Description

Sony XAV-AX5500

Sony packs just about everything you need in a modern stereo into their smartly designed XAV-AX5500 digital multimedia receiver. You’ll get a vivid 6.95″ capacitive touchscreen as well as handy buttons for quick control, plus a compact chassis that makes installation very convenient. To enhance your in-car smartphone experience, Sony integrates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto so you can access your essential apps for entertainment, texting, navigation, and more, and even use your voice to make commands so your eyes stay on the road.

 

Fits in many spots

Since the XAV-AX5500 doesn’t have a disc player, it can go into a lot more spaces than a regular radio. The screen is the same size as a typical double-DIN (4″ tall) receiver, but the actual chassis is just a single-DIN (2″ tall) opening height. And it’s shallower than typical stereos, so you can tuck the wiring underneath the chassis to make sliding it into the dash easier.

 

Sony XAV-AX5500 digital multimedia receiver

The Sony XAV-AX5500’s slim and shallow chassis allows plenty of room for wiring.

 

Easy smartphone integration

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WebLink let you access your phone’s content with the sound of your voice or the touch of a finger. This stereo’s controls behave like your phone’s interface, so there’s no learning curve. Plug in your Android™ or iPhone®, and you’ll get access to your navigation, phone calls, weather, text messages, and of course all your music.

 

The wonder of WebLink®

WebLink is a handy way to access certain phone apps that aren’t covered by Android Auto or CarPlay through the receiver, Dominic, another Crutchfield writer, got hands-on with the XAV-AX5500 and had this to say about his experience: “I connected my iPhone with the WebLink app on it via USB and the receiver offered a simple interface to access YouTube, Yelp!, and more apps, plus videos and music on my phone. It was pretty cool watching videos of my toddler on the large screen, so I can definitely see its utility in parked vehicles.”

 

Sony XAV-AX5500 digital multimedia receiver

WebLink Cast from the WebLink app lets Android and iPhone users mirror their smartphone displays on the XAV-AX5500’s screen while the vehicle is parked.

 

Go wireless with Bluetooth®

Bluetooth enables wireless streaming for music, podcasts, and audiobooks, along with the convenience of hands-free phone calls. This Sony lets you enjoy all the content without plugging in when you get behind the wheel. You can install the included wired microphone close to you, so callers can hear you loud and clear.

 

Coast-to-coast coverage

If you’re looking for radio stations that won’t fade away when you look for new adventures, add a SiriusXM tuner to this Sony to enjoy satellite radio’s deep programming from coast to coast.

 

Dual USB inputs

Sony builds in two USB inputs for keeping your phone charged as well as easy access to files on a flash drive, including FLAC and even a variety of video files. Please note that one input provides select audio functionality while the other provides audio/video functionality.

 

Easy enhancement

This receiver also offers an impressive array of sound-sculpting controls, including a 10-band graphic equalizer and Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) which creates virtual speakers on your dash for better soundstaging. Supporting the soundshaping is the clear and natural sound of Sony’s powerful Dynamic Reality Amp 2. The XAV-AX5000 also includes 5-volt front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs for when it’s time to add amplifiers to your system.

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.

Smartphone note: If you’re going to use your smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check “Details” for compatibility information.

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.

 

Product Highlights:

• Digital multimedia receiver with AM/FM tuner
• 6.95″ capacitive touchscreen display with brushed aluminum key terminal
• Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
• Wireless remote

Smartphone Features:

• Works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WebLink
• Voice control with Siri and Google Assistant
• Audio/Video Features:
• Plays media from USB memory devices (see Details for full capabilities)
• 10-band equalizer
• EXTRA BASS™ for bass enhancement
• Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) compensates for low speaker positions
• Subwoofer controls

Expandability:

• Compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner
• Inputs: dual rear USB inputs, rear-view camera input
• Outputs: 5-channel preamp outputs (5-volt front, rear, mono sub)
• Wired connection to parking brake required to access settings and other features on this receiver (the brake must be connected and set for video display)
• Built-in internal amp (20 watts RMS/55 peak x 4 channels)
• CTA-2006 compliant
• Fits double-DIN dash openings
• Compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)