Marine, Display & Remote Features
Built-in Bluetooth
Android & iPhone Integration
USB & Aux Connectivity
Pandora+SiriusXM+AM/FM Radio
Audio & Speaker Section

Marine, Display, & Remote Features

Marine Rated: The Sony DSX-M55BT marine-rated digital media receiver is ready for the marine environment with a UV resistant coating and coated circuit board. The Sony marine receiver is specifically designed to withstand the ASTM G154 test for UV resistance. This means the faceplate is treated to resist fading and discoloring after prolonged exposure to UV light. The marine receiver uses coated circuit boards which safeguards them from the humid marine environment.

Detachable Face w/ Caution Alarm: The DSX-M55BT features a detachable face for theft prevention. No face case is included with this unit. An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired. If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position without detaching the front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the built-in amplifier is used.

High-Contrast LCD: The head unit's LCD screen has 5x higher contrast than conventional screens, and the optimized viewing angle makes reading easy for drivers. The LCD screen displays source information, clock, station ID, and track data when playing back digital files from your external USB devices.

• Auto Scroll: The Auto Scroll feature allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the track is changed on a USB device.
• Dimmer: The DSX-M55BT feature a dimmer mode to dim the brightness of the display. You can choose from either Dimmer On or Dimmer Off.
• Sound Synchronization: Synchronized button illumination pulses in time to the beat, or changes with the sound levels of the music track.
• Display Illumination/Clock Display: Pressing the Source/Off button once will switch sources. Pressing and holding the Source/Off button for one second will turn off audio output, but the clock display and button illumination remain on. To turn the unit off completely, you must press and hold the Source/Off button for two seconds.

Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory power wire at the radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting a set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or No.

Remote Control: The Sony DSX-M55BT comes with an IR wireless remote control, offers support for Sony's marine wired remote control (sold separately), and features a SWC input for compatibility with your vehicle's steering wheel controls via a separate adapter (sold separately).

• IR Remote: The DSX-M55BT comes supplied with an IR remote control for wireless operation of the digital media receiver. The included wireless remote allows you to control the basic functions of the Sony head unit while keeping your eyes on the road.
• Optional Wired Remote: In addition to the supplied wireless remote, the receiver can be controlled by an optional Sony wired marine remote (158RM-X11M, sold separately) through its wired remote control input (3.5mm) on the rear-panel.
• SWC Compatible: The head unit rear-panel 3.5mm wired remote input can also be used to keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately).

Built-in Bluetooth

Bluetooth Technology: The Sony DSX-M55BT is equipped with built-in Bluetooth (version 3.0), allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit. In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:

• Hands-Free Communication: HFP 1.6 (Hands Free Profile), PBAB 1.0 (Phone Book Access Profile).
• Audio Streaming: A2DP 1.3 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).

Simple Secure Pairing (SSP): With Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), you can easily pair a Bluetooth enabled phone to the Sony receiver without having to enter pin codes or go through complicated settings. The unit also provides NFC pairing for Android and USB pairing for iPhone.

• Near Field Communication (for Android): Android (OS 4.0+) smartphones that have Near Field Communication (NFC) pair simply by touching the Android device's NFC tag to the head unit's NFC tag on it rotary-knob. For older Android smartphones with earlier operating systems, download the NFC Easy Connect app from Google Play to use the head unit's NFC pairing function.
• USB Pairing (for iPhone): You can pair your Apple iPhone (iOS 5.0+) by simply connecting it to the Sony head unit via USB and activating the Bluetooth function on your Apple device.

Hands-Free Communication (w/ Integrated Mic): The Sony DSX-M55BT supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone. Bluetooth hands-free communication helps to minimize distraction while driving by allowing you to control your mobile phone from the head unit, so you don't have to touch your mobile phone. The controls of the DSX-M55BT can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also features an integrated front-panel microphone (featuring adjustable gain), so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers. And thanks to the latest Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.6) with wideband speech capability, the DSX-M55BT provides more natural sound quality and details during wireless calls. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode.

