XAV-701HD
3
5
5
5
Do NOT buy this if you want NAV. No Support
This review is from a guy with a GTI who has lots of Sony products like the Duo 11 laptop, NEX-5N camera, a Tablet S, PS3 and even the Sony Creative software suite. I bought this receiver pretty much the moment it became available because of the flashy promos saying how loaded it was and because of past experience with Sony products. My old Kenwood had Garmin navigation built in, but this Sony offered a separate, USB TomTom XANV100T navigation module because it would always be there in the car, adding value to it, I'd have no subscription to pay and I wouldn't have to plug my phone every single time I got in the car. However, I quickly discovered it had been discontinued. Discontinued after like one month of releasing this new receiver. Sony has erased all evidence of its existence. Go ahead. Try to find it anywhere on the planet.
Just download the free Telenav app on your iPhone, you say? I did and it literally says, "Telenav GPS is taking a backseat, with no more new versions...Get Scout for free now." Even if Sony is working on a firmware that will let Scout work with this receiver, I do not want to have to keep plugging in my phone each time I get in the car. btw, I couldn't get it to work. The receiver is already installed so I don't think returning would be an easy option. <s>Thanks, Sony</s>.
To be fair, and if you're still interested, this receiver does boot quickly, has a nice screen, the interface is well laid out, and every thing is very responsive, although sometimes, the volume button lags and you may accidentally blast the volume. I like that it always shows the phone status (battery, signal strength). It also pairs almost immediately and very reliably. The sound quality is okay as the 7-band EQ has some poorly chosen frequencies and only adjusts what looks like +/- 6dB which does not really let you do much to correct the dull sound. I use an Audison Bit Ten D processor and now the Sony does sound very good, crisp, clear and lively. The HD Radio tuner sounds awesome and some stations even provide album artwork. The iPhone/iPod interface is okay. I just wish it had larger artwork and scrolling through large lists should tell you what letter you are on. The reverse camera function is good. I haven't tried mirror link and some of the other options but overall, this could have been a great receiver.
The lack of built in nav is a major fail, since it's a feature that can be revoked and was, by Sony and/or TomTom. Sony can rectify this situation by once again offering the TomTom module for sale. At the very, very least, they should post an update on what they plan to do with the Telenav Scout navigation iPhone app.
I'd change my review to 4 or 5 stars if they'd only let me buy the TomTom module (4 stars) or throw in it (5 stars), but I put 1 star because I was really hoping to have this feature they promised and now I'm stuck. As it is, this receiver was a waste of money for me, but a lesson learned. I'm looking at other brands now and next time, I will make sure everything I want is in it and cannot be taken away.
p.s. Sony, if I'm wrong about anything on this review, please let me know. No sarcasm, I'd just like some resolution.
February 25, 2013
Great double din but.
This radio sounds great and have a lot of features but the mirror link is lacking. I brought the radio primarily for mirror link so its disappointing. They have 3 big buttons taking up the part of the screen that does nothing. Mirror link should be full screen like the alpine so i think its radio firmware because the alpine uses the same drive link app. It seems that the alpine has more functionality. The touchscreen events are kinda slow and maybe should use Bluetooth for that. other than the mirror link feature being a garbage I'm happy with the radio.
February 15, 2013
Like to see GPS included
I suggest Sony to include the GPS feature - These days GPS is available for less than $150. Sony should include the feature and charge a little more. Don't want to depend on iphone for this feature though iphone and Android integration is nice. People having good old cars like me definitely like to upgrade to GPS DIN.
It appears there is not even one company having a quality product. Sony -this can be your market.
January 13, 2013
Best thing ever !!
Well i saw the review above me but i dont have his problem although Sony products take time getting used to i was still able to multi task with the GPS and Music playing , why the heck would Sony leave out a multi task ability , Read the Manual Thats What It For!!
January 7, 2013
