CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 05/14/2008
For 2008, Sony makes a minor update to its entry-level Bluetooth-equipped car stereo. The MEX-BT2600 retains many of the positive features that we liked in the MEX-BT2500, including Bluetooth hands-free calling, the capability to play songs streamed via the A2DP Bluetooth profile, and support for a range of digital audio formats. Changes to the system include different button labeling, a mic-level control, and some new expandability options.
Design
The MEX-BT2600 follows the basic chassis and faceplate design of the current crop of single-DIN entry-level Sony stereos, which we saw most recently in the CDX-GT420U. A rotary dial provides the main control interface and is surrounded by six buttons for one-touch access to the system's major features. While the MEX-BT2600's buttons are in the same place as those on its predecessor, the updated system assigns new functions to two of them, giving drivers a dedicated Bluetooth and Display buttons, an update that we found to be very useful in the day-to-day use of the system. Also to our liking is the stereo's neon blue backlighting, which gives it a classy visual appearance. For audio sources, the MEX-BT2600 features an open disc slot and a front-mounted auxiliary input jack for connection to portable audio players. While it lacks the bold X-themed styling of the high-end MEX-BT5100 Bluetooth head unit, the MEX-BT2600 does advertise its membership of Sony's X-Plod line of products with prominent badges on its bezel--a subtle but notable difference from its predecessor.
Features and performance
The main reason people will buy the MEX-BT2600 is its competitive price and its integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability. With a built-in microphone and Bluetooth adapter, the system provides an easy and intuitive means of making calls from behind the wheel, an increasingly important consideration as more and more states enforce bans on driving while talking on cell phones. Pairing a phone to the MEX-BT2600 is straightforward: after holding down the BT button for five seconds, drivers search for the stereo using their Bluetooth-equipped phone, completing the process with the entry of a passkey. With the connection made, all calls made out from the cell phone handset are routed through the car's speakers while the system's built-in microphone lets drivers speak naturally and be understood from the other end of the line. Unlike its higher-end sibling, the MEX-BT2600 does not copy cell phone address books when paired. This is not a problem for incoming calls, which are answered by the touch of the rotary dial. However, there are limitations on outgoing calls: drivers can either use the handset to dial out (not ideal when driving along); redial the last number (obviously limited in its scope); or use the voice-dialing feature of the phone to call out. While this last option is dependent on the phone having a voice-dial option, we found it to be by far the easiest--and safest--way to call out via the MEX-BT2600. With a call underway, incoming sound quality via the car speakers is clear as is outgoing call quality--although the latter does sound a bit tinny. A new mic-volume control lets drivers adjust the outgoing call volume.
The other Bluetooth function of the MEX-BT2600 is its capability to stream music via the A2DP Bluetooth audio profile. There are only a limited number of phones that come with built-in A2DP, and we had to search around the CNET offices to find our Sony Ericsson K790 test phone. To play Bluetooth audio via the MEX-BT2600, the phone must be paired in a similar way to that for Bluetooth hands-free calling. (A single pairing connection will suffice to connect the same phone for Bluetooth calling and music playback.) With our A2DP phone connected, we were able to stream music from the phone to the head unit and out through the car's speakers. While the phone handset must be used to start playback of a track or a playlist, but once started, the controls on the stereo can be used to skip forward and back, pause and restart tracks, and control volume level. During Bluetooth audio playback, no track information is transferred to the stereo's display, so drivers will have to either refer to the phone display for track information or select tunes by ear when on the road.
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