Kenwood KDC-515S

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I bought this deck off ebay for $220, New. I simply replaced the Stock deck and added the 10 disc Kenwood changer and that was it, no new speakers or nuthin. Its still in there and workin fine. Just saw 1 listed on ebay for 60 bucks. 3yrs ago $220 was an Okay price 4 it..now at $60 id have to say its definately worth it.

Strengths:
never had any problems with it. Sounds alot better than what the car came with.

Weaknesses:
i do see a bit of dust that has somehow made it behind the display screen. but it IS 3yrs old..and I do always drive with windows down.

Price Paid:  $250.00 from HH Gregg

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000

Summary:
I have had this same reciever in two different vehicles. It was in my Escort for a yr then my Mustang for the past 8 months. It worked great through the vechicle changes and everything. W/in the last 2 months I have added a system with 2 JL 10w0's and a Kenwood Excelon 600 watt amp. My reciever has just started to skip now. Everytime theres a great deal of low bass it skips. I might just have some loose wires but I think it's about ready to be retired

Strengths:
Great Sound Great Features Easy to Use Flip around Face Has been reliable until Subs were added

Weaknesses:
Skips frequently w/ low deep bass after 2 cars and nearly 2 yrs of use.

Similar Products Used:
Nada

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000

Summary:
For looks and basic functionality I prefer the Clarion model at the same price level ($240). The Kenwood sold me on the ability to have an auxilary input. A nice little extra with all the small hand held music devices coming out over the next few months, or if I want to play a random tape now and again.

Strengths:
Fairly flexible setup. Allows for an auxilary input (i.e. MP3 player). Clean sound and solid power. 2 sets (4 channels) of line level rca pre-outs.

Weaknesses:
The display is a bit obnoxious, yet can be stripped to the basics with onboard programming. Some of the programming features are difficult to access. Takes about an hour to custom program to my wife's liking. Buttons are too small.

Similar Products Used:
Clarion makes very similar products in the same price range. They both sound virtually the same under similar load conditions. I have had some reliability issues with both brands in the past (5+ years ago).