Best Kenwood Car Stereo Revealed in 2024 – Great Sound Without Compromising

So which one is the best Kenwood car stereo?

Kenwood has been around for a long time. Kenwood has many great double din head units for all budgets. With that in mind, how do you know which one is the right one for you?

I’ve written this article to help you figure this out. Plus, I’ve included a buyer’s guide.

I know of many people who live and die for this brand. I mean, people who have been fans for 13 years. They only use Kenwood. These car stereos are packed with features at a great price. By choosing them, you get a little extra in the sound department.

But, this best Kenwood double din head unit article is different. Others are listing a bunch of car stereos with many “honorable” mentions. My method goes like this: I have picked the best unit in a specific category. If you like what you see here, you can consider it. I promise you that I won’t overwhelm you with 20+ options and some extras.

Let’s see which stereos managed to get into the tops spots.

Are you ready?

Kenwood DDX9904S – Best Kenwood Car Stereo

Kenwood Excelon DDX9904S

By far, the best Kenwood Car Stereo is the DDX9904S. The results speak for themselves.

Did you change your speakers?

That is what my friend asked when I picked him up. He hadn’t even seen the head unit; he just heard that something was different.

To tell you the truth, I still have my old factory speakers. You see, the DDX9904S has a built-in amp, and if you configure the Equalizer, you will get that extra oomph. That is what my buddy heard.

I consider it the best Kenwood stereo because it has all the bells whistles you need. Best of all, it doesn’t have any useless features or apps. It features free GPS and many music streaming apps.

It has built-in Bluetooth, so you can use your phone to make hands-free calls. You can also take calls and have messages read to you. Plus, you can reply to them. All this can be done without even looking at your phone.

As a secondary prize, the DDX9904S gets the best Kenwood CD player award. With this stereo, you can listen to CDs/DVDs, along with HD radio, which is CD quality.

Now, this unit isn’t without its flaws. A remote and an SD slot would’ve been nice. For some cars, it’s difficult to install. We shouldn’t forget about the annoying warning messages that appear at every startup.

The last negative aspect that has to be mentioned is that it takes time for the music to start.

All in all, it is a well-rounded double DIN unit. With its 6.95 inch display, you can look at the screen without squinting. Both the background and back lighting can be customized to your liking. And don’t forget about the graphical Equalizer, which will give your speakers more depth. Here is the output info: 6-channel preamp outputs (5-volt front, rear, sub).

For all the reasons above, I’ve chosen the DDX9904S as the #1 Best Rated Kenwood Car Stereo.

Pros
  • It makes it feel as if your car were brand new.
  • It has everything you need: BT, GPS, DVD, and the radio.
  • It comes with a two-year warranty.
Cons
  • No remote or Micro SD option.
  • Warning message on, even when you are in reverse.

 

Kenwood DDX9704S – Best Kenwood Double DIN

Best Kenwood Car Stereo in 2024 1

Should you buy a new car or invest in a new stereo instead?

Since most customers won’t impulsively buy a car, a safe bet would be a stereo. I’ve chosen the DDX9704S as the Best Kenwood Double DIN unit.

It has everything you need to take your car to the 21st century. The most important features that a digital receiver should have are GPS, CD/DVD, built-in Bluetooth, and music apps. All this and more are included when you install the DDX9704S unit.

With all that, I almost forgot to mention that with this head unit, you have two video inputs. This means you can connect a rearview camera and Dashcam as well. We all know how important it is to have one these days.

What I personally like about the DDX9704S is that everything is customizable. You don’t like the background lighting? Fine, you can change it! There are so many options to choose from.

You can also rearrange the icons and change the background color.

The GPS is free if you choose to use Google. Once in a while, you have to update the maps, and you’re good to go. Now, you are saving money by not going to the dealership.

But sadly, it’s not the perfect stereo. The DDX9704S does have some flaws, some of which are deal-breakers. The biggest issue is that it takes a while for the music to start. Also, there’s an issue with iPhones. The touchscreen doesn’t display the caller ID, only the phone number. A few people also complained about there being glare at certain angles. Luckily, this might get fixed by tilting the angle.

Although, my main takeaway from this unit was the touchscreen. It is as responsive as a smartphone — no more numb fingers from pressing hard.

I have chosen the DDX9704S as the Best Kenwood Double DIN stereo. With its 6.9-inch-wide screen, you can easily see the map and necessary info. It has flaws that might work for you or not. At least, you know about them. Here is the output info: 6-channel preamp outputs (5-volt front, rear, sub).

Pros
  • It is stacked with many gadgets and apps.
  • You have a great selection of music, including USB, CD/DVD, radio FM/AM, online radio, and music apps.
  • It has two camera inputs: a Dashcam and a backup camera.
Cons
  • It takes a while to boot up.
  • It’s harder to see the screen when the sun is shining.

Kenwood DDX9705S – Best Kenwood Radio

Kenwood DDX9705 Double DIN DVD Receiver with Bluetooth DDX9705S

Can Kenwood beat a factory stereo?

If I were a betting man, I would double down on Kenwood. These head units have a built-in amp. They can bring out extra performance, even compared to factory speakers.

Why did I pick the Kenwood DDX9705S as the Best Kenwood Radio?

Because any serious radio listener will love these features. First of all, the DDX9705S head unit comes with built-in HD radio. Thus, you can enjoy your favorite station in CD quality.

It also has built-in Wi-Fi, so connecting your phone is effortless. With your smartphone, you can access any music app or radio station. But that’s not all! This unit comes with SiriusXM Ready.

It has the best built-in Bluetooth among the whole family, which means you can easily drive and talk without even looking at your phone. Plus, you can connect up to five phones to this digital receiver.

Although it’s not the cheapest stereo, I believe it’s worth every penny.

However, as you know, there’s no such thing as a perfect device. So, here are some negatives about the DDX9705S. If you are hooking it up alone, get ready to deal with “miles of wires.” SoundCloud doesn’t work with Android (no plans to fix this in the future). Plus, the menu will be overwhelming at first. So, take it one step at a time.

With this unit, you can customize both the background and backlight. Here is the output info: 6-channel preamp outputs (5-volt front, rear, sub).

All in all, it’s a great stereo. With this unit, you will get access to any radio station that you like through the internet-only radio. That is why I picked the DDX9705S as the best Kenwood radio.

Pros
  • Finally, a W-Fi-enabled device!
  • No more map updates; just use Google.
  • Best built-in Bluetooth sound you have ever heard.
Cons
  • The menu might be overwhelming.
  • They should invest in better screens, like Samsung.

Kenwood DMX7706S – Best Kenwood Head Unit

Kenwood DMX7706S head unit

As a parent, can I trust Kenwood to keep my kids safe?

When letting kids drive, safety comes first. We all know that they are constantly on the phone. It doesn’t matter if they are driving. Thanks to the hands-free tech, they are safer.

I’ve chosen the DMX7706S as the best Kenwood head unit.

Besides keeping you safe with hands-free calling, it also has other features. The first surprising thing that you will notice is the missing CD player. I know it’s old and reliable tech. It had to go. Your only option is a pen drive.

Look at the bright side; many CDs will fit on one USB drive. Plus, the unit is lighter and easy to install.

It can play any music file. And you can customize the coloring and the feeling. Words of caution do make sure that the background is not similar to the font color. You can’t change the font color, so you won’t be able to see the text.

Now, this unit has some drawbacks, as well. First of all, there is no HD radio. The screen stays bright even if you dimmed it to the lowest. If the sun hits it at the right angle, it will have a strong reflection.

As you probably guessed, this is a double DIN unit. If you have just a single DIN, then you need to look in that category.

Why I’ve chosen this as the best Kenwood Head Unit?

For two reasons, it has landed on this list. First of all, it has a strong built-in Bluetooth connection. And secondly, Siri Eye keeps my kids safe.

All stereos have flaws, and for those who are a deal-breaker, you can always pick a different one.

Pros
  • Finally a fast startup Kenwood stereo head unit
  • It gives extra oomph to factory speakers
  • You can listen to any type of music format
Cons
  • You can’t listen to HD radio
  • Complicated install for Android Auto

Want to take a look at other top-rated brands double din units too? Check out the best double din head unit for sound quality.

