Audio Innovations

Car Stereos, Auto Customizing, Mobile Electronics

1105 Jim's Lane, Conway, AR 72032 501-358-6545
  • Home
  • Services
    • Car Audio
    • Driver Safety Systems
    • Marine Audio
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Radar and Laser Detector Systems
    • Remote Starters
  • About Us
  • Location
  • Customer Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Product Spotlight: Sony MEX-M72BT

Sony MEX-M72BT

If you are looking for a marine radio to upgrade the stereo system in your boat, side-by-side or motorcycle, drop by your local car stereo shop and check out the Sony MEX-M72BT CD receiver with Bluetooth. Designed with an easy-to-use interface, this single-DIN radio has all the source and control options you need to make your time on the water or the trails a lot more fun and entertaining.

The Heart of Your Marine Entertainment System

Sony MEX-M72BTThe MEX-M72BT features a high-quality AM/FM tuner that includes RDS/PTY information display, and your installer can add the optional SXV300V1 module so you can enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio. It’s easy to play music or stream entertainment from your iPhone or an Android smartphone using the front-panel USB port or the wireless Bluetooth connection. The dual Bluetooth feature allows you to pair two devices simultaneously and assign one to music playback while the other can make and receive phone calls. Near Field Communication (NFC) is provided to make Android phone pairing quick and easy.

Sony MEX-M72BTThe radio is both Android Open Accessory (AOA) 2.0 and Made for Apple-compliant to ensure reliable operation. You can use Siri Eyes Free or Android Voice Recognition using the included hands-free microphone to select music, make phone calls or send text messages using your smartphone while keeping your eyes on the road.

The system is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC digital audio files stored on a USB memory stick, or you can connect a portable audio player or laptop using the 1/8-inch jack on the front panel. The USB port provides up to 1 amp of current to charge your smartphone while connected.

Marine-Specific Radio Features

Sony MEX-M72BTThe 12-character reverse-LCD screen is easy to see in bright sunlight, and the button backlighting can be configured to any of 35,000 colors to match your dash, vehicle color scheme or your mood. While the radio isn’t waterproof, the main circuit board does feature a conformal coating that helps keep moisture in the air from damaging any of the components.

The radio is designed with an ultraviolet radiation-resistant coating that meets the requirements of the ASTM G154 UV testing standard. This coating helps to ensure that the face of the radio won’t fade, turn chalky or oxidize when exposed to sunlight for long periods.

Sony MEX-M72BTThe MEX-M72BT has a remote-control input on the rear of the radio that allows it to work with compatible aftermarket marine remote controls. Your installer can also connect an aftermarket interface like the Maestro SW, PAC SWI-CP2 or AXXESS ASWC-1 to allow the radio buttons on your steering wheel or handlebars to work with the new radio. Sony includes an RM-X232 hand-held infrared (IR) remote with the radio.

While we’re on the subject of remote controls, the MEX-M72BT is compatible with the Sony | Music Center app. This app allows your installer to hide the radio out of sight, and you can use your smartphone or tablet to control all of the primary functions.

Sony MEX-M72BT Audio Features

Sony MEX-M72BTThe Sony MEX-M72BT includes a four-channel amplifier rated for 20 watts RMS per channel. Front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs will produce up to 2 volts of signal to feed external amplifiers, and your installer has the option of configuring high- and low-pass crossovers at 80, 100 or 120 Hz to optimize the performance of your sound system. A subwoofer output level control is provided to let you fine-tune your system on the fly. Speaking of system tuning, the M72BT includes a 10-band graphic equalizer with nine presets and the option to let you create your own EQ curve.

A nice touch that’s not common to many radios is an input level control menu for the auxiliary input and Bluetooth sources. These adjustments let you fine-tune each input to match the radio and USB source levels for seamless operation across all functions.

Have More Fun This Summer With the MEX-M72BT

If it’s time to upgrade the entertainment system in your favorite ride in the great outdoors, drop by your local authorized Sony Mobile retailer and ask for a demonstration of the MEX-M72BT. We are sure you will be impressed!

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Bluetooth, Sony

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX1000

Sony XAV-AX1000

If you are looking for a multimedia receiver for your car or truck with a bright, clear screen and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, then you’ll want to check out the Sony XAV-AX1000. Equipped with a 6.2-inch, touch-sensitive display and rotary volume control on the front panel, the XAV-AX1000 looks great while being easy and intuitive to operate. Let’s take a close look at the features included in this receiver.

