I think for an interior screen, the capacitive is an absolute must have. While I am driving, the last think I need is to physically press on the screen and make sure it read the press correctly. I'm sure it's a pretty good screen, but a capacitive touch screen, in my opinion is mandatory! Great reviewl
I have a Sony XAV-5600 and the biggest issue is carplay is pretty laggy, but if you are in a phone call it's unusable. I was really hoping you would show more carplay to see if they fixed that issue in the Sony XAV-6000.
For the Apple car play option, do you have to be connected via Bluetooth AND the wifi signal the stereo gives off in order to connect, or is it solely Bluetooth that activates the Apple car play?
So if I just want an upgrade from my factory stereo and don’t need all the bells and whistles go for the 4000? Or is the price difference worth it? Also I might want to change out the speakers later on will that make a difference in which I get now?
I wish they had put HDMI support on the 9500 model. That pretty much the reason I’m looking at the 6000 model instead of the nicer and more expensive looking head unit is the lack of support for video. I tend to park when drinking my coffee and watch CZcams or TV by app from my cable provider.
For the steering wheel control if you have it setup for to change Source, does it go through every source you have or only the ones you have selected at the bottom?
Thanks so much for this review. I have an older model Sony (the AV1000) and my biggest issues are the glare - I cannot see the screen on a sunny day, and Carplay dropping calls constantly, which requires me to completely disconnect in order to take a call. In your video, I noticed a glare on both the 4000 and 6000. Is that indicative of what I would see in my car? I don't want to spend the money to still not be able to see the screen. Thanks!
Thanks for the in-depth review. I'm interested in replacing my stock head unit in my car but leave speakers, cameras etc. All I want out of the replacement is clear display, no lag and integrate into my dash as best as possible. Would the 6000 be worth the extra money in that regard?
Nice detailed video. Found the exact info I was looking for. Can you please ask your contacts at sony to get a large digital clock option for homescreen by software update ?
It’s 2022 and Sony is still running a standard resolution display on these units. Still waiting on a Sony unit with a higher pixel rate display. Great video thanks for all the information keep it up. 👍🏻
Thanks for the review. One of the big features I’m interested in is the quick connect feature, which Sony claims will start up the unit and allow it to connect to CarPlay very quickly. Did you find that the time it takes for the unit to turn on, find and connect to your iPhone/CarPlay was faster than most other units?
I have this unit, it constantly makes me pair via bluetooth before connecting to CarPlay wirelessly. I've unpaired and paired again, sometimes it connects quickly, sometimes I have to connect manually. Not perfect.
@@damon323 it seems to have gotten better. After a few attempts at pairing it’s now pretty consistent. Rarely I have to manually connect but not like it used to be.
Might be a really dumb question, but will the 4000 work with just straight Bluetooth and not Android auto? When I drive long trips I listen to podcasts through CZcams and I'm not sure if Android auto allows you to play CZcams videos.
I have an anytime front and rear camera connected to my stock unit. Would you know if the AX6000 will still accommodate that feature for me? That’s probably the only thing holding me back from getting it.
There's only one input for cameras so if you have multiple cameras I would recommend something like the PAC VS41 Camera Switcher to connect to multiple cameras. In theory, yes the anytime cameras should both work with an adapter like the PAC. Otherwise, you will have to choose between one or the other since the Sony only has one camera input.
Hello. These do not come with a backup camera but are compatible with most. I would recommend taking a look at our list of backup cameras. Depending on your preference and vehicle, you should be able to find one that fits: www.caraudionow.com/best-rear-view-camera/
How was the framerate for the backup camera feed? I "upgraded" to the AX6000 from the aX7000, and the framerate took a noticeable dip to what feels like 10fps.
@@DeejayJimmy90 Apparentky the latest firmware updates the camera quality. Didn’t really notice. Honestly it’s fine. 1/20 times I have to reset the unit by holding the home button for apple play to show up.
usually people run the wire to the bottom of the passenger side footwell/ to the storage in the center console. Depending on the model of your car, some small holes may need to be made, but for the most part you should find a non-invasive method.
