Tag: Android Auto

Stinger Horizon 10 | 12 Review

Stinger Horizon 10 Review in our 2019 Wrangler

The Stinger Horizon 10 and 12 series is a wildly popular model at our shop, especially amongst Jeep Wrangler owners. It’s certainly a massive upgrade over the previous HEIGH10 model. In this Stinger Horizon 10 review I will cover our experience with this model both in our person vehicle, a 2019 Wrangler, as well as our experience installing this series in our clients vehicles. Let’s get into it!

Stinger Horizon 10 Review — Stinger Horizon 10 in our 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Our audio system has evolved in the 7 years we’ve owned our Jeep. We started out with the 8.4″ Uconnect with GPS navigation using the PAC AP4-CH41R2 digital pre-amp adapter with the JL Audio VXI series amps running through toslink. Then we tried the Alpine X409-WRA-JL. That head unit had a very nice factory fit and finish, but no toslink. Then we tried the Stinger HEIGH10. For more in depth coverage, you can check out my Stinger Horizon 10 review video below.

Horizon 10 Review on YouTube

We loved the toslink out on the HEIGH10, but there was definitely room for improvement on the display – especially with the top down. And this model only featured a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Let’s face it. The HEIGH10 was also quirky AF and not even close to its rated 4 volts on the pre-amp, but we put it up with it because it was better than the 8.4″ Uconnect and we had limited options at the time for the JL/JT in terms of head unit upgrades.

Enter the Horizon 10 and 12

The Horizon 10 was introduced in October 2024 and shortly after its release John installed it in our 2019 Jeep Wrangler. I waited over a year to do this Stinger Horizon 10 review because I really wanted to see how it operated in the real world over an extended period of time. On paper, this head unit addressed all of the shortcomings of the HEIGH10 series. Featuring:

4 sets of 4.5 volt pre-amp outputs (Front 1, Front 2, Rear and Sub)
15 band EQ
Digital time alignment
10.1″ HD display with IP65 rating
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
HDMI input
4 Camera inputs (HD compatible using Echomaster PHD5N1 or PHDCAM10U)
Optional GPS navigation
SiriusXM compatible
Toslink

Shortly after installing it, Stinger announced the Horizon 12 which features a 12.8″ display, but lacks a volume knob unless you’re installing it in a JK Wrangler, then you get the volume knob (why?? I wish this was included in all Horizon 12 models). Note – if you are installing the Horizon 12 in a JL/JT, if equipped, your factory volume knob is still functional.

Stinger Horizon 12 — Horizon 12 in a Wrangler JK

Right off the bat we noticed a huge improvement in sound quality which was surprising because with toslink, we didn’t think there should be any difference. The other thing we noticed is unlike the HEIGH10, we still have EQ control even though we’re using toslink. Usually this is disabled with toslink since you’re using an outboard DAC.

Stinger Horizon 10 EQ page — Horizon 10 | 12 Review – EQ menu

When I asked Stinger about this they told me this is actually a relic of earlier firmware. Even though we’re using a Helix V Eight DSP to power our speakers, we love having access to the built in EQ for quick on the fly adjustments. Just keep in mind this feature may not be available if you do an update or have a later firmware version.

Feature retention Horizon 10 review

In the Jeep Wrangler JL/JT specifically, Stinger does a great job at retaining features and access to vehicle settings. One thing you will lose by replacing the head unit is the Uconnect app. If you have remote start on your fob, that will still be functional.

Stinger Horizon 10 - Retained vehicle settings. — Horizon 10 vehicle settings menu in our 2019 Jeep Wrangler

If you’re upgrading from the the 8.4″ Uconnect, you will also lose the compass, clock, caller ID and turn by turn directions in cluster/speedometer area. Additionally the SOS function of the mirror if equipped will no longer be applicable. Lastly, no more speed controlled volume – but does anyone even use that feature really?

Horizon 10 - factory reverse camera retention Jeep Wrangler — Factory back up camera retention 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Stinger does a decent job retaining the factory reverse camera. The OEM camera is an LVDS style camera, it is HD. Unlike other products on the market, Stinger keeps it digital and pipes it in through their HDMI interface. This is a much better solution than some other manufacturers which actually step it down from digital to an analog composite connection.

Camera Retention vs Camera Replacement

The reality is our camera is 7 years old at this point and looking pretty beat and worn out. It definitely looked sharper when we 1st installed it. We plan to eventually upgrade it to one of the Echomaster HD cameras. We’ll use either the PHD5N1 or PHDCAM10U which is what we usually install with this head unit in other vehicles. You can see the PHD5N1 installed in the factory camera location below in a 2024 RAM 2500 with the Stinger Horizon 10.

Echomaster PHD5N1 in factory camera housing 2024 RAM 2500

One of the great things about the Echomaster PHD5N1 is the multiple camera housings and attachments that it comes with. I love this sku because I know there’s always going to be at least one attachment that will allow us to make this camera look clean in whatever vehicle or application we’re using it in.

You can see how much higher quality the PHD5N1 looks in this RAM 2500 compared to our factory camera in our 2019 Wrangler JLU.

Stinger Horizon 10 Review - 2024 RAM 2500 — Echomaster PHD5N1 in a 2024 RAM 2500 with Stinger Horizon 10

And if you’re installing this in a Jeep, Echomaster offers their PHD-MOUNT which makes for a nice clean install right in the middle of the spare tire.

Echomaster PHDCAM10U with a PHD-MOUNT in a Jeep Wrangler

One complaint I do have about this camera is the guidance lines. For most applications, they don’t make sense, so we usually turn them off. This is done through a wire loop on the camera itself. BUT unfortunately there are no guidance lines on the head unit. It would make a lot more sense to have adjustable guidance lines built into the stereo. This way if you DO want guidance lines, you can actually line them up so they make sense based on your vehicle and where the camera is mounted. Perhaps this is something Stinger will add with a future firmware update??

Audio Control Tools

Aside from the 15 band EQ, the Horizon 10 and 12 both feature built in crossovers and digital time alignment. I really like how they give you 4 pre-amp outputs. These are also on a pigtail which can make installation a little easier.

Stinger Horizon 10 - RCA pigtail — Horizon 10/12 RCA pre-amp outputs

If you’re running your front components actively, you actually have full control over those from the head unit in the time alignment and crossover menu.

Stinger Horizon 10 - digital time alignment menu — Digital time alignment menu on the Horizon 10/12

What I dislike about the audio control tools is in the crossover menu. For some bizarre reason, they skip 80 Hz! Your options for the crossover frequency points are:

Bypass
25 Hz
40 Hz
63 Hz
100 Hz
250 Hz
500 Hz
1 kHz
3.5 kHz
5 kHz

If you’re building your audio system in phases, you might start with the head unit and a simple amp and sub. In that case, for most vehicles with 6.5″ speakers, we would normally turn the high pass filter on at 80 Hz. In some applications, 63 Hz might work well, but it might be too low. You might get some unwanted resonance in an untreated factory door panel. And 100 Hz is definitely too high for a set of 6.5″ stock speakers.

Stinger Horizon 10 - crossover menu — Horizon 10/12 Crossover Menu

It drives me nuts that 80 Hz is missing. It’s another thing I hope they might possibly one day address through a firmware update. One thing that I was pleasantly surprised with is the accurate rating on the pre-amp. Unlike the previous HEIGH10, The Horizon 10 is certainly 4.5 volts. Playing around with some settings and my oscilloscope, I actually got 7 volts clean! You can check out my pre-amp testing video for more details (coming soon).

Stinger Horizon 10 - Tested pre-amp voltage — Pre-amp voltage testing – 7 volts clean!

Flexible Installation

The Horizon 10 and 12 are technically floating screens. They feature a single DIN chassis with a display that can be adjusted prior to mounting. This enables you to adjust the height and angle of the display allowing you to mount it in the most aesthetically pleasing fashion.

Stinger Horizon 10 – side profile chassis view

I’m also a fan of the removable wiring harnesses. Not using a camera? Holding off an aftermarket amp for now? Keep the detachable pigtails in the box for future expansion. In the mean time there’s no need to crowd the space behind the dash with excess unused cabling.

Stinger Horizon 10 - Back chassis view — Stinger Horizon 10 – back head unit chassis view

For a more polished and built in appearance, Stinger has a full line of vehicle specific install kits that eliminate the floating screen look. Currently they cover:

2018 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL/JT
2011 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
2016 – 2023 Toyota Tacoma
2014 – 2021 Toyota Tundra
2014 – 2023 Toyota 4Runner
2013 – 2022 RAM (classic)
2014 – 2019 Sierra/Silverado (classic)
2015 – 2021 Dodge Charger/Challenger + Chrysler 300

BUT you need to read the fine print on each kit. For example, in our 2019 Wrangler we retained access to vehicle settings. In the Toyota Tacoma kit, you lose access to vehicle personalization settings.

Satellite based GPS Navigation

Another really awesome selling point is the optional iGo GPS navigation accessory. This is satellite based GPS which is key if you plan on traveling in areas without cell service. For a large part of the country, the idea of driving without cell service is hard to imagine.

Stinger Horizon 10 - Optional GPS Navigation — Stinger Horizon 10 & 12 feature optional sat based GPS navigation

John and I live in Litchfield county, CT. There are many areas in the quant hills of our town with zero bars. The town I grew up in is still a complete dead zone and that’s kind of how we like it sometimes. It’s fun to get lost on the beautiful backroads throughout Kent, Warren, Washington and Litchfield. But eventually we want to go home and it’s nice to be able to use the built in GPS to find our way back.

Fewer and fewer manufacturers offer GPS Navigation. Kenwood recently severed ties with Garmin and is sunsetting their GPS navigation models. Alpine offers their optional KTX-NS01 for select models, but that particular navigation accessory will not operate at the same time as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Stinger gets this right. Both can operate at the same time without interference.

SiriusXM

Speaking of satellite, the Stinger Horizon 10 and 12 are SiriusXM compatible. This is one area of weakness as far as graphics go. I like that you have fixed presets vs the scrolling style presets we see on some other manufacturers. However, the appearance is a bit bland lacking channel art which is a feature on the Alpine i509-WRA-JL for comparison.

Despite the lack of channel art, the overall menu and icons on this head unit are well laid out. Clients find it easy to navigate and access settings with an intuitive user interface.

