In the Sound menu you can select from various choices in Listening Position: Front left, Front right, Front, All or Custom. You can custom-adjust the listening position in 2cm steps from 0cm to 400cm. For frequency adjustments, there's a seven-band EQ (with seven EQ presets) so you can tweak the sound to your individual taste. There are significant sonic differences with the different Listening Position selections. Instead of a democratic approach I opted for optimizing the 5.1 for the driver and the surround sound effect was pure enjoyment. Set for All, passengers still found the 5.1 sound adequate.
If you're not a huge fan of surround sound and still like to play a lot of music from your iPod or other music player, then the XAV-W1 accommodates. You'll need the optional XA-110IP iPod Control Interface that plugs into the unit's UniLink bus-connector. You can also add on XM Satellite Radio and HD Radio. There are three A/V aux inputs and you can connect virtually a full entertainment system to the XAV-W1, from the above mentioned to a CD changer, of course, and game consoles. This is another example of the versatility of this source unit. But frankly with the high-quality recordings you can experience through this, I didn't spend much time listening to severely compressed files. Why would you on this CD/DVD/SACD player?
Finally, as though you really need, there's a Karaoke feature on the XAV-W1. I'm not quite sure who would use this. Perhaps at a tailgate party it might make sense. There is a 3.5mm mini jack input on the back of the unit for connecting a microphone. I guess it could save you an embarrassing trip to your local karaoke bar but then again, if we're talking about additional features, I'd prefer built-in navigation and Bluetooth. That is the only drawback on the XAV-W1. Of course, as with the other add-on features, you can connect, say, a Sony Nav-U to the back of the unit, so that somewhat ameliorates the issue of lack of built-in navigation. Also, given the MSRP of only $800, it's well priced for its current feature set. All in all, this is a terrific source unit that allows you (and the family) to enjoy all the content that you have.
Key Features:
Six preamp outputs
7-inch WVGA TFT touchscreen
CD/DVD and SACD playback
Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II &DTS decoding
EQ7 with 52W x 4 high power
Rear monitor output
XM, HD and iPod control ready
Karaoke capability