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Sony CDX-G1200U CD receiver

Item # 158G1200U

When I buy electronics, I concentrate on getting just what I need, and I avoid techy gizmos and extra features I...

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When I buy electronics, I concentrate on getting just what I need, and I avoid techy gizmos and extra features I...

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Item # 158G1200U

Shop all Sony Car Stereos

About the Sony CDX-G1200U

Ken Nail

A sound investment

When I buy electronics, I concentrate on getting just what I need, and I avoid techy gizmos and extra features I don't need. So if you're in the market for solid performance from a car stereo without a lot of bells and whistles, I think you should take a look at Sony's CDX-G1200U CD receiver.  

A sound investment

When I buy electronics, I concentrate on getting just what I need, and I avoid techy gizmos and extra features I don't need. So if you're in the market for solid performance from a car stereo without a lot of bells and whistles, I think you should take a look at Sony's CDX-G1200U CD receiver.  

Sony CDX-1200U

The CDX-G1200U has a detachable face to deter theft.

Count the options

This versatile Sony will play your favorite CDs, including discs with MP3, WMA, and WAV files. The handy front-panel USB input handles your Android phone and your thumb drives, while it charges your mobile devices (sorry no iPod®/iPhone® control). The front-panel aux input will take care of any other devices, and you can tune in your favorite AM/FM stations to catch up on the news or listen to the ball game.

Crank it up

This receiver's punchy amplifier offers more than enough power to wake up your dormant factory speakers or drive a couple of nice new pairs. And for sound tweaking, the 10-band adjustable EQ will zero in on the exact sound you want. If you want to expand your system, you can use the set of preamp outputs to plug in a powered subwoofer or amplifier.

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. 

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Product highlights:

  • CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
  • built-in amplifier (20 watts RMS CEA-2006/55 peak x 4 channels)
  • detachable face with single-line display
  • MP3/WMA playback from CD or USB thumb drives
  • FLAC file playback through USB
  • remote control
Smartphone Features:
  • AOA 2.0 and MTP support for music file and streaming audio playback from select Android devices through USB input
Audio Features:
  • plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, and USB memory devices (see Details for full capabilities)
  • EQ10 10-band equalizer with 11 presets
  • Extra Bass bass boost
  • subwoofer level control
  • high- and low-pass crossovers
Expandability:
  • inputs: front USB and AUX inputs
  • outputs: 3-channel preamp outputs (2-volt rear and mono subwoofer)
Other Features and Specs:
  • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
  • CEA-2006 compliant
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # CDXG1200U

What's in the box:

  • CD receiver (10A fuse)
  • Face
  • Sleeve (installed)
  • Trim ring (installed)
  • Wiring harness
  • Remote control (RM-X211)
  • CR2025 Lithium battery (installed in remote)
  • 2 Radio removal tools
  • 4 ISO-mount screws
  • Operating Instructions (En/Fr)
  • Face-fixing screw note
  • Warranty Information

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Customer reviews for Sony CDX-G1200U

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4.5 out of 5 stars
83 reviews

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More details on the Sony CDX-G1200U

Stacey B.

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 N
Android Control Yes
Memory Card Slot USB memory
Bluetooth Compatible No
Satellite Radio Ready No
HD Radio No
Navigation ---
iPod Compatibility
Full size N/A
Nano N/A
Touch N/A
iPhone N/A
General
RMS Power (CTA-2006) 20 watts
RMS Power (Manufacturer) ---
Peak Output 55 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs 3-channel
Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
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
Key Button Color Red
EQ Bands 10
Wireless Remote Yes
Steering Wheel Control Compatible Adapter required
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
Tuner
FM Sensitivity 7 dBf
European Tuning No
Seek/Scan Seek
Radio Data System Yes
File Playback
Music File Playback MP3, WMA, FLAC
High-res Playback N
The Sony CDX-G1200U replaces these items:

Product Research

Disc & USB Playback
Android + Aux Integration
Audio & Tuner Section
Display &  Remote Features

Disc & USB Playback

Disc Compatibility: The Sony CDX-G1200U 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 music files on a CD-R or CD-RW disc.

  • Off Insert/Eject: A CD 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.
  • Auto Reload: 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°.

