Testing a “400” watt head unit that can power a subwoofer?? Sony DSX-GS80 review

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[@HifiVega]

You can buy this HU here using my affiliate link www.amazon.com/dp/B081B5S8R8/?tag=robertvega-20

[@notsure7029]

Your review was very accurate. I've had the chance to play with one of these and for the price it is rock solid. The only thing I would add is I would recommend a ported enclosure and an efficient sub combo. That way you get the most out of the sub output.

[@itdoesntmatterwhatyourname6128]

@HifiVega thanks for the video. I'm now debating getting the marine version of this stereo because it has a cd player (I still use CD, not very often but nice to have just in case) & still has the 45 rms x4 chann. Not sure why Sony discontinued the regular car version of the high power model that had CD Player but kept the marine. I'm just hoping I do not have the same 'output error' problem that alot of customers seem to have with these. Wanted to get the Sony AX7000 that asked you about in your other video but I'm just having a hard time justifying paying $500 for it when I feel it lacks too many features. The single din Kenwood you reviewed is sold out on Crutchfield which seemed like a nice stereo especially for only being $120!

[@HifiVega]

@@itdoesntmatterwhatyourname6128 I got mine from Crutchfield

[@kongmengchar6418]

When I hit the extra bass button, the rear speakers cut out. Help

[@hlq2action310]

@@kongmengchar6418 for extra power need, you need to connect the head unit directly to the battery, please refer to the user manual.

[@Silverboy005]

I've been waiting for someone to review this unit. Thank you sir. This is perfect for my Miata where space is limited.

[@tonymorfin8750]

The Sony MEX-XB100BT was 100x4 with CD. It was awesome. I messed up; I sold mine on Ebay a few years ago. I want another one, but they're discontinued.

[@redbullminifridgepcbycusto8204]

Thank you for the review! I'm gutting my 2002 Yukon stereo with this. Added 4 6.5 Rockford Fosgate speakers and a 8 inch Rockford shallow sub to it. Haven't finished the deck install because my Tahoe has this whole amp bypass thing and awaiting the parts to do it. I'm very excited tho. All my speakers were factory and paper mache... So no matter what it'll be an upgrade

[@dna59]

Glad someone actually did this. I've been trying to find in depth info on this unit and it's nonexistent. Not even Sony provides anything in-depth on the high power technology. I was once sent a screenshot of the SMD meter reading 360w for the sub by an installer/shop owner. I'm assuming that was testing something else like peak burst wattage or something?

[@HifiVega]

Maybe they were running it at a lower impedance on music? A music number will usually be higher by itself

[@303nitzubishi4]

Great test I have been curious about this unit for a while now. It's a shame it doesn't have a "network mode" like the pioneers have so you can split the inernal amp (actively) between mids & highs. I guess with that much power though you can afford to run passive crossovers on each speaker and still get decent sq/headroom

[@angelvip2474]

I can attest that during Sony training here in Utah. They had a Chevy with a full Sony speaker system. Front rear and subwoofer set up powered entirely off of this deck and I had to say it was impressive as hell for just a deck.

[@HifiVega]

angellaketown it would be interesting to do a full set up with it

[@angelvip2474]

HifiVega I tell you it was impressive for just deck. Perfect for like one of my kids first system without all the equipment. Won’t replace a real amp but hey wasn’t meant to just another option for minimal equipment setup

[@veddartha]

Could it run a setup of 60w rms front/rear and 200w 4ohm sub?

[@G00DZ1]

@@angelvip2474 really good options for a simple diy upgrade

[@matthewstorm5188]

It’s a good option for something like a standard cab mini truck, where you don’t have a whole lot of room.

[@miki476]

I tested with z5500 subwoofer. Was very impressed. Plenty of power to drive a small sub. I have big estate car and there was plenty of bass coming from the back

[@m3rk201]

I think this is pretty awesome. Good test. Love the fact it has a sub channel. I can imagine this in tight 2 seater car sports car with slim line subwoofer.

[@HifiVega]

That would be a nice set up

[@alcowan7163]

In this set-up would it be pointless to add an active slimline subwoofer? A passive would make more sense right?

