Sonys line of Car Audio Receivers (Digital Multimedia Receivers) - Which one should I buy to best meet my needs?
By Brian Doll, AutoHarnessHouse.com Technical support
One of the questions that we often get is "Which headunit should I buy". The answer to that question varies dramatically based on what a customer's budget is and which features they plan to use. As you consider which features you will need, here are some features that are often desired:
- Apple Carplay and/or Android Auto (Also, is wireless carplay needed or do you mind plugging in the phone with USB?)
- Onboard Navigation (Built into the headunit, not through a connection with a phone)
- CD drive (CDs are becomming less common these days but some customers still want to option to play them in the car)
- HDMI input
- Screen Size - Usually aftermarket screens will not be the exact same size as your OEM screen but it is important to consider how the screen will look in your car's dash. If you buy a doubledin with a massive floating screen, will it cover up your AC controls? Perhaps it is a good fit but you'll mount it a little bit further back in the dash so that the screen sits flush on the dash rather than spaced out a half inch.
Another consideration is "Are you set on a certain brand?" We've written this article about Sony units bercause they are a good middle-of-the-line brand. We have plug and play adapters for many vehicles that will fit the Sony units and will make the installation plug and play but clearly some budgets will not support a Sony XAV-AX6000. In general, you will get what you pay for. Chinese Android headunits tend to be feature-rich and cheap but they don't have good tech support and are sometimes glitchy. We've built adapters to be plug and play with ATOTO brand units which are one of the better "cheap" brands. Lower tier Sony and Pioneer units sometimes have a slower interface than their more expensive brothers and sisters but the price is attractive.
No need to waste any more of your time. Here are our thoughts on the new line of Sony Digital Media Receivers. (We'll update this regularly. This article was updated in April 2023.)
The Sony Lineup
Sony has been a trusted name in the car audio and navigation industry for many years. The brand offers a range of products that cater to different budgets and preferences. In this section, we will take a look at the top 4 selling Sony car audio and navigation systems, their pros and cons, and our top choice for a customer on a budget.
Sony XAV-AX4000:
Buy on Amazon HERE
This is Sony's lowest priced unit that has the Maestro RR or RR2 dataport functions. This means that it is fully compatible with the Maestro unit used to retain use of the Harman Kardon system (ans also a great unit if you don't have Harman Kardon). It has a 7-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the main advantages of the Sony XAV-AX4000 is its affordability. However, the downside is that it lacks some features that are present in higher-end models, such as built-in GPS navigation and a larger touch screen display.
- 7-inch Clear Resistive touchscreen for intuitive and responsive control.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless integration with your smartphone.
- Voice control with Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free control and safer driving.
- High-power amplifier with 4 x 55 W output for powerful and clear sound.
- Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) for optimal soundstage and improved audio quality.
Sony XAV-AX5600:
Buy on Amazon HERE
The XAV-AX5600 is a step up from the XAV-AX3200. It has a larger 7-inch touch screen display, built-in GPS navigation, and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the advantages of this model is its intuitive interface, which makes it easy to use. However, it is also one of the more expensive models in Sony's car audio and navigation lineup.
- 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen for responsive and clear display.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration.
- Dual USB ports for charging and connecting multiple devices at once.
- Ergonomic rotary dial for safe and easy operation while driving.
- High-power amplifier with 4 x 55 W output for powerful and clear sound.
- Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) for optimal soundstage and improved audio quality.
Sony XAV-AX8100:
Buy on Amazon HERE
This is Sony's flagship car audio system. It has an 8.95-inch touch screen display and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XAV-AX8100 also has a unique design that allows it to be mounted in either a single or double DIN space. One of the main advantages of this model is its large touch screen display, which makes it easy to use. However, it is also the most expensive model in Sony's lineup. The Built in HDMI port on this unit is a major selling point because it allows connection of an Amazon FireStick or Chromecast for video streaming in the car.
Sony XAV-AX7000:
Buy on Amazon HERE
The XAV-AX7000 is a mid-range car audio and navigation system. It has a 7-inch touch screen display, built-in GPS navigation, and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the main advantages of this model is its sleek design, which makes it a great choice for those who want a system that looks good in their car. However, it is also more expensive than the XAV-AX1000.
Our Thoughts
Now, let's talk about our top choice for a customer on a budget. Our pick is the Sony XAV-AX5600. While it lacks some of the features present in higher-end models, it has the most desired features. It has built-in GPS navigation and a larger touch screen display. It has a user-friendly interface and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which is a huge plus!). Additionally, its affordable price tag makes it a great choice for those who want to upgrade their car audio and navigation system without breaking the bank. Sony offers a range of car audio and navigation systems that cater to different budgets and preferences. While each model has its pros and cons, the Sony XAV-AX5000 offers excellent value for money and has all the features that most people need in a car audio and navigation system.
Did I mention that we offer plug and play adapters for Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, and Scion vehicles? See the links below or check out our database page to see the parts that we recommend for your specific vehicle!
Toyota and Subaru - Direct wire harness for Sony Headunits
1998-2008 Honda/Acura - Direct wire harness for Sony Headunits
Direct wire harness for Sony Headunits (fits 1984-1994 Nissan/Infiniti)
Final Thoughts
We wish you the best with your install! As automobiles have become more complex, so have the infotainment systems. Hopefully this article has provided you with enough information to install your equiptment right way. Our support team is here and happy to help if you have questions or are confused about details. Email us at inquiry@autoharnesshouse.com if there is anything that we can clarify or if you need something more custom than the standard, recommended set of parts for your vehicle.
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