Sony XAV AX8000

Sony XAV-AX8000 1DIN chassis 8.95” floating LCD screen with Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Media Receiver with Bluetooth.

Sony XAV AX8000 Review

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If you’re looking for a double din head unit that fits in a single DIN installation, then you’ll want to check out the oversized Sony XAV AX8000. This incredible media unit hovers over your dashboard with its iconic 8.95” floating LCD display.

Below you will discover everything you need to know about the Sony XAV AX8000 and whether or not it’s the perfect choice for your car!

Quick Review About Sony XAV AX8000

When people say bigger is better, they weren’t kidding when it comes to giant touchscreens on a digital receiver that fits nicely in your vehicle’s dashboard. The Sony XAV AX8000 is part of that trend where people want more visual experience and less cramming of their apps.

This unit is jam-packed with a ton of features that every brand new vehicle on the market is offering. It’s the best way to bring your older ride into the future with the latest technologies. You can easily pair your iPhone or Android to this unit and bring your car to life with all your favorite music and apps.

The anti-glare makes seeing your screen incredibly easy for finding your favorite tunes, getting directions to your next stop and allows you to easily customize your settings with the touch of a few buttons.

When you choose Sony, you already know you are getting quality. But, with such high expectations comes a higher price tag. This review will allow you to decide if that cost is worth the options Sony has cleverly incorporated into this device.

What’s in the Box?

The Sony XAV AX8000 comes with everything you need to install this beauty in your vehicle. Inside the box, you will find the following:

  • Sony XAV AX8000 Unit
  • Owner’s Manual with Operating Instructions
  • Head Unit Chassis
  • Wiring Harness
  • Microphone with Visor Bracket
  • Remote Control (CR 3V Battery Included)
  • USB Extensions
  • Mount Point
  • Surface Bracket
  • Trim for the Backside of the Screen
  • Rear Panel Covers (2)
  • Two-Sided Tape and Necessary Screws
  • 23” and 52” USB Extension Cables
  • Warranty Card

Note: Every vehicle has different specifications for the install kit; you will need to get one that matches your car’s specific needs.

Key Features

There are plenty of features that come with the Sony XAV AX8000; however, we are choosing to highlight the ones that we believe are the most significant.

8.95” Floating LCD Screen

The screen on this unit is massive compared to its competitors, and you can see why people are in love with its functionality. You can install this unit in a wide selection of vehicles thanks to its adjustable three direction mounting capability.

It fits in a single DIN space and hovers over your dashboard without any issues. You’ll be able to enjoy the usage of your smartphone on a brilliant screen that offers plenty of features to encourage safe driving.

Cutting Edge Voice Control Technology

You will be able to communicate, navigate, and control your music safer than ever before with the simple connection of your smartphone.

The microphone that comes with the XAV-AX8000 is made with the latest technologies and gives you a clear connection when speaking to your family and friends with voice control.

WebLink Cast7 Compatible

If you want to mirror your iOS or Android device to your XAV-AX8000 display for enhanced operation from all your favorite apps, then the WebLink app is designed to do just that!

It’s perfect for using navigation apps like WAZE or Google Maps to streaming music from Spotify or Pandora. You’ll have access to everything you usually use on your smartphone right at your fingertips with your XAV-AX8000 screen.

Bluetooth Connectivity

If you’re all about streaming your music, then the XAV-AX8000 makes it quite simple to immediately connect your Bluetooth device and start listening to your favorite songs. It offers hands-free text messaging along with phone calls for safe driving.

Even though you can connect your devices via USB to have the mirroring effect or use apps for things like navigation, it’s also nice to have the option just to use Bluetooth to stream your tunes when the drive isn’t all that unfamiliar.

Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO)

This something you will only find with Sony’s devices; it’s like the icing on the cake! In most car speakers, depending on the placement, the sound isn’t really adapting to the highest quality because of your speakers’ distance or position.

However, thanks to Sony’s DSO, the sound in all your speakers are adapted and adjusted to sound as if everything is coming from your dashboard. It’s kind of like having surround sound without all the expensive equipment.

Regardless of the speaker’s placement, a smooth, natural sounding experience is within your reach at all times. You can adjust this setting to high, medium, low, or turn it off entirely if you like music that comes from your feet.

Single Button Controls

If you want access to all of your most used apps, then the single button feature will make you very happy. Your volume, voice control, audio settings can all be easily set up with just one button.

This is ideal for the person taking a road trip and doesn’t want to spend time stopping and searching for everything they need.

Sound – Audio Perfection

When we tell you that Sony is one of the best brand’s for understanding how vital sound and audio are to its customers, we weren’t joking. If you just want a great sounding system in your vehicle, then the XAV-AX8000 will deliver.

However, if you want to go all the way and take your sound to the next level by adding subwoofers, amplifiers, additional speakers, etc., then Sony’s XAV-AX8000 is a sound machine monster and has all the features you need for rockin’ in your wheels.

The 5V preouts are perfect for upgrading your system to an aftermarket powerhouse. You can configure the low and high pass frequencies in the audio settings and control all the outputs.

10 Band Equalizer

Sony went above and beyond when they added the ability to mesh the equalizer with the subwoofer settings, allowing you to create the perfect audio sound for each pre-set channel. With the touch of a few buttons, you can customize every pre-set to your desired tone.

Specifications

Android and Apple Compatibility

The Sony XAV-AX8000 is both iOS and Android compatible with the use of the Weblink Cast. This app features the ability to mirror your smartphone’s screen giving you access to all of your favorite apps.

When you combine Apple CarPlay with this massive screen, all your apps come to life! It makes navigating your music and other apps super easy. The same can be said for the Android function, and it delivers on everything that matters most to the driver.

Pros
Cons

The Sony XAV-AX8000 comes with a three-way adjustability function, giving it better chances to accommodate most vehicle’s dashes. The depth is small enough that it easily works for most installations, and you can adjust it not to cover any primary climate controls.

Yes! The Bluetooth feature with the Sony XAV-AX8000 offers both audio streaming and hands-free calling so that you can keep both hands on the wheel and focus on the road.

Yes, the Sony XAV-AX8000 is compatible with most of the factory steering wheel controls for audio; however, you may need to install an adapter.

Yes, Sony always stands behind their products with a warranty. The Sony XAV-AX8000 comes with a three-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Unfortunately, the Sony XAV-AX8000 does not have the ability to play CDs. As with most of the latest technology devices, there is no longer a need to play CDs since you can easily stream all your favorite music straight from your smartphone or iPod.

Final Verdict

When we heard that Sony came out with an 8.95” touchscreen, we knew there would be a lot of hype over this device. After reviewing it and listening to what everybody has been saying, it’s just like all of Sony’s other media devices – fantastic!

There are some folks who will complain about the few things it may lack, but in the scheme of the big picture, this media resource brings a lot to the table, or in this case, to your dash! If you don’t mind the higher price tag, then we’d say go for it!

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