Thanks for watching! Great question. I did not update it, good point! That could be part of my connectivity hiccup, but I think it may also have something to do with my Apple watch and our shop WiFi. I didn't even think about that. I think I was just excited to start playing around with my new stereo!
Thank you so much for doing this review! I always appreciate the level of detail you go into for those that care to know. One thing that I’ve always wondered is whether the RCA voltage is affected if you also run the internal amps? I have a five channel amp in my 4Runner, I’m utilizing all four channels for the front door doors and dash speakers, and obviously fifth channel to subs. However, I was thinking about running the internal amps to the rears.
Just installed mine today. An update was released JUL2024 that adds two major improvements. The option to remove the analog clock and setting the custom button for direct sub level access. If you hold it will go to the EQ. Good job Sony ! The rest of my system is the XM-8ES 8 ch amp, XS-W104ES sub, front components run active-JL C2 5.25 (soon to be upgraded) + Hertz MP 28.3 tweeters and Infinity Reference 3.5 for the rear doors. They will be replaced with CDT Unity 8.0+ 2" Widebands for rear fill. Played with the Parametric EQ today and my speakers never sounded so good. This HU is all about SQ above all else so you will not be disappointed. No Multimedia, video or fancy GUI, just pure sound quality.
I've watched several of your videos and never knew that you were located in CT! I'm from Bridgeport. I use to work as an installer for Best Buy in Norwalk in 2006. Love watching your videos. Great job! 😎🤙
Technology is pretty crazy thee days! You mentioning pixel options, I'm thinking back to when our choices were Alpine green, Kenwood blue, or Pioneer orange lol. I chuckled when you said you're updating your radio because its 'already 7 years old'... I just burned 2 more playlists on to cd's last night :) That 9000ES looks like a really nice unit. I'm looking forward to the install video. Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing the details on this one, good stuff!
Yes! I remember being excited that my Kenwood blue & red display matched the blue & red dash lights in my 2003 Jetta GLI. Thanks for watching and commenting. Enjoy the rest of your weekend too!
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Happy birthday! You do great vids. Any chance you would do a set up on a Kenwood DPX795BH, please?
Thank you! I haven't gone through that model on video, but it should be identical features/menu settings as the KDC-X305 which I did do a video on. That's basically the double din version with HD radio. I hope that helps!
I was in the market for a new head unit and was also deciding between this and the Kenwood 958XR. I just ordered the Sony a few days ago. I was also worried about the wireless-only Apple CarPlay. I have had a Kenwood 957XR for a few years in another vehicle and rarely have issues with wireless Apple CarPlay. I never thought I would buy a Sony head unit. I wasn’t even considering them when I started looking. Here’s to hoping I am not disappointed!
Me too!!! The sound quality on the ES head units is great so I'm hopeful in the car the connectivity will be seamless. I also realized after the fact (thanks to another viewer inquiring) that I had NOT updated firmware on it before powering it up. I totally overlooked that I think because I was excited to get to play with it. I'm hoping John has time to install mine next week.
What is your opinion on this unit after living with it for a few months? Specifically the wireless CarPlay functionality?? Does it drop or freeze when you lose cell service? Your reviews are incredible and have helped me tremendously. This is the front runner for my Toyota tundra.
Excellent Video!!! This video is exactly what i was looking for 2 or 3wks ago. I've been considering switching from the Sony XAV-AX6000 in my Harley to the XAV-9000ES but now I'm not so sure it would be beneficial. I like the DSP option in the XAV-AX6000 and was hoping it improved with the XAV-9000ES but it didn't.
Pro tip...go onto Pac Parts out of California and you can order the Alpine brackets that are metal and look a million times better than the Pac and Metra kit for your Jeep. We stock them now and are far superior in looks and functionality
That's such a great tip! Every time we installed an Alpine 407 kit I always thought dang I wish they sold these separately, they're so much nicer. I never thought of ordering them from pacparts even though I order parts from them all the time. Thanks!
How do you like the Anti Glare? We suggest clients go with the DMX958 over the AX6000 as we find the anti glare better. Anyone with a removable top vehicle we warn them they need at least a AX6000 or Hi res kenwood. But we find the kenwoods better. We haven't directly compared the 6000 to the 9000. Is it better?