[@jasonc.ziegler9414]

The Sony MEX-XB100BT dynos at 45x4 rms @4ohm and 75x4 rms @2ohm Both absolutely amazing head units. The MEX-XB100BT has a true 120db signal to noise ratio which is the highest ever tested on any head unit manufacturered but I can't find the s/n ratio for this deck. The s/n ratio is one of the most important and most overlooked specs on a head unit. I've personally tested the mex-xb100bt side by side with over 100 head units some retailing for over $1000 and the Sony blows them all away. I have this dsx-gs80 on the way for testing and I have high hopes for it.

[@wesleyevans8368]

I just bought a pair of Infinity 822MLW marine speakers for my boat. Do think this unit alone will power those two speakers decent?

[@biggtastee2401]

Did you ever get around to testing this unit?

[@Simone-qr6mq]

I've had a Sony MEX-XB100BT in the past but, with the "Mega Bass" option disabled, it just didn 't have enough bass for me (paired with volkswagen stock speakers). Maybe there was something going wrong in the power amplifier section, but the head unit was used and out of warranty. Plus, my old subwoofer was distorting a little and the remote cable for the amplifier was damaged. Then, I realized that it was the time to upgrade to a Pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB head unit, and (sigh...) to remove the subwoofer. While I am satisfied with the new head unit, I really miss my old Macrom subwoofer😢...

[@mazzo99]

I agree with you regarding the Mex-Xb100bt Sony

[@russellburgan9023]

I bought a Sony MEX-XB120BT. It has the same power ratings. It was the reason I purchased the head unit. It saved me an amplifier. It has a very clean signal. With my DD1 it has less than 1% distortion at full volume. I think it's a great option for people that may be trying to save a few bucks. I got mine on sale for 179 at Crutchfield. Thanks for the review!

[@leguito08]

How u sure it has the same power ratingsV

[@russellburgan9023]

@@leguito08 well when one company's power ratings are proven accurate, we tend to trust that all their ratings are accurate even tho they haven't all been tested by BigD. But if that isn't good enough, you can always clamp test whatever you're using.

[@leguito08]

@@russellburgan9023 i dont know which one buy this one of the review or the DSX - A416 BT or the one you bought, can you help me?

[@matthewstorm5188]

@@russellburgan9023 And even if a company’s ratings are NOT accurate, chances are they are fairly consistent between models.

[@25hztolife86]

Very impressive and I agree it is value packed. A thought....testing real RCA volt output and distortion levels (radio and RCAs).

[@HifiVega]

I meant to test rms voltage out. If I had a thd meter I’d test that too

[@cafe80s]

@@HifiVega I think where this head unit shines is in the RCA outs... when I install these they're much more powerful than any other head unit to the amplifiers.

[@frankm.lauritsen4129]

I have the sony mex-xb100bt 40 watts rms x 4 @14.4V in my tiny hyundai hatchbag, 1997 Boston acoustics rx 57 coaxial in the front door's hpf60hz slope 3, a test setup, it is loud and clear, and a tiny swedish Dls rxt6 6,5inch tube sub lpf 60hz slope 2, powered by a PG sapphire sa 3.0x, system playing perfect from 35hz to 14800hz, my ears are 50 yo lol! 14800 hz omg! but a fun little setup so far

[@alfa7108]

Great video. I've always loved Sony head units.

[@HifiVega]

Thanks

[@trecedaves3159]

Nice to have an option to for the prs. The pioneer can often be hard to find. Great vid my friend

[@HifiVega]

For sure

[@theun-personing5674]

I have a dsx-a410bt that does this. Ideal for what i need. Thanks for the test as there is little information out there.

[@likits1999]

Bass Mekanik is badass. Awesome video.

[@claytoncameron5746]

Good review! Questions: Can you provide the impendence and power rating W(rms) or peak for the speakers used in the test please? I'm try to determine is a 350Wrms sub is too much in the direct drive 2 ohms mode

[@thepyroenthusiast3382]

I got this unit to power my door speakers in my 2003 passat and god damn is it loud. Extremely well sounding too.

[@6kbps]

did it give you any issues?

[@klegolas4088]

anyproblems blown any fuses and did you rewire power directly from battery or just original wiring?

[@sategllib2191]

​@klegolas4088 have it in my 96 mustang. I ran a dedicated wire to my battery just to be safe. I used like 8 gauge, even though the connector that goes into the head unit is like 16 gauge.

[@earthling2022]

Great video. As mentioned at 2:11, I need to find the subwoofer direct setting, thanks!