Don’t know if you’ve already found your answer but I recently installed the xav-ax6000 in my car and able to use my Roku while the car is in motion. After reading message boards and finding a lot of conflicting information, I broke down and bought a bypass product, less than $15, that took the guesswork out of it. It’s literally 3 wires and lights up when the car is powered on, if connected correctly.
Debated on replacing my 5500 for 6000 I think I might like the buttons on 5500 more these look softer. It has more eq kinda like the look of the yellow eq...my car is a 2012 sonata nav model so I most likely will use maestro...does this have diagnostic like Kenwood other brands
The stock head unit on my 13 sonata w/nav is starting to go out and I'm looking into replacing it. Did you have any trouble replacing your stock head unit? Any special parts, trouble with a dash kit or wiring harness, etc? Crutchfield advises not changing it out without a Maestro and that the brackets might need to be custom?
@@Chaotik_Pranxter ur not from Sacramento ca are you if you were I would send you to who did mine it was trouble cause they don't necessarily make a bracket I used the one for a base model sonata that was double din they had to cut out wholes for ac a lil bit but it went in...I tried maestro some reason didn't work for my installer so he went other route I think pac. I got the Sony in steering wheels controls working with sony 5500 I had a 5 channel infinity amp put in there put kappa speakers the deck didn't go in greatest but I believe it's doable. You can try base model decks and go from there.
@@oslozoya1 shockingly I am local, grew up in Sac. Who did you go with? Even more coincidentally I'm going with Kappa also, when I replace all the speakers and sub and 2 external amps. I've been anticipating an easy time with everything but the head unit.
@@Chaotik_Pranxter 7361 Greenback Ln, Citrus Heights, CA 95621 Pacific audio. I got it done by Vahe he's an Armenian installer I believe. Pacific stereo kid said he could do it to. But I went with this guy he did mine.
You want 4k in a 7” screen lmfao???? The PPI would be off the chart at 630ppi, which is higher than even Apple screens (iPhone14pro = 460ppi). Human eyes can only see up to about 338ppi People just throwing the term 4K around at this point🤦♂️ 4K just means total pixel count (3840x2160, 4K mean 4000 for the long side 3840 rounded up) What you actually want/asking for is higher PPI, not “4K”, and actual viewing quality is relative to screen size. For example, 4K on 21” screen have a “clearer” image per inch than a 32” and so on. So again, it’s pixel density that you want. You will absolutely not find a 4K 7” screen lmfao. It’s downright pointless with that much density.
@@harold6583 My bad, misinterpreted your comment and thought you meant 4K on the radio, since you did immediately talked about the “screens”🥴 And fair point about ranting. As a photographer, I just see people throw around “4K” with no understanding of what it actually is. Speaking of that, I’m not sure if 4K would’ve helped here either since the issue with recording the screens is partially due to refresh rates, shutter speed and frame rates.
I've had mine(AX6000) for a month now. It always links wirelessly to my android auto. I love it! And with the GPS antenna (included) it always keeps up, and I have the view set to satellite👍
The addition to LDAC would probably have a considerable difference in sound quality. I cannot confirm, because I do not own either of the Sony head units. Just throwing in my two cents. I do, however, own a phone and headphones that support LDAC, and going from non-LDAC to LDAC is a quantifiable sound difference. Almost night and day in terms of sound stage clarity. I am in no way an audiophile who listens to extremely large size files of Hi-Fi music with thousands of dollars of sound equipment. I just listen with my phone and headphones. I would love to buy a 6000 but not for $750 plus shipping.
@@iggynub okay both of those codecs are proprietary to their own devices like ACC is with apple products and SBC is not actually supported by BT 5. The only codec to move all the large music files over BT 5 is LDAC. Also, it's proprietary software from Sony. So you would need a device that supports LDAC. I am still not sure by what you mean versus Bluetooth?
Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX also have Wireless features for $430. Preamp Voltage is only 2 volts vs the Sony's 5 volts though. Also USB is 1.5A vs Sony's 3A and it's also USB-C. A $270 different.
