About the Sony DSX-M50BT
Go digital when you go for a cruise
Go digital when you go for a cruise
Not into CDs? Sony's DSX- M50BT digital media receiver is made for marine use, so you can enjoy the same great music you play at home and in your car while you're out on your boat. Built-in Bluetooth® and a handy front USB input give you plenty of ways to play your tunes, while the specialized circuit board coating, UV-resistant front panel, and anti-glare display give you the peace of mind that comes from owning a receiver that's tough enough for life on the water.
Bluetooth® and a USB port
The integrated Bluetooth offers Simple Secure Pairing, so you'll be streaming music and taking calls on the built-in microphone in no time. You can also plug your iPod®, iPhone®, Android™ smartphone, or other compatible device into the front USB port and play your favorite MP3 or WMA files while also charging the device. Sony's Quick-BrowZer® feature lets you find your music by artist, album, genre, song or playlist. The front display shows song title and artist info, then gives you caller ID info when you get a call.
Power plus control
The DSX-M50BT features a built-in Dynamic Reality Amp that's designed to produce plenty of power without noise or distortion. You can also customize the sound to suit your musical tastes using the built-in 3-band equalizer. The front and rear preamp outputs will come in handy when you expand your system in the future.
You'll also enjoy plenty of control options with the DSX-M50BT. The intuitive front panel is easy to learn, but you can use the included wireless remote or a Sony wired remote control when you're away from the receiver. Passenger Control for iPhone® and iPod® devices allows your guests to play DJ while you're at the helm.
Installation note: This marine radio is water-resistant, but we recommend mounting it in a water-resistant enclosure or using a cover for best performance.
iPod/smartphone note: If you're going to use your iPod or smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for compatibility information.
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.
This marine digital media receiver will not play CDs.
Product highlights:
General features:
- marine digital media receiver with AM/FM tuner (doesn't play CDs)
- built-in amplifier (17 watts RMS CEA-2006/55 peak x 4 channels)
- integrated Bluetooth with Simple Secure Pairing
- plays MP3 and WMA files
- partially detachable face with low glare LCD display
- conformal-coated circuit boards resist moisture
- wireless remote control
Audio features:
- Dynamic Reality Amp
- EQ3 Stage 2 equalizer with 8 presets
- Digital Clarity Tuner with Radio Data System (RDS)
Expandability:
- compatible with wired external remotes (input on rear)
- inputs: front USB input, front AUX input
- outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front and rear)
Other features and specs:
- Passenger Control for iPhone and iPod devices
- CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # DSX-M50BT
What's in the box:
- Marine digital media receiver (10A fuse)
- Face (attached)
- 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
- Face-fixing screw
- Operating Instructions (En/Fr/Sp)
- Installation/Connections sheet (En/Fr/Sp)
- US Limited Warranty sheet
- Canada Consumer 1 Year Warranty
- Face-fixing screws note
See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items
Customer reviews for Sony DSX-M50BT
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More details on the Sony DSX-M50BT
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 | No | |
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 | 6+/6/5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS/3G/2G | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | 17 watts | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | --- | |
Peak Output | 55 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 4-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | No | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | No | |
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 | 3 | |
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 | |
High-res Playback | N |
Product Research
Marine & Display Features
Built-in Bluetooth
Digital Media Integration
Audio & Tuner Section
Remote Control
Marine & Display Features
Marine Rated: The Sony DSX-M50BT marine-rated digital media receiver is ready for the marine environment with a UV resistant coating and coated circuit board. The Sony marine receiver is specifically designed to withstand the ASTM G154 test for UV resistance. This means the faceplate is treated to resist fading and discoloring after prolonged exposure to UV light. The marine receiver uses coated circuit boards which safeguards them from the humid marine environment.Detachable Face w/ Caution Alarm: The Sony DSX-M50BT digital media receiver features a detachable face for theft prevention (no face case included). An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit. If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position without detaching the front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the built-in amplifier is used. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.
1-Line LCD w/ Dimmer + Auto Scroll: The single-line LCD makes it easy to read station and song information. A dimmer function lets you dim the brightness of the display. You can choose from either DIM-ON or DIM-Off. The Auto Scroll feature allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the track is changed.
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 boat 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.
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology: The Sony DSX-M50BT 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 1.5 (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).
Secure Simple Pairing: With Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), you can easily pair a Bluetooth enabled phone to the Sony DSX-M50BT without having to enter pin codes or go through complicated settings. Once paired, the DSX-M50BT will automatically re-connect to your device when in close proximity.
