Sony XAV-AX8100 Single DIN Digital Receiver with 8.95" Adjustable Display, HDMI, Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Weblink

Our testing and analysis of the Sony XAV-AX8100

Sony sent us their brand new XAV-AX8100 single din digital media receiver, which is an update to the XAV-AX8000. But what exactly did they change, is it better than its predecessor and with a cost at $650, is it worth a purchase?

What's inside the box

Inside the box is an user manual, installation caution, 3 year warranty card, 8.95” capacitive touchscreen display with adjustable mount which will connect to the chassis and features a rear USB input and bottom HDMI input, wiring harness, two USB extensions one long one short, steering wheel control harness, velcro strap, external microphone for hands free calling and voice recognition, hardware, wireless remote control, rear display and mounting covers, and single din chassis.

Rear Connections

The rear connections include radio antenna, 5V RCA pre-amp outputs for front rear and subwoofer, microphone input, SWC input, wiring harness for power ground and speaker, and Sirius XM.

Adjustable Mount

One of the best features of the AX8100 is its adjustable mount, which requires only a screwdriver and can be done in minutes. This comes in handy in vehicles that may have protruding dashboards to help give you the best view of the screen possible. The display and actual chassis come separately, but connect with a ribbon cable input, simply slide the display into place at the front of the chassis. The various positions guarantee universal fitment in any dash. There are three tilt angle positions, three depth positions, and seven height positions. Of all the mounts we’ve tested, Sony’s are the most well built. 

To reiterate, this is a single din stereo, it will not work in a double din opening unless your vehicle has a compatible single din Metra dash kit. For example, a 2016 Toyota Corolla can accommodate either a double din or single din stereo with the proper dash kit. Do your research before purchasing this. 

Display

Once turned on, you can get a good look at the 8.95” anti-glare display, which not only is vibrant and sharp, but also holds up really well with a light pointed on it. I’ve always loved the displays of the Sony XAV-AX models, they’re sleek and modern, and although some people prefer variable color button illumination, I’m totally fine with just white. However, it has two major cons, it’s not HD, instead it’s 800 x480, nor is it a capacitive touchscreen, which are two massive balls that Sony dropped. The measurements of the display are 8-15/16” in width and 5-1/4” in height. 

HDMI Input

The one new addition with this model is the inclusion of an HDMI input on the bottom rear of the display. 

Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Apple Carplay and Android Auto are this headunits best features, however it is not compatible with Wireless Apple Carplay or Wireless Android Auto. Both apps integrate your message, audio and navigation apps from your device to the headunit. Video apps don't transfer.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows hands free calling and wireless music streaming.

USB Audio/Video/JPEG Playback

A USB thumb drive will play back music and video files. For audio it is compatible with PCM, MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC files. For video it is compatible with MPEG4-SP, AVC H.264, WMV,  FLV, MKV, and XviD. You can also upload or view JPEG images on this stereo. 

Weblink

The XAV-AX8100 also has Weblink source, which is a built-in app portal that gives you a screen mirroring option plus access to Waze, Youtube, internal music and internal videos on your phone. You must download the Weblink app on your phone to use this feature. However, it is still pretty damn slow and I wouldn’t see myself ever using it.

XAV-AX5600 Testing

Two channels driven, 4 ohm, 1 KHz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 35, 20.16W RMS per channel, 0.17% distortion and 8.9 volts of output.

AMM-1: 15 Watts

Current draw: 4.91 amps

Two channels driven, 4 ohm, 40 Hz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 35, 19.58W RMS per channel, 0.1% distortion and 8.78 volts of output.

AMM-1: 17 Watts

Current draw: 4.91 amps

RCA Testing, 40 Hz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 48, 5.10 volts output

Distortion: 0.09

RCA Testing, 1 KHz, 14.4v

HP8903B Audio Analyzer: Volume 48, 5.17 volts output

Distortion: 0.08

Car stereo installation

We show you the complete process of installing a Pioneer Double DIN car stereo in a Chevy truck. The in-depth video shows the installation of the interface, and steering wheel control.

Stereo Installation Basics

Let's start with the basics of replacing your car stereo receiver. In out first video we demonstrate how to crimp or solder your wiring, mount your new receiver to your dash kit and prepare everything for an installation in your vehicle.

Wiring Harnesses Explained

What do all of the wire colors mean? Aftermarket manufacturers have made car stereo receiver installation an easier process by using a standardized wire color scheme. We walk you through what each individual wire does, this way if you have an installation that doesn't perform properly you will have the resources to begin troubleshooting your installation.

Simple radio Installation

In our third video we demonstrate this installation process from start to finish. We show you the complete process of installing a Pioneer Double DIN car stereo in a Chevy truck. The in-depth video shows the installation of the interface, and steering wheel control.

Complex radio Installation

In our fourth video we demonstrate a much more difficult installation of a Car Stereo receiver. In this video we are using a more complicated dash kit and a difficult level of installation.