As this Stinger Horizon 10 review shows, it’s not all kittens and rainbows. No head unit is perfect, but the Stinger Horizon 10 and 12 certainly check A LOT of boxes. One quirk that kind of drives me nuts is the auto start/stop enable/disable feature.

Stinger Horizon - Vehicle gauge display — Vehicle info screen

It’s cool that it gives you the option to disable that from the head unit. And it’s awesome when it works. But it will randomly not work even when that setting is engaged. I don’t know if that’s the result of a CAN collision? Or just flakey software. It’s definitely a nice touch, but we just wish it worked consistently. All other vehicle settings and information features work reliably for us.

Stinger Horizon 10 Review – Final Verdict

Despite any quirks or limitations, we have been very happy with this head unit and so have our clients. If you’re looking for a large HD display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, toslink, high voltage pre-amp output, EQ, time alignment with multiple HD camera inputs and satellite based GPS navigation – there really are no other options on the market that even come close. Based on features and bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat the Stinger Horizon 10 and 12.

Stinger Horizon 10 - 2019 Jeep Wrangler MOAB

What has your experience been with the Stinger Horizon 10 and 12? Please let me know in the comments below of this Stinger Horizon 10 review.

2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Apple CarPlay Android Auto Retrofit

Sony XAV-9000ES Apple CarPlay + Android Auto retrofit

Have you ever wondered if it was possible to retrofit Apple CarPlay +Android Auto to a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti? Perhaps, if you’re one of the handful of people out there that owns one of these rare vehicles. Only 3,025 were produced between 2004 and 2011. This supercar was designed to be a cruising vehicle featuring a more spacious and comfortable interior with room for 4 passengers. Powered by 532-horsepower 5.7-liter V12, you can cruise in comfort from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds!

As you effortlessly weave in and out of traffic and your passengers grip the fine, Italian leather seating holding on for their dear lives, you may think it’s a perfect time to pop on some tunes. But what’s up with the radio? The tuner isn’t pulling in any local stations. The CD player isn’t working. And there is no way to stream any music from your phone. Well that kind of sucks.

Factory Bose Stereo Ferrari 612

The Ferrari 612 is equipped with a decent speaker and amp setup. It features a 10-inch subwoofer in the rear deck plus another one in the passenger floor. There is an adequate number of full range speakers situated throughout the cabin. When paired with an aftermarket head unit, the Bose amp and speakers come to life providing a pleasant amount of output and acoustical range. It’s not your typical “no high’s, no low’s, must be Bose”. For the few Scaglietti drivers out there who have replaced their stereo, they typically gravitate towards a single DIN style receiver.

This is a good idea if you want to retain the ability to put the factory radio back in place. But let’s face it. As of the time of this writing, there aren’t any decent single DIN receivers that look remotely good in this interior. Models from major brand names like Alpine, Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc. all look too flashy and tacky for a car like this. Perhaps an old Nakamichi CD-400 would look appropriate. Even if you could find one, it wouldn’t provide any way to connect your phone and thus no ability to stream any of the music apps we’ve grown so accustomed to having available at our beck and call.

So what’s the solution?

If there aren’t any period appropriate single DIN Bluetooth models, and we’re so used to the convenience of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto with park assist cameras, why not try and retrofit that modern tech into this car? When our client sent us this initial picture of his dash, my immediate thought was if we just eliminate the pocket we can fit a double DIN in that space. How we were going to do that? I wasn’t quite sure, but I knew once we saw it in person, we would be able to figure it out. One thing I did know is this would be a permanent modification to the OEM radio bezel. The client understood this. He pointed out that the original trim was available for a whopping $507.94 if he desired to restore it back to original equipment.

Upon closer inspection

After the Ferrari 612 arrived, John and I had a closer look. We immediately noticed whoever previously tried to service the original radio damaged the trim slightly. The radio was no longer locking in place and there were hairline cracks in 2 locations that needed to be shored up. Once that was done, John and I began looking at what we had and ~~argued~~ discussed the best way to transform this bezel into a clean, double DIN stereo housing.

Ferrari 612 stereo bezel initial double DIN conversion prep

John wanted to use plastic and filler to flesh out the gap, but I had a different take on it. I wanted to keep it simpler. To me it didn’t look like it would be absolutely necessary to use filler. I begged him to try it my way first. As two stubborn and passionate people that can get lost in the details, I knew using filler would be a rabbit hole time suck aiming for absolute and unattainable perfection.

I had set aside a Pioneer ATDVA-133 universal double DIN mounting kit with trim ring and he agreed this would be the best way to hold the stereo in the dash. But with the pocket door removed, we needed to fill in the space below and have it look seamless. Looking at the bezel together, I showed John we only needed a small rectangular piece to line up at the edges to fill in the gap.

Ferrari emblem relocated to new Double DIN bezel

John took a piece of HDPE plastic and cut it to size. It appeared that would fill the gap nicely. He removed some of the texture on the plastic and painted it to match the dash trim as close as possible. As a really great afterthought, he removed the emblem from the original pocket and added that to the new lower trim. Like other Ferrari models, the 612 uses a standard euro harness 70-1784, so the wiring is straight forward. That is probably the only straight forward thing about this car.

Scaglietti double DIN conversion side bezel.

Why use the Sony XAV-9000ES?

In order to try and keep the stereo looking like it was always meant to be there, I steered the client towards the Sony XAV-9000ES for a couple reasons. I am partial to the matte black finish on the few buttons it does have. I also like that this stereo actually has buttons and isn’t entirely touch screen.

The Ferrari 612 doesn’t have steering wheel controls for the stereo. Therefore it’s nice to be able to reach over and feel a button when you want to adjust volume vs having to look at the screen to see what you’re doing. The illumination on the buttons is a neutral white backlight, but for the true minimalist, even that can be disabled/turned off. And with wireless connectivity, the USB C is available for optional charging so you don’t have to see any cables if you don’t want to – only when you need to charge.

Ferrari 612 Apple CarPlay Android Auto retrofit

John and I both felt the factory 12 volt outlet would be the best place to retrofit the Sony’s USB C which provides a 3 amp fast charge. On top of that, the client asked us for a secondary USB C charging port. John was able to flush mount a secondary USB C charger inside the Ferrari 612 armrest console.

The great thing about putting the USB C in place of the 12 volt outlet is it is completely reversible. With rare and classic vehicles, that is something that is always front of mind for me. How can I do this upgrade in the least invasive manner that is also reversible? John was able to pop out the original 12 volt outlet and return it to the client should we ever need to revert it back to stock.

That secondary USB C isn’t easily reversible, but it is tucked away and hidden inside the armrest console. If it did need to be removed in the future for any reason, we could plug the opening with a matte black retainer clip. Or I’m sure the client could replace that center armrest insert from Ferrari parts for an absurd amount of money.

Front and Rear Park Assist Cameras

When you’re driving an extremely rare supercar, you probably take extreme precaution in any parking situation. Aside from paint protection film (which this car has, but will soon be replaced – you can see from close up pics that it did its job), front and rear park assist cameras can be extremely helpful to prevent mishaps. The Sony XAV-9000ES has a reverse trigger wire. John connected that to the reverse light in the Ferrari so just like any modern vehicle, when the client puts the car in reverse, the rear camera automatically engages.

We used the Echomaster PHD5N1 for both the front and rear cameras. We use these cameras in a lot of our builds. They are analog HD. When used with Stinger’s IX210 or IX212 head unit, you can get full 720P resolution. When used with a standard 7-inch aftermarket head unit like this Sony, the resolution is 480P. Aside from the resolution, one of the main reasons I like this camera is that it comes with various mounting options.

Both housings John used are clean and look appropriate on this vehicle. Nothing makes me cringe more than a big, fat ugly license plate bar camera going across the top of a license plate. We don’t carry anything like that at our shop, but we’ve seen plenty of installs featuring hideous looking cameras and I’ll never understand why. If you’re going to go through the trouble and effort to add a front or rear camera, why not try and make it look like it actually belongs on the car?

We feel that both cameras on this Ferrari 612 Scaglietti are mounted in a way that blends in without marring the vehicle appearance. There is one drawback on the front camera input with the Sony XAV-9000ES. Technically the front camera would be manually triggered from the touch screen when you wish to see it displayed. However, the client requested if there was a way to re-purpose the old phone button on the center console to activate it.

Straight out of the gate I said “Probably not, but John needs to open it up and see if it is something he can use to trigger a relay to activate”. In many vehicles what looks like a simple momentary or latched switch can actually be part of a larger circuit. In this case, it actually wasn’t that complicated and genius that John is, he was able to make it happen. It’s super cool! And quite convenient.

Retrofitting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto with front and rear park assist cameras in a rare supercar is not something we get to do every day. This was definitely a very fun, challenging and time consuming installation. Throughout the process John tightened up and added missing hardware where needed and replaced damaged one time use retainer clips that another mechanic had previously tried to re-use. You never know what you’re going to find working on an old, rare vehicle. But it’s a project we were honored to take on.

Apple CarPlay retrofitted with front and rear cameras Ferrari

To learn more about what we can do for your vehicle, call or text our shop, Sounds Incredible Mobile in Brookfield, CT, at 203-778-3330. We’re happy to help you explore the options that would make your vehicle – whether that’s your daily driver, weekend summer fun car or rare supercar – even more enjoyable to drive.

Android Auto Apple CarPlay double din Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Sony Sony XAV-9000ES

Sony XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 Review

Recently Sony released 2 new Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto models, the XAV-AX6000 and XAV-AX4000. I’ve always been a huge fan of Sony. John and I have had a few different Sony models in both our vehicles throughout the 20+ years we’ve been working together. Sony has always been big on quality and value which is a hard combo to find – especially these days! I recently took the time to break it all down in this Sony XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 review on YouTube. But some people, myself included, prefer to read about these things. If that includes you this is your post!

Sony XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 – Similar features

Let’s start by reviewing what these models have in common.

Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
iDatalink Maestro Compatible
SiriusXM Ready
Reverse Camera input
AM/FM Radio (no HD)
USB C input (extension cable included) with 3 amp charging
6.95″ touch screen
14 Band EQ
Digital Time Alignment – either preset or manually adjust
Built in crossover adjustments up to 48 dB per octave
Subwoofer phase adjustment – love that!

Finally – iDatalink Maestro Compatibility

I was really happy to see this feature finally added into the Sony line up. Now, it may not be the prettiest integration, but if you’re mainly using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto that aspect looks the same regardless of what head unit you have.

XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 review — 2016 Jeep Cherokee with factory 8.4″ UConnect – OEM HVAC display can be maintained when using an iDatalink Maestro compatible radio.

Previously if you wanted wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and you had a car that needed an iDatalink Maestro like a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, you were spending beaucoup bucks to get both features with Kenwood or Alpine ($750 – $800). Now with the XAV-AX4000 (with a regular retail price $599.99) you can get into these features at a much more reasonable price.

As mentioned, it’s not the most esthetically pleasing graphic user interface – I think Alpine does a better job with their Maestro HVAC graphics, BUT this is definitely practical. It gets the job done and you’re able to retain features and functions which is the main point of the Maestro.

XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 – What’s missing from both?

I was surprised to see that neither of these models features HD Radio. However, that could be considered a luxury feature and these are value priced models. Besides – who needs FM/AM Radio anyways when you have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Exactly. If you are the type of person who still listens to FM/AM radio you will be pleased to know the reception in both models is quite impressive which is typical of Sony. However, they do have scrolling presets. Not a fan of scrolling presets!

Aside from missing HD Radio, the other potential drawback to be aware of on both of these models is this – reverse camera input only. I find that most clients are totally fine with this. They’re usually just looking to retain their factory reverse camera and not necessarily add a front park assist camera. However, there are those clients out there. You know the kind with young new drivers behind the wheel for the first time. Deep down in their hearts if they could, they would wrap their kid in bubble wrap and strap a helmet on their head before they leave the house. These parents want every possible safety feature added to their older cars such as a front camera, park sensors, blind spot sensors, etc. Alas – there is no front camera input on either the XAV-AX6000 or XAV-AX4000 so if you are that parent, consider an Alpine or Kenwood receiver instead.

So what’s the difference?

I thought you’d never ask. For one, there is a subtle difference in the screens. The XAV-AX4000 has a resistive touch screen whereas the XAV-AX6000 uses a capacitive touch screen. From a functionality standpoint (which you can see in the YouTube video here), they are both similarly responsive and accurate to touch.

I find that the XAV-AX6000 is only slightly more vibrant and saturated in color. I expected a more dramatic difference in the contrast, vibrancy and saturation. Perhaps due to the matte finish, it’s a bit muted.

Other than the actual difference in screen type, the XAV-AX6000 has what they call an edge to edge bezel-less screen whereas the XAV-AX4000 has a small frame/trim around the screen. See below.

XAV-AX6000 on the left with Bezel-less screen – XAV-AX4000 on the right with traditional trim around the screen.

What else?

There are 3 other major differences between these two models. One of which I consider kind of a bonus feature, but some clients will really appreciate it. The XAV-AX6000 features an HDMI input. Keep in mind, it is a micro HDMI input so there is a little bit of cable adapting to actually mirror your iPhone or Android, but it can be done. To learn more about that, check out the short video below where I wrestle with an Android to get mirroring working thru a nice flush mount HDMI adapter. Turns out I needed to turn off Bluetooth on the Android in order to get the HDMI working properly.

As for the other 2 major differences? A whopping 3 year warranty is included on the XAV-AX6000. The XAV-AX4000 includes a standard 1 year warranty. Lastly, the XAV-AX6000 boasts 5 volt pre-amp outputs for front, rear and subwoofer – perfect for building your hi-fidelity aftermarket sound system. The XAV-AX4000 on the other hand features a standard 2 volt pre-amp outputs, also for front, rear and subwoofer.

But is the XAV-AX6000 really 5 volt?

I’m about to find out this weekend when I break out the old Fluke 123B Oscilloscope, but you’ll have to check out my YouTube channel for that. I am curious to see how it performs! With most head units, when rated at 4 volt for example, I expect to see a measurement of 4 volts on each side: 4 volts on the front left RCA pre-out and 4 volts on the front right RCA pre-out. Since the XAV-AX6000 has a mono RCA pre-out – should I expect to see 10 volts when I measure the single mono pre-out? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Wireless Sound Quality

The other really interesting tidbit I discovered during this Sony XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 review is the fact that the Apple CarPlay connection is done entirely wirelessly! That USB C is just there for charging (3 amps) and establishing the initial connection. Sony has implemented their proprietary LDAC technology in both of these receivers enabling high resolution audio streaming up to 990 kbps at 24 bit/96 kHz.

14 Band EQ included on both the XAV-AX4000 and XAV-AX6000

I did spend some time listening to the XAV-AX6000 and I must say, I was quite impressed with the sound quality. For this listening test I used a couple tracks: “Old Man” by Neil Young and “2 Be Loved” by Lizzo. The audio was piped thru some Focal Flax series components running off an older Alpine PDX-F4 amplifier.

I used Apple Hi-Res Lossless for this A/B comparison. The audio coming from the Sony XAV-AX6000 was almost indistinguishable to the audio coming from the Kenwood eXcelon DMX709s which features a wired connection and is capable up processing audio files at 24 bit/192 kHz.

Value That is Hard to Beat

The value on both of these wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto iDatalink Maestro compatible head units is pretty phenomenal. We’ve sold quite a few of both and so far all clients are happy. You really can’t go wrong with either model, but the XAV-AX6000 clearly has a few perks that are worth the extra $100. Many clients opt for the XAV-AX6000 just for that 3-year warranty. What do you think? Which wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto model stereo are you putting in your car?

Android Auto Apple CarPlay CarPlay Sony Car Audio Sony CarPlay Sony XAV-AX4000 Sony XAV-AX6000 Sony XAV-AX6000 vs XAV-AX4000 Review

Alpine iLX-507 Review

It’s been a few months since we received our first shipment of the Alpine iLX-507. Now that we’ve sold and installed a few, I feel I’ve gotten to really know it intimately. It’s time to share my thoughts! For those not familiar, the 507 is essentially the direct replacement for the iLX-207 which we used to have in our old 2013 Wrangler.

Alpine iLX-507 Review - Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — Alpine iLX-507 Review – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Where is it made?

One of the first things I always like to look at when a new product arrives at the shop is the outside of the box. Where’s it made? It’s predecessor, the iLX-207, was made in Japan. For comparison, the wildly popular iLX-W650 and subsequent iLX-407 are both made in Korea and the previous Halo models, iLX-F409 and F411, were made in China. I was intrigued to see the Alpine iLX-507 is made in Thailand. Fun fact. I recently had a client ask me where every radio we sold was made. He based his purchase off of the country of origin. As I rattled off the names when I finally got to Indonesia (Kenwood) he stopped me and said, “I ain’t got no problem with them, that works”.

Alpine iLX-507 - Made in Thailand — Alpine iLX-507 – Made in Thailand

HD Screen Quality – But is it really?

Once I got the unit unboxed and wired up, the HD quality of the screen immediately stood out to me. The Alpine iLX-507 features a 1280 x 720 HD screen with a 2,764,800 pixel count. Not bad. Check it out against this Kenwood DMX1057XR on display right next to it. Keep in mind, the Kenwood is physically closer to the camera because it’s floating away from the display board.

Although this new style screen is much more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing than previous models, sadly, I don’t think it’s as accurate/responsive to touch. For example, just playing around with the iLX-W650 and iLX-407 on display, I find their touch screen is more accurate and responsive than the iLX-507. The Kenwood right next to it blows it out of the water in terms of touch reactivity and exactness .

Screen Sensitivity

Check out the drop down tab on the top of the screen. This is supposed to be a quick and easy short cut to get to basic audio controls – which I do appreciate! The Alpine iLX-507 features an incredible amount of audio control such as a 13 band parametric EQ (per channel), BUT there are a lot of clients out there that just want a quick easy bass/treble adjustment.

The manual says to simply tap the blue tab on the top of the screen to display this easy sound set up menu. Sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately it usually takes me 2-3 tries to get it to actually show up. Super frustrating. Especially when I’m trying to show a client how easy it is to use. Imagine trying to do that while you’re driving and hitting bumps and potholes.

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto plus iDatalink Maestro compatiblity

The most attractive feature of the Alpine iLX-507 for most clients is the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On top of that, this receiver is also iDatalink Maestro compatible which is a critical feature for a lot of different vehicles. Although not required for every car, even something like a 2012 Ford Escape will benefit from the iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR which can retain OEM features like audio controls on the steering wheel, factory amplifier if equipped, park distance sensors and even the separate radio display that is mounted above the factory radio.

Alpine iLX-507 - Wireless Android Auto — Alpine iLX-507 – Wireless Android Auto

Two USB ports – Optional GPS Navigation

In addition to wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, there are TWO USB ports for this receiver. Bonus points – the main USB features 2.4 amp charging. That is huge. I was super surprised this wasn’t covered in an earlier product training when the question was asked, but I’m happy to report the main USB finally has a decent charging rate.

Alpine iLX-507 - Back of unit connector side — Alpine iLX-507 – Back of unit connector side

Another super attractive feature is the secondary USB port. This can be used for an additional device such as music files on a thumb drive or for future unit expansion. Eventually Alpine plans to release an optional satellite based GPS navigation add-on (release date TBD – keeps getting pushed back).

Optional GPS

I think optional GPS is a no brainer for radio manufacturers and I really don’t get why more companies don’t offer it. Although the Alpine iLX-507 includes a GPS antenna, which helps to improve accuracy on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can still run into coverage issues in dead zones. And trust me, there are still plenty of areas especially in New England with zero cell service. That is the drawback of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No cell service? No GPS. For many clients driving in more densely populated areas, this isn’t a concern, but for folks still out in the country, it’s nice to have satellite based GPS navigation. Keep in mind if/when you decide to add that optional GPS when it becomes available, it will occupy that secondary USB input.

Optional Volume Knob

Speaking of options, would you like to add volume knob? Well luckily you can and the best part about it is you can stick it wherever you want on your dash. The Alpine RUX-H02 is an optional Volume/Subwoofer control knob that works via Bluetooth with the iLX-507. By pushing the knob in you can toggle between master volume control and subwoofer level control. How clever!

I do love this accessory. It is such an awesome add-on. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone into a clients car to show them how to use their new stereo and they immediately start reaching for the volume knob that is no longer there. People like knobs, what else can I say?

HD Radio – Scrolling presets

Personally I am not a fan of FM/AM radio, but there are some clients that still like to listen to local radio for music, news, traffic and weather. If you’re in an area with a lot of coverage, you may appreciate the added benefit of HD Radio compatibility. What might peeve you however, is how you access those presets.

