Sony MEX-BT5000

Manufacturer: Sony Part number: MEX-BT5000

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CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 9 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Sony MEX-BT5000 is packed with useful entertainment and communications features, although it suffers from some fiddly controls. Advanced Bluetooth audio streaming may be its star feature, but its built-in sound optimization for digital audio playback means that it is more than a one-trick pony.

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CNET editors' review

Sony MEX-BT5000

price range: $201.45 - $235.00

The Sony MEX-BT5000 is packed with useful entertainment and communications features, although it suffers from some fiddly controls. Advanced Bluetooth audio streaming may be its star feature, but its built-in sound optimization for digital audio playback means that it is more than a one-trick pony.

The good: The Sony MEX-BT5000 provides drivers with a stylish and easy-to-use interface for streaming wireless audio and making calls via Bluetooth, as well as a robust receiver for a range of digital audio playback. Integrated phone controls and the ability to copy cell-phone address books are also in its favor.

The bad: The absence of an On button had us puzzled for a while, and the dislocation of the start- and end-call controls makes placing calls more cumbersome than it needs to be.

The bottom line: The Sony MEX-BT5000 is packed with useful entertainment and communications features, although it suffers from some fiddly controls. Advanced Bluetooth audio streaming may be its star feature, but its built-in sound optimization for digital audio playback means that it is more than a one-trick pony.

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All the Bluetooth-enabled car stereos we have reviewed to date have relied on the use of an add-on module, which turned a regular stereo head unit into a hands-free phone interface and a wireless music receiver. Sony's MEX-BT5000 raises the stakes by incorporating built-in Bluetooth capabilities with increased phone functionality, as well as wireless audio support via the advanced A2DP profile (also referred to as Bluetooth 2.0).

Under the hood, the single-DIN Sony MEX-BT5000 is an AM/FM CD receiver using 24-bit digital-to-analog conversion and a built-in S-MOSFET amp to produce a hefty 52Wx4 channels of output. The stereo supports a range of digital audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and ATRAC CD. It is prewired for satellite radio and features a built-in auxiliary input, three pre-outs, and a bus control for connecting a CD changer. It also includes a feature called BBE MP signal processing, which restores some of the sound quality lost through the compression of digital audio files by reamplifying acoustic details or "harmonics" that were reduced in the compression process.

The head unit supports a range of digital audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and ATRAC.

In our experience, the restoration procedure works to a degree, but MP3 discs are still conspicuously less clear than regular CDs. The MEX-BT5000 offers a wide range of preset EQ configurations--ranging from the bass-heavy Xplod setting to the high-end-dominant Space setting to Vocal--enabling listeners to match the tuner output to their choice of input. A Custom function also enabled us to set our own EQ preferences with the aid of a graphical representation for low-, mid-, and high-range output.

The X factor
The MEX-BT5000 announces its membership in the Sony Xplod family of in-car audio offerings thanks to a stylized X on the left-hand side of its faceplate, around which are clustered the head unit's main controls. Most conspicuous among these are a large joystick and a copper-colored Source button shaped like a tie clip. Despite our general aversion to joystick/buttons--which tend to be difficult to control when pushed to make a selection--the MEX-BT5000's four-way joystick is robust enough to enable easy scrolling and feature selection. Even when pushed in at an angle, the joystick resists tipping over to make unwanted directional selections. The placement of the Source button nearest to the driver is a nice touch, but we are at a loss to understand why there is no marked On or Power button and why the controls for making and hanging up phone calls are so small and dislocated (more on this in the hands-free-calling section).

The faceplate design of MEX-BT5000 shows that the head unit is part of Sony's Xplod car audio range.

Other controls, including dedicated push buttons for Bluetooth configuration and Menu, and the faceplate's six preset hard buttons are intuitive and easy to operate. We found navigating CDs and MP3 and WMA discs easy and designed to accommodate music selection on the move: to skip through tracks, just push the almighty joystick to the left or right, while up and down cycles through albums. The MEX-BT5000 offers a selection of jazzy background-display animations, which tend to obscure the album, track, and ID3-tag information. We preferred turning the graphics off.

