Alpine vs. Sony [Head Units Compared]

After spending numerous hours researching these head models side-by-side, I made a decision to do an in depth comparability of Alpine and Sony head models.

Right here’s what I discovered: I personally want the Alpine head models for his or her superior options. The Alpine fashions supply a variety of options, comparable to a bigger show, and extra inputs, and outputs, and are additionally appropriate with varied audio codecs.

Sony XAV-AX1000 vs. Alpine iLX-W650

Options

The Alpine iLX-W650 comes with a variety of options that make it ultimate for anybody who needs to get probably the most out of their automotive audio setup. The system comes with superior features like Apple CarPlay compatibility, Android Auto integration, and highly effective sound equalization instruments.

I discovered the two digital camera inputs significantly helpful, as they permit me to attach the rear and entrance cameras for added comfort. The microphone labored excellently in my exams, permitting me to simply make calls and use voice instructions. The sound high quality (even with no built-in amplifier) was excellent, with an ideal stability between lows and highs.

The lack of an AUX enter is usually a little bit of a letdown, however for me, it didn’t detract from the general expertise.

The Sony mannequin presents most of the identical options however doesn’t match the facility and flexibility provided by the Alpine’s characteristic set. The Sony does have some neat tips, comparable to a built-in amplifier and a 10-band graphic equalizer, however I felt that these options have been extra of a nice-to-have than a necessary a part of the expertise.

Since I’m an Android person, the lack of Android Auto integration was a whole deal breaker for me. Plus, you solely get one digital camera enter, and whereas that is higher than nothing, it’s nonetheless a far cry from what Alpine presents.

Verdict

For me, the Alpine iLX-W650 is the clear winner when evaluating these two head models. It presents a complete set of options and nice sound high quality, making it a superb improve for anybody seeking to get probably the most out of their automotive audio setup.

Design and Usability

The Alpine head unit has an intuitive interface that makes it straightforward to navigate. It really works with each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so regardless of which cellphone you have got, you may simply join your system and benefit from the options provided. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen is responsive and offers vivid colours in addition to clear visuals.

The Sony XAV-AX1000 isn’t too shabby when it comes to design both, however I discovered that its menus have been a bit clunky to navigate in comparison with the Alpine mannequin. It includes a smaller 6.2-inch resistive touchscreen show that, whereas not horrible, isn’t fairly as clear or sharp as its rival. The wi-fi distant makes issues simpler, however for me, it wasn’t sufficient to compete with the Alpine’s display screen contact expertise.

Verdict

In relation to design and value, the Alpine iLX-W650 heads and shoulders above its Sony competitors. Its intuitive interface makes it a pleasure to make use of, and its 7-inch capacitive touchscreen is among the finest in its class.

Value

The Sony XAV-AX1000 retails for round $300, whereas the Alpine iLX-W650 prices round $350. That being stated, you get what you pay for, and the Alpine’s further options greater than make-up for its barely greater price ticket.

Verdict: Though it is a little more costly, I believe that the additional value of the Alpine iLX-W650 is effectively price it due to its complete set of options and nice design.

Sony XAV-AX5000 vs Alpine iLX-W650

Options

Relating to options, the Sony XAV-AX5000 and the Alpine iLX-W650 are each prime contenders within the head unit market. Each fashions include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities for simple smartphone integration; on each models, you may entry Google Maps and your favourite music streaming companies like Spotify or Apple Music.

The XAV-AX5000 has just a few extra options than its Alpine counterpart, comparable to an additional USB port and a radio information system (RDS) tuner. The AX5000 additionally contains some extra audio enhancements, comparable to 10 EQ bands and subwoofer controls.

You may count on a clearer sound when listening to music by means of the Alpine iLX-W650 in comparison with different head models as a consequence of its 6-channel preamp outputs. I used to be additionally impressed by its sound processing capabilities, which allowed for a extra balanced expertise with loads of element.

Verdict

Each the Sony XAV-AX5000 and the Alpine iLX-W650 are wonderful head models with loads of options to supply. The iLX-W650 has a bit extra of an edge on the subject of audio enhancements, so if you happen to’re searching for one thing to your automotive audio setup, this may be the higher choice.

