Just finished the install with this unit and the external Sirius tuner a couple weeks back. I haven't set up the Sirius account yet but let me give a bit of a long review on this unit. The sound stage: Consists of a set of JL VR650CSi (6.5" components) and extra JL 6.5" midbass drivers in a custom kick panel enclosure. I've yanked the stock 6x9's from the back and left the hole as dead space (I've since replaced the speakers, more in the review). The sub is a Rockford Fosgate P3 12" DVC in a custom built sealed box (to be replaced with W6v2 when I get the chance). Amps driving the system are JL 300/4 and 500/1 slash amps. The unit: The navigation on this head unit is superb. The single operation navigation through the "volume" knob is different from previous years Excelon units, so it took some time to really get used to. Previously I had one of the first Kenwood head units to support MP3 audio, it's death was tied to the D-Mask design. This unit overcomes the problems with the D-Mask by just using detachable face security only. When testing audio stage on the default settings, I had to turn the sub box a complete 180 for the sound to feel right with the test disc. Later (after reading up on the manual) I found I could bypass this using the digital time alignment. This is when I put my Clarion ProAudio SR6985 6x9s back in for some testing. I muddled around and dropped the gain on the rear deck still giving a good front stage fill and then changing the time alignment made them sound non-existant (Perfect!). I thought this was the end of the end, but I was wrong. Playing around some more, I turned off the internal amplifier (runs almost cold to the touch after 1 hour of operation) and set the Sound Management System up according to specifications. The front components churned out even better quality sound than previous default setup. The rear fill didn't sound like it was there, but when changing to the back seat, you could hear them if you put your ear close, but the front components were still the primary source (the way it should be). The final tweakings were not even needed (adjusting the lows middles and highs). The sound quality improvement from the previous Kenwood head unit is absolutely fantastic, it is almost like going from stock to aftermarket the quality gap is so big. There are tons of other features on this head unit that I doubt I'll ever use, (the G-Meter?) but at least they are there if ever needed. Downloadable images, motorized face with angle variations for viewing, dual zone audio, Bass Management System, remote... tons. For the price, this is one of the best head units I've ever purchased. Loaded to the gills with features and amazing quality to boot. I liked this unit so much, I bought a second one for my wife's car just so I wouldn't be without when I'm driving hers.
BOMB DECK, the thinkgs this can do is amazing, the Sound quality is outstanding.The display is also incredible, one of the coolest parts is the G-Force meter. Worth every penny.
PROS:Beautiful sound, clear , clean, effortless. Fairly user friendly. Good looking unit made of quality materials and has nice backlights. CONS: use manual is really bad. Flourescent lit faceplate is a little hard to read in bright sunlight.
The clean sound that this head unit give is phenomenal! Boy does Kenwood make the cleanest sounding car stereos! I had it hooked up with all monster cables to two Kenwood Excelon amps, the sound is incredibly loud and clean (speakers are 5 X 7 type R's). I am extremely happy with this stereo.
I replaced this deck with the kdc-mp828 model, and it is virtually the same thing. Same menu, featuers, graphics, and everything. Everyone is right when they say this head unit puts out clean sound. There are so many tweeking adjustments that can be made to your speakers and subs, you could spend the better part of a day adjusting it your listening style. Considering eXcelon is the best line kenwood makes and is very cost effective, it flat out cannot be beaten!
I have owned many other decks in the past 13 years. Nothing compares to the spound quality. ive owned jvc, sony, alpine, clarion, pioneer, and kenwood, nothing. after a couple of weeks playing around with controls will be a snap. Only down side is view in the sunlight is hard to see. Buy it!
I have this head unit and it is incredible. I have an SUV. I have 2 6"component excelons in the front doors. The ones that come with the seperate tweeters. Excelon 6"X 9"s in the rear. My pathfinder came with those. I have 1 Orion 12"sub, which I'm pushing with a 500 watt Orion or {Direct Audio}amp. And I have a 4 channel 200x4 regular Kenwood amp on the doors and rears. Not an expensive system at all. Around 1400.00 The sound that thing puts out is amazing. Its all due to this head unit. I had a Pioneer in it with the same components before and there is absolutely no comparison. I only paid like 450.00 for the deck and that was when it just hit the shelves. I'm not a big rap fan but let me tell you That Direct Audio by Orion sub and amp hit great! Especially for what I have in the sub and amp. Like 350.00 maybe less. I mean it's no competition sub by any means, but it sounds incredible with any music. Ive considered buying another sub and amp but I just haven't had a reason too yet. I've heard a ton of stereo's and as far as sound quality goes, not volume, I'm not jealous of any of them. The only problem is that you have complete control over every setting on the thing, so unless you are Extremely good at tuning a very technical head unit, let a pro do it.
