Kenwood KDC-X469

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $199.00 from etronics.com

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 KDC-X469

Summary:
Overall a very good unit. This thing does everything you want it to, if you need more, than theres a problem. This is like having a crossover in your dash. The sound shaping controls on here are great. If you know what youre doing, then you can make it sound anyway you want it to. If you are sound-shaping-illiterate, then the convenient preset sound curves are great. Im getting ready to install an amp and a sub, so the System E's crossover is gonna be in great handy. The faceplate on this thing is nice too, ive heard of other guys saying that it seems weak, but i dont seem to notice it. The graphics are cool too. The only thing that would be better is the new faces that let you download images, but other than that, its a great HU.

Strengths:
Sound shaping controls are great, nice faceplate, good graphics, good button feel, great overall unit, fits the eXcelon standard...

Weaknesses:
nothing major that i can think of...

Similar Products Used:
factory

Price Paid:  $230.00 from Speed of Sound, Pitt

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 KDC-X469

Summary:
This is definately an excellent choice if you're looking to expand later. The three sets of preamp outputs (front, rear and nonfading/sub) make amplifier install a breeze. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, though it takes a little bit of getting used to. It comes equipped with Sirius satellite radio controls. I bought the service, which at $380 total wasn't cheap, and have never looked back. It's certainly worth it. But by far the best feature is the System Q parametric equalizer. While it is pretty complicated, it comes with a few presets. If you dare to customize it, be prepared to get exactly what kind of sound you're looking for. All in all, a very strong choice.

Strengths:
Ease of use Expandibility Sound-shaping

Weaknesses:
It feels like you're going to break the faceplate when you snap it back in place (but you don't)

Similar Products Used:
KDC-X569 Saab factory radio (pretty good for being OEM)