Sony vs Alpine - oddly specific question

So, I've narrowed my search for a head unit down to either the Sony XAV-9000ES (or XAV-AX6000), or the Alpine iLX-F507. I like the look of the Sony better....but from what I understand, it *only* supports wireless CarPlay. Not that I mind that, but of course my concern is signal strength (e.g., dropping connection and all that), and I've currently got an OEM 2020 head unit that is on the way out - it constantly reboots itself.

SO...the question is - for those of you who have the Sony head unit, have you experienced any sound drops? As a secondary question - any reason to consider Alpine in-dash (vs tablet style) head units vs. Sony?

 

I have the 9500ES for about 2 years. It has never dropped my iPhone connection using the wireless CarPlay. I charge the phone on a center console charger I bought off Amazon. The unit does support CarPlay ‘wired’ and Android auto too. I bought it from Trail Grid Pro; couldn’t have been easier to install.

 

Pulled the proverbial trigger on the XAV-9000ES Tundra package this a.m. and am looking forward to having it installed soon

I seriously thought about driving up there, as I live maybe 90 miles away from them...but it's a 2 hour drive (in/by DC) and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. LOL

 

I don’t blame you, hate dc traffic. When I did my head unit I ended up going to Charlottesville and paid crutchfield to put it in. Not as easy as putting in a stereo in a 70-90’s era vehicle.

 

I...actually wasn't aware I could drive to Charlottesville and have them put stuff in. Not sure if they'd put non-Crutchfield procured stuff in.

That said, one of the reasons I bought from TGP is the 'plug and play' ends, and given I've got a buddy wanting to help out, I'd be super surprised if it takes more than an hour, if that. Biggest time component would be running the microphone and GPS antennas.

 

I did the Alpine 511 from them and it was not too bad. FYI, the one thing they don't tell you is once the install is complete and you fire the truck up you will get all kinds of malfunction warnings on the dash...like "Air bag malfunction, see the dealer" etc. It freaked me out and I called them. They said drive the truck for about 5 miles or so and the computer will straighten itself out...and it did

 

Yeah, I've heard about that. I figure I'll have it installed on a weekend morning before going anywhere, and then drive around for 20 miles or so.

I went back and forth on the Sony XAV-9000ES vs the Alpine iLX-507 or 509. TBH, what it came down to was the fact that I've seen more than a few reviews saying that the screens on the iLX-507/509 weren't all that great (not that they're terrible) and that for the money, the improvement over stock wasn't that great.

Of course, I don't expect miracles...but Sony HUs aren't terrible, and I like the layout/looks of the 9000ES, and the DSP is nice as well - AND it was a solid $200 or so cheaper than what I was looking at, so...sold!

 

Got my radio (XAV-9000ES) installed, and I absolutely love it!

I did notice two minor issues:

1. As others have said, the microphone is kind of 'fuzzy' (to those on the other end). I assume this means I'll just need to have it installed to the A-pillar or the headliner; not a big deal.

2. Volume up/down, pause, etc. works immediately...but if I hit next/previous track, while the touch itself registers immediately...the music seems to take a full second to register. *scratching head* Totally something I can live with...but also something one would think could be corrected. Any thoughts?