Design and Usability

The Sony XAV-AX5000 has a 6.95-inch touchscreen show, whereas the Alpine iLX-W650 comes with a 7-inch show. Each are straightforward to navigate and reply rapidly to the touch inputs. The AX5000 additionally has bodily buttons for fast entry to frequent features like quantity management and supply choice.

The iLX-W650 has an edge on the subject of usability, as its optionally available rear digital camera offers an additional layer of comfort when parking in tight areas. The digital camera will be related on to the pinnacle unit with only one easy connection, making set up extremely straightforward.

Verdict

Whereas each models have nice designs and are very user-friendly, the iLX-W650 edges out the XAV-AX5000 on the subject of usability as a consequence of its optionally available rear digital camera.

Value

The Sony XAV-AX5000 is priced at round $400, whereas the Alpine iLX-W650 retails for round $350. Each models supply nice worth for the cash, however the iLX-W650 offers a bit extra bang to your buck as a consequence of its rear digital camera and 6-channel preamp output.

Verdict

The Alpine iLX-W650 is a superb choice if you happen to’re on a tighter price range, because it presents some good options and efficiency however is available in at a cheaper price than the XAV-AX5000.

Sony XAV-AX8000 vs. Alpine Halo9 iLX-F259

Options

I just lately upgraded my automotive audio setup with the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F259, and I need to say that I’m very impressed with it. The unit has a 9″ capacitive touchscreen show, which makes navigating its menus a breeze. It additionally comes with loads of options, comparable to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, in addition to an optionally available rear digital camera for simple parking.

The sound high quality is nice, and the built-in amplifier provides energy to your music whereas sustaining readability. I used to be additionally happy to search out out that the unit helps 4V preamp outputs for a pleasant enhance in sound high quality.

The Sony XAV-AX8000 can be an ideal head unit and presents most of the identical options because the iLX-F259. It has an 8.95-inch touchscreen show and likewise comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for simple smartphone entry. The 20 watts RMS output can be loads of energy to maintain your music sounding nice.

Verdict

Each the Sony XAV-AX8000 and the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F259 are wonderful head models with loads of options to supply. I personally want the bigger show and suppleness of the iLX-F259, however if you happen to’re searching for one thing that has a bit extra energy then the XAV-AX8000 may be the higher choice. However we name this comparability a tie.

Design and Usability

The Sony XAV-AX8000 has a modern design with an intuitive person interface that makes it straightforward to navigate menus and entry options rapidly. It additionally has bodily knobs for quantity and supply choice, which is good if you happen to want a tactile expertise.

The Alpine iLX-F259 additionally has an ideal design and an intuitive person interface, but it surely does have fewer bodily buttons than the AX8000. That stated, its optionally available rear digital camera makes parking a lot simpler, and it helps 4V preamp outputs for higher sound high quality.

Verdict

Each head models have nice designs and are very straightforward to make use of. The bigger show measurement and secondary digital camera enter of the iLX-F259 give it an edge over the XAV-AX8000 when it comes to usability, but it surely’s in the end as much as private desire as each models supply wonderful options and worth.

Value

Each head models include a hefty price ticket. The Sony XAV-AX8000 retails for round $550-$650, whereas the Alpine iLX-F259 will be discovered within the $750 to $950 vary.

Verdict

Value-wise, the XAV-AX8000 presents barely higher worth for cash than the iLX-F259 as a consequence of its cheaper price level and comparable options. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate the additional value of the iLX-F259 if you happen to’re searching for a bigger show measurement or an optionally available rear digital camera enter.

FAQ

Is Alpine higher than Sony when it comes to product high quality?

It’s troublesome to definitively say that one model is healthier than the opposite on the subject of product high quality, as each Alpine and Sony supply wonderful options and worth. Based mostly on my expertise, I would like the Alpine supply as a consequence of its superior options and higher person expertise. That stated, it’s in the end as much as you to determine which one is finest suited to your wants.

Associated articles:

Alpine vs. JBL [Speakers compared]
Alpine vs. JL Audio [Speakers Compared]
Alpine vs. Rockford Fosgate [Speakers Compared]
Pioneer vs. Alpine [Head Units and Speakers compared]