 1st | 1.3.1 | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
2nd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
7th | 1.02PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
video | 5th | 1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
iPad | 1 | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N |
2 | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | |
3 | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | |
4 | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | |
mini | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
air | 7.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N |
Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front panel stereo 3.5mm mini-jack is provided to allow the connection of a portable audio source. Just connect your portable digital music player to this unit, and you can listen to the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio system. The volume level of the auxiliary input is adjustable from -8 to +18 dB to compensate for any difference between the unit and your portable device. The aux input can be deactivated in the menu, so it does not appear as an available source.
AM/FM + Pandora Radio
Digital Clarity Tuner w/ RDS: The Sony MEX-BT31PW is equipped with a Digital Clarity Tuner for clear AM/FM stereo sound with digital processing technology. The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist & track information when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. The radio features 5 memory bands to store and receive AM/FM stations. You can store up to 6 presets in each in band (FM 1-3/AM 1-2), for a total of 18 FM presets and 12 AM presets. Presets can be stored automatically using the Best Tuning Memory (BTM) feature.
Pandora Internet Radio: The Sony MEX-BT31PW CD receiver lets you playback and control the Pandora Internet Radio music service that is being streamed to your Apple iPhone, Android smartphone, or BlackBerry. The Sony MEX-BT31PW will also display Artist, Album, & Song information provided by the Pandora app on your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry smartphone. Your iPhone (iOS 5.0 or later) will need to be connected to the head unit's front-panel USB port with the latest version of the Pandora App from Apple's App Store. Your Android or BlackBerry smartphone must be connected via Bluetooth to the Sony MEX-BT31PW (no hard-wired connection required); your Bluetooth-enabled Android or BlackBerry smartphone must have the latest version of the Pandora App from the Android Market or the BlackBerry App World. Your Android or BlackBerry smartphone must also support A2DP, AVRCP, and SPP Bluetooth profiles. Your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry smartphone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. In addition, you will need an active Pandora music service account. The Sony MEX-BT31PW provides the following control over the Pandora music service streamed to your USB-connected iPhone or Bluetooth-enabled Android or BlackBerry smartphone.
- Station List w/ Shuffle: You can select Pandora stations from your Station List by date or alphabetically (A-Z). Shuffle allows you to listen to tracks played on one or more Pandora stations in your station list randomly.
- Skip Songs: You can skip song tracks within a station. You cannot skip back to a previous song. Pandora limits the number of skips allowed.
- Thumbs Up/Down: You can give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down to help Pandora personalize stations to suit your preferences.
- Bookmarking: The song or artist currently being played can be bookmarked & stored in your Pandora account.
Note: Access to the Pandora service will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone or smartphone to connect to the Internet. Pandora is not supported in Canada and only available in the United States.
Audio Section
CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the Sony MEX-BT31PW are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers.
- Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Peak Power Output: 52 watts x 4-channels
4Ch/2V Pre-Outs + Sub Control: The MEX-BT31PW contains two pairs of 2-volt RCA preamp outputs (Front, Rear/Sub). A front pair and another pair that can be set for the rear channels or for non-fading subwoofer operation. When the unit's subwoofer output is activated, the preamp output becomes non-fading and a low pass filter is activated with a selectable cut-off frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the low-pass crossover. You can adjust the subwoofer preamp output's volume level independently from the head unit's volume control from -10 to +10 in 1dB increments. In addition, you can select the phase of the subwoofer output from Normal or Reverse.
High-Pass Filter: The front & rear speaker outputs offer a selectable high-pass crossover frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover.
Advanced Sound Engine: Sony's Advanced Sound Engine creates an ideal in-car sound field with digital signal processing. Advanced Sound Engine contains the following features: EQ7, Listening Position, DM+ Advanced, Rear Bass Enhancer, & Dynamic Loudness.
- EQ7: You can select an equalizer curve from eight music types - Xplod, Vocal, Edge, Cruise, Space, Gravity, Custom, or Off (Flat). The Custom EQ7 mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You can adjust the level (+/-6dB) of seven different frequency bands - Band1 (63Hz), Band2 (160Hz), Band3 (400Hz), Band4 (1kHz), Band5 (2.5khz), Band6 (6.3khz), and Band7 (16.0kHz).
- Listening Position: This unit can change the localization of sound by delaying the sound output from each speaker to suit your position, and simulate a natural sound field with the feeling of being in the center of it wherever you sit in the car. You can choose from Front Right, Front Left, Front Center, or Off. You can also set the subwoofer distance of the subwoofer to Near, Normal, or Far
- RBE (Rear Bass Enhancer): RBE enhances the bass sound by applying the low-pass filter setting to the rear speakers. This function allows the rear speakers to work as a subwoofer even if there is no subwoofer connected.
- Dynamic Loudness: Dynamic Loudness refers to compensating for volume level & signal gain.
- DM+ Advanced: DM+ Advanced improves digitally compressed sound by restoring high frequencies lost in the compression process (works only for USB).
Automatic Level Optimizer: Automatic Level Optimizer analyzes each track's playback level & adjusts the output level to optimize transitions between tracks & sources.
Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Display Features
Detachable Face w/ Caution Alarm: The Sony MEX-BT31PW features a detachable face for theft prevention. If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position without detaching the head unit's front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the unit's built-in amplifier is used. No face case is included with this unit. An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit.
Auto Scroll: The Auto Scroll feature allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the track is changed on a disc.
Display Illumination/Clock Display: Pressing the Source/Off button once will switch sources. Pressing and holding the Source/Off button for one second will turn off audio output, but the clock display and button illumination remain on. To turn the unit off completely, you must press and hold the Source/Off button for two seconds.
Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory power wire at the radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting a set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or No.
Demo Mode: The head unit's demo mode can be turned On or Off.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote Control: The head unit comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control (RM-X231) for easy operation. The included wireless remote allows you to control the basic functions (not Bluetooth) of the Sony head unit while keeping your eyes on the road.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.
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So far I am loving this receiver. Of course with any new upgrade there is a learning curve you have to get through. Going from a Pioneer to this Sony, definitely has me scratching my head at some things, but so far the quality has been better than I expected.
Dan from Garden Grove, CA