Hi all,

So at the moment I have the dreadful Ford 6000CD unit, in my Mk2.5 Focus. However, I have heard that some OEM Sony stereos contain USB functionality.

How easy is it to replace the original stereo with a Sony unit, and use the USB functionality?

Is there like a USB port on the back of the unit, which can simply be extended with a cable?

Or will it require a much more complicated install, with the need to modify lots of wiring looms?

Cheers.

I hear that the CD6000 gives a better sound than the Sony. I will keep an eye on this as I prefer the look of the Sony unit and may one day change.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

I hear that the CD6000 gives a better sound than the Sony. I will keep an eye on this as I prefer the look of the Sony unit and may one day change.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

I think you have it the wrong way around mate. The Sony unit apparently gives noticeably better sound quality than the 6000CD, even when using stock speakers. I have been digging around in a lot of old threads recently, and that's what everyone seems to agree on.

So not only does it look better, but it also gives better sound. Back in the day, the Sony stereo was an optional extra.

I picked up a Sony unit for my Mk2.5 off eBay, £100 from a breakers,

I thought the sound was slightly richer, so definitely nicer for music,

but that maybe because I mainly listened to the Radio on the old unit, to listening to MP3's (from CD) on the Sony unit,

I hated standard CD's, limited time & no info on display.

The only 'USB' option on Mk2's is Ford's USB Music Box which works on any unit with an AUX button, so either CD6000 or Sony unit will work,

https://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_usb_music_box_for_all_ford_audio_and_navigation_systems_with_aux_button__f_1746768_c_420.htm

Apparently it only puts out 'Radio Quality' sound and doesn't display track info, but does skip tracks with controls.

If you just want to play MP3's, get the Sony unit and forget about the USB,

It looks better, sounds better and plays/displays MP3s (via CD).

I recently bought a couple of albums off Google Play and it didn't really like them,

I re-encoded them on an old program and had no issues since.

I can't remember the source of my info, but I am happy to stand corrected. I haven't personally heard both systems so cannot judge, just going from what I hear.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

I can't remember the source of my info, but I am happy to stand corrected. I haven't personally heard both systems so cannot judge, just going from what I hear.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

Personal choice really, I thought the CD6000 sound was good enough for me,

Only got the Sony for looks & MP3, like I said it was mainly radio on older unit, and the Sony probably has a better Equalizer.

if you want a real serious install spend your money wisely, get an aftermarket stereo as some of them produce quality sound even without an amp/aftermarket speakers and have USB functionality. If you want ease and no further modification just stick with the Sony standard fit

The Sony radios do sound much better for sure.

When I swapped back the radio in my mk2 (sony mp3 unit to the visteon one) before i px'd it for my new car the sound quality was noticeably worse.

i shall bow to the better knowledge. Consider me corrected.

Thanks for the replies fellas.

@RAIDER32 - I thought that the 'MP3' label on the Sony stereo meant that it could play MP3 files off a USB stick, I didn't realize that it actually meant MP3 CD's and not USB. Still, MP3 CD's seem much better than normal CD's. And with a 6CD changer, I'm sure I could fit either most or all of my music collection. I'll look into this.

@j.beesley - Yeah this is another good option. This also has the added bonus of navigation, not messing around with burning multiple CD's (and keeping them updated as my music collection grows), and the ability to add a reverse camera down the road. Only downside is that their quite expensive usually, which is why I was considering the Sony option.

The Focus MK2.5 Sony GEN 3 radio's do support USB. However the USB functionality is not integrated into the radio. The USB functionality requires the optional Ford Sound & Connect (Bluetooth/Voicecontrol with USB, Ipod and Bluetooth Audio support) system.