I think for an interior screen, the capacitive is an absolute must have. While I am driving, the last think I need is to physically press on the screen and make sure it read the press correctly. I'm sure it's a pretty good screen, but a capacitive touch screen, in my opinion is mandatory! Great reviewl
FYI: The latest firmware from Sony allows you to change the analog clock on the home screen to digital or remove it altogether.
Thanks for the very detailed review. I'm replacing my Escalade head unit, and this video has really helped me decide on the 4000 or the 6000.
Hope you realize how great this info video is..sooo well done!! To your boss..give this man a raise before someone else does....thanks again
An excellent comparison. Thank you
I have a Sony XAV-5600 and the biggest issue is carplay is pretty laggy, but if you are in a phone call it's unusable. I was really hoping you would show more carplay to see if they fixed that issue in the Sony XAV-6000.
For the Apple car play option, do you have to be connected via Bluetooth AND the wifi signal the stereo gives off in order to connect, or is it solely Bluetooth that activates the Apple car play?
So if I just want an upgrade from my factory stereo and don’t need all the bells and whistles go for the 4000? Or is the price difference worth it? Also I might want to change out the speakers later on will that make a difference in which I get now?
Are you able to take off that top screen protector layer on the Sony XAV-AX6000? I have the same unit, and it looks so washed out because of it.
Is there a guide on how to setup dsp?
is this unit okay to fit in the Accord 2019 LX ?
I wish they had put HDMI support on the 9500 model. That pretty much the reason I’m looking at the 6000 model instead of the nicer and more expensive looking head unit is the lack of support for video. I tend to park when drinking my coffee and watch CZcams or TV by app from my cable provider.
I bought this xav 6000 but gps antenna was not included can you please recommend which antenna i should get for it? Thanks
Can the button illumination be changed from white to something that matches my car?
How would I wire it to where I can check the backup cam/watch video while in motion?
For the steering wheel control if you have it setup for to change Source, does it go through every source you have or only the ones you have selected at the bottom?
Thanks so much for this review. I have an older model Sony (the AV1000) and my biggest issues are the glare - I cannot see the screen on a sunny day, and Carplay dropping calls constantly, which requires me to completely disconnect in order to take a call. In your video, I noticed a glare on both the 4000 and 6000. Is that indicative of what I would see in my car? I don't want to spend the money to still not be able to see the screen. Thanks!
How dark are your window tints?
Thanks for the in-depth review. I'm interested in replacing my stock head unit in my car but leave speakers, cameras etc. All I want out of the replacement is clear display, no lag and integrate into my dash as best as possible. Would the 6000 be worth the extra money in that regard?
Can you shut off wifi and bluetooth if you choose? Also will the phone be connectable with just a cable (i.e. map and audio through carplay)?
Nice detailed video. Found the exact info I was looking for. Can you please ask your contacts at sony to get a large digital clock option for homescreen by software update ?
Do you know where I can get the HDMI adapter?
It’s 2022 and Sony is still running a standard resolution display on these units. Still waiting on a Sony unit with a higher pixel rate display. Great video thanks for all the information keep it up. 👍🏻
ES series
Can you move the screen or is it static?
Is the ax 4000 weblink compatible?
Hi, would you know how to relocate the side touch bar in Apple Carplay from the left side to the right side? My vehicle is R-hand drive. Thank you.
Thanks for the review. One of the big features I’m interested in is the quick connect feature, which Sony claims will start up the unit and allow it to connect to CarPlay very quickly. Did you find that the time it takes for the unit to turn on, find and connect to your iPhone/CarPlay was faster than most other units?
Takes like 2 seconds it’s fast
I have it. Assuming your installation goes well and you have placed the GPS antenna in an unobstructed place, it's very quick.
I have this unit, it constantly makes me pair via bluetooth before connecting to CarPlay wirelessly. I've unpaired and paired again, sometimes it connects quickly, sometimes I have to connect manually. Not perfect.
@@aphillips2582 Was there an update to fix that?
@@damon323 it seems to have gotten better. After a few attempts at pairing it’s now pretty consistent. Rarely I have to manually connect but not like it used to be.
Might be a really dumb question, but will the 4000 work with just straight Bluetooth and not Android auto? When I drive long trips I listen to podcasts through CZcams and I'm not sure if Android auto allows you to play CZcams videos.