[@xyanide1986]

There's also a head unit not mainly advertized as 4x100W, but it has the NFC bells and whistles. MEX-GS820BT. It's very hard to find differences in features between these two. I like the subdued styling of this one better though.

[@edud8452]

Awesome video! Ive always liked sony some of the best equiptment I've ever owned my whole system in the livingroom is sony except for my cerwin vega subs.

[@HifiVega]

Can’t lose with a Vega!

[@rmblwgn]

Thank you so much for testing this head unit. I have the mex x120bt high power head unit with the same amp I believe. I was so curious if these 2nd generation amped head units did any more power than the old original mEX xb100 BT. Don't stop that amp dynos please they are invaluable

[@Ashquacks]

Interestingly though for the same power as the XB100BT there is no longer the really big dedicated power connector and wires with the inline filter.

[@rmblwgn]

@@Ashquacks that power wire was 14 gauge I believe and the black thing was a fuse. It is now 16 gauge power wires.. generally amps only consume half of their fuse rating at the highest bursts so 16awg fot 15a is fine

[@DNSMobileTech]

I'd like to see where it starts to distort on all channels and actual volt output on rca outs along with distortion on those as well

[@rolando4812]

A year and a half after this video is made. Is there an updated version of this or anything that has an internal amp? I want to install a good head unit in a jeep TJ but don't want to add a standalone amp. I'm liking the idea of these powerful head units. Thanks

[@Highqman1974]

Nice job Rob

[@HifiVega]

Thanks!

[@3RDERA]

That unit is bada$$!!! Some people don’t understand how loud you can actually get off 88 watts. 🤔 I might have to do something with that idea. Great upload brotha!!! Keep up the great content!!

[@HifiVega]

3RD ERA you can do a few things with 88watts

[@3RDERA]

HifiVega true true!!

[@stalk3r715]

Can you explain something to me? I recently bought 400w pioneer speakers, can this sony power them at the maximum they want?

[@focuzd1]

I would def add a small fan to the back if running a sub....but damn, it was moving that Savard

[@brentb5303]

Nice! 176 watts for a head unit is stout. The flexibility of different ohm loads and bridging for a subwoofer should make this a winner for Sony. An endorsement from Hifivega isn't going to hurt either.

[@HifiVega]

Ha they probably wish I didn’t test it!

[@74midwestbass74]

NICE VID BRO!!!

[@HifiVega]

74 Midwestbass thanks

[@tatialo37]

Cool amp and reciever!!! Just bought a pioneer tho!!! This would have saved me alot of time and money!!!!lol

[@bluedemon7601]

Could you maybe do a video on what's would be the max undistorted volume using the smd dd1 on this headunit?

[@dahoetube]

Thank you for your video,

[@minivanin]

I have an older version that also plays CDs in my daily and I love it. The only thing I hate is maybe 2wice a year it freaks out and resets itself. Im curious about this new one for my one car b/c all I want is a good set of front speakers and a lightweight simple sub to round it out. I dont want a separate amp

[@jacquesrutledge3314]

I have an amp running the sub with mine, but yeah, it has randomly glitched on me a couple times. The only settings I alter are HPF & LPF so as long as it keeps turning on I'll deal with it.

[@budddyrda]

So this can be bridged for 2 channels instead of 4? Was wondering if I could use it in a stereo setup. If you have a chance to reply I would really appreciate it. Love your videos and thanks in advance!

[@m3rkinfiniteofwgkta]

Im just looking for a good quality headunit. Im trying to have a 4 12” sub set up in my truck: i plan on upgrading the stock speakers in my truck too.

[@robertirwin999]

Which physical points on the rear do you wire the sub to? I know it is a dumb question but which pair of phono connectors is channel 4?

[@bassblaster505]

For those people out there, The IC in the 45x4 sony decks is the TI TAS5414C. I Find the efficiency being in the low 30's VERY odd. usually only true class A or heavy bias class AB amps get that low. The TAS5414C's datasheet states at 4 Ohm 28Wx4 efficiency to be about 92%. I Suspect that DC-DC power supply inside the unit to raise the supply voltage is messing with your ratings

[@googah.qq1]

%30 would be gettin maaaad hot 😅

[@marekfiala7230]

It's because in that particular test, he still was driving all channels and just set the amp to sub bridge, which at 4 ohms gave him the same power output of roughly 50W but he probably calculated the efficiency by dividing just ONE channel output by total output while he was driving all the other channels as well. I'd say it would be roughly 80-90% since 3x50W output into 4 ohms / 170W total power draw

[@gabrielhartung8801]

I have the dsx-gs900 head unit. The wiring should be similar to this unit. Can you explain how I connect the left and right rear outputs to a subwoofer? It is not explained in the manual. All it says is to run the deck in 2 ohm mode.

