Unlike Sony's previous storage head unit, the 10GB MEX-1HD which could only rip MP3s directly onto the drive, the MEX1G has a removeable face-plate with a USB port. It works just like an external drive and doesn't require any additional software – meaning you can simply drag-and-drop up to 500 MP3s or WMAs directly onto the device.

"Sony has created a simple alternative to moving music from home to the car. A CD head unit, flash storage device and digital audio player hub, the is truly an all-in-one car entertainment device," said Nick Wilson, car entertainment product manager at Sony Australia.

There are eleven units in the range, beginning with the CDXGT150S at $249 with a 45W x 4 amplifier, and culminating in the $799 MEX1G.

The entire range includes 24-bit D/A conversion, auxiliary-input for portable players (except MEX1G), switchable subwoofer outputs, 52W x 4 S-MOSFET amplifier, and a 3-band equaliser button.

Sony has also designed its own processor, named BBE MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation), which replicates the missing frequencies from MP3s, which Sony claims increases warmth and clarity.

"With music collections growing beyond the wildest dreams of previous generations, managing those libraries has become atime-consuming concern for many customers", Wilson said.

"With the introduction of the 2006 Sony Car Entertainment range, transferring your favourite tunes from a home, PC or digital audio device is a simple and quick process. To make this possible, Sony has focused on extending options with three distinct music format CODECS and front or rear auxiliary-in on the head unit", he said.

The Sony car stereo head unit range will soon be extended to include USB and Bluetooth connections, Wilson added.

Sony MEX1GP