Apple CarPlay Smartphone Integration

Sony XAV-AX1000No technology has made communication easier for drivers behind the wheel than Apple CarPlay. Simply connect your iPhone to the USB port on the front panel and within seconds, you can make phone calls or send text messages. Support for streaming music services includes Pandora, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Tidal, and several audiobook solutions. Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze navigation applications offer easy-to-understand, turn-by-turn directions to the destination of your choice. There’s no need to scroll through complex menus or use proprietary commands to get the information you want, thanks to the Siri digital assistant interface. Just press and hold the volume control for two seconds, and the XAV-AX1000 listens to your commands. You can keep your eyes on the road to ensure you’ll arrive at your destination safely and efficiently.

Sony XAV-AX1000The XAV-AX1000 includes Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming functions, so your Android phone can still be used safely. The USB port on the front of the radio is compatible with a memory stick containing MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC audio files as well as WMV, MPEG-4, Xvid, and MKV video files at resolutions up to 1280×720 pixels and 30 frames per second, depending on the file format. You can also connect your smartphone to the USB port to recharge the battery with up to 1.5 amps of current.

A built-in AM/FM receiver allows you to enjoy local terrestrial radio programming and includes RDS PTY so you can see artist and song title information from supporting stations. Support for the optional SXV300 SiriusXM tuner means you can listen to SiriusXM satellite radio whenever you are in North America. A 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input on the front panel rounds out the audio source options.

Sony XAV-AX1000 System Configuration and Installation Features

Sony XAV-AX1000The XAV-AX1000 includes adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers that let your installation technician configure the output of the front and rear channels for use with a subwoofer. You can add external amplifiers using the 2.0-volt front, rear and subwoofer outputs; the EQ10 10-band graphic equalizer will let you fine-tune the frequency response of your sound system for exceptional realism. The built-in, 20-watt-RMS-per-channel amplifier helps to ensure your music will sound great.

Sony XAV-AX1000The XAV-AX1000 includes a rearview camera input that triggers automatically when the vehicle is in reverse so you can see everything behind you. Your installer can switch between normal and reverse camera images, so the system works with any NTSC-format camera on the market. The programmable steering wheel control input allows either an aftermarket steering wheel control interface input or allows your installer to connect your new radio directly to the audio buttons on the steering wheel for seamless integration. Sony includes an external microphone to optimize the accuracy of hands-free calling and voice recognition features. Finally, the compact RM-X170 IR remote control allows backseat passengers to play DJ or control the sound system quickly and easily.

Sony XAV-AX1000The XAV-AX1000 features a shallow single-DIN chassis that makes it incredibly easy for your installer to mount this radio and any required interfaces in the dash of your vehicle.

Experience the Sony XAV-AX1000 at Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialist Today

If you are looking for an easy-to-use 2-DIN multimedia receiver, then drop into your local mobile electronics specialist retailer and ask for a demonstration of the Sony XAV-AX1000. Be sure to bring your iPhone so you can experience just how easy it is to use CarPlay.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Apple CarPlay, Google Maps, Sony, Waze

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX210SXM

Sony XAV-AX210SXMOne of the most recent source unit introductions from Sony Car Audio is the XAV-AX210SXM DVD receiver. This multimedia receiver features a 6.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It’s the first Sony product to include iDatalink Maestro compatibility. Let’s look at the features of this high-value source unit and explain how Maestro vehicle integration dramatically expands the compatibility options for this receiver.

IDatalink Maestro Vehicle information Display and Control

Sony XAV-AX210SXMBy adding the optional iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 interface, your installer can integrate factory-installed features like a backup camera, parking sensors, USB ports and infotainment systems like Ford Sync with your new Sony radio. The three camera inputs can be used with factory systems like Honda LaneWatch or can be triggered by the turn signals to show cameras added to the side mirrors of the car. Sony and Maestro also include the option to automatically display a forward-facing camera when traveling at speeds under 5 mph.

Sony XAV-AX210SXMAnother unique feature that’s exclusive to Sony is the ability to feed volume control commands back into a factory amplifier. Say you have a Toyota with the factory JBL amp. You can configure the AX210SXM and the Maestro RR to use the volume control built into the factory amplifier while the source unit provides a clean, clear signal. The result is amazing sound quality without distortion or clipping. This unique feature also gives it the ability to integrate with all MyFord Touch (or MyLincoln Touch on Lincoln vehicles) features.

