SONY CFD-G505 BOOMBOX

I have been looking for a higher quality boombox for some time. I decided to buy the Sony CFD-G505. It replaces the CFD-G500.

I am not too happy with the unit. I will give its pros and cons.

Just like the G500, the G505 sounds very shrilly. I attribute some of this to Sony's choice of using a cheap full-range driver and then trying to tweak the "highs". Also, Sony again incorporates preset eq controls. Therefore, you have no real options as far as tonal adjustments are concerned.

Bass is boomy. I am assuming it is an eq setting problem. Plus, as stated above, you have very little choice as far as tonal adjustments. You either have a lot of boomy bass, or none. It's very frustrating.

There are only 3 preset eq controls. Sony claims 4 presets, but one is FLAT, which Sony calls Classical. The other 3 settings are ROCK, JAZZ and VOCAL. The ROCK setting just boosts bass and treble to the max, so bass is very boomy and treble very shrill. I never understood the JAZZ setting. It's just bass boosted to the max, which makes the music sound dull and lifeless. The VOCAL setting really doesn't seem to do much of anything except kill the bass and treble.

Please be ALERT to FALSE INFORMATION on both Sony's website and other websites as follows:

One, under the SPECIFICATIONS which Sony and other websites are providing, it lists this unit as having 5 presets. That is one of the reasons I bought this unit. The FIFTH preset is listed as CUSTOM. That is NOT TRUE! I had hoped that Sony provided a custom setting whereby the user could adjust bass and treble more to their liking. There is NO such setting.

Two, Sony again is providing the wrong weight for this unit. It weighs over 17 pounds, not 7 pounds. Sony made the same error with its predecessor, the G500. Why they haven't corrected it, who knows? The weight is not a problem for me, but may be for housewives or anyone not wanting to lug around a heavier boombox.

Another problem with this unit is the FLICKERING of the Power ON LED. The flickering occurs at moderate volumes and increases as does the volume, especially with the subwoofer ON. This worries me because I've owned other units with such problems. It could possibly be caused by simple vibration when the subwoofer is employed. However, many times it is a sign that the power supply is having a difficult time providing the current required. Much more current is required to drive the sub amp.

I did not try anything other than the CD player. After listening to several favorite CDs, I had had enough. So I cannot fairly comment on the cassette deck or other features.

The style will appeal to some and not to others. Personally, I prefer the style of its predecessors, such as the Sony CFD-G70. It featured a clear sealed cover which allowed you to watch the subwoofer pump as it played. This unit has a large "X" across the subwoofer chamber, which is Sony's way of pushing their Xplod series. To me, it looks very flashy.

The display is too small, as has been the problem since Sony introduced the CFD-G30. It does not illuminate. It truly is a step backward for Sony. You can find boomboxes made 20 years ago that already featured illuminated displays. Why Sony does not include one I have no idea. Apparently, you will only use this unit in the daytime.

As stated above, I did not try the cassette deck. However, I am amazed that Sony will not incorporate electronic controls for the cassette. Therefore, the remote control really cannot control the whole unit. It can only operate the CD and Tuner. Again, electronic controls of cassette functions have been around for over 20 years. Why even include a cassette option? The old piano-key controls are so very outdated. They are useless. They do not work with a remote. And, they are not great for the sensitive cassette mechanism either. They jar the tape-heads and can cause misalignment. I don't even know if the cassette features full automatic shut-off? I know for sure it doesn't feature auto-reverse, another feature which has been around for over 20 years.

The sound is a little smoother when played at lower volumes. This unit has a volume range of 0 to 10, with about 30 steps total. When turned up to around 5, the sound suddenly changes. Highs become more shrill. Bass is not as smooth. There may be limiter circuitry involved. That's my guess anyway.

Even the manual is disappointing. It really isn't a manual anymore. It is a single sheet of paper folded up. I remember buying boomboxes that came with manuals that were 40 pages long and explained all functions in great detail. Sometimes in different languages as well. All this manual is, is a sheet of paper, not unlike a quick set-up guide you might find with a PC component.

I am very disappointed. With all the modern technology, and many micro systems featuring good quality sound, bass/treble controls, large illuminated displays, etc, this boombox is just a big disappointment.

I think this unit will appeal to the teenager. It can get pretty loud, if that is all you care about. The sub may not be able to handle higher volumes of music with heavy bass content.

I believe the unit comes with an aux input. If I'm not mistaken, it is a single mini-jack, not left/right RCA jacks. So, if you want to plug a component into it, you will have to buy an adapter with a mini-plug on one end and whatever type of plugs you need on the other.

In the box you will find the boombox, a remote, a power cord and a manual. NO batteries, not even for the remote.