Sony XAV-AX8100 9-inch Floating Multi Media Receiver with Apple Carplay/Android Auto and HDMI Video Input

Amazing headunit. No bugs since it's wired. And puts put decent sounds to the Kicker DS 6.5" in my 2006 CRV. Very fast interface since it's wired. But the system settings need alittle updating.

Easy to install, works great, needed to change the usb cord because the supplied one wasn't allowing the phone to connect for android auto function

Works as intended. Connectivity was a pain. Installation guide was not helpful thankfully YouTube exists. Image quality is so-so. Audio quality is so so and lacks punch that stock radio had.

This is a good radio

Update: I’m very disappointed in this stereo. It has a horrid glare where you can’t even see the screen in the daytime. On top of which unless you get a top-of-the-line USB connector and a USB cable this has issues connecting to CarPlay and still has issues even with all of that. ln many reviews i’ve read it can even damage the newer USB-C based iPhones. I’ve had a lot of luck with the Sonys in the past, so I did not think to read any reviews on this one and I wish I had. Save your money and look for either a Kenwood or JVC as much of my research has pointed that their screens are built differently and do not have the glare issue. Most newer ones are also wireless. I plan to upgrade as soon as I can. The lesson I learned from all of this is to do your research. Awesome stereo fit in my 2018 Titan perfectly. One thing… it did seem a little glitchy when I first got it in. After you get it installed look up the model number plus firmware update. It should take you to Sonys website where they’ll show you how to download the update firmware onto a jump drive and install it to the head unit. After doing this all of the issues went away and it works perfectly

Bought for my husband. He loves it and it works great. We have had it for a little bit now so we could make sure we had no problems and have not had any at all. Definitely a must have for the radio enthusiasts out there.

I'll start with the pros, keep reading for my update below; While the screen is only 480p, the refresh rate is quick and the latency is low meaning when you press a button or open an app it does it right away, with no delay. This unit supports reverse cameras, but only a maximum of 720p input, so if you have a backup camera that can support 1080p by cutting a wire, don't do it as it will not work (we tried). The red guidelines can be removed by pressing the button to give the driver a clear view of what's behind them. We wired this head unit using the pre-amp outputs straight to 2 rear 6x9s and 2 front 6.5" speakers and the car sounds amazing without running a separate amp. This unit was twice the cost of a cheap non name brand unit, but we figured was well worth the money. If you want higher resolution screen, Sony offers a few but the price jumps from $500 to around $1000. Update, after only 3 months the unit has begun randomly restarting itself. It just powers down and reboots, it only takes a few seconds but my clock has to continuously be reset. It's very annoying. We're not sure what's causing it, as we double checked our connections and have steady power 14.76v from the alternator going to a new battery that powers it. 2nd issue next to the restarting is the android auto (through the USB cable) basically it works perfectly fine, maps work, voice navigation, voice to select music etc, all works fine until it randomly just doesn't. It's like it's disconnecting itself. We tried a different USB cable but it doesn't do anything different... Bluetooth music seems to be the only thing that doesn't have an issue, but then I can't have maps because the ax8100 needs android auto to be plugged in, it's not offered through USB on this model like the 9500. 2nd update, we just updated the firmware to the latest 2.0 version and it's even worse now, doesn't seem to reboot itself as much, but android auto disconnects even more now. And before it would always reconnect, now android auto just shuts down completely and the only way to reconnect it is to unplug and replug the USB. So I can listen to music but it keeps resetting itself, so this unit is going back to Sony as I'm past the return period with Amazon unfortunately. Maybe the seller will contact me, if not I'll be contacting Sony as it does come with a 3yr warranty. I'll post an update on what Sony has to say when I hear back from them.

I am really enjoying this head unit. i replaced the stock HU in my 2008 Ford Explorer, with this. The size is perfect in the dash; not too big, not too small. It over laps the factory opening without looking out of place. The mounting system is very sturdy and locked in place, as it should as it has four screws attaching it to the chassis mounted in the dash. the screen is resistive touch, but i don't see that as a negative as i can work the screen with gloves on that don't have the capacitive touch pad in the finger tips. Additionally, the screen is appropriately sensitive and responsive, even in 28 degree morning weather. i like the simple menus and layout of the screen. i like the "hard" buttons which have a nice tactile response to them. a drawback is that there is only one camera input, however, if an HDMI camera could be procured, then that may be an option. The sound quality is far above the OEM HU. I don't feel like i need to constantly try to tweek the settings.