The SONY CDX-MP40 MP3/CD/MINI player is a very impressive car stereo system that comes in @ just a tad over $200. Feature rich it has a very impressive line up of real world goodies that will make your friends jealous and satisfy that crave for decent sound in your vehicle. The install is pretty easy, although a number of large retail outfits offer to install free if you spend more than $200.




Some of the key features of the receiver are:

detachable, fold-down face
plays CD-R's and CD-RW's
plays MP3 files
displays MP3 text
SSIR-EX tuner
18 FM/12 AM presets
seek tuning
EQ3 (3-band equalizer and 7 preset tone curves)
Dynamic Sound stage Organizer
XM Satellite Radio controls (XM subscription, optional Sony XM tuner, and antenna required to receive the satellite radio signal) — service is available only in the lower 48 states, not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories
CD/MD changer controls
CD Text
front and rear pre amp outputs
wireless remote
clock
23.2 watts RMS/52 peak x 4 channels
CD frequency response 10-20,000 Hz
CD signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
FM sensitivity 9 dBf
1-year warranty
It looks pretty, it does MP3 and MD, it's XM compatible, and it COMES with the remote control. What more can you want in a decent entry level receiver. The remote is actually very critical. Dialing up your regular radio, pumping through the 12 - 18 songs on a normal music CD isn't a big deal, but now you have MP3. This means almost 200 songs on a CD. That means you have a considerable distraction if you are trying to find that 143 song and you are on track #3. Enter the remote control. You can do this and keep your eyes on the road! Trust me it might save your life.

If you are doing your own install it's not that bad. You just get a harness adapter from any of the big stores (Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Tweeters, etc..) then follow the directions. Attach this wire to that and so on, finally plug it into your car's harness and slide it in. Put your dash trim back in and that's about it. There are a few more details like detaching your battery, so make sure you read all the instructions before you attempt the install. We were able to do it ourselves in just under 20 minutes. All that was left was to run up to the computer and download about 200 of our favorite MP3 songs and burn them to a disk!

The one thing we didn't care for is the "DEMO MODE" which likes to take over when the system is in the OFF mode. It's distracting and makes the whole unit look like some kind of freak circus side show event instead of an impressive car radio.

2 out of 3 stars for the SONY. We took a star for the DEMO mode which we could not disable.