[@jontowers4841]

I just bought the mex-gs820bt from crutchfield . same set up amp with 3 year warranty from sony

[@HifiVega]

Nice! I love Crutchfield I’ve been a customer for many years

[@anthonychavez1994]

Where do you connect the subwoofer wires to?

[@RyanBassForLife]

Love it

[@stefanb.4044]

Can we choose between network mode and Standard mode?

[@ln3346]

Hey, thanks for a great video. I'm looking to upgrade the OEM head unit of my Scenic III, along with front and back speakers (without subwoofer). Do you have any advice in which direction should I go when choosing speakers? 2 ohm, 4 ohm, 8 ohm? I'm mostly into Hi_Fi stereo but I'm a DUD when it comes to car stereo, just bought my first car actually :D

[@HifiVega]

The standard would be 4ohm speakers for replacement in most vehicles. Some of the factory Bose systems run 2ohm drivers, but that’s an outlier. If your upgrading the HU then 4ohm will serve you well

[@bsandridge06]

Thanks for your in depth review of this HU! Hopefully you can help me with some questions. I am considering installing this on a Harley Davidson Street Glide, which has 6 speakers. Can I utilize the 5v front speaker pre-amp output to add an amp and (2) ARC Audio 6.5s, and also run 2 front and 2 rear speakers off the GS80 amp? With (6.5") 4ohm speakers, would I just wire each of the 4 speakers to each individual channel?

[@HifiVega]

Yes it would work perfectly the way you described

[@joshuaoakley255]

I guess I would like to know what size and what Brand of sub you were using. Also most subs I look at are rated with higher rms than this deck rms. Any thoughts.

[@thisguyincincy]

I'm having trouble getting my sub to operate on my boat. Using a new Sony MEX-M72BT, Clarion 10" sub. I have x2 RCA connections out receiver, bare wire sub. I've splicing, etc. Not working. How should I connect these two?

[@VisionSoundPDX]

You can’t use a 15 amp fuse with this deck. If you actually read the manual it states that you must wire directly to the battery not the fuse panel because it draws more current than the fuse at the factory panel. Or at least that’s what the model from 2018 states.

[@ashton9699]

You can, but won't be able to use the internal amp to its full potential. I spoke with a Sony rep at Knowledgefest who confirmed that "because people don't read instructions" they did implement a protection for that into all the high power decks, where if it starts to see voltage drop under load (due to using undersized OEM wiring) it will automatically dial back the power to prevent said people from constantly blowing fuses. I've personally tasted with a XB100BT, and at least on that model, yes it is true. On a factory circuit, it will not blow a 15A fuse, because if you turn it up there is a noticeable cap once you reach a certain output level, and it will not go any louder regardless of how much more you increase the volume. Switch to a direct 10awg battery feed, the cap disappears and the deck lets you use all available power.

[@bigray3360]

What is the feature called that lets you run the subwoofer off the radio?

[@hendrixlarson6235]

I have the Mex Xb100bt and I'm not seeing any performance differences. I know they switched it from the stand alone power and ground to all in one harness. What's your take on this

[@martinezmartinez8014]

I need help,my set up is a skar zvx 8 dual 4 in a prefab skar SPL series running off a skar rp800.1 I believe I’m not getting the full potential on this sub. What would you recommend I should do with what I have,thank you

[@KMOS2200]

Pioneer was the first to do 2 ohm for 1 ch on the rear speaker output. ReVerberator

[@HifiVega]

There were a few nice Hu’s like this

[@borisovpranks8765]

please tell me What power the subwoofer is suitable for this audio tape recorder?

[@wal]

Looks like a great alternative to the Pioneer 80PRS. Too bad the sub channel didn't really double power, that's kinda odd. I have some Pioneer head units here that say they can be bridged, I should try them as comparison. Does this head unit support more file types than the 80PRS? Also, does it display text on the screen when you use Spotify? Also I'm wondering if they fudged those 5V preouts...at least it has a volume knob! That makes it a winner in my books. Great vid homie!

