Sony Australia launches the XAV-9500ES, an in-car media receiver with Mobile ES audio capabilities. Sporting a 10.1-inch display, the 9500ES offers sound, customisable audio features, and Sony’s first wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections.

The following features include:

Sound
Audio compatible: The 9500ES supports a variety of high-resolution audio codecs including native 192 kHz / 24-bit WAV, .flac, .alac audio files, and DSD (22.4MHz) files via 192 kHz / 24-bit PCM conversion. LDAC enables Bluetooth streaming of all these codecs.

ESS digital-to-analog converter: With the ESS DAC chip, a D/A converter that provides quality for all digital music files, the 9500ES offers performance processing and eliminates timing jitter for unprecedented dynamic range and low harmonic distortion.

Built-in 4-channel Class A/B amplifier: The overall amplifier block includes updated circuit configurations, patterns, and components that minimise interference. Together with the electric volume circuit utilising a select audio IC with less distortion and noise, customers can listen to a variety of options including smooth highs, tight bass, wide dynamic range, and sound stage.

Audio components: The choke coil in the power supply block features bass while filtering unwanted frequencies for controlled and dynamic audio reproduction. Audiophile-grade high polymer solid electrolytic capacitors (FT CAP2), custom-made for Sony’s products, delivers power to the ESS D/A converter for clear and tight bass, while multi-layer polymer capacitors ensure low harmonic distortion and natural sound.

Anti-resonance Dual-layer chassis: The dual-layer design of the chassis separates analogue and digital circuitry and prevents electromagnetic noise. The lower layer stores circuit boards, which are dedicated to the audio and analogue process, and the fully shielded upper layer separates the digital circuit boards.

Sound customisation: The 192 kHz / 24-bit DSP offers sound processing and time alignment down to a 1 cm for each of the six addressable channels. A 14-band EQ lets customers adjust the overall sound, and each of the six channels features independent eight-band parametric EQ to get performance across different speaker configurations.

Display
10.1-inch Gapless Anti-glare Capacitive Touchscreen: Now updated with a 10.1" LCD panel and optically gapless design, it boasts picture quality while assuring safer and easier operation. Unlike a conventional display, the LCD is bonded directly to the protective glass touch layer with a transparent adhesive.
HD Graphical User Interface: The 1280 x 720 HD touchscreen offers a user interface, featuring simple and clean graphics, high contrast Mobile ES colour scheme and customisable wallpaper and icon positioning.

Floating display: The mount now works in four directions. With flexible installation options and space-friendly single-DIN rear chassis, it can be installed in different vehicles.

Connectivity
Wire-free Smartphone Connectivity: Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and the supplied GPS antenna, users can leave their smartphone in their pocket and still access full device integration.

Wireless Apple CarPlay: Apple CarPlay integrates iPhone with the car audio’s display and controls, enabling users to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get optimised traffic directions and more while the driver stays focused on the road. It also supports third-party navigation apps.

Wireless Android Auto: Android Auto is a simpler way to use a smartphone with the car's display. Drivers can talk to Google on Android Auto and stay connected, entertained and informed while keeping their eyes on the road. Just say “Hey Google” or press the voice control button on the 9500ES.

Usability
USB Type-C compatible rear connection terminals: USB Type-C terminal is available for any compatible device, allowing charge up to 3A.

Quick wake up: With the quick wake up feature, customers are ready to go right after turning on the ignition.

Rear view camera ready with adjustable parking guidelines: Customers can see the images of up to three connected cameras when they shift the vehicle’s transmission lever to the reverse position or tap the icons on the home screen.

Physical key Terminal and customisable large front keys: The ergonomically-designed physical key terminal gives instant access to basic operations to minimise distractions behind the wheel. Two customisable large keys are also available that users can assign various functions like mute, display off, source, and home, etc.

Extensibility
5V 3-Pre-Out connectivity: The 5V 3-pre-out connectivity allows customers to build a full acoustic system, including a stereo subwoofer connection, and a four-channel stereo amplification for sound reproduction.

Availability
The XAV-9500ES will be available in late 2021. SRP $1,999.