Also with the pairing issue maybe because when you flip the switch its shutting off constant power to the unit instead of just accessory which would mimic what its doing in a vehicle? I dont know, just a thought. We dont sell Sony or Pioneer any more.
If I could change my head unit in my car(A4, b9 platform) I'd try this unit too. ( Instead, I use the newer mosconi aero8/12 dsp) It will be interesting to hear your thoughts after some use?
Just curious, what year is your Audi? Are you using a pre-amp adapter with that install from Mobridge or NAV TV? If I had the B9 and there was compatible pre-amp adapter (depends on the year) I'd go optical out from the stock head unit into a high quality DSP amp and keep the signal digital. Keeping the signal digital is way better, but the only main stream head unit I'm aware of these days with optical out is the Stinger HEIGH10. Only reason I didn't go with that is I didn't want the 10" screen in this car. And yes, I plan on making a follow up video with the install and offer more in depth feedback after I get to know it better.
I actually did that test on the 6000, but inadvertently had "sound check" turned on from an Apple update that threw off all my readings. I took that video down, but did a quick recap showing the 6000 is in fact 5 volt and clean at max volume. th-cam.com/video/SUAGlo_zDGg/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Great video! Excited to see more tests! Also was it updated to firmware 2.00.01 prior to these tests? Thanks!
Thanks for watching! Great question. I did not update it, good point! That could be part of my connectivity hiccup, but I think it may also have something to do with my Apple watch and our shop WiFi. I didn't even think about that. I think I was just excited to start playing around with my new stereo!
Thank you so much for doing this review! I always appreciate the level of detail you go into for those that care to know. One thing that I’ve always wondered is whether the RCA voltage is affected if you also run the internal amps? I have a five channel amp in my 4Runner, I’m utilizing all four channels for the front door doors and dash speakers, and obviously fifth channel to subs. However, I was thinking about running the internal amps to the rears.
As a 12V vet sales and tech thank you for your content
Thank goodness a non floating display ES came out, and thanks for testing it. Think I'll go with this.
I hate my 6000 - Wish Id bought an Alpine
@jackal6902 i had both. i much perfer the sony over the alpine
@angelmejia1915 why do you say that? I'm looking at these two and the Kenwood 958(?) XR
Just installed mine today. An update was released JUL2024 that adds two major improvements. The option to remove the analog clock and setting the custom button for direct sub level access. If you hold it will go to the EQ. Good job Sony ! The rest of my system is the XM-8ES 8 ch amp, XS-W104ES sub, front components run active-JL C2 5.25 (soon to be upgraded) + Hertz MP 28.3 tweeters and Infinity Reference 3.5 for the rear doors. They will be replaced with CDT Unity 8.0+ 2" Widebands for rear fill. Played with the Parametric EQ today and my speakers never sounded so good. This HU is all about SQ above all else so you will not be disappointed. No Multimedia, video or fancy GUI, just pure sound quality.
👌🏻 It was the best review and professional analysis about car player
Thank You
Happy Birthday!!! 🎂🥂🎉🎊🎁🎈🎉
Thank you :)
I've watched several of your videos and never knew that you were located in CT! I'm from Bridgeport. I use to work as an installer for Best Buy in Norwalk in 2006. Love watching your videos. Great job! 😎🤙
Technology is pretty crazy thee days! You mentioning pixel options, I'm thinking back to when our choices were Alpine green, Kenwood blue, or Pioneer orange lol.
I chuckled when you said you're updating your radio because its 'already 7 years old'... I just burned 2 more playlists on to cd's last night :)
That 9000ES looks like a really nice unit. I'm looking forward to the install video. Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing the details on this one, good stuff!
Yes! I remember being excited that my Kenwood blue & red display matched the blue & red dash lights in my 2003 Jetta GLI. Thanks for watching and commenting. Enjoy the rest of your weekend too!
Happy birthday! You do great vids. Any chance you would do a set up on a Kenwood DPX795BH, please?
Thank you! I haven't gone through that model on video, but it should be identical features/menu settings as the KDC-X305 which I did do a video on. That's basically the double din version with HD radio. I hope that helps!
I was in the market for a new head unit and was also deciding between this and the Kenwood 958XR. I just ordered the Sony a few days ago. I was also worried about the wireless-only Apple CarPlay. I have had a Kenwood 957XR for a few years in another vehicle and rarely have issues with wireless Apple CarPlay. I never thought I would buy a Sony head unit. I wasn’t even considering them when I started looking. Here’s to hoping I am not disappointed!
