Lack of features on kenwood decks?

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:05 pm

Is it just me, or does practicly every model of the mid-higher current kenwood decks seem to offer the same features, but only a bit more flash for the more expensive models. From looking at the KDC-MP538u, to the KDC-BT838U, they both have similar features... The 8 series has a 3band eq just like 5 series.. I dont understand it. Whats up with this? I still am trying to make up my mind on decks, but stuff like this doesnt make it easy.. Maybe I am just spoiled by all the features you get in a pioneer deck for the same price... Any kenwood lovers want to chime in? I want something different than pioneer this time around, but I may end up going back..

Post by **Bfowler** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:13 pm

i did notice that the difference between the 5 and 7 is very little the cosmetics.

what features are you wanting?

i just put a x592 in my brothers car...and love it.

24bit burr browns, lp/hp crossovers, decent preouts

it does lack in the eq'ing...

KHPower · Post by **KHPower** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:11 pm

I started a thread on head units awhie back and got good raves about the Kenwood head units because they pack the best bang for the buck. I did notice that they do look similar and maybe it wouldnt be worht the extra dough for the cosmetics

Bfowler

My bro in law was interested in the new 592 so hopefully I will get a chance to play with that one

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:16 pm

I just want a decent looking, and nice sounding deck. I want the usb connection. I am wondering what the new 8 series has over the 7 and 6, because they all seem to lack in eq. I really like the look of the BT838U. For under 200 on that, the 7 series, and the 6, it seems like a decent deal..

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:19 pm

I am keeping a budget in mind, so maybe more so the 7 series or below.. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KENWOOD-KDC-MP7 ... 286.c0.m14

KHPower · Post by **KHPower** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:20 pm

Mackenzie wrote:I am keeping a budget in mind, so maybe more so the 7 series or below.. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KENWOOD-KDC-MP7 ... 286.c0.m14

That thing is loaded! If its the USb you want there ya go! for 150.00 shipped? heck , if you dont like it Ill buy it from you

Post by **Bfowler** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:55 am

yeah if thats all you want..these decks are perfect!

don't forget the have a excelon line with a longer warranty and different looks also (and slight menu changes iirc)

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:19 am

The Excelons also have the better d/a's and higher voltage.

But ya the main differences in the mid - upper end is the displays. That's why I say the 592 is the best bang for the buck. Unless you want color and full dot matrix or oel display then they are essentially the same.

Post by **Bfowler** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:20 am

nice^ i always thought that, but couldn't prove it!

teamradrz1 · Post by **teamradrz1** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:15 am

I just put a old stock excelon X791 in my Wife's Tahoe for $200 and I love it, has a USB extension cable that I mounted in the dash so I can plug in my 16GB Flash drive and lets you scroll on screen what you want to hear. pretty F'n cool in my book for the money and by contrast I have a 9800 series Pionner in my Z and I wish it had the USB connection.

Post by **Bfowler** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:20 am

^thats what deck i have also. love it.i have the usb port flush mounted in a dead pannel.

i use the sony micro usb drive (4 gig...but its 1" by 1/2" and about 2mm thin) painted it flat black..super incognito

teamradrz1 · Post by **teamradrz1** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:37 am

ah and the LPL mounted too nice.

KHPower · Post by **KHPower** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 11:20 am

Bfowler wrote:^thats what deck i have also. love it.i have the usb port flush mounted in a dead pannel.

i use the sony micro usb drive (4 gig...but its 1" by 1/2" and about 2mm thin) painted it flat black..super incognito

Thats is sweet! Is that the USb far right? or is your flash drive so stealth that I cannot see it

Post by **Bfowler** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 12:00 pm

yeah, thats just the bare port. i have since used a sharpie to color the usb port black which hides it even more.

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:56 pm

I just looked up the excelons on ebay, and the 692 can be had for the same price as the 592, so I think I will go with that. 130 shipped

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenwood-KDC-X692-AM ... 286.c0.m14

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:57 pm

I want a deck bad, as I have been listening to factory for quite some time now, but I dont want all those xenon 200.4s to dissapear, especially for that 250 dollar price tag, So I think I will get that first tonight, then get the deck next week.

dedlyjedly · Post by **dedlyjedly** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:30 am

the main difference with the kdc-bt838u that you mentioned mack is the bluetooth features, but as greg mentioned you're a lot better off with an excelon head unit. i've had great luck with all the excelons i've sold this year, but the menu/button layout isn't my favorite. especially the default source selection method. fortunately you can change that to scroll through the sources each time you press the SRC button as we've all grown acustomed to.

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:59 pm

fuck!! I ordered the wrong deck.. I ment to order the 592, and i ordered the 538 kenwood, not excelon model.. Should i try to cancel the order and get the 592 or what? is the 592 going to sound that much better than the 538? They are the same price..

Post by **Bfowler** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:01 pm

i would at least try. the 24bit DAC is a pretty handy feature... and the year of extra warrenty is nice.

if not, its not the end of the world. but they are the same price...its worth trying to cancel it

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:08 pm

I was able to cancel, for a small fee, and just ordered the 592.. 130 shipped.

Hope i like these decks as much as my old pioneers...

Post by **Bfowler** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:09 pm

130 shipped is BOMB

i think you will like it a lot!

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:08 pm

Well I got the deck in today, and wired it up, and I must say it sounds better than my old pioneer deck.. Highs are not harsh, it seems more laid back for sure.. Anyways I will say I am dissapointed in the lack of eq, which is fine, but no hp filter

?? My temporary amp until my xenon 200.4 gets here has no hp filter on it, so you can only imagine what my comps sound like with no hp filter when the volume gets loud

I cant judge it fully until I get my xenon, so that I have a hp filter, but I will say it does sound very nice. Clean display

Post by **VW337** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:11 pm

It has HP filter, read the manual it's in there.

dedlyjedly · Post by **dedlyjedly** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:58 pm

I ican play with one tomorrow mack to confirm, but it should be in one of two possible places. one place to check is the menu AFTER placing the head unit into STANDBY. the other spot that I think the hpf is at is if you push AND HOLD the volume knob. good luck

Mackenzie · Post by **Mackenzie** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:06 pm

Yep, you hold the knob in... I guess im still used to pioneer decks.. depsite the lack of eq, Im pleased with the deck.