Sony XAV-AX5000 Review in 2023

by Matthew David | Updated: April 9, 2023
What We Liked
  • The proprietary audio boosting technology separates the head unit from the pack
  • It is easy to install since it comes with a prewired design right from the factory
  • It has a capacitive touch screen that loads fast
  • The elegant design makes it impressive in a luxury car
  • It is a stereo that features a great dimmer
What We Didn't Like
  • It lacks a backup view camera unless you install one
  • It has some missing features like HDMI and HD radio
  • It does not have built-in Sirius XM capabilities

Summary

Sony XAV-AX5000 is a unique device that has beautiful features for you. You can use Bluetooth to play music. You can also receive and make calls hands-free.

The device has Google maps to assist in providing precise direction to the user. The filters will ensure clear and high-quality sound.

Introduction

Are you in search of the right double-din head unit? This Sony XAV-AX5000 review carries your answer. The good news is that it is compatible with car music systems.

The Sony media receiver comes with Apple CarPlay and Android auto platforms. This Sony XAV-AX5000 review will also show you how it has a beautiful design to navigate, communicate, and play music.

Sony XAV-AX5000 Review

This Sony head unit has a clean and straightforward interface that makes it user-friendly.

The Sony product comes in the right colors that perfectly blend with the car’s interior. The unit also supports all the major operating systems of smartphones.

Long are the days when vehicles had only a radio. You can consider this Sony digital media receiver for entertainment while driving.

As you will find out from this Sony XAV-AX5000 review, it is an amazing receiver. It comes with a flexible interface that fits on the dashboard.

Another great feature that this Sony gadget will offer you is the ability to male voice commands. As you drive, you can focus your eyes on the road as you control your music with voice commands. It boasts of hands-free controls.

Our review also reveals that the Sony XAV-AX5000 car stereo hardly accumulates dust magnets and fingerprints. The digital receiver comes in a compact design. Besides, it will only occupy a very limited space on the dashboard.

Even more fascinating is that it has a remote control that operates RF signals. It allows someone to control it right from the back seat.  The remote control features a 3V battery that allows it to work instantly. It also has a bracket system for mounting.

Sony XAV-AX5000 is for you if you like to improve the entertainment level vehicle. To get to know more about this amazing head unit, read this review to the end.

Features and specifications of Sony XAV-AX5000

1. Design and Interface

As you drive, Sony XAV-AX5000 will give you a smooth control. It has a seven-inch touch screen display that is responsive. Precisely, it is 2.5 faster as compared to other models such as the  Sony XAV-AX3000.

The product is compatible with the dashboard as it will perfectly fit on it. Furthermore, it will seamlessly blend with the interior.

The responsive screen will allow you to make calls on a single tap. You can use touch controls to play music and access maps.

The stereo has dual USB ports for the user to access more music options. You can connect the USB ports and android or smartphone devices simultaneously.

The head unit features a smaller chassis to facilitate a more straightforward installation. It will leave space for accessories and cabling behind the display.

The entire menu is simple and easy to use. The new-look screen has large icons that are effortless to tap.

The user can comfortably control the level of brightness and dimming. Whenever you dim the head unit, all the apps like Siri will switch to night mode.

2. Smartphone Integration

The digital receiver of this double din car stereo is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It allows the user to access the contents of the Android phone through a voice. Alternatively, you can operate at the finger touch.

You will only need to plug in the Android or iPhone smartphone. In the process, the stereo controls will begin to work as the interface of your phone.

You can also use the Apple Car Play and Android Auto platforms to receive instant calls and messages from your android or smartphone.. As if that is not enough; you can navigate and tap music from your android phone.

In case you are using Car Play, you will have to plug in your iPhone. You will use the vital iPhone functions to check messages and open maps.

You can also enjoy other services from your android phone like listening to music and making voice calls. Interestingly, one can still use the microphones to talk to Siri.

On the other arm, you can still use Android Auto. As you connect the Android smartphone, you enjoy various benefits. For instance, one can access Google maps and get real-time navigation.

Other users connect Sony XAV AX5000 to get traffic information. Beyond that, you can acquire comprehensive information on lane guidance.

You can take advantage of voice controls to maintain hands-free design.

3. Sound Quality

Sony XAV AX5000 has amplifiers that enable one to play loud or soft music. The amplifier is ideal in giving clear and natural sound output.

Furthermore, it has subwoofers and three pre-outs. The two will help the user in customizing sound in the desired form.