Bluetooth wireless streaming
In preparation for streaming audio files from our Nokia 5300 cell phone to the stereo, it took about three minutes for the MEX-BT5000 to pair with our phone, most of which time was spent waiting for the two devices to recognize each other. To pair a phone to the MEX-BT5000, turn its Bluetooth on and set it to be visible to other devices. After a couple of attempts, our phone found the stereo, which showed up as "Xplod" on the found-devices screen; frustratingly, the MEX-BT5000 had also found our phone, but listed it as "unknown" on the LCD display. With pairing complete, we were instantly able to stream audio files from the phone to the stereo and thence out through our four test-bench speakers. We were also able to play, pause, and skip tracks using either the controls on the phone handset or those on the stereo, although volume control was possible only by twiddling the MEX-BT5000 joystick (phone volume controls are rendered redundant).

The unit's most advanced tech feature is its ability to stream audio wirelessly over Bluetooth.

On the other hand, track and artist information for streamed audio files were visible only on the phone's display, which was a little annoying, but this is something that will likely be addressed as Bluetooth 2.0 evolves. Sound quality of the streamed audio is what we expected from a technology that is still developing, with intermittent cut-out and a noticeable reduction in clarity in volume compared with CD-based (and BBE MP-restored) digital audio files. One feature that we really liked was the way that streamed audio continues to play while the preparations are being made to make a hands-free call via Bluetooth connection. We were able to get into the phone menu and dial our chosen phone number without cutting the audio stream. Only when we were ready to make the call did the Bluetooth connection switch from music to voice.

Making the call
Hands-free calling via the MEX-BT5000 is also straightforward to set up. Having already paired the phone to wirelessly stream music, we didn't have to do so again for making calls, but the process is much the same if you just want to use the Bluetooth for phoning while driving. To pair up our Bluetooth-enabled Samsung SGH-T619, we navigated through the menu (Settings > Connection > Search), and the head unit took about 30 seconds to find and correctly identify our phone. After allowing access and entering our chosen passcode, we punched the same code into our phone, and we were ready to call. The stereo is a completely autonomous phone interface: we could enter numbers using the joystick, then call out without having to take our phone out of our pocket.

While it can be laborious process to cycle through and select the 10 numerals, it is better than other systems we've seen that require the driver to use a cell phone to initiate outbound calls, which are then transferred to the head unit interface. Another elegant feature of the MEX-BT5000 is its built-in microphone, which obviates the need to wire up an external mic to a car's sun visor. One of our favorite things about the MEX-BT5000 is its versatility for making hands-free calls and its ability to store contact and call-history information. An item menu called Receive PB prepares the MEX-BT5000 for wireless phone book transfer of up to 50 contacts. Alternatively, callers can access six speed-dial entries using the preset button on the front of the faceplate or select numbers from a list of previously dialed or received calls.

Drivers can enter phone numbers using the faceplate controls or by accessing their wirelessly imported phone books.

Call quality is in the same league as other hands-free units we've seen, with incoming calls sounding good through the car speakers but outgoing calls coming through in slightly muffled, cavernous acoustics usually associated with speakerphones. With all of its terrific functions, the principal drawback of the MEX-BT5000 comes in the form of its start- and end-call buttons. Rather than having one large, conspicuous button for both functions in the vein of most OEM Bluetooth interfaces, the MEX-BT5000 presents drivers with one slim button hidden from the driver's view by the joystick to make outgoing calls, and another button (which doubles as the control to turn the entire stereo off) for hanging up. Pressing the start-call button while the call is underway results in the stereo passing the call back to the cell phone handset. Owners of the unit will probably get used to this strange arrangement, but we would have liked a more intuitive design.