Where can I purchase one of these
I have an anytime front and rear camera connected to my stock unit. Would you know if the AX6000 will still accommodate that feature for me? That’s probably the only thing holding me back from getting it.
There's only one input for cameras so if you have multiple cameras I would recommend something like the PAC VS41 Camera Switcher to connect to multiple cameras. In theory, yes the anytime cameras should both work with an adapter like the PAC. Otherwise, you will have to choose between one or the other since the Sony only has one camera input.
Does this come with the camera for the rearview camera? If not, can you link to that please?
Hello. These do not come with a backup camera but are compatible with most. I would recommend taking a look at our list of backup cameras. Depending on your preference and vehicle, you should be able to find one that fits: www.caraudionow.com/best-rear-view-camera/
What happened to the output testing
Does Sony xav ax 6000 have WebLink feature ❓ can we watch CZcams ❓
How was the framerate for the backup camera feed? I "upgraded" to the AX6000 from the aX7000, and the framerate took a noticeable dip to what feels like 10fps.
The backup camera quality drops when replacing the default camera imo.
@@woodsocialis this always the case?? Anything else that can be done? I'm looking at buying this unit.
@@DeejayJimmy90 Apparentky the latest firmware updates the camera quality. Didn’t really notice. Honestly it’s fine. 1/20 times I have to reset the unit by holding the home button for apple play to show up.
@@woodsocial thank you!
So these are wireless Android Auto, but can you still connect it wired normally just in case the feature is bad/buggy?
You can on android
Since the HDMI and USB are in the back of the units, how do you set up the access to these once it's installed?
usually people run the wire to the bottom of the passenger side footwell/ to the storage in the center console. Depending on the model of your car, some small holes may need to be made, but for the most part you should find a non-invasive method.
You run it through the glove compartment
does xav 6000 support 360 cameras?
Do you know if it's a standard size hdmi cable of micro hdmi?
Micro HDMI
Please compare xav8100 vs xav6000 vs pioneer 8550bt
Does CarPlay work via the USB C connection also?
I think Apple's CarPlay is only available wirelessly, while Android Auto can be wired or wireless.
How do you ground the emergency brake wire or what switch did you use? Also. Would it work with some Roku device you think? Via HDMI
Don’t know if you’ve already found your answer but I recently installed the xav-ax6000 in my car and able to use my Roku while the car is in motion. After reading message boards and finding a lot of conflicting information, I broke down and bought a bypass product, less than $15, that took the guesswork out of it. It’s literally 3 wires and lights up when the car is powered on, if connected correctly.
@@JohnSon-ic8cqcan you share the link or the name?
DIYbypass
Ax6000 for me!😊
USB C to Lightning Cable Iphone, will it connect to carplpay or charge the phone
Just charge the phone. CarPlay is ONLY available wirelessly
who else thought this was a demo on his stove?
😂😂
Am I stupid, or are you not able to remove the ugly analog clock widget on the home screen? I looked everywhere and can't find a setting to remove it.
He said you can't remove it
I'm sad they dont have CD double din anymore…
Debated on replacing my 5500 for 6000 I think I might like the buttons on 5500 more these look softer. It has more eq kinda like the look of the yellow eq...my car is a 2012 sonata nav model so I most likely will use maestro...does this have diagnostic like Kenwood other brands
The stock head unit on my 13 sonata w/nav is starting to go out and I'm looking into replacing it. Did you have any trouble replacing your stock head unit? Any special parts, trouble with a dash kit or wiring harness, etc? Crutchfield advises not changing it out without a Maestro and that the brackets might need to be custom?
@@Chaotik_Pranxter ur not from Sacramento ca are you if you were I would send you to who did mine it was trouble cause they don't necessarily make a bracket I used the one for a base model sonata that was double din they had to cut out wholes for ac a lil bit but it went in...I tried maestro some reason didn't work for my installer so he went other route I think pac. I got the Sony in steering wheels controls working with sony 5500 I had a 5 channel infinity amp put in there put kappa speakers the deck didn't go in greatest but I believe it's doable. You can try base model decks and go from there.