Alpine iLX-507 - Scrolling presets — Alpine iLX-507 – Scrolling presets

This is another design aspect I don’t understand. Scrolling presets! Fixed presets 1 thru 6 on the bottom of the screen with a clear band button (like the iLX-W650) is the way to go IMO. It’s just difficult to scroll and select while driving especially if the screen responsiveness isn’t 100%.

Hi-Res audio playback

You may have noticed that the Alpine iLX-507 features Hi-Res audio playback. It’s compatible with higher resolution audio apps like Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon HD or tracks downloaded from HD Tracks and capable of playback at 96kHz/24Bit. This may be a very important feature to a lot of you out there. You might be surprised I haven’t made a bigger deal out of this feature. Practically speaking, most of the clients that have bought this unit are not purchasing it for this reason. Hi-Res audio isn’t even on their radar.

Alpine iLX-507 - capable of Hi-Res Audio — Alpine iLX-507 – capable of Hi-Res Audio

In general, many of my clients don’t really understand that the music they are streaming from Pandora, Spotify and SiriusXM is wildly compressed. Whenever possible, I take the time to let them hear a track off their playlist from their phone using their preferred app and then I let them hear the same track from my phone using Apple lossless. They’re usually blown away by what they’ve been missing. If you are using high res audio apps, you will totally appreciate this feature. If you’re still rockin’ with a free Pandora subscription, it’s time to upgrade and try a higher quality app.

Control up the Wazoo

As nitpicky as I am, one thing I really love about this unit is all of the control it has. There are SO many settings. You can get lost in the settings for days. Telephone/Notification volume settings. Mic gain and echo cancellation/noise reduction settings. Key feedback tone settings. Camera image settings. Source volume settings. Background image/color settings. 13 Band parametric EQ adjustable per channel. In depth crossover settings.

Alpine iLX-507 - Various menu settings — Alpine iLX-507 – Various menu settings

Just look at this. Not only can you adjust Low Pass Filter and High Pass Filter separately for front, rear and subwoofer, look at the frequencies you can choose from. LPF: 4k, 5k, 6.3k, 8k, 10k, 12.5k, 16k & 20k. HPF: 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 160 Hz, 200 Hz or 250 Hz. Slope: 0, 6, 12, 18 or 24 db per octave plus level adjustment from -12 to 0 dB. Holy crossover control Batman!

In addition to your standard time alignment controls, you can even select whether you want to enter that information based on milliseconds, inches or centimeters! I’m telling you, the Alpine iLX-507 has settings and options galore. They are seriously giving Kenwood a run for their money with all the audio control tools.

But don’t let all that control overwhelm you. For those that find these kinds of options and settings far too advanced, Alpine does include a basic preset EQ section shown here:

What can’t you control?

Unfortunately there are a few things you cannot control such as the blue color on the buttons. You can change the screen color, but not the button color. Go figure. The other thing that kind of drives me batty is automatic front camera control. There isn’t any. Even though the iDatalink Maestro supports automatic front camera control, Alpine does not offer this feature on any of their models right now. You want to use the front camera input, hit the camera button and tap the screen to alternate between the rear camera input and front camera input. On some higher end Kenwood models, the front camera can be automatically triggered for 10 seconds when shifting from reverse to drive. This is what clients expect when they see a stereo features front camera input.

But wait – there’s another catch!

I remember being really excited about this model when I found out it would support a front and rear camera. It’s about time. It always blew my mind that the more basic iLX-W650 supported 2 cameras, but yet the higher end models did not. Unless of course you dropped bank spent more than the cost of the receiver on their HD cameras: HCE-C2100RD, HCE-C2600FD and don’t forget the fancy camera switcher control module KCX-C2600B.

Alpine iLX-507 Review - Camera connections — Alpine iLX-507 Review – Camera connections

Alright, so the Alpine iLX-507 supports a front and rear camera and it doesn’t have to be a proprietary Alpine direct camera. You can use a composite camera using the included adapter in the box. Great! Except they only supply you one adapter. So let’s say you are like my client here the other day with your daughter’s 2017 Subaru Forester that has a factory reverse camera and you want to add wireless Apple CarPlay, retain the steering wheel controls, factory reverse camera and add a basic front camera. Guess what – you will need to buy another part! Available from PacParts.com – 82076-85781C78. I must say that kind of shit drives me crazy. Clients don’t want to be nickel and dimed or surprised to find out they need another part mid install.

Chassis Design

It’s also important to note the chassis design. Unlike Alpine’s other mechless models iLX-W650 and iLX-407, the iLX-507 does not have a shallow chassis. Full single DIN on bottom with a double DIN screen. For most installs that will still leave you some extra space for wire management. All things being equal, I prefer the chassis design of the iLX-W650 and iLX-407 because quite honestly they will fit a larger variety of vehicles. There are some Ford’s on the market (2014 Ford Explorer, I’m looking at you) that simply will not accommodate a full depth chassis like this unfortunately. So just be aware of any depth limitations, if any, in your particular application.

Alpine iLX-507 Review - Single DIN chassis — Alpine iLX-507 Review – Single DIN chassis

Overall – Amazing value and feature packed

I know I can be real nit picky on certain features and aspects, but it’s largely because of feedback from clients. I’ve learned what they like, what they don’t like and what they absolutely can’t stand because let’s face it. If I sold it and they don’t like it, I’m the one that’s going to hear about it.

Alpine iLX-507 Review - Home screen — Alpine iLX-507 Review – Home screen

At the end of the day, the Alpine iLX-507 has a ton of fantastic features and very few drawbacks which is why it’s such a popular choice amongst our clients. Alpine, let me count the ways I appreciate you:

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
iDatalink Maestro compatible
TWO USB ports
Main USB 2.4 amp charge
Secondary USB 1.5 amp charge
Optional GPS navigation (connects to USB 2)
Included GPS antenna
Bluetooth settings galore – regarding notification volume, GPS volume, echo cancellation, noise reductions, mic gain, etc.
An extravaganza of audio control – 13 band parametric EQ per channel, digital time alignment and a plethora of crossover adjustments
Simple preset EQ option along with basic bass/treble, balance/fader controls
Hi-Res audio compatible – playback up to 96kHz/24Bit
4 Volt pre-amp
HDMI input
HDMI output (great for rear seat entertainment systems that accept HDMI input)
AUX input
SiriusXM compatible
HD Radio
Front and Rear camera input – includes one composite adapter – a second one can be purchased from PacParts.com
Compatible with optional Alpine dash cameras
Direct connection for optional HD Cameras – HCE-C2100RD & HCE-C2600FD – no switcher required – on screen control for various views – top down, panoramic, corner, etc.
Optional Volume Knob RUX-H02

Did you install the Alpine iLX-507 in your vehicle? What has your experience with this stereo been like? Let me know in the comments below. And as always – thank you for visiting and reading!

Alpine Alpine iLX-507 Alpine iLX-507 Review Alpine Wireless Android Auto Alpine Wireless CarPlay Android Auto Apple CarPlay

Sony XAV-AX150 Review

Is the Sony XAV-AX150 the best value Apple CarPlay and Android Auto radio for 2022?

Now more than ever, consumers can appreciate the great value of the Sony XAV-AX150. As we hurtle towards a dystopian new normal, consumers are waking up to the greater effects of high gas prices, limited resources compounded by the weakening dollar. Inflation has entangled its tentacles into nearly every facet of our lives. Car stereo is in no way immune to this ugly beast. In 2019, the best value Apple CarPlay and Android Auto stereo that I sold was the Alpine iLX-W650. Just 3 years ago, you got a lot for your money with the iLX-W650: 4 Volt pre-amp, glass capacitive touch screen, 9 band parametric EQ and more. That deck is a work horse and is still a staple product at our shop. Yet, in the past few years, we have seen the price of that model climb from $299.99 to $349.99 and then to $399.99. Next week it will be $449.99. Yikes!

In this day and age, deals are harder and harder to come by which is why I love the Sony XAV-AX150. When consumers are getting hammered by inflation everywhere in their lives, I love seeing a quality brand like Sony hang in there and continue to offer consumers an awesome value.

This deck is perfect for someone who has purchased an older vehicle and looking to upgrade the tech features. It’s extremely difficult to buy a new vehicle right now. So many of our clients are buying used (and paying dearly for it I might add). On top of the inflated used car price, they are spending additional cash up-fitting to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sony XAV-AX150 won’t be right for everyone, but it’s a perfect fit for anyone with a basic used vehicle simply looking to add modern features.

Why the Sony XAV-AX150 is awesome

This deck has a ton of great features for the money. It’s super easy to use and super reliable. What you see is what you get. You’re not paying extra for features you don’t want or need.

AM/FM Radio (NO SiriusXM compatibility)
Resistive touch screen
Bluetooth
Wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (rear USB)
Reverse camera compatible
Steering wheel control compatible
10 Band EQ
Front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp (2 Volt – not the cleanest on the sub channel though)
Built in crossovers – adjustable HPF and LPF

This unit is mechless so no CD player. Although it is meant for double DIN ISO mount installation, the rear chassis is only single DIN which leaves you some room to work with in the dash in case your installation involves a large module to retain things like Onstar/Bose or steering wheel controls.

Sony XAV-AX150 - buttons on the lower lip. — Sony XAV-AX150 – mostly touch screen but with hard buttons on the lower lip

In addition to the 6.95″ touch screen, this unit also has a small lower lip with hard buttons. Here you find functions like Volume up/down, Track up/down, Home screen and an Option button which doubles up as a shortcut to source/audio settings OR as a voice activation button (press and hold to prompt Siri or Google Voice). You cannot rearrange the icons on the home screen, but I don’t see a need to – they are laid out in a nice logical, easy to see manner.

Sony XAV-AX150 background color options. — Sony XAV-AX150 different wallpaper options.

The bottom lip buttons will always illuminate in a neutral white tone. The background color can be changed, but you cannot upload your own. I don’t think the background color will matter for most clients as they are purchasing this unit for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These interfaces appear exactly the same regardless of what model radio you are using.

