If you are looking for a multimedia receiver for your car or truck with a bright, clear screen and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, then you’ll want to check out the Sony XAV-AX1000. Equipped with a 6.2-inch, touch-sensitive display and rotary volume control on the front panel, the XAV-AX1000 looks great while being easy and intuitive to operate. Let’s take a close look at the features included in this receiver.
Apple CarPlay Smartphone Integration
No technology has made communication easier for drivers behind the wheel than Apple CarPlay. Simply connect your iPhone to the USB port on the front panel and within seconds, you can make phone calls or send text messages. Support for streaming music services includes Pandora, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Tidal, and several audiobook solutions. Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze navigation applications offer easy-to-understand, turn-by-turn directions to the destination of your choice. There’s no need to scroll through complex menus or use proprietary commands to get the information you want, thanks to the Siri digital assistant interface. Just press and hold the volume control for two seconds, and the XAV-AX1000 listens to your commands. You can keep your eyes on the road to ensure you’ll arrive at your destination safely and efficiently.
The XAV-AX1000 includes Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming functions, so your Android phone can still be used safely. The USB port on the front of the radio is compatible with a memory stick containing MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC audio files as well as WMV, MPEG-4, Xvid, and MKV video files at resolutions up to 1280×720 pixels and 30 frames per second, depending on the file format. You can also connect your smartphone to the USB port to recharge the battery with up to 1.5 amps of current.
A built-in AM/FM receiver allows you to enjoy local terrestrial radio programming and includes RDS PTY so you can see artist and song title information from supporting stations. Support for the optional SXV300 SiriusXM tuner means you can listen to SiriusXM satellite radio whenever you are in North America. A 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input on the front panel rounds out the audio source options.
Sony XAV-AX1000 System Configuration and Installation Features
The XAV-AX1000 includes adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers that let your installation technician configure the output of the front and rear channels for use with a subwoofer. You can add external amplifiers using the 2.0-volt front, rear and subwoofer outputs; the EQ10 10-band graphic equalizer will let you fine-tune the frequency response of your sound system for exceptional realism. The built-in, 20-watt-RMS-per-channel amplifier helps to ensure your music will sound great.
The XAV-AX1000 includes a rearview camera input that triggers automatically when the vehicle is in reverse so you can see everything behind you. Your installer can switch between normal and reverse camera images, so the system works with any NTSC-format camera on the market. The programmable steering wheel control input allows either an aftermarket steering wheel control interface input or allows your installer to connect your new radio directly to the audio buttons on the steering wheel for seamless integration. Sony includes an external microphone to optimize the accuracy of hands-free calling and voice recognition features. Finally, the compact RM-X170 IR remote control allows backseat passengers to play DJ or control the sound system quickly and easily.
The XAV-AX1000 features a shallow single-DIN chassis that makes it incredibly easy for your installer to mount this radio and any required interfaces in the dash of your vehicle.
Experience the Sony XAV-AX1000 at Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialist Today
If you are looking for an easy-to-use 2-DIN multimedia receiver, then drop into your local mobile electronics specialist retailer and ask for a demonstration of the Sony XAV-AX1000. Be sure to bring your iPhone so you can experience just how easy it is to use CarPlay.
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One of the most recent source unit introductions from Sony Car Audio is the 
By adding the optional 
Another unique feature that’s exclusive to Sony is the ability to feed volume control commands back into a factory amplifier. Say you have a Toyota with the factory JBL amp. You can configure the AX210SXM and the Maestro RR to use the volume control built into the factory amplifier while the source unit provides a clean, clear signal. The result is amazing sound quality without distortion or clipping. This unique feature also gives it the ability to integrate with all MyFord Touch (or MyLincoln Touch on Lincoln vehicles) features.
The XAV-AX210SXM includes Android Auto and CarPlay smartphone integration technologies to let you make phone calls, listen to text messages and dictate responses safely and efficiently while driving. These systems also include support for myriad entertainment options like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Apple Music and Tidal, as well as many options for podcasts and audiobooks.
The Sony XAV-AX210SXM includes an AM/FM receiver, will play CDs or DVDs and has a rear USB port for digital media playback or smartphone connectivity. Digital audio file playback includes MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV formats, and the system will play Xvid, MPEG-4. WMV, FLV and MKV video files at resolutions up to 720×576 pixels (depending on the format). Bluetooth audio streaming is also included. An SXV300V1 SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver comes with the radio, and Sony has worked with SiriusXM to provide a free 90-day trial of the service to get you going right away.
The XAV-AX210SXM features an easy-to-use and intuitive rotary volume control that doubles as a quick-access button to equalization functions. A built-in 20 watts-per-channel amplifier will drive your factory-installed speakers, or you can upgrade your vehicle with an external amp using the 4.0 volt-capable front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass crossovers further enhance the system design and tuning options that are available. The rear chassis of the AX210SXM is not as tall as a full-size 2-DIN receiver to make it easier for your technician to mount the system in your dash.
