The Sony CDX-GT610Ui (MSRP: $169.95) and CDX-GT81UW (MSRP: $249) are like siblings - they come from the same parents, share some of the same features, but offer completely different personalities. It's probably easiest to start off by explaining their similarities. Both the GT610Ui and GT81UW share the unique cosmetic trait of a large volume knob occupying the left portion of the detachable faceplates, while dual external source inputs make their home on the right side. The dual source inputs are comprised of a USB terminal and an auxiliary input jack that allow external media sources to connect to the Sony head unit. Using the USB input allows the track information from a USB-capable music player to appear on the Sony's display, while the music player is controlled and charged by the head unit.
Since both of these head units play CDs in addition to the external media connected to the Sony faceplate, the GT610Ui and GT81UW support an alphabet soup of file types on CD or USB-capable music players: MP3, WMA, AAC and Sony's own ATRAC3. Just in case there aren't any CDs, USB-compatible media players or portable MP3 players handy, the Sony siblings tune FM and AM stations with ease and can connect to an optional satellite radio tuner (XM or Sirius) or CD changer. To further simplify their ease of use, Sony equipped both the GT610Ui and GT81UW with EQ3 preset equalizer sound curves. Finding the perfect sound is just a matter of selecting from one of seven desired EQ3 presets and, if necessary, tailoring the three-band EQ to create a custom setting.
Sibling RivalryThink of the Sony CDX-GT610Ui as a younger brother or sister. The GT610Ui has the right combination of features to make it popular with the kids at school and even though it's still trying to grow into some of its features, it's eager to impress. The modest layout of the CDX-GT610Ui's faceplate belies its true potential. The simple faceplate, with its piano black finish and CD-loading slot revealed, allows for a straightforward user interface. While it would have been nice if the GT610Ui had larger buttons, the included wireless remote provided easy control of the head unit while simultaneously allowing us to keep our eyes on the road. The blue illumination of the buttons and display window also provides a nice contrast to the white vacuum fluorescent text.
With its modest price and styling, the Sony CDX-GT610Ui sports a surprising feature - built-in iPod connectivity. Exiting from the rear of the unit is a 4' black cable with a beefy iPod dock connector on the end. The only downside to the pre-attached cable is that the more time spent running the cable to a "trick" location requires more time to remove the radio and the accompanying iPod cable from the dash. Considering many iPod interfaces on the market cost almost as much if not more than the CDX-GT610Ui, the minor inconvenience of routing the pre-connected iPod cable is worth overlooking. The iPod dock connector provides the DCX-GT610Ui with full control of the iPod via the buttons on the faceplate and the wireless remote while simultaneously charging the iPod.