Sony XAV AX150 - Apple CarPlay Android Auto — Sony XAV AX150 – Apple CarPlay Android Auto

Who this deck is for

The Sony XAV-AX150 is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade an older basic vehicle with a name brand Apple CarPlay/Android Auto stereo that won’t break the bank. Examples of vehicles this would work well with include 2012 Honda Civic, 2013 Toyota Corolla, 2011 Subaru Legacy or a 2014 Chevy Express Van. Mostly older Japanese vehicles without integrated electronics or basic GM or Ford models without things like a rear seat entertainment system.

Who this deck is NOT for

I wouldn’t recommend the Sony XAV-AX150 for anyone looking to build a full aftermarket audio system with amplifiers. It does have a front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp, but it’s low voltage. Plus the signal on the sub channel is not clean. I measured it with an oscilloscope which you can see in the video. Regardless of volume level or sub level, the signal was not a uniform wave. There is definitely some distortion there, perhaps just harmonic distortion. Either way, between the low voltage pre-amp and funky sub level signal, it’s not an ideal deck to build a system with. It’s perfect for clients looking for a great value, easy to use, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto head unit for their older, used vehicle.

Additionally, I would not use this in any vehicle that would benefit from an iDatalink Maestro compatible radio. For example, I wouldn’t use it in a 2015 Silverado or 2016 Ford Edge or 2018 Ram Promaster. All of these vehicles have data flowing through the factory radio. In other words, the radio is part of the operating network in the car. In situations like that you’re best off using an ADS-MRR and iDatalink Maestro compatible radio to retain vehicle features, access to vehicle settings and in general keep information flowing through the network in the car. To check iDatalink Maestro compatibility, check out this product feature look up page where you can plug in your vehicle info and radio info to see what features would be lost or retained.

My only complaint

The only thing that is a bit quirky about the Sony XAV-AX150 is the way that Sony maps their steering wheel control functions. They sort of lump functions together. Although there is an option in the radio to remap these functions, I’ve had hit or miss results with that.

Best Apple CarPlay Stereo 2019 - Sony XAV-AX1000 Steering Wheel Control Functions — Example of Sony steering wheel control functions mapped out for a 2014 Wrangler

The default option for the “Source” button is a double function. Tap “Source” (or “Mode” on your steering wheel) to cycle between sources like Bluetooth, AM/FM Radio or CarPlay/Android Auto. If a call comes in, pressing “Source” rejects the call. If you have a “Phone” button that button does 3 functions: Voice activation or if a call is coming in it will be “Answer call” and when you want to end the call, you press the same button again. This means if your vehicle has a separate “Phone”, “Answer” and “Hang up” button, they will not function that way anymore. The “Phone” button, would do everything. Which is not a big deal, but it’s just something to keep in mind for finicky type A people like myself.

Sony XAV-AX150 Best Value CarPlay Android Auto stereo 2022

Current pricing on the XAV-AX150 ranges between $248.99 – $299.99 which is a great deal IF you can get your hands on one. No telling how long Sony will keep this model at that price. If you can find one and you’ve got an older, basic vehicle, this is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle with modern technology at an uninflated price. Do you have the Sony XAV-AX150 in your vehicle? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

Sony XAV-AX150 - Best value Apple CarPlay Android Auto stereo 2022 — Sony XAV-AX150 – Best value Apple CarPlay Android Auto stereo 2022

Android Auto Apple CarPlay Best Value CarPlay Android Auto 2022 Sony Sony XAV AX150 Sony XAV-AX150

Best Apple CarPlay Android Auto Head Unit 2021

Most of my readers know that each year I usually post an in depth review and breakdown on the best Apple CarPlay and Android Auto head units available. Before I dive into the Best Apple CarPlay Android Auto head unit 2021, let me step back a moment. I skipped this review last year for a variety of reasons.

Number one – I was short staffed at the shop due to the Orwellian dystopia that fell upon our world. I had no time to write.

Number two – it was like 2020 never arrived. New products announced at CES 2020 didn’t roll out until the end of 2020 or early 2021 if they did get rolled out at all. Manufacturers shut down due to COVID-19. Shortly after that inventory quickly became backordered across all brands.

Finding a CD player or amp wiring kit was like trying to find Bounty paper towels at Costco last spring. If a pallet showed up at a wholesaler, it vanished sometimes in as little as a few hours. Our industry has not been exempt from the ongoing wrath and absolute shit show of 2020 and there are additional contributing factors that imply 2021 is going to be even worse when it comes to product availability for consumers.

Why is everything backordered right now?

A lot of consumers don’t realize this or understand why everything is backordered so let me explain. Many businesses and industries were hurt by draconian and unconstitutional COVID-19 mandates. When businesses were forced to shut down last spring, products didn’t get made. When they were allowed to re-open, they usually had to do so with fewer staff with reduced output. When people were forced to stay home, consumer electronics manufacturers assumed the economy would tank and consumer demand would be zilch. Fortunately for our business and our industry they were wrong.

Many consumers were able to retain their livelihoods by working remotely. Unable to go out to eat or go on vacation, they suddenly had extra time and money on their hands. This disposable income shifted from the hospitality industry into other sectors like automotive, consumer electronics and home improvement. The biggest problem that all of these industries faced (and are still facing) is lack of product. Raw materials have become hard to source and products are often getting held up at the ports in LA.

To add insult to injury, the main semiconductor supplier in our industry – AKM in Japan – experienced a devastating fire last Fall. I find the whole thing bizarre and suspicious as there really aren’t a lot of details about the incident available and still no details on the cause of the blaze. The fire broke out at their Nobuoka semiconductor plant October 21, 2020 and burned for 82 hours. Rebuilding this facility is expected to take a year. As if that wasn’t weird enough, there was another fire just recently at a different semiconductor facility in Japan. But wait! There’s more. To top it off, another semiconductor supplier to our industry based in Texas had to shut down recently due to the deep freeze. The semiconductor shortage means consumers will see product shortages not only for things like car stereos, but also for new vehicles, cell phones and all sorts of consumer electronics. Manufacturers and vendors are already rationing out products to their dealers. Perhaps this is what war time rationing looks like in the 21st century. Hey look at the bright side – at least we’re just rationing consumer electronics and not food, right?

So unlike my typical blog post where I break down all the various options and models on the market for the year, I am going to write about models that I know are currently available or coming soon. The best Apple CarPlay Android Auto head unit 2021 may just be the one you can find in stock. Let’s break it down.

What does iDatalink Maestro compatible mean?

This Best Apple CarPlay Android Auto Head Unit 2021 blog post is going to be broken down into two double head unit categories: Non-Maestro compatible and Maestro compatible double din. If time allows, I will write a separate post dedicated to floating style screen models as this is a new and growing category.

I have explained this in previous posts, but for anyone unfamiliar with the iDatalink Maestro, let me recap. In many newer vehicles, like a 2016 Toyota Highlander for example, the stock stereo is basically part of the network in the car. When you remove the stock head unit in a car like this, you are basically breaking the network. You need to have the right parts to retain the flow of information or you may wind up with various features in your vehicle no longer operational.

In this particular vehicle, the iDatalink Maestro will retain:

Steering wheel controls
OEM reverse camera
JBL amp if equipped (which has a digital turn on)
Secondary vehicle information display
Access to vehicle settings

If I use a non Maestro compatible radio in this vehicle, the client will no longer have access the vehicle settings menu which is how you can change various options in the car related to door locks, turning on/off the notification beep when locking, etc. Additionally they would lose their secondary information display above the stock radio. I don’t know about you, but I can tell you most of my clients don’t like to lose features when “upgrading”. If you fall into that category, be sure to look up your vehicle info on maestro.idatalink.com.

If you have a vehicle that doesn’t need the iDatalink Maestro, you can still use a Maestro compatible radio, you just won’t benefit from any of the Maestro features. Things like vehicle info, tire pressure monitoring, battery voltage, track pack gauges, HVAC display, etc. are all vehicle dependent features and may not be applicable to your vehicle.

Non-Maestro Double Din Models:

Kenwood DMX4707s/DMX47s
Sony XAV-AX1000
Alpine iLX-W650
Kenwood DDX5707s/DDX57s
Sony XAV-AX5000
Sony XAV-AX7000

Maestro Double Din Models:

iLX-407
iLX-207
DMX907s
DDX9707s
DDX9907XR

Non Maestro Apple CarPlay Android Auto Models 2021

One of our best value Apple CarPlay stereos is the Sony XAV-AX1000. This mechless AM/FM Radio is the only double din Apple CarPlay model available with a volume knob, although it is a pretty small knob. You may notice this model has the USB input right on the front of the radio. This helps to cut down on installation related costs because there is no separate USB pigtail that needs to be flushed in anywhere. It’s extremely easy to use, nice large icons. However, you can’t really personalize or rearrange these icons. You can choose from several different background colors, but you cannot upload your own background image or splash screen.

Best Apple CarPlay Stereo 2019 - Sony XAV-AX1000 home screen — Best Apple CarPlay Stereo 2021 – Sony XAV-AX1000 home screen

Priced at just $299.99, this is a great value for anyone looking for a basic, easy to use, CarPlay stereo without a lot of bells and whistles that will be an easy, straight forward install. Features include:

Resistive touch screen 6.4″
Bluetooth
Wired Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto)
AM/FM Radio
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp output (2 volt)
Built in crossovers
10 Band EQ
Multicolor background display
Front USB
Front AUX input
Reverse camera input

One thing to note about the Sony XAV-AX1000 is that it is CarPlay compatible only. It is not Android Auto compatible. If you need a radio that is also Android Auto compatible, but at a great price, check out the Kenwood DMX4707s aka DMX47s.

Also priced at $299.99, this mechless CarPlay/Android Auto radio features a responsive glass capacitive touch screen. In addition, there is a few more customization controls on this model. You can easily re-arrange the source icons so the ones you use most always show up on the home screen. Additionally, there are several displays to pick from or you can upload your own image using a thumb drive. Features include:

Glass Capacitive touch screen 6.8″
Bluetooth
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
AM/FM Radio
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and mono subwoofer pre-amp output (2 volt)
Built in crossovers
13 Band EQ
Various background display (or upload your own)
Rear USB
Rear A/V input (requires 3.5 A/V adapter)
Reverse camera input

Like the Sony XAV-AX1000, the DMX4707s and DMX47s lack a CD player. If you’re not quite ready to give you up your CD’s just yet, check out the Kenwood DDX5707s aka DDX57s. For just $70 more you can have all the features of the DMX4707s or DDX47s plus the added benefit of a CD player.