USB Mass Storage Class Device Playback: The CD receiver's front-panel USB (type-A) port allows you to connect a USB Mass Storage Class (MSC), such as a USB thumbdrive or portable digital audio player. The USB port enables audio playback & control of MP3, WMA, & FLAC audio files stored on your portable USB MSC device through the Sony head unit. Basic playback controls included Play/Pause, FW/RW, Previous/Next Track, and Random/Repeat. Song/artist information such as track, artist, and album name will also be displayed on the receiver. In addition, USB devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (1A) and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

Compatible Music Files: The Sony CDX-G1200U supports the following types of compressed music files recorded onto CD-R/RW disc or loaded onto a USB mass storage class device.

Media Type Disc (CD-R/RW) USB (MSC or MTP)
File System ISO9660 Level 1/2, Romeo, or Joliet, FAT 12/16/32
Playable File Types MP3: bit rate of 8-320kbps w/ sampling frequency of 16-48kHz
WMA: bit rate of 32-192kbps w/ sampling frequency of 32, 44.1, or 48kHz
FLAC:  bit depth of 16 or 24-bit w/ sampling frequency of 44.1 or 48kHz
MP3: bit rate of 8-320kbps w/ sampling frequency of 16-48kHz
WMA: bit rate of 32-192kbps w/ sampling frequency of 32, 44.1, or 48kHz
Maximum # of Folders/Files 150 folders/300 files 256 folders/256 files per folder
Tags ID3 tag (version 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4), WMA tag, FLaC

Compressed Audio Display Information: The CD receiver can display the following music file information; Track number, Elapsed Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Title.

Search Functions: The Sony CD receiver offers several unique search functions.

  • 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.
Android + Aux Integration

Android Direct Connect via USB: The Sony CDX-G1200U enables playback of stored music and music apps on select Android devices through its front-panel USB-A 2.0 port. There are two types of modes to choose from based on your type of Android smartphone and what content you want to listen to.

  • AOA 2.0 (Stored Music & Music Apps): The CDX-G1200U supports Android Open Accessory 2.0 (AOA 2.0), which lets  you connect your Android smartphone (OS 4.1-7.1.2) to the receiver's front-panel USB port and listen to stored music and select music apps from your Android device through the Sony head unit. You'll be able to control basic playback functions such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track. Other advanced music navigation will still be done from your Android smartphone's touchscreen. In this mode, the head unit will not display song/artist information; you'll continue to view song/artist information from the Android device's touchscreen. You'll still be able to access other functions and applications from your Android smartphone's touchscreen, while listening to music through the head unit. If you make a call or answer a call from your smartphone while listening to music in this mode, the music will pause until you are finished with the call and then start back up again.
  • MTP (Stored Music + Song/Artist Info): The CDX-G1200U also supports MTP for playback & control of stored MP3/WMA music files on your Android (OS 4.0+) device through the Sony receiver's front-panel USB port. In this mode, you get basic playback control (like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track), plus song/artist information on the receiver's LCD screen. During MTP connection, you cannot use your Android smartphone's touchscreen to control music playback and you cannot select music apps from your smartphone for playback. However, you can continue to listen to stored music on your Android smartphone through the head unit while you check your Calendar, Facebook, Texts, etc on your phone.
Note: You will need to setup Android connectivity within the head unit's menu. Select "MSC/MTP" for MTP mode and "Android" for AOA 2.0 mode. Not all Android devices are compatible with AOA 2.0 or MTP, regardless of operating system.

Auxiliary Input: A front-panel stereo minijack (3.5mm) input 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.

Audio & Tuner Section

Dynamic Reality Amp: The redesigned, internal Dynamic Reality Amp circuitry boasts 47% lower internal resistance compared to conventional in-dash receiver, delivering 52 watts x 4 channels of Peak power to your vehicle's speakers. This allows you to crank up the volume while maintaining low distortion, low noise levels, and smooth frequency response. The power output specs for the CDX-G1200U are as follows:

  • Continuous Power Output: 20 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
  • Peak Power Output: 55 watts x 4-channels (208 total watts)
Note: The power specifications for the Sony CDX-G1200U 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.

