The introduction of the DSX-M80 Bluetooth receiver marks the newest version of Sony’s marine-grade High Power head unit in its current product line. It replaces the MEX-M100BT, which debuted Sony’s proprietary impressive High Power technology at 45-watts by four from its internal amplifier to a marine-grade radio. The fun doesn’t stop there – dual USB ports, dual Bluetooth connectivity, UV-resistant materials used for the face and trim, anti-corrosive coatings on its electronics and a suite of signal processing features make this radio an excellent solution for boats as well as powersports applications.

Sony High Power Source Unit Amplifier

Unlike typical car radios that use a single integrated circuit powered directly from the vehicle battery voltage, Sony has included a switching power supply and a four-channel Class D amp in the chassis of the DSX-M80. This amp is capable of producing at least 45 watts of power per channel into 4-ohm loads and is 2-ohm stable to bring even more power in that configuration. Sony also includes its Subwoofer Direct Mode, which lets you feed even more power to a single rear output connected to a subwoofer setup to bring your audio system to life without the need for an external amplifier.

Sony DSX-M80 Design and Interface

The display on the DSX-M80 features a high-contrast design with a white panel and black text that works well in bright sunlight. The 14-segment, 12-character display allows song titles and radio station information to be displayed accurately. The display and button backlighting colors can be set to any of more than 34,000 options, or you can use the Sound Sync mode to have the display change to the beat of your music. A key feature for marine applications is the inclusion of non-volatile memory that will maintain system settings, radio station presets and phone pairings when power is cut to the unit for storage or maintenance on the vehicle or watercraft.

Likewise, in keeping with the marine design, the radio’s face is constructed using UV-resistant materials that can handle prolonged exposure to the sun without fading or cracking. Sony has coated the main circuit board with a moisture-resistant conformal coating to help prevent corrosion in high-humidity environments.

Marine Entertainment Source Options

The DSX-M80 includes dual USB ports so you can connect an Android smartphone or Apple iPod, iPhone or iPad to play music. Android connectivity includes Android Open Accessory (AOA) 2.0 support. The rear USB port supplies 1.5 amps of charging current, and port on the front face supplies 1 amp. You can play up to 10,000 audio files in MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC or FLAC formats at up to 48 kHz sampling rates from a single USB device.

As mentioned, you can pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously to this radio. The first connection can serve as an entertainment source using Bluetooth A2DP and AVRCP connections, giving you access to communication, navigation and music playback features. Pair a second phone for hands-free call connectivity.

There is a front-panel 1/8-inch aux input, and the AM/FM tuner features RBDS station information display. The radio tuner channel spacing can be changed to work with European and other countries’ standards. The DSX-M80 is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio — just ask your retailer to add the optional SXV300 tuner module during the installation.

System Configuration and Tuning Features

Sony has included its EQ10 10-band equalizer along with the Extra Bass function so your system can be fine-tuned to deliver the frequency response you want. Adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers with adjustable slopes let your installer optimize the operating frequency range for each speaker in the system. ClearAudio+ and DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) audio processing features help to recover audio information lost during the digital compression process or radio transmission to make your music sound better.

This radio is also compatible with the Sony | Music Center app. The app not only serves as a convenient music player, but it provides full remote control over the radio from your smart device. Your installer can even configure signal delay and level settings using the Advanced Car Audio Setting portion of the app to optimize the system for the given speaker locations in your boat or vehicle.

Sony DSX-M80 Connectivity Features

The Sony DSX-M80 includes the aforementioned four-channel High Power amplifier and three sets of 5-volt preamp outputs. Connections are provided for the included Bluetooth hands-free microphone as well as an input for an optional steering wheel or helm control input interface. A programmable steering wheel control input feature allows connection to older resistance-based controllers that may already be installed in the boat. Your retailer can help you determine if your existing system will be compatible with this feature.