With the sleak piano black finish, I will say these Kenwoods are sharp looking radios in VW’s and Subaru WRX’s when paired with the proper piano black finish dash kit. If you like that finish for your car, but need Maestro compatibility, consider the Kenwood eXcelon DMX907s or DDX9907XR.

The most popular Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatible radio at our shop has been the Alpine iLX-W650. This model is extremely hard to get right now. Shortly after the fire at AKM, Alpine announced they would no longer be accepting new orders for this model. Thankfully they have been focused on fulfilling all outstanding backorders. Expect to see this model phased out over the next couple months until the newer, and slightly more expensive Maestro compatible iLX-407 hits the market.

If you can manage to snag one of these, it’s a great value, feature packed head unit. Aside from all the standard features, the iLX-W650 has a few unique features. Standard features include:

Glass Capacitive touch screen 7″
Bluetooth
Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
AM/FM Radio
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp output (4 volt)
Built in crossovers
9 Band Parametric EQ plus easy EQ (Bass – Mid – Treble)
Digital time alignment
Rear USB
Reverse camera input
Secondary camera input
Power pack ready – either KTA-450 or KTA-200M

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Un-boxing Shallow Mount Design — Alpine iLX-W650 – Shallow Mount Design

Because of the mechless design, Alpine created a super shallow chassis and made a complementary series of amplifiers that can bolt right to the back of this head unit. This cuts down on installation time and parts tremendously. Choose from a compact high powered 4 channel amp, the KTA-450 boasting 50 watts x 4 RMS or add their new mini mono amp KTA-200M to send 200 watts RMS to your sub. This clever product design has saved our clients hundreds of dollars in parts and labor costs. You can easily create a value packed kick ass sound system using this head unit and complementing power pack amp.

If you like the idea of a capacitive touch screen for its vibrant and saturated color, but you have concerns about glare, check out the Sony XAV-AX5000. Check out how vibrant that screen looks compared to the Kenwood DDX57s above. They are mounted right next to each other on our showroom display and I took these photos one right after the next. Although they both use a capacitive touch screen, the Sony does not have a glass finish so it’s less likely to have glare on the surface.

Unlike the Kenwood and Alpine models already discussed, this model also features a row on hard buttons on the bottom of the screen. Although the Kenwood and Alpine are very clean, sleek and minimalist in appearance due to the lack of hard buttons, touch controls might not be the easiest thing to use while you’re driving. If you have to take your eyes off the road and look down at the road to change tracks or volume, it might be a better idea to have a row of hard buttons that you can feel your way around and access without having to take your eyes off the road. If your car has steering wheel controls, this probably won’t matter anyways, but a design feature worth pointing out for consumers without steering wheel controls. Standard features include:

Anti-glare Capacitive touch screen 7″
Bluetooth
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
AM/FM Radio
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and mono subwoofer pre-amp output (2 volt)
Built in crossovers
10 Band EQ
Various background display(or upload your own)
Dual Rear USB
Rear AUX input
Reverse camera input
Secondary camera input

If you like the idea of the Alpine power pack amps, but prefer the anti-glare touch screen and hard buttons of Sony, consider the Sony XAV-AX7000 which adds a high powered built in amp boasting 50 watts x 4 RMS. Additionally, the XAV-AX7000 steps up the pre-amp voltage from 2 volt to 5 volt which is great if you plan on adding a secondary amp to power a subwoofer with your system.

Maestro Apple CarPlay Android Auto Models 2021

Once the iLX-407 becomes available, game over. I think that will be the best value, best selling Apple CarPlay/Android Auto head unit for 2021. It might also be the only new model we see shipped.

Alpine iLX-407 Review — Best Apple CarPlay Android Auto Head Unit 2021 – Alpine iLX-407

The Alpine iLX-407 looks exactly like its predecessor the iLX-W650. The main features that have been added include iDatalink Maestro compatibility (thank you Alpine!) HDMI input and HD Radio. This radio is expected to sell for $399.99 and I have a feeling they will be going like hotcakes. If you can’t wait for this model to ship (there is currently no ETA due to the chip shortage) consider the Alpine iLX-207.

Best Apple CarPlay Stereo 2019 - Alpine iLX-207 aka i207-WRA — Alpine iLX-207 aka i207-WRA

The Alpine iLX-207 is a great sounding stereo with a super clean pre-amp signal. Aside from Maestro compatibility, it also features a 9 band parametric EQ, built-in crossovers, digital time alignment and all the great sound quality features Alpine users expect. Unlike the iLX-W650 or iLX-407, the iLX-207 features an easily identifiable row of hard buttons on the bottom lip of the stereo. The Alpine iLX-207 includes feature such as:

Anti-Glare Capacitive touch screen 7″
Bluetooth
Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
HD AM/FM Radio
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp output (4 volt)
Built in crossovers
9 Band Parametric EQ
Digital time alignment
Rear USB
HDMI input
Reverse camera input
Multi-color illumination
iDatalink Maestro compatible

What about Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

All of the models discussed so far feature a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you prefer a wireless connection, there are a few models available that offer it – that is, if you can find them. Each of these Kenwood models feature wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus iDatalink Maestro compatibility starting with the Kenwood DMX907s.

Kenwood DMX907s – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – no CD

The Kenwood DMX907s is part of Kenwood’s premium eXcelon series models which carries a 2 year warranty, uses gold plated RCA pre-amp outputs and features gold plated RCA pre-amp outputs. From a sound quality stand point, I really am partial to Kenwood. Don’t get me wrong, Alpine is great too. My husband has an Alpine Restyle unit in his Jeep and I have a Kenwood in my Jeep and both vehicles sound amazing. But when it comes to the sound quality control, Kenwood has a few more perks over Alpine.

One of those features I really like Kenwood calls Supreme. It’s not like a bass boost or restoration processor for compression. From an older Kenwood manual, it is described as “Technology to extrapolate and supplement with proprietary algorithm, the high-frequency range that is cut off when encoding. This function works on DVD MEDIA, USB, SD and iPod sources.” Whatever it is and however it works, I can tell you it always makes every car sound better. Additional audio control tools include a 13 band EQ with source dependent memory, digital time alignment, crossovers, speaker size and location effects, spatial effects and more.

I also really like that they use a Linux based system in the background and the cache is cleared every time you cycle the ignition. If my Kenwood ever has a rare technical hiccup like CarPlay locking up because I can’t remember the last time I restarted my phone, simply cycling the ignition always corrects the issue. The Kenwood DMX907s features:

Glass Capacitive touch screen 7″
Bluetooth
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
HD AM/FM Radio
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp outputs (5 volt gold plated)
Built in crossovers
13 Band EQ with source dependent memory
Additional sound control features such as Supreme, speaker size and spatial enhancement
Various background display(or upload your own)
Dual Rear USB
Rear A/V input (requires 3.5 A/V adapter)
3 camera inputs
iDatalink Maestro compatible

The Kenwood DMX907s does not have a CD player however. If you’re not ready to give up CD’s and you want wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you may want to consider the Kenwood DDX9707s.

Kenwood DDX9707s – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with CD

Although this model is a step up in price because it adds the CD, it lacks HD Radio and the capacitive touch screen. However it does add one more camera input for a total for 4.

Kenwood DDX9907XR – High resolution screen

For the ultimate in high resolution display and features, check out the Kenwood eXcelon DDX9907XR. Although you wouldn’t know it from the stock image, this model has a much more vibrant and saturated picture quality thanks to the 2,764,800 pixel count which is substantially higher when compared to the standard 1,152,000 pixel count screens on the market.

High resolution anti-glare Glass Capacitive touch screen 7″
Bluetooth
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
HD AM/FM Radio
CD player
SiriusXM Ready (SXV300 tuner required)
Front, rear and subwoofer pre-amp outputs (5 volt gold plated)
Built in crossovers
13 Band EQ with source dependent memory
Additional sound control features such as Supreme, speaker size and spatial enhancement
Various background display(or upload your own)
Dual Rear USB
Rear A/V input (requires 3.5 A/V adapter)
4 camera inputs including dedicated HD camera input for CMOS-740HD
iDatalink Maestro compatible

Why no Pioneer models?

You may have noticed I didn’t list any Pioneer models. I haven’t seen any Pioneer product available since August of 2020. My understanding is many of the aftermarket stereo manufacturers also have contracts with automakers and they have to fulfill those contracts before they can work on fulfilling orders for aftermarket products. Pioneer appears to be effected by this the most. The latest I heard from an industry insider is maybe we’ll begin to see Pioneer products available mid to late summer.

Conclusion

So what is the best Apple CarPlay Android Auto Head unit 2021? Truly it will be the one you can find in stock. Inventory is tighter than I have ever seen it my 21 years in the industry. It’s gotten to the point where I can’t even sell radios over the counter to customers anymore. We have to have discretion due to supply issues and what we do sell must come with professional installation only. Given the limited product availability, if 2021 is the year you want to upgrade to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you may have to compromise on features or spend more than you anticipated. The alternate option is to wait until next year when hopefully the semiconductor shortage has been addressed.

Android Auto Apple CarPlay Best Android Auto Head Unit 2021 Best Apple CarPlay Stereo 2021

Alpine iLX-W650 Review

Alpine iLX-W650 – Tremendous value in a tiny package

Update 7-1-19 – I do think the Alpine iLX-W650 is the best value Apple CarPlay and Android Auto head unit on the market for 2019 (without iDatalink Maestro compatibility). For an updated video review including my best value Apple CarPlay and Android Auto head unit with iDatalink Maestro compatibility, simply scroll down to the embedded YouTube video.

The Alpine iLX-W650 just arrived at our shop last week and I was so impressed with its cute and tiny packaging, its long list of features, attractive user interface and ridiculous price point that I actually got excited enough about it to get out of my winter funk and finally write a new blog post. Winters are long and depressing in New England – sometimes it takes an exciting and innovative new product to thaw me out. My interest perked up the moment I un-boxed it. Check this thing out.