Hands-Free Communication w/ Integrated Mic: The Sony DSX-M50BT 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 DSX-M50BT can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also features a front-panel integrated microphone (featuring adjustable gain), 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: Using the DSX-M50BT, you can dial a
phone number in one of the following ways.
- Entering Phone #: Allows you to manually dial a phone number using the unit's control dial.
- Preset Dial: You can store up to 6 contacts in the preset dial for quick dialing.
- Phone Book: You can store up to 1,000 contacts in the unit's phone book. Up to a 40 character name can be input for each contact.
- Call History: The unit will store the last 20 calls, allowing you to select a previous phone number quickly from the list.
- Voice Dial: You can make a call using the voice tags stored on your connected cellular phone.
- Redial: Use to easily redial the last number you called.
Wireless Audio Streaming: The Sony DSX-M50BT also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone. You'll be able to stream stored music and music apps from your mobile device to the Sony digital media receiver. The DSX-M50BT will be able to control your music's basic playback functions; such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast-Forward/Reverse, and Shuffle/Repeat. The marine receiver does not support song/artist information display. You will continue to use your Bluetooth enabled smartphone to view song/artist information and to operate advanced music navigation features.
Digital Media Integration
Front-Panel USB Port: The marine receiver's front-panel USB (type-A) port can be used for plugging in a Mass Storage Class (MSC) USB device; such as select Android smartphones (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only), portable digital audio players, or USB thumbdrives. The head unit can play MP3/WMA music files (up to 320kbps) stored on compatible USB device. The unit will recognize up to 128 folders and 512 files per folder. The receiver can display the following ID3/WMA-tag information; Track number, Elapsed Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Label. USB portable devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the digital media receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On. The Sony digital media receiver offers a variety of unique playback & search functions.
- Track/Folder List: The head unit can display a list of MP3/WMA folders and tracks on a connected USB device, so you can easily access your music.
- Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music folder in 10% increments.
- Repeat/Random: Repeat a single track or repeat an entire folder. Shuffle all tracks or a specific folder.
iPod/iPhone Audio Playback w/ DAC Bypass: The DSX-M50BT'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 App Control).
- Head Unit Control + Song/Artist Info: The DSX-M50BT'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 will be listed alphabetically. 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 DSX-M50BT 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 (music browsing cannot be done through the head unit). The Passenger Control mode does offer song/artist information display. Not all apps will be compatible with this mode.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony DSX-M50BT is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 3/19/2015):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Bluetooth | Charge | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video | Head Unit | iPod/App | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | Phone | Audio | ||||
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
4/4S | 7.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5/5C/5S | 8.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
6+/6 | 8.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
4th | 6.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
5th | 8.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
nano | 1st | 1.3.1 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
7th | 1.02PC | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
video | 5th | 1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
iPad | 1 | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N |
2/3 | 8.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | |
4/air | 8.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | |
mini | 8.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y |
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.
Audio & Tuner Section
CEA2006 Compliant Amplifier: The power specifications for the Sony DSX-M50BT 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. The power output specs for the DSX-M50BT are as follows:
- Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Peak Power Output: 55 watts x 4-channels (220 total watts)
4Ch/2V Preamp Outputs: The DSX-M50BT contains two pairs of 2-volt RCA preamp outputs; a front pair and rear pair that fade and balanced controlled.
EQ3 Stage 2: The Sony DSX-M50BT features an EQ3 Stage 2 equalizer with 8 preset equalizer curves for various types of music. You can choose from Xplod, Vocal, Edge, Cruise, Space, Gravity, Custom, or Off. The Off mode provides a flat response. The Custom mode allows you to manually adjust the Low (60 Hz), Mid (1 kHz), and High (10 kHz) frequencies from +/-10dB.
Loudness: This features reinforces bass and treble for clear sound at low volume levels.
Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Digital Clarity Tuner w/ RDS: The Sony DSX-M50BT 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.
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 of the Sony head unit and your connected devices while keeping your eyes on the road.
Wired Remote Compatibility: In addition to the supplied wireless remote, the receiver can be controlled by an optional Sony wired marine remote (sold separately; not yet available) through its wired remote control input (3.5mm) on the rear-panel.
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Very nice and simple Head unit. I Bluetooth all my audio in every vehicle and this one does not disappoint while being used on ski boat. Love the front USB and 3.5 mm inputs for other options of audio
cliff from Boca Raton, FL