• Answering Calls: Incoming calls can be answered manually or automatically (between 3-10 seconds) through the Sony head unit, while the ring tone is output from your car speakers and the caller's name or phone number is displayed on the head unit's LCD. Incoming calls can also be rejected if desired.
• Dialing a Number: Using the DSX-M55BT , you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways.
  • Entering Phone #: Allows you to manually dial a phone number using the unit's control dial.
  • Preset Dial: You can store up to 6 contacts in the preset dial for quick dialing.
  • Phone Book: You can store up to 1,000 contacts in the unit's phone book. Up to a 40 character name can be input for each contact.
  • Call History: The unit will store the last 20 calls, allowing you to select a previous phone number quickly from the list.
  • Voice Dial: You can make a call using the voice tags stored on your connected cellular phone.
  • Redial: Use to easily redial the last number you called.

Wireless Audio Streaming: The Sony DSX-M55BT digital media receiver supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or audio player, plus song/artist information display. You are able to stream your stored music library on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, as well as music apps downloaded on your smartphone to the Sony DSX-M55BT for playback. You can control basic playback functions like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track from the head unit's front-panel. However, advanced music browsing will still need to be done from your Bluetooth mobile device. The head unit will also display your stored music and music app's song information; such as Artist name and Song/Album title (not compatible with all apps).

Siri Eyes Free Control: When paired and connected to an iPhone with Siri via Bluetooth, the Sony DSX-M55BT has the ability to access Siri through its front-panel control and external microphone. Simply activate the "voice dial" function on the DSX-M55BT to engage Siri and use the integrated microphone to communicate with Siri. Siri's voice will heard through your vehicle's speakers. All Siri functions including hands-free calling, music search, setting reminders, text-messaging, audible navigation, and more can be done through the head unit and its microphone. You can ask Siri to get directions to a destination and the turn-by-turn instructions will heard through your vehicle's speakers, while the on-screen map still displays on your iPhone with Siri. The head unit's audio is attenuated while Siri provides audible directions.

Android & iPhone Integration

Android Connectivity (via MTP): The Sony DSX-M55BT provides playback of stored music files on select Android (OS 4.0+) devices through its front-panel USB MTP-compatible port. You also get basic playback controls (like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the receiver's front-panel. In addition, you are able to view song/artist information on the receiver's front-panel LCD. Simply connect your compatible Android device with the microUSB-to-USB cable that came with your device. The unit's USB port (1A) will also charge your Android device while connected; the vehicle's accessory key must be set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position.

USB 1-Wire iPod/iPhone Control: The DSX-M55BT 's front-panel USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via the included iPod dock or Lightning connector-to-USB cable that comes with your iPod or iPhone (not included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for iPod/iPhone connection lets you directly connect, charge, & control select iPod/iPhones via the USB jack on the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title & artist name on the front display.

• Bypass iPod DAC: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter (bypassing iPod/iPhone DAC), allowing for a Signal-to-Noise ratio up to 120dB.
• Music Navigation: You can control your connected iPod/iPhone from the head unit's front-panel or included remote. The Quick-BrowZer feature allows you to browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song, Genre, Playlist, or Podcast from the head unit. The unit also offers Repeat (Track/Album) & Shuffle (Album) playback modes for iPod/iPhone. You can also select "Passenger" mode, to control your Apple device from its own clickwheel or touchscreen.
• Information Display: The head unit will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track #, Elapsed playing time, Song title, Artist name, and Album label.
• Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection (1A) will power and charge your iPod/iPhone. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then this unit will not recognize it.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony DSX-M55BT is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 2/16/2017):

USB & Aux Connectivity

Front-Panel USB Port (MSC/MTP compatible): The digital media receiver is equipped with a front-panel USB (type-A) port that can be used for plugging in a USB (MSC) Mass Storage Class or a USB MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) device; such as select Android devices, digital audio players, and thumbdrives or flashdrives. The head unit supports playback of a variety of music files (including MP3, WMA, FLAC) stored on a compatible USB device. You are able to browse and control playback of the compatible files stored on your USB device through the head unit's touchscreen, as well as view song/artist information. USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

Compatible Music Files: The Sony DSX-M55BT supports the following types of MP3, WMA, and FLAC files downloaded to a USB MSC/MTP device.

Display Information: The digital media receiver can display the following ID3/WMA/FLAC-tag information (Track number, Elapsed Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Title).

Quick-BrowZer: The unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allow you to search for a track on a USB device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist).

Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments.

Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front-panel stereo 3.5mm mini-jack is provided to allow the connection of a portable audio source. Just connect your portable digital music player to this unit, and you can listen to the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio system. The volume level of the auxiliary input is adjustable from -8 to +18 dB to compensate for any difference between the unit and your portable device.

