Kenwood KDC-PS909

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo

Summary:
I paid $450 at Circuit city when the unit first came out. I needed a stealth unit and the rotating faceplate was the only one of it's kind at the time. JVC and others have since imitated the idea, if not the way it is implemented. I'd highly recommend this head unit or it's successor to anyone looking for a good starting point for a competition system.

Strengths:
The 105 dB signal to noise ratio is outstanding, and was only equaled by the Sony ES series head unit at a substantially higher price. The non fading pre-amp outputs are perfect in that they allow you to adjust your bass level independently of the other channels.

Weaknesses:
When you change Cd's, it plays the radio, but when the new CD goes in, it switches automatically to CD operation, cutting off the song you were listening to on the radio. Only Bass and Treble is adjustable from the head.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer Premier AM/FM Cassette. The sound Quality on the Kenwood is FAR superior to the Pioneer unit. The Pioneer had adjustable Midrange in the tone section which was nice. The Kenwood also works flawlessly with the Kenwood 6 disc CD changer, aloowing disc naming up to 100 CD's and scrolling the names across the display.

Summary:
I paid $399 a little over a year ago from Crutchfield. Originally, I had the first of the PS series, the 900. It developed a cold weather skipping problem (in MI). Crutchfield had the 909 so cheap I couldnt pass it up.

Whats that last reviewer smoking? No pro line from Kenwood for 2000? They came out with the 911 in 99 and 915 is out now. That 919 that plays MP3s off CD-rs might be my next buy, but it only has 1.5v outputs. Whats that all about? And a 105 dB s/n ratio. A CD player with a 105 s/n is being held back pretty bad with 1.5v outputs.

for those that dont tink a remote is necessary in a car, you are very wrong. Once you learn the buttons on the remote, you can drive and change stations and whatever else without taking your eyes off the road. You also dont have to look for the button on the receiver and then lean over to hit it. VERY CONVENIENT AND SAFE! It also saves you from the cops since you can act all cool and turn off your sound when the cop looks at you. He never sees you reach to turn the radio down, so they seem to think it wasnt you with the loud sound.


Since this receiver has been a solid performer with no problems and the price was right, its getting 5 stars.

Strengths:
Great Display
3 Pre-outs
Remote (this is great!)
Speed of track changes

Weaknesses:
No standby mode-either CD/tuner is on or face is revolved. My PS900 had a cool stand by mode that flashed Kenwood across the screen

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood PS900

Summary:
Kenwood's excelon line of car audio goes the way of many great brand names that just had no backing. For 2000 there will be no pro line for Kenwood, and for this I feel a great deal of regret. However, regret aside, I am fortunate enough to give a review on the centerpiece of the car audio experience.....the Kenwood PS909.
Created with the audiophile in mind, Kenwood took a cost no objective approach to creating this head-unit. The first comment of non-audiophiles (After they get over the revolving faceplate) is "Hey, look at that stupid thing, it has no amp in it." Correct they are but for good reason. An internal amp carries a large current of electricity at all times. This current can cause a considerable amount of interference if pushed to it's limits. Coincedently, this problem is a big part of the problem with the step down PS809 CD Receiver. Sound quality is ideal when the power is external. Serious audiophiles never use internal amps anyways.

Sound quality is incredible and has received acclaimation from many magazine around the world. With 3 gold-plated preouts (Front, rear, and non-fading), external hookup is a snap. Also of note to the pros, the 909 has the ability to go from it's standard 4 Volt current to an astounding 8 Volt current, You lose the ability to balance, however, but this is not important in competition systems. No equalizers, no fancy gadgets to corrupt the pure sound with the exception of the DRIVE circuitry. DRIVE is essentially a filter which takes out digital distortion on your CDs to create a perfect listening environment. Mentionned earlier was the MASK anti-theft faceplate with security code features. This original idea has changed the way we protect our investment. (Many manufacturers are following suit now like the JVC Chameleon) This unit has the ability to handle a CD and/or MD changer while maintaining perfect distortion free listening.(As long as the changer isn't a cheapie)

The PS909 has a reputation with audiophiles as a competent no frills masterpiece that solves any and all listening needs. For anyone who isn't a audio freak, this deck is still worth the money for it's smooth and near perfect reproduction of any music.