90's Car Amplifier (Part 2) SONY XM2020S

On my yesterday posy, I got a review of the SONY XM3020S here, a full size amplifier with all discrete components inside. Then I should also introduce to the little brother, it is SONY XM2020S. The smaller version of XM3020 with all integrated circuit components inside.

The box condition of this SONY XM2020S not as neat as the XM3020S, but the unit is still noticeably brand new.

The size of this amplifier is just about a palm of my hand. The input socket are for power and speaker connection and a pair of the RCA connection input.

The ideal external amplifier should have a gain control to adjust the head-room and distortion level. This make the amplifier different with the built in OEM head unit amplifier.

It is made in Japan!

With this little output, the question is: it is not much different with the OEM head unit amplifier?

By looking closely on detail specification in the box, it is 20 watt per channel with the distortion less then 0,005%. Next, you can compare the OEM head unit manual amplifier output level mostly marketing gimmick said 50 watt x 4, but honestly detail specification in the manual said it only maximum 23 watt per channel with distortion more than 1%. One and zero in decimal is a huge number by the way and to the sound is also a huge improvement.

How will people consider to buy this amplifier? Let we have this simulation. in the 90's, you have little money to spend to improve your current car audio system, about less than US$30 and you don't want spent more than that or buying lots of big audio stuff that add weight to your car. Then what should you do with that money? The simple answer is BUY THIS SONY AMPLIFIER!

With that money, you are not worries about buying separate cables again but only the RCA interconnect. The wiring itself are feed directly from the current installation.

This amplifier is small enough to hide anywhere inside the car's dashboard, it is measured only 13 cm by 8 cm.

It is never been complete a review without see what the components inside.

As usual from SONY design team, a neat and tidy components arrangement inside this little amplifier.

There are all generic components inside, I only notice the hi quality potentiometer for the gain control.

The overall design of this amplifier is only using one power IC per channel. The pre amplifier section is using op-amp IC.

So, don't get fooled by it size, it is a Sony reputable brand and for sure will make a sound improvement over the OEM audio system.

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