Don’t let the size of this cute little baby radio fool you, it is packed with quality features at a price that is hard to beat (as of this writing – $299.99). Aside from its attractive shallow mount design, the Alpine iLX-W650 features a gorgeous and responsive 7″ capactive touch screen with large icons, easy to navigate menus, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Apple CarPlay pic — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Apple CarPlay pic

iLX-W650 Review – Shallow mount eases install

The shallow mount install is ideal for a lot of vehicles owners out there with limited sub dash space who are interested in upgrading to newer technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some vehicles, such as BMW 3 series 1999 – 2006 E46 body style, normally require major surgery behind the dash to accommodate a traditional double din sized radio. With the super shallow mounting depth (just under 3″ including the face) you can shave off some of your install time and the headaches involved in sub dash modification installs.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Back of radio Pic — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Back of radio made in Korea

Un-boxing this new Alpine model, I immediately noticed the the design and construction of this radio is unlike any other models in their line up. It has a distinct backside appearance reminiscent of what we see in OEM equipment. Curious, I decided to check the box to see where this particular radio is manufactured. I was surprised to see it is made in Korea. I think that’s a first for Alpine (as far as I can remember). Alpine also has radio models that are manufactured in Japan (ilX-107 and iLX-207), China (Halo 9) and Thailand (most of their single din units).

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Right angle USB — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Right angle USB

There is a level of attention to detail that I don’t normally see in Alpine that is apparent on the iLX-W650. For example, even the USB cable included has a right angle design to help in tight space installations. And despite it’s small footprint, the Alpine iLX-W650 still feels substantial in my hands. It doesn’t feel like a cheap radio although it has an aggressively cheap price tag. Just look at the beautiful touch screen display and easy to navigate home screen. Keep in mind, I still have the protective cover on the display.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Featured packed

The iLX-W650 has a long list of desirable features:

7″ Capacitive Anti-Glare Touch Screen
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Bluetooth
AM/FM Radio (not HD)
Dual Camera Inputs (can be assigned – front – rear – left – right – other)
Adjustable park guidance lines (also on/off)
Separate picture quality screen for camera
SiriusXM Ready (requires SXV300 tuner)
4 Volt Pre-Amp Outputs
9 Band Parametric EQ
Time Alignment
Built-in crossovers
Steering wheel control compatible
KTA-450 power pack compatible stack-on 45 watts x 4 RMS amp (EDIT 5-22-19 – originally I thought this was 100 x 4 RMS because Alpine advertised it 100×4. That was a Dynamic Peak Powering rating whatever the hell that is. Alpine has always used RMS ratings so I did not realize their deceptive labeling. Either way, it does sound great – recently installed one with this head unit and Morel Maximo Ultra speakers in a 2-door Wrangler JK and it was an awesome sounding system on a budget, plenty of kick even without a sub, customer was quite happy.)

I was thoroughly impressed with not only the sound quality of this radio, but the ease of sound control. There are a variety of sound adjustment menus in this radio from basic to advanced.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Simple Preset EQ pic — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Simple Preset EQ pic

Alpine iLX-W650 Review – EQ tools basic and advanced

One feature of the iLX-W650 that I really like is this dual audio control functionality. Not everyone knows how to set up a 9 band parametric EQ, time alignment and crossovers. For a more basic tweaking, there is a simple audio menu where you can adjust things like Bass, Mid Range, Treble, Balance/Fader, Sub level control or choose from a variety of preset EQ curves such as Flat, Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock or Custom.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review -Simple Audio Controls pic

For the folks that do know how to fine tune an audio system, they can appreciate the advanced audio controls. You can easily switch back and forth between the two screens by tapping the Simple or Advanced button on the top right. Another great benefit is you can quickly save various EQ curves to different presets which I always like to do for customers. We typically save one preset for them and if they want to play around with it, they can easily revert back to our original tuning by simply tapping the preset to recall our audio settings.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Advanced Parametric EQ pic — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Advanced Parametric EQ pic

Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Camera inputs and adjustments galore

For a $300 radio I was surprised to have more than one camera input and equally surprised at the variety of adjustments that can be made to them. This radio has two camera inputs that can easily be assigned as a front and rear camera, a left or right camera or other type of camera (rock crawling camera maybe?). Not only can you assign the different camera functions, you can easily turn on/off the park guidance line feature and adjust it to your particular vehicle and camera angle.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Reverse Camera Guidance Lines Menu — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Reverse Camera Guidance Lines Menu

One particular camera feature I have not seen before is a separate picture quality adjustment menu just for the cameras. I cannot recall seeing another radio with this feature. Even in Alpine’s line up, their higher end Halo 9 and iLX-207 appear to lack this particular feature.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - Camera Pic Quality Adjustment Menu — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Camera Pic Quality Adjustment Menu

Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Okay so what is it missing?

At $300 we can’t expect this radio to have everything, it is missing a couple minor features and there is one feature that is kind of a let down:

No CD player – this is a mechless unit, but who uses CD’s anymore really?
No HD Radio – not sure if this is really a make/break feature
No background image or color adjustment
Highly touted swipe feature does not appear to work on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (supposed to be able to use a two finger swipe to adjust volume/change tracks, but best I can tell that only appears to work on sources like Bluetooth, Radio, USB storage device)
Not iDatalink Maestro compatible

That last one is really important. There are certain vehicles on the market where if you really want to upgrade your radio, to do it properly in a nice seamless fashion, you need a radio that supports iDatalink Maestro with serial data connection. For example, vehicles such as a 13-up Ram 1500 or 14- up Chevy Silverado have a lot of info piped through the factory radio such as climate control display, vehicle settings, OEM reverse camera/park sensor display and more. In these particular vehicles, a Maestro compatible radio along with the iDatalink Maestro RR will allow you to retain all those important OEM functions.

However, in some vehicles you can still use the Maestro RR simply to retain your steering wheel controls using the wired steering wheel input of this radio (such as in a 2014 Jeep Wrangler), but that isn’t true for every vehicle. If you’re not sure what you need, be sure to check out iDatalink’s flash simulator. Click on the right where it says “Start Weblink Demo” and you can punch in your vehicle info and radio info and see what options are lost/retained and see how it varies depending on what radio you select and what type of connection you select (serial port or wired remote).

Additional install notes to keep in mind. This unit has a single rear USB port so you may want to route and flush mount the USB in a convenient location. To do that, you want to use a high speed USB C compatible adapter. We use the Pac Audio USB-DMA1 (also available in different lengths: USB-DMA3 or USB-DMA6). Additionally, although this is not a video player, there is a parking brake wire connection that needs to be made in your installation (in order to install these units on display, I use the Pac TR1 relay).

Alpine iLX-W650 Review – Best value Apple CarPlay and Android Auto radio 2019

Although it’s still early in the year in terms of car audio, I think it’s safe to say the Alpine iLX-W650 is the best value Apple CarPlay and Android Auto radio on the market at this time. Not only is it packed with a ton of features, it has an intuitive interface, responsive touch screen, great sound quality and it’s easily expandable into a full high fidelity sound system. As a car audio specialist, I can easily see myself selling many of these radios. It’s too easy to combine the iLX-W650 with the KTA-450 power pack (which retails for $199), quality aftermarket speakers (their new Type X are pretty awesome by the way) and Alpine’s little under seat amplified subwoofer (PWE-S8) and whamo – I’ve just created a full system audio overall for a client at a fantastic price.

Alpine iLX-W650 Review - AM-FM Radio screen pic — Alpine iLX-W650 Review – AM-FM Radio screen pic

For anyone looking to build a quality sound system on a budget, Alpine definitely has the products to do it with. Whether you’re looking to create a full system or just looking to upgrade your car radio with newer tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Alpine iLX-W650 has what it takes to get the job done at a very fair price.

Alpine Alpine CarPlay Alpine iLX-W650 Alpine iLX-W650 review Android Auto Apple CarPlay CarPlay iLX-W650

Sony XAV-AX200 Review

Sony XAV-AX200 expected to ship soon – in depth review coming soon

My regular readers probably already know this, but I am a huge fan of Sony. So it’s no surprise that I am super excited about the new Sony XAV-AX200. Like the current XAV-AX100, the XAV-AX200 is both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

I already have the XAV-AX100 in my Jeep Wrangler and have been loving it. It’s easy to use, sounds great and has a very clean, minimalistic appearance – yet it still has a volume knob – which I totally love and use all the time even though I have steering wheel controls. Despite that, as soon we receive these at our shop, I will be upgrading to the XAV-AX200.

Sony XAV-AX100 and XAV-AX200 – Clean matte black finish, simple and easy to use

At the showroom in our shop, most of our customers naturally gravitate toward the Sony XAV-AX100. They like the clean look and they really like the volume knob. However, there are a few key features missing that are certainly deal breakers for some of my customers. This inevitably leads me to steer them away from Sony over to a Kenwood, Alpine or a Pioneer. The Sony XAV-AX200 addresses these deal breaker features and I gotta say, they’re being really clever about it from a marketing standpoint.

Sony understands value

When the XAV-AX100 first came out, it sold for $499.95 and we sold quite a few at that price. At the time, that was the entry level price for a head unit that was both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Not too long after it came out, Sony got a bit more aggressive and put it on sale to $449.95 and then $399.95. Finally they just decided to keep it at that new lower price. With an expected retail price of $499.95, the Sony XAV-AX200 has a lot more features for only $100 more. Features that will steal market share away from Kenwood, Alpine and Pioneer. Let’s review.

Sony XAV-AX200 review – Features that were missing from the Sony XAV-AX100 that will be in the Sony XAV-AX200

Higher Voltage Pre-amp Outputs – Sony’s website says the new XAV-AX200 has a 4 volt pre-amp. I wanted to check the owner’s guide to confirm that, but it’s not on their website yet. Usually Sony has 5 volt on their premium models, I’d be surprised if it was only 4 volt.
CD/DVD Player – Yes, believe it or not, there are quite a few consumers out there not willing to let go yet and now they don’t have to.
SiriusXM Compatibility – You all know how I feel about SiriusXM, but I get it, some of you have it have it. Not only is this unit SiriusXM compatible, it even comes with a free SXV300 tuner.
Mass Storage Device Control for Audio and Video – The XAV-AX100 USB could only read software updates and upload a background photo image from mass storage devices (despite it also being compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – that always seemed odd to me how they limited this).The Sony XAV-AX200 supports audio codecs like PCM, MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC from mass storage devices. It also supports video codecs like MPEG4-SP/AVC (H.264 Baseline), WMV, FLV and MKV/XviD.
3 Camera Inputs – Although the XAV-AX100 has a reverse camera input, some of us like to have a front camera, blind spot cameras or even rock crawling cameras. Sony makes it easy to add those additional cameras and select which input you want to view directly on screen.
Tom Tom GPS Navigation Compatible – if you feel more comfortable with a dedicated GPS receiver, rather than relying on your cell phone, you can add the Sony XA-NV200 navigation module with GPS antenna.

