Just bumping this to see if anyone has been able to confirm. I want to use wireless CarPlay and don’t mind using an adapter but am concerned that it won’t work well with the 8100 b/c it doesn’t come with its own GPS antenna - and I believe Apple’s standards for wireless CarPlay recommend a vehicle/headunit GPS antenna to augment the phone’s GPS - which is why the head units that advertise wireless CarPlay come with GPS antennas.
Sony XAV-AX8100 Head Unit upgrade
- Thread starter Naylor99
- Start date
_JT_
New member
I've held off upgrading my Headunit because of the lack of android auto and carplay via wireless, but that's most likely changing. Trail Grid Pro just started carrying the xav-ax4000 which offers both wireless, and they have it loaded for Maestro datasets which means you can get diagnostics on screen. I won't lie though, I wish Sony would bring back the knobs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av8NwJX0zdY&t=275s&ab_channel=TrailGridPro
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
The main reason I went with my Kenwood instead of the Sony from TGP was because I wanted the volume knob
Whippersnapper02
Senior Member
I'm considering this unit now because I'm not not happy with my Pioneer 7600 floating screen unit. I'm always fighting with the wired connection for carplay. It's like if it want you to use wireless but I don't like to because there is a lag and I like to keep my phone charged.
Do you have pics up somewhere? I really like that headunit but it's larger and I didn't want to block the vents.
Do you have pics up somewhere? I really like that headunit but it's larger and I didn't want to block the vents.
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Here's a picture of it installed in the stock HU brackets, it's about an inch - inch and a half high just based on where the holes were. I'm planning to take it out and swap it to the Scosche brackets so it can be down lower and not block the vents as much.
I'm considering this unit now as well because of wireless and maestro. Originally I was looking at the 8100 kit from them or going the T10 V3 unit from Car Trim Home. I do want a bigger screen, but wonder if the 8100 sticking out would feel obnoxious. The ax4000 kit from TGP might just be the ticket with a bit bigger screen and all that functionality. I wonder if they will get a maestro compatible kit for the 8100 at TGP.
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97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
It's personal preference, I never thought I'd like a floating screen but I loved my Halo9 and it didn't block the vents at all. The Kenwood is a much nicer unit with wireless AA/Carplay which I love. It does block the vents currently but I'm hoping to adjust that so it's not so obnoxious, I got used to the bigger screen sticking out pretty quickly and have loved having one for the last 2+ years
What model kenwood did you get and where from? I'd like to take a look at it. Comes with the same Metra dash kit?
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
This is what I bought, got it from Crutchfield and got it with the Scosche dash kit which I used for my Halo9 as well
Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX1057XR Digital multimedia receiver (does not play DVD/CD discs) at Crutchfield
Wow. Thank you for showing that. That does look huge in the center console area. I do like the volume knob.
Right now, I'm leaning toward the new ax4000 bundle from TGP that is wireless carplay and maestro compatible. I might be a bit more patient to see if a new 8100 bundle gets released that is Maestro compatible as well.
Right now, I'm leaning toward the new ax4000 bundle from TGP that is wireless carplay and maestro compatible. I might be a bit more patient to see if a new 8100 bundle gets released that is Maestro compatible as well.
I just installed the new Sony XAV-AX6000 plug and play bundle in my Pro from TGP. Wireless CarPlay, HDMI connection off the back and run a HDMI to the glove compartment, TGP provides a microphone clip with their bundle to put the Sony mic in the factory location. The Sony unit is very OEM like with the anti-glare screen look. The Sony screen has a low profile bezel which makes it look very clean. Highly recommend.
DesertDog
Member
Are you still happy with the AX6000? I’ve been debating between that one, the AX4000 and the Alpine ilx507. I like the TGP people/kit better than Crutchfield, so I am leaning towards one of the Sony’s. I like the flush look of the ax6000 better but I wonder if you can use the AX6000 with gloves on? Also wonder if you have any issues with wireless CarPlay being inconsistent or disconnecting issues?
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Yes, I really like my Sony AX6000. I held off on changing the head unit as long as possible as I wanted a setup as OEM like as possible. The TGP setup was just what I was looking for. I was able to run the Sony mic into the factory location so there are no wires or anything external mounted to the dash. As for wireless CarPlay, I have had no issues with it connecting or dropping.
The Sony unit has a bezel-less edge to the screen and looks very good. I ended up turning off the button lights on the Sony unit and the dash looks good with just a screen centered. Also note this setup allows you to maintain all factory steering wheel controls.
Hope this helps.
Chris
DesertDog
Member
Thank you! Definitely helpful!
USNA91
New member
I’m debating whether I should keep my CTH T9, upgrade to a T10 Knobless, or else spring for a Sony XAV-9500ES.
Any suggestions?
I use CarPlay primarily, but I really like how the Sony reads the factory TPMS. The T9 has been fine, but only recently did I finally find a dongle to do CarPlay wirelessly AND mostly reliably…
Any guidance appreciated.
Any suggestions?
I use CarPlay primarily, but I really like how the Sony reads the factory TPMS. The T9 has been fine, but only recently did I finally find a dongle to do CarPlay wirelessly AND mostly reliably…
Any guidance appreciated.
Im using the sony 8100 and its solid, UI is good, power to speakers . Only down fall not HD display and no wireless carplay that Im aware of yet. I would recommend the sony UI as its simple and works well. As for the android unit I like the factory look but the reported bugs on the units is the issue. The android units are listed on secondary markets and an be had for cheap.
USNA91
New member
There is no doubt that the T-series Android units are chock full of problems, even if they can be solved one by one, over time, and being forced to wade through the dumpster fire that is the Facebook interface.
4 RunnerBoxer
New member
How does this system work with the 22-23 stock MTM camera system? The front camera, 360 birds eye view, rear back up camera? Improve the clarity of the images? Thanks.