Despite its few functionality quirks, however, the MEX-BT5000 is an attractive combination of advanced Bluetooth communication and entertainment features and high-quality digital audio playback.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 9 reviews

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8 stars

Great Idea, poor execution

by jeremylobaugh on February 15, 2007

Pros: Bluetooth, Aux in, Auto Dimmer, EQ

Cons: Control layout, menus, detachable face, number of storeable contacts

Summary: Before burchasing this unit, I reviewed the Alpine, Pioneer, and Parrot Bluetooth/Stereo solutions. After weighing the cost vs. features, I went with the Sony. I have been a die-hard ...

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Summary: Before burchasing this unit, I reviewed the Alpine, Pioneer, and Parrot Bluetooth/Stereo solutions. After weighing the cost vs. features, I went with the Sony. I have been a die-hard Pioneer user for 12 years, but strayed away due to the brice of their unit.

Pros:
In my opinion, Sony has done a very good job developing the "meat and potatoes" of this head unit. It works flawlessly with my Sanyo M1, for both voice calls and streaming music. The Auxillary inputs in the back are wonderful, I did'nt have to buy a $40 cable to use my sirius reciever with this unit. Another bonus is the dimmer function, I have always ben too cheap to buy the next model up simply for the dimming feature, but this unit has it built in, you can set it to on/off/auto(requires being wired properly). My last pioneer spent more time with the face down than up to prevent the blinding blue backlighting from impairing my vision.

Cons:
The first thing I noticed was the joystick, mainly because it fell off the first time I tried to use it. Tightening it only prolonged the obvious. Currently, it is held on with some superglue, and I tightened the set screw and dropped some loctite in there, it has not given me any problems since. The menus could be better designed, navigating through then is not difficult, just lengthy. Changing EQ settings could easily take up a lunch break. I dislike the method by which you detach and re-attach the faceplate, It works well, I just don't like it. The number of contacts you can store is limited to 50 names and numbers. For most people, that should be sufficient, but I live on my phone, It's my job, and I have over 200 contacts and 400 phone numbers. I had to sit there and decide which were the top 50, and Bluetooth them over...rather tedious. Lastly, the faceplate itself....You can't deny it, it's friggin ugly

On the fence:
I love the EQ in this unit, it gives you quite a bit of control over your sound, and allows you to have different settings for different sources, however, changing the settings takes an eternity, and you have to do it for every source.

Conclusion:
I can put up with alot, which is what I am doing with this head unit. It was a compromise, but I am happy I bought it. For it's flaws, it works great, even in -10 degree weather, it fired right up, and sounded great. My wife has only complained a little bit about the sound quality over the phone, but I did have the Noise Cancellation off, and the window down. Even with it's drawbacks, I am considering purchasing another one for my wifes van, it is a pretty simple solution to the Handsfree problem

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

It`s way better than alpine

by zoop.zoop on November 10, 2006

Pros: bluetooth ....I can call from my remote

Cons: I did not find any....yet

Summary: I just instaled the unit today(10/11/06)on my vw golf.This unit rocks the house ...the sound is Crist clear....But the main reason that is gonna ...

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Summary: I just instaled the unit today(10/11/06)on my vw golf.This unit rocks the house ...the sound is Crist clear....But the main reason that is gonna make you buy this unit...is to speek with your wife and friends trough the stereo and hear them in your speakers.....I conected the stereo with my phone(nokia 3230) without reading the manual.....I called my wife ...and I was yelling(beacuse Iread a review last week....with some guy having problems with bt500 mic)...People told me to stop yelling because they can hear me ok......After 15minutes I began speaking very slow.....(not whisper)...and they still could hear me................Buy it...you`ll love it

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

This is an awesome headunit! I am very happy with it.

by rjjone2 on December 18, 2006

Pros: Bluetooth feature works very well; I hooked it up to a 10 disk changer and an XM unit and enjoy having tons of music at my finger tips

Cons: Display is smaller than my older Sony headunit; joystick can take some getting use to

Summary: I took the plunge and bought this product because the illumination on my previous Sony headunit had gone out but I had it for over 6 years and I already ...