[@HifiVega]

It had so many features I couldn’t be bothered to try and figure them all out 🤣

[@robsorgdrager8477]

I still rock my old sony 77- something or other. It's the big dog from 2000 has great sound.

[@gavinmcclure8047]

My question is would this be a better unit than a Kenwood excelon kdc 702/704 as far as EQ adjustments ?

[@KuntalGhosh]

The output of the class d chip is already bridged. So u can only pbtl if sony allows it. & Even then it would not make more power at 4ohm. U would need 2ohm or 1ohm load to get 100w ..

[@JRTreeService-Firewood]

Just bought this unit from Crutchfield very happy with it iam running Dual alpine swe-1043 subs alpine spe-6000 speakers 4 of them a alpine mrv-m500 amp and now this head unit i find my systems sounds so much better than it did with a Panasonic head unit.I was going to buy the alpine cde-175bt but choose the sony instead glad i did it thanks for the video it was one of the reasons why i bought it

[@angelnikolov7479]

So how big or how much rms sub can handle only by it self ?

[@nicholasnikbin8651]

So I have to alpine speakers 80 watt rms and 280 watt peak will it be good to power x2 speakers?? I was assuming no because 4x100 rms it would only be 2x200 on just 2 speakers drive a older bmw so only has 2 speakers it’s convertible

[@starchland]

Can’t find it anywhere. Is t possible to bridge the 2 rear channels to power a subwoofer?

[@kensai199]

So are they capable of runnung 2 coaxial 4 inch speakers on 60 watts and 2 coaxial oval 9 inch speakers on 100 watts?

[@murray6188]

How did you get the rcas on the back to give an output

[@trentbolognani2509]

Just bought a $200 amp and $70 speakers I should have around 200 rms to the mids and highs… I imagine it will get loud?

[@edmondcarter9457]

I’m getting back into car audio and I’m really leaning towards this radio due to the voltage and preamp outputs.

[@HifiVega]

You wouldn’t be disappointed with this one imo

[@edmondcarter9457]

@@HifiVega I’m sold lol

[@wyattgreeson5706]

I just got mine installed. It sounds really great, way way louder than my previous head unit. Only thing i dont like is navigating menus is a but difficult but just takes getting use to

[@edmondcarter9457]

@@wyattgreeson5706 I’m buying it next week for a bday gift to myself and 3 U 12s on synergy wfo 5.1 (7k amp) afterwards

[@wyattgreeson5706]

@@edmondcarter9457 that will be fun! If you park on the street invest in some anti theft... i didnt

[@dead6last]

were do the rcas start to clip? do they make 5 v?

[@Lennart942]

Does anyone know the power cumsumption on this one? Got one, in my camper and im afraid it uses alot of power. And it really should'ent with a class d amp.

[@kxlaidas1993]

can i put fron 2 speaker 4 ohm and back 2 speakers 2 ohm ? on this sony head unit

[@daddydude2011]

Is there a lot of distortion from head unit when at higher power ? Can you teat the clipping point of the unit ?

[@HifiVega]

I don’t have a thd meter, but at 3/4 volume it’s very clean

[@tamer27antepli]

I wish they made a head unit with 2500w output where u need to wire a separate cable from the battery to the head unit I hate to run extra cables all the way to the back of the car

[@cecilhunnicutt7053]

I'm running the same deck and a Audiopipe apmn 1300 with one audiopipe bdc2 12 I need someone to tell me how to set the deck for the hpf and LPF

[@MadeInYugoslavia]

i wanted an sony headunit as i was used to since i bought my first headunit back in 2001. for my BMW E36 Convertible i made the mistake to buy an kennwood headunit. Pretty Shiity! For now i bought the same headunit i had back in the days. Sony CDX GT300S. I wish the DSX GS80 would have an CD player. I would immediately order one. For now the Gt300S will do a decend job.

[@dtec6025]

very interesting

[@Prozoot]

....thanks so much for the great video! I just have a couple of questions: 1. Will the USB-2 port accept and play USB-3, 256GB flash drives? 2. Can I play HD WAV files (24bit 96kHz) written to a flash drive? 3. Will WMV files play from a flash drive? 4. Will MP-4 video files play (audio only)? 5. Does the "pause" feature have a memory? If I turn off the ignition after clicking pause, will it take me back to the same spot in a song when I turn the car ignition on?

