pioneer avh-1300nexIf you’re looking to upgrade your car head unit on a budget, then the Sony MEX-N5200BT is a brilliant choice. This single-DIN stereo is perfect for cars with a smaller slot that can’t fit a big screen. The MEX-N500BT has got fantastic customer reviews and made our best car stereo list thanks to its brilliant value. If you’re going to buy this radio, you’ll want to look at our guide to how to tune a CB radio. For other of cool add-ons for your vehicle, you’ll also want to check out the latest car accessories.
Why We Like It – Sony MEX-N5200BT
The Sony MEX-N5200BT is an affordable car stereo that has some great features including dual Bluetooth, hands-free calling, a cd receiver, a radio tuner, USB, and voice control. It also has incredible sound quality and extra bass settings, but still pretty much comparable to the Sony Mex N4200Bt Single Din Bluetooth iHeartRadio.
- Dual Bluetooth
- Voice control
- USB
- No touchscreen
- No Apple Carplay
- No Android Auto
Performance
Despite its low price, the MEX-N5200BT is no slouch when it comes to performance. It has a max output of 4 x 55-watts with three pre-outs for additional components. The dual Bluetooth connection means that two phones can be connected simultaneously and they can both take calls or play music. Speaking of music, this head unit offers a number of input options like Bluetooth CD, FM Tuner, or even via USB. It’s also compatible with a huge range of file formats including MP3, FLAC, and MP3. If you have a double-DIN slot, the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX might be a better option.
Related: If your car battery starts to act up, you may need the STANLEY FATMAX J7CS jump starter.
Design
The Sony MEX-N5200BT has a conventional single-DIN car radio shape with a non-touch LCD screen. The screen has large and easy to read characters and fantastic lighting. The lighting is called the two-zone illuminator and lets you choose between 35,000 colors to match your car interior. The face around the LCD has intuitive buttons with a prominent volume dial. It’s finished in an attractive carbon fiber trim which gives it an upmarket feel. It’s also theft-proof and can be removed at the touch of a button and easily reconnected. For a touchscreen, check out the Boss Audio BV9358B.
Value
This stereo may not have certain features, but it still has a lot to offer. Despite not having some smartphone features like Android Auto and Apple Carplay, you can still connect two phones via Bluetooth. You can also use voice control with Android and Siri Eyes Free. The voice command can be used to view contacts, check your calendar, or even get directions. The MEX-N5200BT delivers superb sound quality and has a built-in 4-channel amplifier that makes 4 x 55-watts of power. This stereo offers incredible value, just like the ATOTO A6.
Sony MEX-N5200BT Wrap Up
This single-DIN car stereo comes at an affordable price but still has enough features from most people. Because of its compact size, there’s no touchscreen. Although it doesn’t have Apple Carplay or Android Auto, it has a dual Bluetooth connection with voice control. The Sony MEX-N5200BT is an affordable stereo that’s well worth the money.