It appears that once again, Sony is nailing it when it comes to features, sound quality and value. I expect to sell a lot more Sony once the XAV-AX200 arrives and I expect my Jeep Wrangler to look more like the one below very soon.

Sony XAV-AX200 Jeep Wrangler – image courtesy of Sony

Android Auto Apple CarPlay CarPlay Jeep Wrangler Stereo Upgrade Sony Car Audio Sony XAV-AX200

Alpine i209-WRA and x209-WRA – Alpine finally gets all the features right for Jeep Wrangler owners

Alpine X209-WRA - Jeep Wrangler Head Unit 2017

Meet the Alpine i209-WRA – combining the perfect mix of features and value

Although I couldn’t make it to CES 2017, I was excited to see that Alpine finally appears to have the right combination of features and price point with at least one of their two brand new 2011 and up Jeep Wrangler dedicated head units. The Alpine i209-WRA and X209-WRA are both scheduled for release April 2017.

**Edit – 9/27/17 – Don’t forget to check out my new post Alpine i209-WRA installed.

I think the bigger seller here, by far, will be the Alpine i209-WRA which is their new mechless 9″ stereo featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Aside from being water resistant and dustproof*, this model adds a ton of features that were lacking in last year’s model i109-WRA such as:

iDatalink Maestro integration
SiriusXM capability (requires SXV300 tuner and possibly an iDatalink SAT1)
New high visibility WVGA capacitive touch screen
Bluetooth for handsfree calling and audio streaming
HD Radio
HDMI input**

*A note about the IP54 rating which is defined in two parts according to Wikipedia: Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. Having said that, it’s kind of like dropping your iPhone in the snow – pick it up, dry it off and it will survive, but you probably wouldn’t have the same luck if you submerged it in water for an extended period of time. It’s not entirely infallible to the elements, but can withstand a decent bout of dust and rain which is inevitable for Jeep Wrangler owners.

**Correction 2/8/17 – a previous publication of this article stated this model lacked an HDMI input. After receiving some conflicting information, Alpine has clarified and confirmed HDMI input is a feature of the i209-WRA.

So what’s the Alpine i209-WRA going to cost you?

All this can be yours at a retail price of $1999.95**. Keep in mind, Alpine wants that price to be a fully installed price. So let’s compare that to a fully installed price on something like Pioneer’s AVH-4200NEX or Kenwood’s DDX9703s.

Both models feature a 7″ touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM capability, HD radio, Bluetooth plus an on board DVD/CD Player (which the Alpine i209-WRA lacks). Both models come with a 1 year warranty when purchased from an authorized retailer.

When you add the iDatalink Maestro module, the Maestro harness, the FM/AM antenna adapter, the dash kit, the USB flush mount/retention adapter and installation you’re looking close to $1150 installed for either one.

Alpine i209-WRA Jeep Wrangler Head Unit 2017

Spend an extra $850 on the Alpine i209-WRA you’ll get:

A much larger 9″ screen
A water resistant and dust proof WGVA high visibility capacitive touch screen that is designed to be visible even in bright sun (a screen designed for the Jeep Wrangler environment)
3 year warranty (I’m assuming on this one – that was a feature of previous models, I don’t see why they wouldn’t carry that forward)
Bragging rights

Want an on board GPS navigation and a DVD player too? That’ll cost you.

Alpine takes it one step further with the next model up, the Alpine X209-WRA. With a suggested retail price of $3499.95***, the Alpine X209-WRA adds:

On board GPS navigation
CD/DVD Player
Dual Zone – (DVD output from in dash unit to rear seat entertainment option like headrest screens with wireless headphones for example)
Alpine Connect infotainment service and companion smartphone app featuring in-dash content from iHeartRadio, Yelp, Glympse, and Spotify

How well these models sell will certainly depend on the market. I can tell you in our area, I can see Jeep Wrangler owners making the $850 leap from a 7″ Kenwood or Pioneer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto head unit to the Alpine i209-WRA. I’m not so sure about the X209-WRA, but time will tell.

What do the Jeep Wrangler owner’s out there think? Which model would you be more inclined to install in your Jeep Wrangler? The i209-WRA or X209-WRA?

***I corrected this article 2/3/17 to reflect the minimum advertised price. The original article stated the price of the i209-WRA was $2200 and the price for the X209-WRA was $4000. Despite obtaining those prices from Alpine’s CES press release, the minimum advertised price for the i209-WRA is actually only $1999.95 and the minimum advertised price for the X209-WRA is $3499.95.

Alpine Alpine i209-WRA Alpine X209-WRA Android Auto CarPlay CES 2017 Jeep Wrangler Stereo Upgrade

Sony XAV-AX100 Review – Best Value for CarPlay and Android Auto

Meet the value packed Sony XAV-AX100

I’m so happy Sony finally made an Apple CarPlay and Android Compatible head unit. For at least the last couple of years, Sony has definitely had an edge over its competitors in terms of sound quality and value and this model is no different in that regard. Retailing at only $499*, this is the lowest priced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible head unit that I’ve carried and based on the features and ease of use, I think it’s a phenomenal value.

*Update 10-8-17 – Sony has lowered the retail price on the XAV-AX100 to $399.95 in anticipation of the XAV-AX200.

So what do you get for the money?

Ease of use – One thing I love about this unit is how simplistic it is. Because this unit lacks a lot of bells and whistles, the Sony XAV-AX100 is relatively easy to use and has an easy to understand layout. What you see is what you get. Other than Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this unit features:

AM/FM Radio
Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree functionality
Reverse camera input
Front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs (Sony says rated at 2 volt, but it sounds slightly higher, I have not measured it)
10 Band EQ, built in crossovers, sub level control
5 wallpaper options, plus option for custom display (uploaded via USB drive)
Remote steering wheel control input*

Sony XAV-AX100 Review - backside of the head unit — Sony XAV-AX100 Review – backside of the head unit has a single din chassis

*Sony typically does not support phone functionality through their steering wheel control inputs, however when test flashing either the iDatalink Maestro RR or Maestro SW module I found that this model will support some phone functionality although it’s kind of weird because it gets all lumped in under one button. Phone related flashing options (listed as function per button) look like:

Start Voice (Android Auto & Apple CarPlay) & Answer/Hang up call
Source & Hang up or Reject Call & Power On
Source off & Hang up & Power Off

Perhaps they configure it this way in case you don’t have voice control or phone buttons on your steering wheel.

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter

I’ve had quite a few customers comment on the volume knob. They like it, they find it easy to use. If you appreciate volume knobs you will appreciate the nice rotary volume knob on this head unit. It has a stiffer and more rigid feel to it compared to the volume knobs on other head units and it’s backlit.

Sony XAV-AX100 Review - Display panel options. — Sony XAV-AX100 Review – Display panel options.

Sony XAV-AX100 review – sound quality counts

Aside from the basic features of this model, the sound quality of Sony receivers is something I need to talk about in this Sony XAV-AX100 review. Sony head units, in general just sound great. My customers are always surprised when I play a basic Sony receiver like the MEX-GS610BT or MEX-XB100BT and let them hear that compared to an Alpine CDE-164BT or Pioneer DEH-X6900BT. It is a noticeable difference even for a car audio novice.

Sony XAV-AX100 Review - EQ screen. — Sony XAV-AX100 Review – EQ screen.

Right off the bat, the Sony units just sound smoother, richer and more natural in tone. Once you hear it, it’s hard to buy anything else. Except maybe Kenwood, they’re pretty close. And even though this unit is only rated at 2 volts on the preamp output, I have a feeling if I measured it, I’d find it was slightly higher. It’s definitely punchier than the other 2 volt preamp output models I have on display.

Sony also provides plenty of audio control tools such as a 10 band EQ, built in crossovers and sub level control. Internal amplification on this bad boy is rated at 20 watts x 4 RMS which is slightly higher than your average head unit (most are 18 watts x 4 RMS).

Sony XAV-AX100 review – radio reception

Radio reception in general is a tricky thing because it’s so susceptible to interference coming from every angle – power lines on the road and even power lines in the car itself can cause static and interference. With evolving technology and many consumers turning to streaming services from their mobile devices, most car stereo manufacturers are not dumping a ton of money into their tuners.

Despite that, I have been impressed with the reception of Sony head units, this model included. We recently installed this in an older Subaru with one of those terrible amplified windshield antennas and this thing was definitely pulling in more stations than the customer’s previous Pioneer double din head unit (which was equipped with the Pioneer supertuner).

Sony XAV-AX100 Review - FM radio screen. — Sony XAV-AX100 Review – FM radio screen.

What’s missing from the Sony XAV-AX100?

Although Sony packs a lot of popular features into the XAV-AX100, it is missing a few items some consumers may still be interested in.

Buyer beware, the Sony XAV-AX100 lacks the following popular features:

CD/DVD Player**
HDMI input
AUX input
SiriusXM Capability**
HD Radio
Mounting sleeve and trim ring*

*For most vehicles you will not need a mounting sleeve and trim ring as most installation kits these days support iso mount, however, if you have happened to have a vehicle that does not support iso mount and requires a mounting sleeve and trim ring you can use Pioneer’s ADT-VA133 – that is what I used to mount this in my display board.

**Check out the Sony XAV-AX200 if these features are important to you.

Remember the old saying you get what you pay for? Well, if these features are truly important to you, you’ll have to fork over a bit more money and go for something like either the Kenwood DDX9703s or the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX (soon to be replaced by the 2017 model AVH-4201NEX which I believe is the same as AVH-4200NEX, but is bundled with a reverse camera).

Sony XAV-AX100 review conclusion

Although the Sony XAV-AX100 lacks a couple features, I find for most customers it ticks off all the key boxes. If you are looking for an easy to use, great sounding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatible head unit, you should seriously consider the Sony XAV-AX100. This model has that whole less is more approach and won’t overwhelm you with bells and whistles -aka features you don’t need or won’t use.

Sony XAV-AX100 Review - CarPlay display — Sony XAV-AX100 Review – CarPlay display

In conclusion, Sony did a great job with the XAV-AX100 focusing on the key features consumers are interested in:

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Ease of use
Bluetooth
Reverse camera input
Steering wheel control input

Do you really need anything more?

Android Auto Apple CarPlay Sony Sony Android Auto Sony CarPlay