Me too!!! The sound quality on the ES head units is great so I'm hopeful in the car the connectivity will be seamless. I also realized after the fact (thanks to another viewer inquiring) that I had NOT updated firmware on it before powering it up. I totally overlooked that I think because I was excited to get to play with it. I'm hoping John has time to install mine next week.
@@carstereochick Looking forward to seeing some update videos.
Thank you - I promise to make one and post it in a few weeks :)
What is your opinion on this unit after living with it for a few months? Specifically the wireless CarPlay functionality?? Does it drop or freeze when you lose cell service? Your reviews are incredible and have helped me tremendously. This is the front runner for my Toyota tundra.
Thank you I’m getting this stereo now..
I love your channel and you have the cutest smile. Do you like the Sony over the Kenwood DDX9907XR?
Were you able to achieve a higher max volume (40 was referenced) with your subwoofer output maxed out yet..
Excellent Video!!! This video is exactly what i was looking for 2 or 3wks ago. I've been considering switching from the Sony XAV-AX6000 in my Harley to the XAV-9000ES but now I'm not so sure it would be beneficial. I like the DSP option in the XAV-AX6000 and was hoping it improved with the XAV-9000ES but it didn't.
Very informative video
Thanks for watching!
How does it sound? Apparently it has class A/B internal amps
Pro tip...go onto Pac Parts out of California and you can order the Alpine brackets that are metal and look a million times better than the Pac and Metra kit for your Jeep. We stock them now and are far superior in looks and functionality
That's such a great tip! Every time we installed an Alpine 407 kit I always thought dang I wish they sold these separately, they're so much nicer. I never thought of ordering them from pacparts even though I order parts from them all the time. Thanks!
Will those work in a 2006 Scion XB?
Can you review Sony Xav8500 it just came out i want to see it! Looks the same to the Sony xav9500.
@@angelmejia1915 yes if perfect
Torn between this or the DMX958XR, kinda leaning the Kenwood because it also supports wired CarPlay...
Can you also make a video of the SONY XAV-9500ES? I want to hear your feedback on this unit. -Thank you.
What's a good volume to set amp gains in this head unit?
Could you tell me if I can stream Netflix on this receiver? I want to be able to mirror Netflix but also have the best sound quality for music.
How do you like the Anti Glare? We suggest clients go with the DMX958 over the AX6000 as we find the anti glare better. Anyone with a removable top vehicle we warn them they need at least a AX6000 or Hi res kenwood. But we find the kenwoods better. We haven't directly compared the 6000 to the 9000. Is it better?
Hello. Can you connect the controls on the steering wheel (volume, seek, mute, etc) to this radio? Thank you
Upgrading from ddx8905s with the continuous speaker wire issue. Do you still like the Sony? Also running a JKU.
I love this Sony. It's been life changing. I am blown away by the sound quality. Just posted a post install review video.
Also with the pairing issue maybe because when you flip the switch its shutting off constant power to the unit instead of just accessory which would mimic what its doing in a vehicle? I dont know, just a thought. We dont sell Sony or Pioneer any more.
That's a weird choice for them to exclude wired Carplay. To my knowledge, you can only experience lossless audio through wired method.
How does it compare to the Alpine ilx 507?
If I could change my head unit in my car(A4, b9 platform) I'd try this unit too. ( Instead, I use the newer mosconi aero8/12 dsp) It will be interesting to hear your thoughts after some use?
Just curious, what year is your Audi? Are you using a pre-amp adapter with that install from Mobridge or NAV TV? If I had the B9 and there was compatible pre-amp adapter (depends on the year) I'd go optical out from the stock head unit into a high quality DSP amp and keep the signal digital. Keeping the signal digital is way better, but the only main stream head unit I'm aware of these days with optical out is the Stinger HEIGH10. Only reason I didn't go with that is I didn't want the 10" screen in this car.
And yes, I plan on making a follow up video with the install and offer more in depth feedback after I get to know it better.
Can you do this test on the xav ax6000?
I actually did that test on the 6000, but inadvertently had "sound check" turned on from an Apple update that threw off all my readings. I took that video down, but did a quick recap showing the 6000 is in fact 5 volt and clean at max volume.
th-cam.com/video/SUAGlo_zDGg/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared