For anyone thats interested here is a layman's review….just got this over xmas…not sure how much it was because it was a gift (well pretty much told the Mrs what I wanted) but see it now on special at $550 from Bankstown Audio? Firstly I think with the myriad of AA/CP players these days there is a much of a muchness but I think this was why it's that small bit better than the competition in my case:
- 2nd USB port despite it being 0.5A so basically it will only allow you to play music/video (when parked) data from a USB. I don't think I've found another manufacturer that provides 2 ports.
- Weblink included over the AX5000 and only $100 more…I don't know why but I wanted this for "completeness". I guess it perhaps could come in handy for watching the odd video when waiting in the car with the kids.
- Software and UI seems cleaner and more sleek vs JVC/Kenwood etc. Has that Zen Apple clutter free feel. Alpine JVC looks as if you've entered a nightclub like scene.
- Capacitive screen. I've used my friends resistive screen before, absolutely horrible.
- AA seems stable enough but oddly it's very picky about the cable.
Installation was a breeze in a 2011 Toyota Camry - an AERPRO harness and spacers and you are done. No splicing this that and soldering required, clip off clip on and screw drivers. Sound is a bit more crisp than the OEM
Weaknesses:
Design is somewhat awkward with basically a single DIN input with a screen in front. the Alpine design I reckon is quite nice and makes much more sense, that is a thinner design at the back but double in. Gives the screen extra support especially on the lower half portion and allows for better airflow. Also allows for you to tack a mini amp at the back.
Screen is somewhat unusable in direct sunlight but basically this goes for most head units and mobile phones. I've seen my friend's Tarago having a JDM visor over his head unit….seems effective but can't find one for my Camry.
This is more a Toyota fault than Sony but the OEM reverse camera input is 6V….I had to get a step down converter.
Plastic Buttons at the front. On one hand I do like that haptic feedback feel vs a screen control, however it seems awkward and very 80s. I feel as if they had included one USB port at the front rather than relying on two USB extenders to hook onto the back it would be even better.
SWC controls not standard like JVC/Kenwood.
Something to think about:
Generally I think most AA/CP wire players have one serious downfall…when I used my Samsung S8 for maps and trying to charge it at 1.5Amps as per USB port…it was barely charging given the huge load of maps. With wireless AA/CP you could go wire free or at least fast charge the phone whilst being hooked onto the AA/CP system.
Can they build in a microphone at the front of the machine rather than having a separate one? I've seen some Chinese head units have this. Much better if the passenger side needs to use the mic…hardly any decent place to mount the microphone on the dash. I put mine on top of the steering wheel.
Having said all that though, I think seeing it on special for $550 this appears to be a pretty decent deal though for the moment.
"Generally I think most AA/CP wire players have one serious downfall…when I used my Samsung S8 for maps and trying to charge it at 1.5Amps as per USB port…it was barely charging given the huge load of maps. With wireless AA/CP you could go wire free or at least fast charge the phone whilst being hooked onto the AA/CP system."
This is a good thing to limit charge speed, your phone is being cooked whilst wireless transmitting and charging at full speed.