Check with your local authorized Sony retailer to find out which vehicle features are compatible with Maestro and the new XAV-AX210SXM.

Communicate Safely with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Sony XAV-AX210SXMThe XAV-AX210SXM includes Android Auto and CarPlay smartphone integration technologies to let you make phone calls, listen to text messages and dictate responses safely and efficiently while driving. These systems also include support for myriad entertainment options like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Apple Music and Tidal, as well as many options for podcasts and audiobooks.

Getting where you want to go is safe and easy, thanks to Google Maps and Waze integration. Simply ask for directions to the destination you want, and these systems will create a safe and efficient route, then provide turn-by-turn directions. Real-time traffic information is used to ensure that your trip is as efficient as possible. Google Maps and Waze are now available on Apple iPhones as well, so users can enjoy the simple navigation interface regardless of the type of phone they prefer.

For added convenience, Sony has programmed the radio to automatically launch CarPlay or Android Auto as soon as you connect your phone to the USB port.

Source Selection Options for Endless Entertainment

Sony XAV-AX210SXMThe Sony XAV-AX210SXM includes an AM/FM receiver, will play CDs or DVDs and has a rear USB port for digital media playback or smartphone connectivity. Digital audio file playback includes MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV formats, and the system will play Xvid, MPEG-4. WMV, FLV and MKV video files at resolutions up to 720×576 pixels (depending on the format). Bluetooth audio streaming is also included. An SXV300V1 SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver comes with the radio, and Sony has worked with SiriusXM to provide a free 90-day trial of the service to get you going right away.

Audio System Control Features

Sony XAV-AX210SXMThe XAV-AX210SXM features an easy-to-use and intuitive rotary volume control that doubles as a quick-access button to equalization functions. A built-in 20 watts-per-channel amplifier will drive your factory-installed speakers, or you can upgrade your vehicle with an external amp using the 4.0 volt-capable front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass crossovers further enhance the system design and tuning options that are available. The rear chassis of the AX210SXM is not as tall as a full-size 2-DIN receiver to make it easier for your technician to mount the system in your dash.

As mentioned, this radio includes three camera inputs, with the rear input automatically triggered when you put the transmission into reverse. Icons on the screen allow you to select the other two inputs to access blind spot or forward-facing cameras, and your installer can set any of the inputs to display a normal or reversed image to make the system work with almost every camera on the market. Provisions for standard steering wheel audio control interfaces are provided for applications where Maestro won’t be used.

Experience the Latest from Sony Car Audio

If you are in the market for a new multimedia receiver for your car, truck or SUV, visit your local authorized Sony retailer and ask for a demonstration of the amazing new XAV-AX210SXM receiver. They can provide you with all the information required to integrate this amazing radio into your vehicle and program an iDatalink Maestro interface to provide the vehicle-specific functionality you want.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: AudioControl LC-1.1500 Mono Subwoofer Amplifier

AudioControl LC-1.1500 It isn’t hard to notice that AudioControl hasn’t eased up on its delivery of amazing new mobile audio product solutions. The latest addition to the AudioControl family is the high-power LC-1.1500 subwoofer amplifier. Rated to produce 1,500 watts of continuous power and equipped with the integration and audio processing features you’ve come to expect from AudioControl, this new monoblock is sure to be a huge hit!

AudioControl LC-1.1500 Design

AudioControl LC-1.1500 The LC-1.1500 shares the same cast aluminum heat sink as the LC-6.1200 with a total length of 12 inches. All of the connections are on the front edge of the amplifier, including the beefy 0-AWG power block and a hefty 8-AWG speaker terminal block. There are two positive and two negative speaker output terminals to facilitate connections to multiple subwoofers or multiple voice coils.

AudioControl LC-1.1500 The left side of the end panel features no less than four 40-Amp ATC fuses. The center of the panel is home to the input connections. Your installer can choose from a pair of line-level RCA jacks or connect the amp to a factory-installed source unit or amplifier using the provided speaker-level input terminals. It’s well worth noting that the LC-1.1500 will accept speaker-level signals up to 40 volts RMS. This high-voltage compatibility eliminates the need for an external line-level converter. Last but certainly not least, an RJ-11 jack serves as the connection for the optional ACR-1 remote level control.