Upgrade Your Playtime with Sony

Whether you’re looking for a source unit for your boat, golf cart or side-by-side, the Sony DSX-M80 is a great option. It has all the source features you could ever want, and the High Power amplifier ensures that you can blast your music loud and clear. For more information, visit the Sony car and marine website or visit their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter social media sites.

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Fans of big screens, rejoice! Sony is now shipping the XAV-AX8000 media receiver, and it comes with a massive 8.95-inch touchscreen. Designed to fit into single-DIN ISO-mount radio locations, this receiver is based on the highly respected XAV-AX5000 platform to deliver all the entertainment you could ever want in your car, truck or SUV.

Flexible Mounting Options Ensure Maximum Vehicle Compatibility

The chassis of the XAV-AX8000 features a standard single-DIN chassis that fits in any vehicle that can accommodate an aftermarket installation kit that has ISO-mount provisions, whether single-DIN or double-DIN. This provides a lot of installation coverage for all types of vehicles, some of which cannot accept a typical double-DIN video unit in the dash directly. The 8.95-inch touchscreen mounts in front of the radio and dash in a similar fashion to what Mercedes and Tesla offer with their infotainment systems. The adjustable screen can tilted forward or back by 10 degrees in either direction, and the screen itself can be moved out from the radio chassis up to 2.36 inches to allow for clearance of dashboard obstructions. The entire screen can be moved vertically up to 2.36 inches to prevent blocking air vents, controls and other important items that might surround the radio cavity. This non-motorized mounting system allows for a lot of installation flexibility when installing it into your vehicle.

In terms of mounting requirements, Sony specifies that this radio is designed for ISO-DIN applications where brackets bolt to the side of the Sony and then into your dash or an aftermarket installation kit. A mounting sleeve is not provided, and this type of mounting is not recommended.

Sony XAV-AX8000 Features

When it comes to smartphone connectivity, the AX8000 has all the bases covered. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to place phone calls, send text messages or choose your favorite music. Popular navigation applications like Waze and Google Maps will provide turn-by-turn instructions to almost any destination in North America. You can even use Google Maps’ Offline Maps feature so that you don’t need a real-time internet connection to reach your destination efficiently.

In terms of audio sources, the radio includes an AM/FM tuner with RDS information display. A USB port on the rear of the chassis will charge your phone with up to 1.5 amps of current, or it can be used with a USB memory stick to play digital media files. The system is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV audio formats. You can upgrade the system with SiriusXM satellite radio by having your retailer install an SXV300 tuner module at the time of installation. Of course, Bluetooth audio streaming from your smartphone is included. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay add dedicated streaming app support for online services like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Tidal, Spotify and Radio Disney.

Sound Processing and Vehicle Integration Features

Sony has included a 10-band equalizer so your installer can fine-tune the frequency response of your sound system. Integrated high- and low-pass crossovers can be used with the 20 watt-per-channel built-in amplifier or external amplifiers via the five-volt preamp outputs for front, rear and subwoofer signals. Sony’s Dynamic Stage Organizer applies time correction to the outputs to create a more realistic listening experience that evenly spans the width of your vehicle.

The AX8000 features a camera input so your installer can integrate a backup camera into the new radio. The system is compatible with all popular steering wheel-mounted radio control interfaces so they can be retained, which makes it easy to use while driving. Sony has included a fast processor in the AX8000, so the system starts up quickly and inputs from the touchscreen yield lightning-fast responses.

Bring Big Entertainment to Your Vehicle with Sony

If you want to add modern entertainment and connectivity features in a large screen format, the Sony XAV-AX8000 may be the perfect solution. The massive screen is easy to see and use, and the radio has all the source and connectivity options you need. Drop by your local authorized Sony car audio retailer today to take one for a test drive.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Sony car audio continues to introduce new multimedia receivers with features that everyone, from the car audio enthusiast to the daily commuter, loves. The latest addition is the double-DIN XAV-AX7000 that features a new 6.95-inch bright touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Sony’s High Power 45 watts-per-channel RMS amplifier for amazing sound! Read on to learn more about this impressive source unit.

