r/CarAV • u/Important-Win6022 • 16h ago

Tech Support Sony xav-9500es

Anyone running or have experience with this unit? How does it compare against a stand alone dsp?

1 Upvotes

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3

u/sixstringjoejoe 14h ago

I have that head unit without an external DSP in my Mini Cooper and it sounds great and the built-in EQ is excellent. It's parametric so you can adjust the frequency you're eq'ing.

1

u/Important-Win6022 13h ago

Did you set it up with a rta? It is a nice upgrade in sq over my last "cheaper" brand floating screen. Especially in the AA use. Any idea if there is any controller integration available? My vehicle is a basic trim package early '00's. No swc so reaching for the volume selector isnt ideal. The optional controller looks like a let down.

1

u/sixstringjoejoe 12h ago

I didn't use any analyzer to set it up. I listen to mostly metal so I didn't think it was needed for that type of music.

My Mini is 2013 so the only integration I have is swc.

I do have a 3 way speaker in the rear but I didn't have a problem getting excellent sound without a DSP.

I'm really happy with the 9500

I have the controller...waste of money

2

u/Important-Win6022 11h ago

Thats the most technially educated musicians imo. Ya its needed lol. Petrucci would agree 🤙. Diamond Darryl said... I just play power chords and pentatonics brother. 🤨. I need to educate more on the parametric, hell eq in general. Appreciate ya

3

u/Breakthecyclist 13h ago

I am only using the 9500’s DSP for the rear speakers and using an ARC Audio PS8-Pro for the 3 ways and subwoofer.

That said, does a fine job. All the same, if purchasing now, would probably get the Kenwood that has an optical digital output.

1

u/Important-Win6022 13h ago

The shop i purchased thru was dead set on its the best on the market. Basically no dsp needed and over 5v's on rca's. Pretty hefty price tag on these things, but what isn't these days? I'm currently just running some kicker 46csc(yellow/gold) 6.5's in all 4 doors. Debating on upgrading when I wire up the AC A600.4 amp.

3

u/cvr24 Bass roll-off is the work of the devil 13h ago

They aren't wrong, as long as you're not doing 3-way, you can get away with it.

2

u/Breakthecyclist 13h ago

I purchased my ‘21 4Runner new and initially added the PS8-Pro with the intention of keeping the OEM CarPlay deck.

Once I upgraded to Morel Elate Carbon Pros (93a), finally gave into scrapping the factory deck.

While I have never heard any major complaints about the Sony’s onboard DSP, would be suprised and impressed if better than Helix and ARC.

3

u/Human_Entertainer_33 Illusion C6,Zapco ST4X SQ,Blam MS2,Helix DSP,Dayton HF10 12h ago

No head unit can compare to a standalone DSP

2

u/OSM_Labs 7h ago

It’s a good piece and the processing isn’t bad. It’s not really enough EQ channels to nail a 3-way system.

The Kenwood DMX1058XR connected optically to something like an ARC Audio DSP would sound better.

1

u/Important-Win6022 4h ago

I believe the sony only had 2 xovers plus the woofer. So only a 2 channel it seems

2

u/cheesytodd 5h ago

I’d take an android HU optical out to a helix DSP amp at the same cost all day. So much more versatile

1

u/Important-Win6022 4h ago

Why the optical audio cable over a hdmi?

2

u/cheesytodd 4h ago

Does helix have HDMI now?

1

u/Important-Win6022 4h ago

That answers that

1

u/Important-Win6022 11h ago

Is there anyway to cast youtube video thru/with it?