Audio Processing Features

AudioControl LC-1.1500 It should come as no surprise that signal processing has always been one of AudioControl’s strengths. Starting with the basics, the 1.1500 includes an adjustable -24dB/octave electronic crossover with a Linkwitz-Riley alignment. The crossover is adjustable from 30 to 230 Hz. Beside the crossover is the amplifier sensitivity control. When using the line-level inputs, the amp will produce full power with an input signal between 500mV and 6 volts. When using the speaker-level inputs, the input voltage range increases from 3V to 40V. Input and output level optimization LEDs are included to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the level-setting process.

The 1.1500 includes AudioControl’s GTO (Great Turn On) signal sensing circuit. If you have the LC-1.1500 connected to a factory-installed radio or amplifier, this circuit will turn the 1.1500 on automatically when you start playing music.

Speaking of factory audio integration, the 1.1500 also includes the AccuBASS processing feature. This feature helps to restore low-frequency information that is often limited in factory-installed audio systems. Your installer can set the input threshold level and decide just how much extra output is required to restore impact and excitement to your music.

Amplifier Design

AudioControl LC-1.1500 A look under the top cover of the AudioControl LC-1.1500 reveals a massive power transformer flanked by two large banks of filtering and stiffening caps. The output from the Class D circuitry features two large toroidal filters and two large caps. An internal shield keeps RF emissions away from the signal processing circuitry for improved sound quality. All the caps and transformers are secured in place with silicone to prevent damage from vibration. The majority of the signal processing and control components on the board are high-tolerance surface-mount devices.

A compact cooling fan in the center of the circuit board helps to circulate air across the heat sink and reduce the chances of thermal overload. AudioControl includes a microcontroller in the amp that monitors the system performance and can protect the amp if a short circuit, thermal overload or power supply voltage issue occurs. The Protection LED flashes a code that you can look up in the owner’s manual, so you’ll know what’s happening. The microcontroller also controls the fan speed.

Big Bass with Big Features

AudioControl LC-1.1500The 1.1500 is rated to produce 850 watts of power into a 4-ohm load and 1,500 watts into a 2-ohm load. The S/N ratio specifcation of -102 dBA referenced to full power and the bandwidth is 24Hz to 230Hz with the crossover at its maximum frequency. A 24dB/octave infrasonic filter that AudioControl calls the PFM Subsonic filter protects your vented subwoofer systems from damage.

This amplifier isn’t for the meek. If you are serious about big bass in your car, truck or SUV and you have the subwoofers to handle this sort of fun, this is an amazing option. You’ll need to be sure to feed the amp with proper wiring (0 AWG). With the ability to draw over 150 amps of current, beefing up your battery isn’t a bad idea either. If this sounds like your cup of tea, drop into your local authorized AudioControl dealer and check out the new LC-1.1500 amplifier.

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.

Filed Under: Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Audio Control

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX5000

Sony XAV-AX5000Sony has been steadily increasing its share of the head unit market with the introduction of feature-packed solutions that continue to give consumers the connectivity and source options they want. The latest addition to Sony’s source unit offerings is the XAV-AX5000, a 6.95-inch multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. The XAV-AX5000 is the first large-screen source unit from Sony that includes Apple and Android smartphone integration technologies and, given its feature set, it should be another huge hit.

Large 6.95-inch Display

Sony XAV-AX5000Sony calls the display on the AX5000 bezel-less. The trim panel around the display is only a few millimeters thick and gives the unit a very clean and tidy look once installed. The display has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels and uses a capacitive touch panel. Unlike resistive touch panels that have a plastic texture, a capacitive display is the same as what we are used to on our smartphones — crystal-clear images with a very responsive touchscreen interface.

At the bottom of the screen is a row of buttons for volume, track selection, Home and Option functions. The Home button serves double duty as a system mute function when held for one second, and the Options button initiates the voice-recognition feature of CarPlay or Android Auto when pressed when a corresponding phone is plugged in.

The chassis of the XAV-AX5000 is a single-DIN, shallow-mount receiver on top, with nothing on the bottom. This chassis design makes installation much easier for your installer than conventional full-size, double-DIN source units. The XAV-AX500 design allows it to be installed into newer vehicles that have less room behind the factory radio, or require integration harnesses to be tucked behind it.