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Summary: I took the plunge and bought this product because the illumination on my previous Sony headunit had gone out but I had it for over 6 years and I already owned a sony 10 disk changer so I decided to replace it with a newer Sony headunit. I looked for awhile at what Sony had to offer but didn't really see anything that caught my eye until I saw the MEX-BT5000. I really liked that it had bluetooth built into it because I use a bluetooth headset at home to talk on the phone but I often forget it when I'm going out. Plus this unit was "Sat-Ready" and I liked the look of it. I was a little nervous about how well the bluetooth function would work because I had read some negative things about it in other reviews. However, after installing the unit and setting it up, it has worked amazingly. Calls incoming and outgoing are crystal clear and the people I'm talking to say that it sounds no different than when I'm using just my phone. I was also worried that the sound of my tuned muffler would cause problems with the quality of calls but it seems to have no effect and you can turn up the voice of the caller to overcome any road noise. Also, its really cool how the unit shuts off the music it is playing when a call comes in. I use to hate fumbling for my phone while trying to turn down the stereo to answer it. I like the joystich a lot but it does take some getting use to because pushing it for a second sometimes performs a different task than holding it for a few. But I found the menus to be extremely easy to navigate around and like the overall look of the unit especially at night. My only complaint would be the display because its small and only monocolor. It has some "movies" and wallpaper which are okay but honestly, I was more into the boothtooth function. I haven't had a chance to stream music to it via a bluetooth enabled mp3 player and my particular model of cell phone can't do that but I did hook up my disk changer and XM radio to it which both work really well. I did have to by the XMD-SON110 adapter and XA-C40 unilink adapter to do this but now that it is all installed working its so nice to have so much music at my finger tips.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Very Good unit, in all phases!

by 2scents on December 22, 2006

Pros: Bluetooth is flawless, easy tuner, mp3 is solid

Cons: Dont care for the lcd display

Summary: This unit impressed me as soon as I got my first experience with a hands-free call. It was crystal clear and took nothing more than a push of the button. ...

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Summary: This unit impressed me as soon as I got my first experience with a hands-free call. It was crystal clear and took nothing more than a push of the button. While listening to music, a call came in, which over rides anything the unit may be doing, and immediately I was talking with no problems!
The tuner was as easy as moving the joystick/knob to the right and it automatically picks up stations clear. I also have my Xm setup on this unit and it is flawless.
So the only knock I have on this unit is the display that just seems a bit strange and missing. While you enjoy the music, you can set the screen to show various displays, honestly, I would just say they aren't the greatest and only wished that somehow you could make your own display by hooking the faceplate to a computer...
Anyway, I highly recommend this unit, it has been solid since I purchased it and I know it will continue to do so....

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Great unit for in-car cellular communication

by gunnar123 on December 10, 2006

Pros: Good audio quality, excellent Bluetooth handling, handsome

Cons: Could have used the display better, usability quirks

Summary: Clearly developed by Bluetooth SW engineers rather than seasoned Sony in-dash stereo senior developers Some music playback features reinvented unneccesarlily and with too little regard to usability. Why isn't ...

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Summary: Clearly developed by Bluetooth SW engineers rather than seasoned Sony in-dash stereo senior developers Some music playback features reinvented unneccesarlily and with too little regard to usability. Why isn't there a list of MP3 songs to scroll, or the ability to type "98" in order to play song #98 on disc instead of pushing the joystick 98 times to arrive there ?? Even units at a third of the price can do that.
The great display not used optimally for music information presentation. This could have been made to look soo great. Sound animations not in sync with music but lags behind some 0.5 seconds. Why not delay the audio to make it coincide with the graphics output ?
Some of the grahics is just silly and of little use, apparently developed for a color display that isn't there.

