Sony XAV-9500ES

Mobile ES quality with a beautiful touchscreen

One look at Sony's flagship XAV-9500ES digital multimedia receiver, and I was cooking up ways to make it part of my daily drive. My car's factory radio can't be replaced, but... maybe it's time for a new car? Okay, okay... buying a car just to add a new radio might be taking things too far, but there's no denying this stereo churns up serious fanboy energy within me. Doubtless, it'll do the same for other Sony fans. The Mobile ES Series is legendary in the industry for its commitment to sound quality, and Sony has incorporated that pedigree into a high-performance stereo with a 10.1" touchscreen and onboard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

Not your average touchscreen

Sony designed this digital multimedia receiver with tablet users in mind, providing a super-sized HD capacitive display that doesn't disappoint. Unlike most displays, the LCD is bonded directly to the protective glass touch layer with a transparent adhesive, so you'll get a precise touch experience as well as enhanced contrast and visual performance.

Fits more dashes

The XAV-9500ES comes in two main pieces: a 2" tall chassis and a 10.1" touchscreen. The chassis fits in most single-DIN dash openings, so it'll work great in many older vehicles. When you mount the chassis in your dash opening, the screen offers four-way adjustability you can get a perfect view and not block essential climate controls.

Play your High-Res music... wirelessly!

Sony uses a premium digital audio converter (DAC) chip to elevate sound quality across the board. With high-performance 32-bit processing and eliminated timing jitter, you'll hear an impressive dynamic range with minimal distortion. Audiophile-grade capacitors step up the power for satisfying bass performance and a dual-layer chassis helps eliminate electro-magnetic interference for an even cleaner audio signal. Use the rear USB Type-C input to connect your smartphone or thumb drive with High-Resolution audio files to hear music as your favorite artists intended. Sony also builds in LDAC technology which allows you to wirelessly stream audio from compatible devices at 96 kHz / 24-bit sampling, which is a significant improvement over conventional Bluetooth streaming.

Superior tools for sculpting your sound

Sony builds in an impressive array of tools that are hard to find in most stereos. A 192-kHz / 24-bit DSP offers excellent sound processing and precision time alignment. A 14-band EQ gives you control over the 6 output channels, and each channel also sports an 8-band parametric EQ. Combined with a 3-zone crossover, you'll have everything you need to pull together the fine-tuning of your front speakers, rears, and subs. The XAV-9500ES also includes three pairs of 5-volt RCA preamp outputs that provide an ultra-clean signal when you add amps to your system.

Smartphone fun, without wires

Without exceptional smartphone integration, a new car stereo just isn't as exciting or useful. Thankfully, Sony includes the very best in the XAV-9500ES, with onboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that you can access with a wireless connection.

Android Auto (wired and wireless): Android Auto integrates the Android platform into your driving experience in a non-distracting way. You'll have voice control access to Google Maps, weather, music, your phone, text messages, plus easy access to many of your favorite apps. Get more info at www.android.com/auto.

Apple CarPlay (wired and wireless): CarPlay integrates your iPhone® into the driving experience, putting iPhone content at the driver's voice command with minimal distraction. That means easy access to your music library, your phone, messages, navigation, and many third-party streaming music apps, too. Learn more at www.apple.com/ios/carplay. Note: Sony offers a firmware update to support wired CarPlay operation. See details at sony.com.

Built-in Bluetooth® and more

Of course, Sony gives you Bluetooth® as well. Use it to make or receive hands-free phone calls via your smartphone with the included microphone, or stream music from your phone with ease. You can also use the included microphone to activate voice commands for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you're hankering for even more entertainment, step up to satellite radio programming by adding a SiriusXM tuner.

iDatalink Maestro lets you keep your factory extras

The XAV-9500ES offers compatibility in a growing number of aftermarket radios, thanks to iDatalink's Maestro modules (not included). In a wide selection of vehicles, the Maestro ADS-MRR module lets you keep factory features that you'd otherwise lose when you install a new radio. You'll also be able to check out engine performance data and other vehicle info on the screen. iDatalink also now offers the Maestro ADS-MRR2 module, which adds features like programmable outputs for add-on accessory items, such as lighting and winch accessories, as well as built-in Bluetooth for future wireless software updates for the module. Once you've identified your vehicle, you'll see the compatible iDatalink ADS-MRR modules offered on the way to the Shopping Cart.

Optional Remote Control: The XAV-9500ES supports Sony's RM-X400 IR remote control (sold separately - not available at Crutchfield) for wireless operation of the digital multimedia receiver.

Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.

You'll need a wired connection to your parking brake to access settings and other features on this receiver. Your parking brake must be connected and set in order to view video on its screen.