Smartphone Integration Technologies

Sony XAV-AX5000As mentioned, the XAV-AX5000 includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration software. If you haven’t experienced these interfaces, they make it very easy to make phone calls, listen to and send replies to text messages, choose the music you want or get navigation directions to almost any address in North America. The interface uses Siri or Google Assistant voice recognition software to perform the majority of functions, so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Entertainment Options

Sony XAV-AX5000The XAV-AX5000 includes two USB ports on the rear of the chassis. USB 1 is compatible with iPhone and Android smartphone devices for CarPlay and Android Auto. USB 2 takes care of connecting a USB memory stick to to play MP3, WMA and FLAC digital media files. USB 1 supports WAV, ACC, MPEG-4, WMV, MKV and Xvid files as well. Audio files can have a maximum sampling frequency of 96kHz and video files can have a maximum resolution of 1280×720 pixels.

The unit includes a Bluetooth 3.0 transceiver for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The Bluetooth A2DP Profile 1.3 and AVRCP 1.3 make it easy to select tracks from compatible Bluetooth devices. You can upgrade the system with an SXV300 SiriusXM tuner module for satellite radio. The system doesn’t play CDs or DVDs, and there is no auxiliary input connection.

Audio and Signal Processing Features

The unit includes an internal four-channel amplifier rated at 20 watts continuous and 55 watts maximum output. Front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs rated at 2 volts make it easy for your installer to add high-power amps to the source unit to expand the performance of your entertainment system even further.

Sony has included its EQ10 10-band equalizer to allow for system fine-tuning. The Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) provides signal processing presets to make it sound as though you are at a live performance with the musicians out in front of you, rather than hearing music coming from each speaker. Electronic high- and low-pass crossovers and a feature called Extra Bass are also part of the tuning options.

Vehicle Integration Features

Sony XAV-AX5000The XAV-AX5000 includes a dedicated backup camera input with trigger wire to allow you to see objects or people behind your vehicle when parking or maneuvering. The system also includes an external Bluetooth microphone for excellent voice recognition and Bluetooth call quality. Finally, the system is compatible with the majority of factory-installed steering wheel mounted audio controls using a third-party interface, or by using the Custom Steering Wheel Control set-up on the radio itself.

Premium Multimedia Solution

The final feature worth discussing is the new system processor. This upgraded microcontroller makes the XAV-AX5000 as much as 250 percent faster to respond to commands and gestures as compared to previous models. Imagine an iPhone 8 compared to an iPhone 5 or a Galaxy S9 compared to an S5. Access to features and voice-control commands are lightning-fast.

If you are considering upgrading the infotainment technology in your vehicle, drop by your local authorized Sony retailer and ask for a demonstration of the XAV-AX5000.
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.

Filed Under: Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Sony

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • Next Page »

Recent Articles

Product Spotlight Focal PS 165 SF

Product Spotlight: Focal PS 165 SF

July 28, 2025 

When it comes to premium car audio speaker upgrades, most enthusiasts know that Focal offers more solutions than any other. With offerings ranging from OE replacement to benchmark … [Read More...]

Three different sized voice coils

A Car Audio Speaker Power Handling Demonstration

July 20, 2025 

We’ve talked about how speaker power handling is tested and the importance of delivering accurate test data. In the context of car audio speakers, we’ve explained that the physical … [Read More...]

A cartoonish subwoofer drawing

An Affordable Subwoofer Upgrade Should Use a Ported Enclosure

July 13, 2025 

As we’ve mentioned many times, adding a subwoofer is one of the best upgrades you can make to a car audio system. We know that having a shop construct a custom enclosure isn’t … [Read More...]

KICKER LX1200.5

Product Spotlight: KICKER LX1200.5

July 11, 2025 

If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ll know that DSP-equipped car audio amplifiers are pretty common these days. KICKER introduced a new series of amplifiers called LX. These … [Read More...]

Customer Reviews

Subscribe to Our Website

Enter your email address to subscribe to our website and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Location


Get Directions to Audio Innovations

Audio Innovations

1105 Jim's Lane
Conway, AR 72032
Phone: 501-358-6545

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Services

  • Car Audio
  • Driver Safety Systems
  • Marine Audio
  • Motorcycle Audio
  • Radar and Laser Detector Systems
  • Remote Starters

Store Hours

SundayClosed
Monday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SaturdayClosed

Copyright © 2025 Audio Innovations · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media, inc. · Log in

 

Loading Comments...