2-Volt Preouts: The CDX-G1200U is equipped with a set of 2V rear-channel preouts and a 2V subwoofer preout. The subwoofer output offers independent level control (-6dB to +6dB) and phase control (Normal or Reverse)

High-Pass & Low-Pass Crossovers: The receiver's high-pass crossover sends high and mid-range frequencies to your full-range speakers, while the low-pass crossover directs only bass frequencies to your connected subwoofer. The high-pass crossover and low-pass crossover filters can be adjusted to 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off (Full-Range).

EQ10: Select from a variety of EQ presets like R&B, Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic, Jazz, Soul, Country, Karaoke, Custom, or Off (Flat). The Custom mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You can adjust the level (+/-6dB) of 10 different frequency bands - Band1 (32Hz), Band2 (63Hz), Band3 (125Hz), Band4 (250Hz), Band5 (500Hz), Band6 (1khz), Band7 (2khz), Band8 (4kHz), Band9 (8kHz), and Band10 (16kHz).

Extra Bass: Extra Bass adds more low-end power to your music. It works by reinforcing bass notes to create deep, punchy bass.

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 CDX-G1200U CD receiver is equipped with a Digital Clarity Tuner for clear AM/FM stereo sound with digital processing technology. 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.

  • RDS: The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist & track information when listening to compatible AM/FM stations.
  • BTM: Presets can be stored automatically using the Best Tuning Memory (BTM) feature.
Display & Remote Features

Detachable Face w/ Caution Alarm: The CDX-G1200U features a detachable face for theft prevention. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired. No face case is included with this unit. 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.

Single-Line LCD: The Sony CDX-G1200U features a single-line LCD with white text and a black background.

  • Brightness: You can adjust the brightness level of the LCD between 1-10.
  • Sound Synchronization: Sound Synchronization activates the synchronization of the LCD & button illumination with the receiver's sound output. The receiver's illumination will pulse with the beat of the music.
  • Auto Scroll: Auto Scroll allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the track is changed on a disc.
Note: 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.

Wireless Remote Control: The head unit comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control (RM-X211) for easy operation. The included wireless remote allows you to control the basic functions 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).

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Customer Q&A

7 questions already asked

Q
Is this product waterproof?
thresa  May 14, 2019
1 answer
A
I wouldn't know it's in my car never got wet
frank  May 15, 2019
Q
What is the highest GB flash drive that can be used with the USB input on this stereo?
jeffery  Apr 20, 2019
1 answer
A
I'm using 32GB drives. I see no reason why a 64GB shouldn't work. BTW, I love this unit. For the price I really wasn't expecting much, but boy does this deliver! Great sound - much better than the original factory installed Bose unit.
martin  Apr 26, 2019
Q
Is the CDX-G1200U theft-proof, i.e., like the Philips 777?
joel  Nov 08, 2018
3 answers
A
I'm not familiar with the Phillips 777, but the Sony does have a removable face plate, so if you took it off when you leave the car, I guess it would not be worth stealing. Hope this is helpful.
gayle  Nov 09, 2018
A
If you're asking if the face is detachable, than yes!
joseph  Nov 09, 2018
A
In this day and age nothing is theft proof without armed security, they will just tear up more getting it out, so I'd say no.
john j  Nov 09, 2018
Q
Does this unit have a on off switch without removing the faceplate ?
john  Oct 24, 2018
2 answers
A
Yes!
milton  Oct 25, 2018
A
Yes in the upper left hand corner
david  Oct 24, 2018
Q
Does the colors change with the beat? I have another Sony stereo and it does that and wanted to know if this does the same.
bulbasore  Mar 05, 2018
1 answer
A
The stereo does not offer a color-changing display but it does feature their "Sound Synchronization" feature: Sound Synchronization activates the synchronization of the LCD & button illumination with the receiver's sound output. The receiver's illumination will pulse with the beat of the music. You will find this information, and more, by clicking the "Details" tab on the stereo's main webpage and scrolling down below the "Features & Specs" table.
ryan  Mar 30, 2018 (Staff)
Q
Making the lights pulse with the music beat?
leebs  Jul 24, 2017
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer, or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kenneth  Jul 29, 2017 (Staff)
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