It’s time to move on from a Single DIN head unit to a Double DIN. After looking at a lot of options and talking with
@MikeE024 I firmly decided on a Sony unit. Initially I wanted their top unit, the XAV-AX9000, but after research and discussions with Customer Support at Crutchfield, I decided on the step down XAV-AX6000. The differences are the 9000 has three camera outputs and the 6000 has one. The 9000 has a better sound processor (competition quality). The 9000 has a better screen. I considered a front camera in addition to a backup, but eventually decided against it. The better sound quality of the 9000 would not be perceptible without a serious venture into sound deadening. The screen quality was the only desirable advantage, but at $300 more was not worth it. The Wireless Apple CarPlay technology is the same on both units and that was the key feature I wanted.
I really wanted to get rid of a phone mount on the dash. I’ve had two magnetic mounts over the years and they worked fine, but I got tired of having them look so aesthetically unpleasant to my eye. I had a charging cable running behind the dash and out to the phone, but really didn’t want that anymore. I had no idea what I was missing by not going to a Wireless Apple CarPlay system sooner (granted, reliability has been an issue until recently). This has totally changed my world. Now my phone can stay in my pocket and when I go to a store I don’t forget it.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is awesome. My Bluetooth never hooked up near this fast. 6.2 seconds. It is a combination of WiFi and Bluetooth. There is a GPS receiver that you have to hook up, and customer service was intent on me installing it somewhere on the dash. I put it on the main dash near the A-Pillar. I don’t like attaching wired devices to panels that are removed often. It’s super low-profile and wire is completely hidden.
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The back of this unit has tons of connections. The mic is larger than old standard and faultless. I’ve done over an hour of texting via voice and it was wonderful. My eyes on the road practically the entire time. Siri reads incoming messages and I’m able to choose what speakers I want read through. I chose the front two so it seems more like a person talking in front of you.
Another connection is the pre-amp outs, 4+1+1. 2 front, 2 rear, 1 sub, and 1 camera. The 1 sub threw me, but I determined I needed a Y adapter because you just need signal for mono subs. Everything is run through the Soundstream Nano Picasso amp and the pre-outs are 5V. It makes a difference.
There’s an outlet for USB-C and I ran that to my glovebox so I could charge my phone or handheld GMRS in there if needed. Also has a mini-hdmi out so I can watch a movie from an iPhone or other device on the head unit.
It has an outlet for the I-Link Maestro, and I’m considering that option.
Backup camera is in the works and it works, I just need to drill the hole for the camera.
As far as the head unit, it is so intuitive. Everything makes sense. The EQ is a full band of frequencies with several preset genres (country, pop, classic…) and two custom options. I customize all that stuff and it sounds insane relative to before.
It has low and high crossovers as well as slope. I set these up. Slope is new to me and it has to do with the shut off at each crossover break. I went with conservative numbers of -12 or -18db/octave.
You can customize the wallpaper on the Home Screen.
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It’s dimmable and the function button illumination is customizable too. I set it up to dim with my lights and it works great.
Most of the time it looks like this while navigating and playing music.
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I have OnX directly onscreen and it’s awesome.
The navigation is great. I was in Lowe’s and typed a destination in my phone so I didn’t forget. When I got in the Jeep it was already there on the Sony screen taking me to my destination. I love this thing.
If I want to skip a song, thumbs up, make a call, send a message, I just tell Siri and it all happens seamlessly.
I got two screen protectors which are nice. Just before I peeled the outer.
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The best part is there are no wires and no obstructions to my view out the front windshield and I can do everything I need.
My son in law needs a 12,000, so maybe I could help fund him. Either way it appears to be a killer deal.
I aim for 45* and half the thickness. Those are 1/4” plates.
on the weather app for Monday I bought my lift ticket. This was some crazy looking stuff! Love ya @NashvilleTJ 
