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 XAV-AX5000 is the first large-screen source unit from Sony that includes Apple and Android smartphone integration technologies and, given its feature set, it should be another huge hit.
Large 6.95-inch Display
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.
At the bottom of the screen is a row of buttons for volume, track selection, Home and Option functions. The Home button serves double duty as a system mute function when held for one second, and the Options button initiates the voice-recognition feature of CarPlay or Android Auto when pressed when a corresponding phone is plugged in.
The chassis of the XAV-AX5000 is a single-DIN, shallow-mount receiver on top, with nothing on the bottom. This chassis design makes installation much easier for your installer than conventional full-size, double-DIN source units. The XAV-AX500 design allows it to be installed into newer vehicles that have less room behind the factory radio, or require integration harnesses to be tucked behind it.
Smartphone Integration Technologies
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.
Entertainment Options
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 unit includes a Bluetooth 3.0 transceiver for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The Bluetooth A2DP Profile 1.3 and AVRCP 1.3 make it easy to select tracks from compatible Bluetooth devices. You can upgrade the system with an SXV300 SiriusXM tuner module for satellite radio. The system doesn’t play CDs or DVDs, and there is no auxiliary input connection.
Audio and Signal Processing Features
The unit includes an internal four-channel amplifier rated at 20 watts continuous and 55 watts maximum output. Front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs rated at 2 volts make it easy for your installer to add high-power amps to the source unit to expand the performance of your entertainment system even further.
Sony has included its EQ10 10-band equalizer to allow for system fine-tuning. The Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) provides signal processing presets to make it sound as though you are at a live performance with the musicians out in front of you, rather than hearing music coming from each speaker. Electronic high- and low-pass crossovers and a feature called Extra Bass are also part of the tuning options.
Vehicle Integration Features
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.
Premium Multimedia Solution
The final feature worth discussing is the new system processor. This upgraded microcontroller makes the XAV-AX5000 as much as 250 percent faster to respond to commands and gestures as compared to previous models. Imagine an iPhone 8 compared to an iPhone 5 or a Galaxy S9 compared to an S5. Access to features and voice-control commands are lightning-fast.
If you are considering upgrading the infotainment technology in your vehicle, drop by your local authorized Sony retailer and ask for a demonstration of the XAV-AX5000.
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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 
Did you know that about 25% of accidents take place while a vehicle is in reverse? To reduce the chances of injury or accidents, Firstech — maker of Momento in-car camera solutions — has recently introduced a complete backup safety solution. The heart of this solution is the 
The R1 is a 10.5 by 3.2-inch mirror designed to equal the quality, performance and reliability of a factory-installed mirror. During normal use, the mirror works just like the mirror that came with your car or truck. When the mirror detects a video signal from a camera, a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 pixel screen on the left side of the mirror displays the image. The screen is visible through the reflective coating, allowing you to see the camera image clearly, even in bright sunlight. The R1 includes a built-in light sensor that adjusts the display brightness to compensate for day and night operation.
Finally, the 
Sony introduced its new six-channel 
Most factory-installed source units only provide 18 to 20 watts of power. The XM-GS6DSP will serve up 45 watts of power from its four main channels to give your music an extra kick. This power level is the perfect complement to factory-installed speakers or an upgrade like the 
The XM-GS6DSP includes dedicated six-channel preamp and speaker level input connections on Molex plugs. The preamp input will accept up to 6V of signal and the speaker-level inputs will take as much as 12 volts. The tweeter/front channels include an optional high-pass filter that is adjustable from 500Hz to 4kHz. The mid/rear channels include a 50 to 500 Hz high-pass filter and a 500 to 4kHz low-pass filter. A three-position switch allows for full range, high-pass or high- plus low-pass operation. Finally, the woofer/subwoofer channels include an optional 50 to 500Hz low-pass filter and an adjustable bass-boost circuit that adds up to 10dB of boost. The woofer/subwoofer channel is rated to play from 20Hz to 10kHz.
The onboard DSP processor is accessible by a Bluetooth connection from your smartphone using the 
The Sony XM-GS6DSP measures a mere 11.6 by 7.85 inches and is 2 inches thick, which is perfect for installation under a seat or behind a panel in the trunk. All of the connections and controls are along a single side of the amp, making it easy to install and configure. The power terminals will accept 4 AWG spade connections, and the subwoofer channels can handle 12 AWG spades without any problem.
As mentioned, the XM-GS6DSP is an ideal amplifier for most OEM upgrade solutions. You can power a set of front and rear speakers from the main channels, then add a subwoofer to enhance low-frequency output. Alternatively, in a three-way configuration, the flexible crossovers afford you the choice of a two-way front stage using a set of woofers and tweeters, or you can build a three-way stage using passive filters between the midrange drivers and the tweeters. The latter is a nice upgrade that provides excellent musical clarity and stage height in your vehicle. If you don’t want a subwoofer, but still have room for a 3-way front stage, the extended frequency range capabilities of the woofer/subwoofer channels can be used to power six speakers in a fully active configuration. Adding a second amp, rear speakers and a subwoofer would make for a stunning listening experience.