Pandora+SiriusXM+AM/FM Radio

Pandora Internet Radio: The Sony DSX-M55BT digital media receiver lets you playback and control the Pandora Internet Radio music service that is being streamed to your Apple iPhone or Android smartphone. The Sony DSX-M55BT will also display Artist, Album, & Song information provided by the Pandora app on your iPhone or Android smartphone. Your iPhone (iOS 9.0+) will need to be connected to the head unit's front-panel USB port with the latest version of the Pandora App from Apple's App Store. Your Android smartphone must be connected via Bluetooth to the Sony DSX-M55BT (no hard-wired connection required); your Bluetooth-enabled Android smartphone must have the latest version of the Pandora App from the Google Play Store. Your Android smartphone must also support A2DP/AVRCP/SPP Bluetooth profiles. Your iPhone or Android smartphone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, LTE (4G), or WiFi. In addition, you will need an active Pandora music service account. The Sony DSX-M55BT provides the following control over the Pandora music service streamed to your USB-connected iPhone or Bluetooth-enabled Android smartphone.

• Station List: You can select Pandora stations from your Station List by date or alphabetically (A-Z).
• Skip Songs: You can skip song tracks within a station. You cannot skip back to a previous song. Pandora limits the number of skips allowed.
• Thumbs Up/Down: You can give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down to help Pandora personalize stations to suit your preferences.
• Bookmarking: The song or artist currently being played can be bookmarked & stored in your Pandora account.

SiriusXM-Ready: The Sony DSX-M55BT is SiriusXM-Ready and compatible with the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (220SXV300 sold separately). The SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner supports SiriusXM programming with access to 175+ SiriusXM channels via subscription; check out the most popular SiriusXM subscription packages here. Additional features of the SiriusXM Connect tuner include:

• Channel list displays a list of all available channels
• Category Search searches for channels in a certain category
• Displayed Information such as Channel Name, Artist Name, & Song Title can be viewed on the head unit's LCD
• Up to 18 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets
• Channels containing unsuitable content for children can be blocked

Digital Clarity Tuner w/ RDS: The Sony DSX-M55BT digital media receiver is equipped with a Digital Clarity Tuner for clear AM/FM stereo sound with digital processing technology. The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist & track information when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. The radio features 5 memory bands to store and receive AM/FM stations. You can store up to 6 presets in each in band (FM 1-3/AM 1-2), for a total of 18 FM presets and 12 AM presets. Presets can be stored automatically using the Best Tuning Memory (BTM) feature.

Audio & Speaker Section

Dynamic Reality Amp: The redesigned, internal Dynamic Reality Amp circuitry boasts 47% lower internal resistance compared to conventional receivers, delivering 55 watts x 4 channel (peak power) to your interior speakers. This allows you to crank up the volume while maintaining low distortion, low noise levels and smooth frequency response. Your music isn't just louder, its clearer too. The power output specs for the DSX-M55BT are as follows:

• Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
• Peak Power Output: 55 watts x 4-channels (208 total watts)

Rear & Sub Preouts: The Sony DSX-M55BT digital media receiver is equipped with a set of 2V rear-channel & subwoofer RCA preouts. The rear-channel outputs are fading, while the subwoofer outputs are non-fading. There are no front-channel preouts.

Sub Controls: The DSX-M55BT's subwoofer output offers a built-in low-pass crossover (80/100/120Hz), phase switch (normal/reverse), and independent level control (-/+6dB).

EQ5: You can select an equalizer curve from eight music types; Country, Soul, Electronica, R&B, Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Dance, Custom, or Off (flat). The Custom EQ5 mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You can adjust the level (+/-8dB) of five different frequency bands - 100Hz, 250Hz, 1kHz, 4kHz, & 12.5kHz. .

Mega Bass: The Mega Bass feature reinforces the head unit's bass sound in synchronization with the unit's volume level. Mega Bass can be set to 1, 2, or Off.

Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Marine Speakers: The Sony XS-MP1611 two-way speakers are IPx5 certified for marine use, UV (ASTM G154) and salt (ASTM B117) resistant, and have removable grilles. These marine speakers feature a dual cone polypropylene tweeter and polypropylene cone woofer. The speakers have a frequency response of 45-20,000Hz and can handle up to 40 watts RMS / 140 watts Peak.

• Mounting Depth: 1.993"
• Mounting Height: 0.35"
• Cutout Diameter: 4.921"
• Magnet Diameter: 3.75"
• Frame Diameter: 6.521"
• Grille Diameter: 6.854"