Still, the pre-outs and subwoofers have filters that allow a particular frequency. You can even use the 10-band equalizer for further customization.

The Dynamic Storage Organizer (DSO) will adjust the signal. It will give you the right feel of the sound.

You can activate the ExtraBase function to get an instant boost. The feature works appropriately to eliminate distortion on different volume levels.

4. Built-in Bluetooth

The head unit of this double din car stereo has Bluetooth function. It enhances the wireless streaming of music and podcasts. The receiver will enable you to access the content from the dashboard.

The Bluetooth function is ideal in promoting hands-free function. The user will answer and make the calls directly from the screen.

You can make clear and loud conversations by using the car’s speakers and microphone. The wireless design allows you to achieve a natural sound quality.

5. Remote and Camera

The Sony XAV AX5000 includes a wireless remote. You will use the remote in controlling the receiver functions. It is compatible with the steering wheel remote adapters.

The head unit has a rear view camera. It allows the user to connect the backup camera. It will function to show you the happenings at the rear view.

Together with the backup camera, you can make your parking safe and secure. This function of the rear view camera makes it very handy. As you start the reverse motion, the screen switches to the rear camera automatically.

6. Variety of Music 

This head unit comes with a dual USB ports. As such, you can play music from another device at any given time.

The other amazing thing is that you can play music from various file formats. Moreover, it allows you full control over the playback option. Besides, it is possible to view the artist info together with the song.

Other than playing music, you can also play videos with this receiver using the USB port. Among other formats, the unit supports files in the format of MP3, AAC, WMV, WMA, FLAC, MPEG4, and MKV.

The other component that enhances your music experience here is the Digital Clarity Tuner. Other than listening to music and watching videos using the USB, you can listen to AM/FM stations.

The Digital Clarity Tuner helps you to tune your station of choice until you get a clear sound. It also allows you access to 5 memory bands to store stations.

Music does not stop there; this unit is SiriusXM-Ready. Using the Vehicle Tuner, the unit allows you to access channels and related information.

To get all these, all you need to do is to connect the tuner. You are then ready to enjoy free music, entertainment, news, and sports.

The FLAC Compatibility in this unit is also key to enjoying quality and clear music. With this feature, you can play lossless audio files at their finest details.

Shortcomings

In this Sony XAV-AX5000 review, the one issue that will draw our attention is the missing time-alignments. Some other leading brands have this feature. It is this feature that gives other brands the edge over Sony XAV-AX5000.

Still, the double din car stereo lacks HDMI and HD radio. Surprisingly, most of the brands are offering HD radio features.

Top Alternatives 

1. Alpine ILX-W650

The Alpine ILX- W650 will feature both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is an affordable head unit that has Bluetooth and three pre-outs.

Furthermore, it has an amplifier and a thin bezel. Also, it uses the rear USB port and Sirius XM ready. The built-in Bluetooth is useful in facilitating a hands-free design.

The stereo unit features two camera configurations. The rear camera will maintain the back view of your car.

It uses a USB charging capability.

2. Pioneer DMH-1500NEX

Unlike Sony XAV AX5000,this head unit features a seven-inch LCD touchscreen. Furthermore, it uses Bluetooth to enable audio streaming. It also allows hands-free calling.

This media receiver also supports two smartphone features. It is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Interestingly, it has a web link that enables one to access Amazon’s Alexa.

The device has an advanced sound retriever. Moreover, it uses both low and high pass filters. The head unit will support many file formats like WAV and MP3 music players.

3. JVC KD-X270BT

It is a powerful digital media receiver. However, it does not play CDs. The Bluetooth feature will facilitate audio streaming. The device has a mic to support a hands-free design.

One can use this media receiver to play various file formats. You can use the USB port to play AAC, WMA, and MP3.  The design allows it to control two phones simultaneously.

The product uses K2 technology to improve sound quality. Last but not least, the digital receiver has a time alignment feature.

Final Words

In conclusion, Sony XAV-AX5000 head unit can help you greatly to improve your entertainment experience as you drive your car. As you sit on that steering wheel, this sony device can help you have an enjoyable voyage.

The product comes with Google maps to help you know the distance to your destination in real-time.  Moreover, our review shows that it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android auto platforms. These platforms help to better your music experience.

Still, you can make and receive a call hands-free while focusing on the road. The design will allow the user to concentrate while on the way.

One will have an option to select the right music while driving. You will receive the entertainment to create the right mood.

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API