Kenwood KDC-8015

Price Paid:  $275.00

Strengths:
I like the retractable face mechanism. At first, i was reluctant, because where i live (Montreal, Quebec) it gets quite cold in winter, and i was wondering if the retractable face mechanism would work fine when it's minus 20 celsius outside. Well, it does work perfectlly.

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
It has good sound, at first I found that the abscence of knob control would not be good, but i got used to it: you can turn of the volume rapidly, and you can even push a button that mutes the sound.
If you're worried about it skipping (I read the other review): don't be worried at all. I've had it for more than 6 months, and it skipped 2 times, and i listen mostly to cds... And, another reasssuring fact: our roads here are not in good condition, lots of holes, still, it never skipped. In fact, it doesn't skip more than the cd player i have home, which will skip about one or two times a year for half a second.
There are lots of sound settings you can configure, and you can upgrade your system gradually to a really good one. This head unit is a good start to get a good system. The pre-out is 4.5 V which is much better quality than most unit if you want to add an amp.

Similar Products Used:
Clarion, but a much cheaper model.

Price Paid:  $300.00

Strengths:
Good sound

Weaknesses:
It skips,skips and skips

Summary:
I hate this product because it skips every time and at any place. At first I thought that it was very good with cool features, but then it started skipping and skipping, and I had to throw it away, I really do not know a lot of these kind of things, but this one really sucks. I think that nobody should buy this product unless you want to waste your money.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood kdc-s715 it is very similar

Strengths:
Great features. A true hi-end product.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Summary:
I paid $250 for this receiver, and I'm very happy with my choice. I like the understated styling, especially compared to a lot of the other brands which look like an amusement park on the Fourth of July. I use the uit's pwer to run my front speakers, and have the rears separately amped, and there's plenty of power for the fronts. The FM reception is fine, and I haven't had one CD skip on me yet. Kenwood has a winner with this receiver!

Similar Products Used:
Honda factory radio, Clarion