Sony has been steadily increasing its share of the head unit market with the introduction of feature-packed solutions that continue to give consumers the connectivity and source options they want. The latest addition to Sony’s source unit offerings is the XAV-AX5000, a 6.95-inch multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. The 
Sony calls the display on the AX5000 bezel-less. The trim panel around the display is only a few millimeters thick and gives the unit a very clean and tidy look once installed. The display has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels and uses a capacitive touch panel. Unlike resistive touch panels that have a plastic texture, a capacitive display is the same as what we are used to on our smartphones — crystal-clear images with a very responsive touchscreen interface.
As mentioned, the XAV-AX5000 includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration software. If you haven’t experienced these interfaces, they make it very easy to make phone calls, listen to and send replies to text messages, choose the music you want or get navigation directions to almost any address in North America. The interface uses Siri or Google Assistant voice recognition software to perform the majority of functions, so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
The XAV-AX5000 includes two USB ports on the rear of the chassis. USB 1 is compatible with iPhone and Android smartphone devices for CarPlay and Android Auto. USB 2 takes care of connecting a USB memory stick to to play MP3, WMA and FLAC digital media files. USB 1 supports WAV, ACC, MPEG-4, WMV, MKV and Xvid files as well. Audio files can have a maximum sampling frequency of 96kHz and video files can have a maximum resolution of 1280×720 pixels.
The XAV-AX5000 includes a dedicated backup camera input with trigger wire to allow you to see objects or people behind your vehicle when parking or maneuvering. The system also includes an external Bluetooth microphone for excellent voice recognition and Bluetooth call quality. Finally, the system is compatible with the majority of factory-installed steering wheel mounted audio controls using a third-party interface, or by using the Custom Steering Wheel Control set-up on the radio itself.
The 
The new Prima subwoofers include two eight-inch models and a 10-inch. The APS 8 D and APS 10 D feature dual four-ohm voice coils with suspension designs optimized for compact sealed enclosures. The APS 8 R subwoofer has a single four-ohm voice coil and is intended for use in a bass-reflex (vented) enclosure.
The APS 10 D has a mounting depth of 3.46 inches and stands out 1.23 inches from the mounting surface. The driver is optimized to function well in enclosures with a volume as small as 10 liters (0.35 cubic feet). The APS 8 R and APS 8 D subwoofers have a mounting depth of 3.11 inches and extend forward 0.98 inches. The APS 8 D will work in 7.5-liter (0.26 cubic-foot) enclosures while the APS 8 R needs a mere 8.5-liter (0.30 cubic-foot) vented design. The larger vented enclosure will provide roughly 4 dB more output around 50 Hz for a given input signal.
Each of the new subwoofers is available loaded in a custom-tailored enclosure. The enclosures are constructed from medium-density fiberboard and include internal bracing for excellent rigidity. Rounded corners give the enclosures a bespoke look that blends nicely with modern vehicle interiors.
Audison has also introduced eight- and 10-inch sealed enclosures with built-in amplifiers. The unique Class D amplifiers feature a design called he·li or High Efficiency-Low Impedance. The drivers used in the powered enclosures have the same mechanical design as their APS 8 D and APS 10 D brethren but use low impedance voice coils. This design allows the amplifiers to work directly with the voltage supplied by the vehicle electrical system and negates the need for, and efficiency losses associated with, a switching power supply. The result is 250 watts for the APBX 8 AS and an impressive 400 watts for the APBX 10 AS enclosures.
Both amplified subwoofer enclosure solutions include electronic variable crossovers, adjustable phase and a bass boost circuit. The amplifiers will accept speaker-level inputs or a preamp signal and include automatic turn-on circuitry for use when connected to a factory-installed audio system. Electrical connections are on a quick-connect plug that allows the enclosure to be removed easily. Both enclosures include an HRC AP remote level control to allow you to adjust the bass level from the front seat.
Sony introduced their new 
The woofers from the set are based on a stamped steel basket. Mounting holes and tabs are provided for 6.5 and 6.75-inch bolt circles. The cones of the woofers are made from Sony’s proprietary MRC (Mica Reinforced Cellular) polypropylene. In this application they are reinforced with aramid fibers. The result is a low-mass design with rigidity more than ten times higher than competitor polypropylene cones, but just a fraction of the mass. Rubber surrounds and poly dust caps round out the moving component features. Sony includes trim rings and a set of grilles with the woofers.
The midrange drivers in the XS-GS1631C set also feature stamped steel baskets. Two mounting tabs are provided and serve as a direct fit for Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram as well as many GM and Ford vehicles without the need for modification. In some cases, the midrange drivers use the factory mounting bolts. Each midrange speaker uses a compact neodymium magnet that helps keep the overall mounting depth to a diminutive 1-7/16 inches.
The tweeters in the set include provisions for flush, surface and angled installations. Unlike the midrange, the tweeter design includes a grille that is optimized for installations where the unit will be visible. The tweeter has a 1-inch synthetic fiber design for smooth and detailed sound.
For a truly amazing listening experience, combine the XS-GS1631C with Sony’s new six-channel