But what a wonderful phone interface !
Making calls are so convenient.
And audio quality for music playback is great both from CD and phone streaming.
A lot of development work apparently got into this.
I tested it with the Sony Ericsson P990 and M600 models, excellent result.

If you do much phone talk from your car, then this is for you.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Amazing product, Everything you would expect (if you're expecting A LOT)

by zanahoria on November 19, 2006

Pros: Great Sound, Wonderfull Bluetooth Functions, Fast CD Reading, Great Radio Scan, Lost of Outs, AUX in, GREAT controller, Beautifull Design, Easy To Use, Amazing Performance.

Cons: Faceplate is hard to attach, Microphone a bit less than perfect, little lack of customization, Too big Joystick. Wont recognize PhoneBook frome phone.

Summary: I'm really impressed with this unit.
I got it on Ebay, and I wanted to buy the bluetooth alpine radio, but I already had a sony, then I bought
...

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Summary: I'm really impressed with this unit.
I got it on Ebay, and I wanted to buy the bluetooth alpine radio, but I already had a sony, then I bought this one to avoid all the wiring and mounting problems (this radio had the same mounting and connection than the old one).

I have been using it non-stop for 4 days. It's just AWESOME!
It sound excellent, the bluetooth conection with my nokia 6230 was a piece of cake (no instructions needed) and the conversation is heared through the front speakers (of my selection) with crisp sound and decent mic quality.

You can connect 2 bt (in my case, bt phone and bt ipod) and it just sounds GREAT.

Unit is styilish, display is excelent, it has a rear aux (DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY GETTING AN IPOD ADAPTER, CHECK MY OTHER REVIEWS) that keeps the front clean and nice.

To put the faceplate is a bit of a problem, and the size of the faceplate box is a bit too much ('cause of the joystick), but this unit DOES AS PROMMISED and you don't have to install a mic, cause it comes behin the faceplate.

Making calls is a bit complicated, and I havent been abled to use my phone's speechdial.

You can Dial, answer, hang up and do everything from the remote or from the phone.

It has a wonderfull anti-echo system that needs some configuration.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

MEX-BT5000: an apparent beta

by garyhahn.geo on October 22, 2006

Pros: Integrated Bluetooth, finally!

Cons: Not a great hands-free unit

Summary: MEX-BT5000; an apparent beta
Pros: Finally, Bluetooth integrated! Cons: Don't buy it for its phone hands-free It's about time someone integrated Bluetooth into a stereo, but Sony released
...

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Summary: MEX-BT5000; an apparent beta
Pros: Finally, Bluetooth integrated! Cons: Don't buy it for its phone hands-free It's about time someone integrated Bluetooth into a stereo, but Sony released something not quite ready for prime time. In integration with my Sprint PPC6700, many callers complain that they cannot understand me, regardless of the BT setting I choose. Sadly, there's no option for an external mic. When the warranty runs out I'll probably crack it open and try to route a mic of my own. BT audio streaming eventually works from the PPC6700 but only after about a minute of choppy audio. Still worth it for long trips, I guess. Not sure why they say it has an AM radio, since the poor receiver barely gets the local stations. My childhood crystal radio kits received as well. Fortunately with the PPC6700 I can receive the live stream from the local AM station and pump it through the BT audio interface. Do I move the joystick up/down or L/R in order to change the balance setting? Bzzzt! Wrong. It's up/down (once you navigate to the right menu item). And, while there's at least the capability to change tone using the equalizer, there's no such thing as a simple tweak to the bass control. You have to go through about 20 steps to create a minimal custom EQ profile, or adjust one....none of it intuitive. The rounded bezel ensures a reflection down the middle of the display, which requires you to bob your head around in order to read what's on it in daylight. Very readable at night, though. I really wish these electronics companies would come to me first for design consulting to save us from embarrassingly poor choices. While this is a disappointment, it's also the only thing out there, to date, that BT integrates with streaming, so I guess I'll put up with it. I could go with an outboard unit, but paying more than $400 for a car stereo would be absurd. Oh, but if you enjoy distracting video display of nonsensical "visualizations" a la Windows Media Player, this is the stereo for you! Gary Milwaukee, WI