Kenwood DMX7705S – Best Kenwood Receiver

Kenwood DMX7705S Car Stereo Double Din Radio with Apple CarPlay Android Auto Bluetooth, 6.9"

Out with the old in with the new?

With this receiver, Kenwood has eliminated the CD/DVD player. Still, other inputs are supported. FM/AM radio works. The stereo can play any music file. Through built-in Bluetooth connection, you can listen/watch YouTube.

By simply replacing your old stereo, you will significantly improve sound quality. Best of all, you don’t need to get an amp and change your stock stereo. Kenwood head unit products have a built-in amp, which produces amazing sound.

I’ve chosen the DMX7705S as the best Kenwood receiver because of all these reasons.

It’s easy to navigate the receiver because the menus are ultra-responsive. It’s an excellent choice for phone calls because BT is rock solid.

Android Auto wireless is only possible with ultra-high stereos. Plus, it only accepts a few phones. I would suggest you wait.

The radio works great. Since it doesn’t have a CD/DVD player, it’s easier to install.

What I have always loved about these Kenwood products is that you can customize them. Maybe you are fed up with the blue backlight? Hit a few buttons, and it will be changed.

The menu is comprehensive, as in good that it has so many options, but it takes time to master it.

This won’t be a true review if I don’t tell you about the negatives. This receiver can’t be tilted. So if the sun shines exactly right, there’s glare.

There’s no HD radio. Still, the traditional one works fine. Something odd that I’ve noticed is with iPhones. If it’s connected to Apple Carplay, it uses the phone’s CPU.

This DMX7705S receiver is a good stereo to have. It has some flaws. I believe the benefits outweigh all the drawbacks it might have.

Pros
  • USB ports charge your device
  • You can customize the colors to your liking
  • Graphical EQ is fun to configure
  • You can play Youtube on this unit
Cons
  • Tilting is not possible so in bright sunlight it’s hard to see
  • It takes 2 hours to install
  • The touchscreen is a bit slow

Best Kenwood Double DIN Conclusions

I’m about to conclude this best Kenwood stereo guide. As you can see, you can choose by category which Kenwood product will fit you best.

I intentionally didn’t add multiple units in the same category. The more products I add, the bigger the confusion. I value clarity above else.

Now, if you’re interested in other best of the best product reviews, hit me up. I would love to hear what kind of ideas you have. Thanks for reaching the end of the highest-rated Kenwood double din article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best Kenwood head unit with a navigation system?

The Kenwood DDX9904S would be my choice. It’s a high-quality double-DIN receiver with a navigation system and features. It offers the same quality as other receivers that cost double the price. It’s also equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity.

What is the best Kenwood double din head unit?

The Kenwood DDX9704S is the best Kenwood double DIN head unit. It’s a high-quality receiver with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. If you’re looking for a head unit that will last you a long time, the DDX9704S is one of the best.

Is Kenwood a good brand?

Kenwood is one of the leading brands in the car audio industry. The company makes several types of car stereos and other related accessories. It offers extreme value for money, as it’s one of the best budget brands on the market today. Take a look at the best Kenwood subwoofers for more Kenwood products.

Kenwood is also a pioneer in Bluetooth connectivity which has become the standard for newer models.

Are Kenwood radios good?

Kenwood has been making car stereos for decades, so you can rest assured their products are of the best quality. Kenwood Excelon line is certainly their best, and you won’t find a better Kenwood car stereo anywhere.

The Kenwood DDX9904S is one example and is considered by many as the best double DIN head unit money can buy.

Is Kenwood a good car stereo brand?

Ask anybody who has one if they would upgrade which brand they will choose. Most of them will pick something from the Kenwood brand.

What brand is car stereo best?

If you are looking for a double DIN car stereo, then the Kenwood DDX9904S will be the best choice.

What’s the best head unit for sound quality?

Kenwood head units are known to have the best sound quality. One of the best choices would be the Kenwood DDX9904S digital media receiver.

Which one of the above mentioned satellite radio Kenwood car stereos is single DIN?

There are no single DIN satellite radio Kenwood car stereos on this list. But I have made a best of the best single DIN list in another post.