@@oslozoya1 shockingly I am local, grew up in Sac. Who did you go with? Even more coincidentally I'm going with Kappa also, when I replace all the speakers and sub and 2 external amps. I've been anticipating an easy time with everything but the head unit.
@@Chaotik_Pranxter 7361 Greenback Ln, Citrus Heights, CA 95621 Pacific audio. I got it done by Vahe he's an Armenian installer I believe. Pacific stereo kid said he could do it to. But I went with this guy he did mine.
@@oslozoya1 awesome, thank you!
really appreciate this comparison! (would like 4k and better lighting though... the screens look terrible in this recording.)
They're terrible in real life too, not just Sony but pretty much the majority of these receivers. Outdated technology for a niche customers base.
@@21leemo I meant for this CZcams video
You want 4k in a 7” screen lmfao???? The PPI would be off the chart at 630ppi, which is higher than even Apple screens (iPhone14pro = 460ppi). Human eyes can only see up to about 338ppi
People just throwing the term 4K around at this point🤦♂️ 4K just means total pixel count (3840x2160, 4K mean 4000 for the long side 3840 rounded up)
What you actually want/asking for is higher PPI, not “4K”, and actual viewing quality is relative to screen size. For example, 4K on 21” screen have a “clearer” image per inch than a 32” and so on. So again, it’s pixel density that you want.
You will absolutely not find a 4K 7” screen lmfao. It’s downright pointless with that much density.
@@lifeofkan no, for this video on youtube you recorded. It needs better lighting and 4k so we can see the products better. but thanks for the rant
@@harold6583 My bad, misinterpreted your comment and thought you meant 4K on the radio, since you did immediately talked about the “screens”🥴
And fair point about ranting. As a photographer, I just see people throw around “4K” with no understanding of what it actually is.
Speaking of that, I’m not sure if 4K would’ve helped here either since the issue with recording the screens is partially due to refresh rates, shutter speed and frame rates.
Does it automatically connect to wireless apple car play/android auto when you start the vehicle?
Yes it will automatically connect when the unit turns on
@@CarAudioNow No, it doesn't always connect, which is annoying.
I've had mine(AX6000) for a month now. It always links wirelessly to my android auto. I love it! And with the GPS antenna (included) it always keeps up, and I have the view set to satellite👍
Do these units work with weblink? Is weblink even viable?
No web link on these ones right now
Practically, the only new feature of ax6000 over ax5500 is 'wireless' carplay/android auto, while the price is over $200 increased.
The addition to LDAC would probably have a considerable difference in sound quality. I cannot confirm, because I do not own either of the Sony head units. Just throwing in my two cents. I do, however, own a phone and headphones that support LDAC, and going from non-LDAC to LDAC is a quantifiable sound difference. Almost night and day in terms of sound stage clarity. I am in no way an audiophile who listens to extremely large size files of Hi-Fi music with thousands of dollars of sound equipment. I just listen with my phone and headphones. I would love to buy a 6000 but not for $750 plus shipping.
@@YovaniCarrillo what is ldac
@@oslozoya1 czcams.com/video/xMRo7fRRscE/video.html
@@YovaniCarrillo vs bluetooth 5? Doubt you'd hear a difference with aac/sbc vs ldac's codec.
@@iggynub okay both of those codecs are proprietary to their own devices like ACC is with apple products and SBC is not actually supported by BT 5. The only codec to move all the large music files over BT 5 is LDAC. Also, it's proprietary software from Sony. So you would need a device that supports LDAC. I am still not sure by what you mean versus Bluetooth?
Hi CAN, I like your hands but please focus on the product. We can’t see many details but your fingers on.
Really not much larger than a phone screen, hdmi seems more of a gimmick than something you'll actually use often.
800x 480 resolution is pretty trash to be honest. They could have at least made is 720p
Bro give me one pc for me👍👍
Overpriced unit
Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX also have Wireless features for $430. Preamp Voltage is only 2 volts vs the Sony's 5 volts though. Also USB is 1.5A vs Sony's 3A and it's also USB-C. A $270 different.