ElectroNext.com

a little worse than average from Kenwoods usually middling lineup (2009-12-30)
Bought this to replace a circa '01 Kenwood head (one of the first MP3 compatible ever) which I really liked except was painfully slow with the MP3s. I must say the new unit is obviously faster with MP3s. Still, I wouldnt have replaced it except I needed AUX input for my aftermarket satellite radio. Well, after a year I must say I fairly hate this unit. Mainly for two reasons: 1) the right knob was changed from the typical Kenwood function we all love to where you now must carefully move the button using your thumb and forefinger exactly to the right to skip tracks (like a eraser mouse on a laptop, but much less forgiving) but if you are less than perfectly horizontal or hit a bump, you are stuck in a nearly endless menu. 2) Bright light shining in your face while trying to drive, wtf?. I went into settings and turned the display brightness, etc, etc down at which point I ONLY had the two brightest lights shining in my face, then ultimately hooked up the dim wire to my dimmer switch which allows me to dim those lights from 100% annoying down to about 90%. I now keep the face open when driving (perfectly dark!) and close it up momentarily to change volume, songs, etc (pain in the ass). The thing is I have a Kenwood EZ500 I bought in 2005 in my other truck that I absolutely love. In retrospect, I wish I would have just bought another EZ500, which I highly recommend, but I thought an even newer (2008) model would be even better, but think again before you buy this.

Great deal!! (2009-11-19)
I love this Kenwood headunit!!! I was basicly searching onine for any head. But then after looking at a couple sites that I never heard or didn't real trust. my standards went up so I decided to play it safe and order mine on Amazon. I find out not only is it safe, but practically a third the prices of other sites!?!?

Originally, I just wanted a plan CD-Receiver to replace my outdated JVC unit which was ok when I was 17 :P lol. Now that at 21, I'm much more aware of our technology. So in need of a unit capable of using all my devices at a reasonable price was on top of my list. Finally matched several Kenwood units and decided on this item because of price and its brilliant 64-color Fluorescent Display.

All in all, can't go wrong with a Kenwood :)




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EXCELLENT RADIO !!!! (2009-05-16)
SWEET PERFORMANCE. EASY TO FIND SONGS IN A HUGE USB MEMORY. VERY COOL WITH COLOR DISPLAY. SO FAST !!

Amazing for the price! (2009-05-09)
The iPod (via USB) interface is really good and the display is easy to read. I couldn't be happier with this stereo, considering it's low price. I actually paid more for the optional Kenwood KCA-BT200 (bluetooth phone adapter) than I paid for the stereo! BTW, I'm completely happy with the bluetooth phone interface as well. It's super easy to scroll through lists (rec'd - dialed - missed calls or your phonebook), using the stereo's remote. Plus, unlike several other brands, according to reviews I've read, the Kenwood bluetooth works really well in terms of audibility on both sides of the phone conversation. I mounted the mic above the gauge panel and people on the other end tell me I sound clearer than ever. Goodbye silly looking, unreliable and perhaps brain-frying earpiece!

The one thing that I initially found frustrating about this stereo is the Control Knob, which rotates and also detects left, right, up, down toggles plus center (push) select. I would often toggle when I meant to select, but haven't had this problem since I learned to use my thumb and two fingers to do what might be described as "pinch/push".

I'd recommend this system to all "value-minded" buyers.