High Power Amplifier for Better Sound

Most radios and receivers on the market include a four-channel amplifier IC that can produce about 20 watts of power per channel into a four-ohm load. Sony’s High Power equipped receivers include a real power supply as would be used in a stand-alone amplifier. The power supply allows the radio to produce more than 45 watts of power per channel to a four-ohm load, and quite a bit more into a two-ohm load. That doubling of power helps keep your music clear and distortion-free when you crank up the volume.

The radio is compatible with both two- and four-ohm loads. Sony includes a configuration called Subwoofer Direct Mode, which allows your installer to use the front speaker outputs to drive one or more sets of speakers on the front speaker outputs, and use one of the rear speaker outputs to power a subwoofer system with a net impedance of two ohms. This flexibility allows for quite a few system configuration options and lets those people looking to stay on a budget with their audio upgrade aspirations get a complete system with a subwoofer without adding the extra costs of a small four-channel or subwoofer amplifier or the associated wiring and installation.

Bright Anti-Glare 6.95-Inch Display

The touchscreen display on the XAV-AX7000 is the same size as that of the XAV-AX5000, but is brighter and features a new anti-glare coating. These properties make it much easier to see in bright sunlight situations common among convertibles, powersports vehicles and even motorcycles. The new coating is also compatible with polarized sunglasses, so you can still see the screen while protecting your eyes.

In keeping with the sports theme, Sony has made the frame around the AX7000 touchscreen and the five-button control panel beneath the screen are weather-resistant. No, you can’t take it snorkeling in Mexico, but it can handle a little rain, being splashed or being on a motorcycle or in a Jeep overnight without condensation forming behind the screen.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone Integration

In terms of smartphone connectivity and features, the AX7000 is the same as the AX5000 in that it includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto voice control solutions. Once your phone is connected, you can request commonly used functions like sending text messages, making phone calls or choosing music by talking to the radio. Sony includes an external microphone for optimum clarity in outgoing calls and reliable phone command requests.

The AX7000 doesn’t have built-in navigation but can use Google Maps or Waze from either an iPhone or Android device to help you reach your destination efficiently and safely, and Google Maps allows users to download maps offline so cellular coverage or data plan constraints are never an issue. Apple iPhone users can, of course, use Apple Maps should they wish.

Audio Features Deliver Great Sound

The AX7000 will play MP3, WMA and AAC audio files from a USB memory stick in one USB port while you charge your phone with up to 1.5 amps of current from the other USB connection. To be specific, USB1 supports more file formats than USB2 but is also the connection dedicated to CarPlay and Android Auto. USB1 will also play WAV and AAC audio files, along with MPEG-4, WMV, MKV and Xvid video files in resolutions up to 1280 by 720 and 30 frames per second.

Sony has included its 10-band graphic equalizer to help ensure that your music sounds great. The Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO) feature includes preset signal delay and level settings that help to create a realistic soundstage across the dash of your vehicle.

The radio includes front, rear and subwoofer RCA preamp outputs rated to produce 5V of signal. While the extra voltage won’t make your system louder, it allows your installer to turn down the sensitivity control on your amplifiers to reduce background hiss. Equalizer and subwoofer control adjustments are one touch away in the quick access menu from any screen.

High Power Multimedia Receiver for Unique Applications

The introduction of the Sony XAV-AX7000 provides a plethora of new installation options. This would be perfect for a Polaris Slingshot, Can-Am Maverick or Yamaha YXZ. If you want a unique infotainment solution for a motorcycle like any 2014 or newer Harley Davidson, this could be a great choice. In all instances, the extra power from the High Power amplifier is a welcome addition and since it’s from Sony, you know you can trust the radio for years of reliable performance. Visit your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer today and ask for a demonstration.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.