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

ace head unit

by mikecampbell125 on June 14, 2008

Pros: EASY TO WORK MENU BLUETOOTH CALLING SPOT ON

Cons: phone book 2 small

Summary: overall this is a ace head unit and whoever said the menu aint easy 2 work is a fool

Summary: overall this is a ace head unit and whoever said the menu aint easy 2 work is a fool
9 stars

Another great product from Sony!

by laney50w on June 3, 2008

Pros: Bluetooth, CD playback, power, screensavers...etc

Cons: None that I can see

Summary: This is certainly a mobile receiver to be proud of. I love all aspects of this head unit. From the joystick control, to the overall sound, power output, ease of ...

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Summary: This is certainly a mobile receiver to be proud of. I love all aspects of this head unit. From the joystick control, to the overall sound, power output, ease of use, Bluetooth system...etc

Very easy to use, right out of the box! (Pretty self-explanatory)

Now, I've read many reviews in which folks complain about the screen being hard to see in daylight....OK, maybe a little, but it's not that bad. Once you set to your radio station, or pop in a CD, do you really stare at the screen anyway?

Anyway, I also find that the Bluetooth interface works very well with my Sony 580i slider Cell Phone, and the call quality is pretty decent. People can understand me, and I can hear them very well. Normally, I do not like to talk on the phone while driving, (it's dangerous, AND illegal) but, this makes it a pleasure, and SAFE!

You can set the number of rings to answer a call, and when a call comes in, the bluetooth answers your call, and like magic, the radio volume goes right down, and you're having a conversation with someone, right through your car speakers! It's so cool!! hehe

The power output (wattage) is very generous for a head unit, and it powers my speakers quite nicely.

The CD playback can take some fairly harsh road abuse, too! My car has an extremely firm suspension, (can feel EVERY bump in the road) and the Sony unit keeps the CD's planted firmly in place, without skipping a beat.

Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a very good quality head unit, with many great features, and a very unique look.

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10 stars

Best Car Receiver Ever!

by Daniel5243 on November 17, 2007

Pros: Great look, Bluetooth works superb, The joystick navigation makes it easy.

Cons: Not One **** Thing

Summary: I don't know what people are talking about when you are using the bluetooth calling, they say it is like a giant in a tin can. I have a ...

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Summary: I don't know what people are talking about when you are using the bluetooth calling, they say it is like a giant in a tin can. I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, and it works perfectly. If you want a great receiver at a great price this is the receiver for you.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: MEX-BT5000

General
Product Type Radio / CD / MP3 player
Recommended Use Car
Form Factor Full-DIN - In-dash unit
Audio System
Sound output mode Stereo
Sound effects Dynamic Soundstage Organizer II (DSO II), BBE MP, DRIVE-S HX
Equalizer Yes
Amplifier max output power / channel qty 52 Watts x 4
Audio system built-in display Fluorescent
Audio system CD changer control Yes
Additional features Phone book, Bluetooth hands-free for cellular phone, Flip-down console
Equalizer
Equalizer type Parametric
Equalizer band qty 3 bands
Built-in Display
Button backlight color White

Radio
Type Radio tuner
Tuning display Fluorescent display
Additional radio features Preset buttons
CD System
CD system type CD / MP3 player
CD system form factor In-dash unit
MP3 playback Yes
Media load type Slot-load
Digital audio standards supported WMA, ATRAC3, MP3
CD-R compatible Yes
CD-RW compatible Yes
Remote Control
Remote control type Remote control
Remote control technology Infrared
Connections
Connector Type 2 x Audio line-out, System components control bus, 1 x Subwoofer output

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Sony MEX-BT5000

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Specifications

General

Audio System

Equalizer

Built-in Display

Radio

CD System

Remote Control

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