[@HifiVega]

All of these are very good questions, but I did not test any of the USB functions... I will try to make sure I test some of this stuff on future head units because a lot of people use them specially for those features.

[@easycomplex]

Since this unit only supports fat32 format and windows only will format a usb drive to to fat32 If it’s 32 gigs or lower, you won’t be able to use a usb drive higher than 32gigs unless it’s originally formatted to fat32. I’ve tried many usb drives higher than 32 gigs and realized I should have read the manual. I now have 12 different usb flash drives differentiated by genre for my truck since it won’t support NTFS formats. It is what it is but I can’t complain.. This head unit with a direct 8 gauge wire to battery and ground is badass. Keep the sound flat(no clear audio or eq bullshit) and the zone to “all’ or “front” and you’ll never get “output error” when turnt up past 45. This unit will support 24 bits but not at 96khz. Peace to hifivega for his review which is why I bought this unit. Peace out playas

[@Prozoot]

@@easycomplex ....thanks for your input and info! I just received my Sony DSX-GS80 and it will be a couple of weeks before I can get it installed, so I'm just doing my car audio homework now. From what I understand, there appears to be a work-around to the limitation of using a 32GB flash drive with FAT32 -- where the drive can be much larger. This seems too good to be true -- check out this link and let me know your impression (Am I reading this wrong?): www.howtogeek.com/316977/how-to-format-usb-drives-larger-than-32gb-with-fat32-on-windows/

[@needsmoreclipping]

@@Prozoot Too good to be true? Why? You can format higher than 32GB on a FAT32 device several different ways with Windows. Been doing it for years and it's a very common and known thing. Why too good to be true? It's just the built in Windows GUI tool won't do it.

[@needsmoreclipping]

@@easycomplex Lmao. Ummmm. As was pointed out, Windows can format a FAT32 device that is larger than 32GB. You're just doing it wrong.

[@J0stik]

oooooo, have 4x55w RMS speakers in car, gona buy this bad boy and one active sub, or get sub amp, have 250W RMS passive sub just lying around

[@JimmyStrings]

Looks like a great unit to pair with high efficiency speakers

[@HifiVega]

For sure

[@JimmyStrings]

@@HifiVega I don't suppose you could recommend some coaxials and splits that are high efficiency? Most units I'm seeing are 90db. Not bad but I guess there are higher ratings

[@HifiVega]

@@JimmyStrings off the top of my head I’d say JL Audio C1 and JBL Stadium series

[@user-hu9gf5ky7p]

@@JimmyStrings I am from the UK and use 6.5 components a speaker called Hollywood sound international and has a 95 db level and 60-23khz

[@e28forever30]

@@JimmyStrings Hertz.

[@ericmendoza3]

It looks like they brought back the crappy bop noise instead of the beep.

[@jorgem50]

This would be a killer deck if it had some cool graphics like Sony added to their old school decks. I had the sony mex120bt and even after I upgraded to ground and power cables on the unit, it was still shutting off. Good thing is I bought it for $149 on amazon and sold it for $135.

[@HifiVega]

That sucks

[@jorgem50]

@@HifiVega It wasn't shutting off all the time but enough to make it annoying. Went old school and got a Sony cdx-f605x. Cool graphics and sound quality is awesome. Only $38 shipped on ebay, mint condition

[@MichaelWilliams-lk6lf]

I had the same problem till I upgraded the speaker that can handle all the the DSX-GS80 power

[@jorgem50]

@@MichaelWilliams-lk6lf my speakers at the time were 80rms each

[@nukedathlonman]

Seems like Sony is moving back to it's ES roots. :-)

[@HifiVega]

We can wish!

[@lsch7519]

By with volume is the headunit is clipping

[@bjlanders]

Was it good or not though?

[@TheCohesiveGarage]

I have this and love it. Im thinking to run 3 ways on the front channels up front at 1.34 ohms.. I know ill be pushing it but it seems to be 2ohm stable. What are your thoughts? Thankyou~

[@TheCohesiveGarage]

I have 3 4-ohm speakers per side up front.

[@HifiVega]

If you’re using a crossover they should maintain the 4ohm impedance

[@TheCohesiveGarage]

@@HifiVega I'm not using a crossover

[@biggtastee2401]

The internal amp is only stable down to 2 ohms. I would not run it at 1.34 ohms or it could burn up easily since it's not a large amp and the internal cooling isn't great if it's stuffed into a small radio space. I run mine at 2ohms to power four 6x8's in parrallel (2ohms) and I use the rear two channels to power two dvc subs (2ohms). It sounds awesome for what it is.

