DWR Airstream with Sony CDXGT930UI head unit replacement

So, after I upgraded the TV with a built-in DVD player, I no longer needed a stereo head unit that had DVD playback and a video out.  What I did want was a head unit with iPod integration, so I went on a quest and after much research found the Sony CDXGT930UI car receiver.  It was quite easy to connect since the previous model was also a SONY (MEX-R1) and the connectors were the same.  It took me about 30 minutes to swap them out.  The sound difference was substantial and is so much better than before.  I tested many of the EQ settings and can now make “the Daemon” rock without having all the Airstream panels rattle.

Sony CDXGT930UI head unit with green lights and iPod integration

The new unit also looks quite nice and has green lights that fit the DWR’s lime green interior design motif. The interiors of the overhead storage units of the DWR Airstream are painted lime green; and when the lights are turned on, there is a nice lime glow from behind the sliding metal doors. iPod integration is quite good although more cumbersome than actually selecting music on the iPod itself, but it certainly is nice to to have a digital audio connection via USB to the head unit (that also charges the iPod) and to be able to see what is playing from a distance without having to have the iPod visible.  Also, I can now control the iPod via  Sony CDXGT930UI’s remote control and turn them both off with one press of a button on the remote. I used to have the iPod in the Apple Universal Dock but the connection to the Sony CDXGT930UI head unit only succeeded intermittently, so I have to connect the iPod USB cable directly to the iPod.  Now I will create a pocket in which the iPod can rest and be out of the way in the overhead storage compartment.

DWR Airstream over head compartments