[@TheCohesiveGarage]

@@biggtastee2401 Awesome! Thank you for your comment! I have been running it in 1.34 for over one month daily with no problems so far. I do have a DSP and 8 channels of amp power going in the car soon. A strong stout lil amp but i will release it of duty soon. ;)

[@PaladinJenkis]

Thank you very much for the review, this radio is pretty much the perfect solution for what I am trying to achieve in my system. I'd like to add a subwoofer to my system, without having to add an amp.

[@antoniob9349]

What subwoofer put in your car?

[@user-mr5pt9vl6n]

Скажите пожалуйста, как подключить сабвуфер к проводам,к каким? Напрямую.

[@OvertravelX]

I wish i could find one of these. I just need a decently powerful /clean deck, but these are sold out everywhere.

[@HifiVega]

A lot of head units are sold out nowadays

[@OvertravelX]

@@HifiVega I got one! Good enough for a high sensitivity 8" sub and a couple of decent 6-1/2's

[@bluedemon7601]

What was the max volume of the headunit before clipping? I have the same unit but when tuning with my dd1 it start to distort at around volume 27.

[@HifiVega]

I didn’t check on this one while I had it on the bench, but I’m sure it’s close to the same

[@40075TRIP]

Love your video! I have sony gs80 for 2 years now, How do you actually use it's full power? Do i need to connect the speakers by RCA cable and turn it to 2 ohm ?

[@HifiVega]

I don’t think so, but it’s been a while since I’ve had this unit. You should download the manual and look it over again because it is kinda complex to get the bridged output working.

[@40075TRIP]

@@HifiVega Thank you!

[@biggtastee2401]

To use its full power all you need to do is use the front 2 channels to power four speakers wired in parallel to 2ohms and use the rear 2 channels to drive one or two subs. I use this deck to power my whole system and it's awesome. I have four Kicker KSC680's running off the front two channels (wired in parallel to 2ohms) and two Skar IX-8's in a ported box running off channels 3 and 4. It drives the 8's really well and the power is clean with no clipping or distortion.

[@van_gol]

Robert, that you for clear review of this unit. I'm using one for 2y and happy with it. Now i want to connect passive 2oHm subwoofer. My car audio has no amp, so everything is sonnected directly to unit. Can you pls tell how to connect subwoofer to the unit. manual says that there is a mono sub connection, so I should use only one rca port at rear ?

[@HifiVega]

You can use both RCA’s, but you have to follow the manual exactly and have the setting on the headunit set up like they state in the manual for it work

[@van_gol]

@@HifiVega thanks for fast reply. I have exactly dsx-80. I plan to connect single coil sub with 2oHm resistance. In manual there is no exact intruction how to do sub wiring. Btw how you did connection in your setup fot this head unit?

[@littlerhino2006]

I guess that's why I get an output error with this thing... I guess it needs some 8 AWG wire to it...

[@mathewyocham2142]

From my experience sony is the best headunit to get. Ive had sony, pioneer, jvc, dual, and kenwood. Bought a kenwood for my sierra and wished id gotten a sony.....lol.

[@HifiVega]

I gotta soft spot for Kenwood

[@trollslayer8260]

I always loved the clarions and nakamichi, the kenwood excelons were really good as well. Now there are alot of chinese off brand that makes decent h/u with a crazy amount of features for under 300. As long as you dont need a cd player and have room for a double din sized tiltable screen .

[@murray6188]

Do you need anything extra when plugging in the front and rear speakers? I’m getting some sound but it’s super quiet and distorted

[@HifiVega]

Not that I know of, but did you check the manual?

[@iShavegr]

Quick question I'm planning to run this beauty with an external Phase Linear PB Four a pair of MB Quart components and and 12 inch Kicker sub. Do I have to run a direct power cable to the car battery or its OK with the car wiring harness? What's your opinion when it comes to build quality of the internals, will you consider it premium as quality of the circuits? Thnx in advance

[@HifiVega]

Go straight to the battery if you can

[@iShavegr]

@@HifiVega will this make a difference in performance?

[@bonedeth41301]

How do you go about wiring the sub to the head unit with out an external amp?

[@HifiVega]

It’s a bit convoluted. Your best bet would be to download the PDF from Sony’s website www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/5006/1e10c0e6b02c3ec393ab85fee244ccb7/50066401M.pdf

[@chuckmiller5763]

My head unit says its 25 watts x 4. That means it is more powerful than the 2 Fosgate Punch 45s I was going to install. I guess I dont need those amps. The amps are only 22.5 watts a channel. Saves me a lot of time and no need for a long RCA run or battery run.

[@HifiVega]

Ha! Those RF’s do double that.

[@TheGamingAnimator]

Which would you recommend this unit the Dsx-gs80 or the MEX-GS820BT they seem to be the same, except one has CD player. The Dax-gs80 seems to be newer Being released in December of 2019, the MEX-GS820BT came out in 2017. They are $10 difference.

[@HifiVega]

The Gaming Animator depends on if you need a CD player or not because like you said they seem very similar.

[@ravinflorenso6948]

So its real give 100x4 ?!

[@daveruperd7516]

Hopefully it's not too late for this question. But can the subwoofer be driven off the deck and the RCA's out still work? For example the radio power a small center console sub, and the Pre-Out's go out to a amp in the back for the big subs?

[@HifiVega]

Yes it can

[@VWPirates]

Yeah it works like a charm. I run two RCA's to a 4 channel amp. One channel at 2ohm for a 8"Infinity Kappa sub and one channel 4ohm to JBL splits. Then I run 2x6x9's and 2x6x4's from the deck. 8 channels Sound quality is amazing.

[@biggtastee2401]

@@VWPirates nice!

[@garypriest7679]

Nice

[@RJayRabbit]

Would you get 4x45 w rms if you hooked each channel to a 4 ohm load, like in a car? Thanks for the vid

[@VWPirates]

Yes

[@HifiVega]

Round about yes

[@biggtastee2401]

45-55 watts rms is more realistic

[@scottmack9066]

Can you run all 4ch @ 2ohm? Like have all your high & mids on front l&r channels and then a properly rated dual 2 ohm sub on rear. One voice coil to left and one to right sides? The diagram shows it wired that way but doesn't specify if you can load both down to 2ohm

[@HifiVega]

I believe you can, but I don’t remember reading anything in the manual about it.

[@biggtastee2401]

yes you can, that's how i have it set-up in my vehicle

[@Prozoot]

I'm in the process of purchasing the Sony DSX-GS80 head unit (45w RMS) and pairing it with an MTX TN8MS 8" powered subwoofer (135w RMS). I will be using the RCA connections to the Sony and powering the sub directly off the 12v car battery. Will this be a balanced and compatible pairing? Do you think the Sony might overpower the MTX sub? Also, since the Sony is so beefy, should it be getting its own fused power supply directly from the battery (as does the subwoofer)?

[@HifiVega]

I think the Sony would work nicely with the sub and I’d recommend running HU power to the battery not the factory harness

[@Prozoot]

@@HifiVega ....thanks so much! Please tell me what "HU" means. Will a 10awg fused wire to the battery be OK? What color wire do I use to connect from the player, red or yellow?

[@HifiVega]

@@Prozoot headunit and it’s the yellow wire

[@Prozoot]

@@HifiVega ....thank you!

[@mcarb80682]

Could this be a new wave of, lots of class d amps are small, little and hardly any heat.I remember my old pioneer sometimes would make a car smell. How hot that woud get plus car had no A/C

[@HifiVega]

Didn’t even get warm through all my tests

[@IvanNava]

For the fuse are you talking about those you find in the car's fuse box? Or is it only related to the subwoofer part

[@HifiVega]

Yes the fActory stereo fuse

[@IvanNava]

@@HifiVega alrighty, so up to which fuse voltage did you change to? Thanks in advance!

[@MrStatic24]

How does this unit reviewed compare to the Sony Mex-XB120BT? I'm a rookie at this lol I was considering the xb120 because I believe it does have CD player support still. Won't be running a sub so I'm not considering that...any pointers?

[@HifiVega]

I haven’t ran the MEX, but I imagine the amp is the same. As far as the crossovers and t/a I couldn’t say.

[@adanbadillo7171]

I just bought this from my local audio shop for my semi truck I didn’t believe the owner when she told me that they could power a sub

[@biggtastee2401]

I can power 2 subs. I use it to do just that and it works well.