Where is the USB port located on these Kenwood satellite radio digital media receivers?

With these Kenwood satellite radio digital media receivers it’s located in the back. It means it’s a rear USB port. To get easy access to the rear USB you need to get a USB cable and this is usally sold separately.

Can I do hands-free calling with the Kenwood satellite radio digital media receiver?

Yes you can do hands-free calling with the Kenwood satellite radio digital media receiver

Do I have satellite radio with the Kenwood digital media receiver head units?

Most of the Kenwood digital media receivers are SiriusXM ready so you can enjoy satellite radio. To get access to digital media you will need to buy a sattelite radio tuner. This unit is sold separately.

Is there a remote control for these Kenwood head units?

There are some digital media receiver that offer remote control option. But most of them you have to buy them separately.

What is the best kenwood double din car stereo?

The Kenwood DDX9904S is the best double DIN car stereo. It is a high quality receiver with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. If you are looking for a head unit that will last you a long time, the DDX9704S is one of the best.

Which is the best kenwood excelon double din?

The Kenwood Excelon DDX9904 is the best double DIN car stereo. It has a large 9″ display, built-in navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

Are kenwood stereos good?

Yes, Kenwood stereos are good. Kenwood is one of the leading brands in the car audio industry and offers extreme value for money. The company makes several types of car stereos and other related accessories. When it comes to car stereos, kenwood is a brand that has long been synonymous with quality. Their units are known for their great sound, and their ability to stream music from both android and apple devices. Today, we’re going to take a look at the best kenwood stereos on the market. We’ll be considering factors like audio quality, ease of use, and compatibility with both android and apple devices. So, whether you’re looking for the best sound quality or the easiest way to stream music, there’s a kenwood stereo that’s perfect for you.

Which is the best kenwood cd player?

The Kenwood Excelon DDX9904 is the best Kenwood CD player. If you are looking for a quality product that will not disappoint, then this is the player for you. It has great features and produces excellent sound quality.

Is kenwood a good brand for car stereos?

Yes, Kenwood is a good brand for car stereos. The company has been making car stereos for decades and offers high quality products. Kenwood’s Excelon line is their best. Kenwood car stereos are some of the best on the market, and for good reason. They offer impressive sound quality, making them ideal for anyone who wants to play music in their car. The superior sound quality is one of the main reasons why Kenwood stereos are so popular. In addition to offering excellent sound quality, Kenwood stereos also feature a variety of other features that make them stand out from the competition. For example, many Kenwood stereos come with built-in Bluetooth, making it easy to play music from your phone or other devices. Kenwood stereos also often come with built-in GPS, so you can easily find your way to your destination. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line stereo system for your car, Kenwood is a great option to consider.

Which kenwood touch screen radio (kenwood car radio) is a good choice?

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line touch screen radio, the Kenwood DNX994S is our pick for the best overall. This multimedia receiver has a 6.8-inch display and provides support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your favorite apps while on the go. In addition, the DNX994S features built-in amplifiers and a Spotify app control, making it easy to stream your music. The integration with Pandora is also top-notch, allowing you to create custom stations based on your favorite artists or songs. Overall, the Kenwood DNX994S offers an excellent experience for anyone looking for a high-end touch screen radio.

Are kenwood car radios worth it?

Kenwood car radios are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. They offer a wide range of features, including color illumination, touchscreen displays, and locations-based technology. Most importantly, they’re designed to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. That’s why Kenwood car radios are a great investment for any vehicle. With so many features and benefits, it’s easy to see why Kenwood car radios are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to stay connected while on the road.

Is kenwood a good stereo brand?

Kenwood is a good stereo brand that offers a variety of models to choose from. Their stereos range from basic to advanced, and they have something for everyone. Kenwood stereos are easy to install, and they offer many features such as iPod and USB connectivity, aux input, pandora and siriusxm satellite radio, CD player, display, and touch screen. They also have a wide variety of installation options so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Kenwood stereos are a great choice for anyone looking for a new stereo.

Which is better kenwood or pioneer?

Both Kenwood and Pioneer are well-respected brands in the world of car audio, and each has its own unique strengths. Kenwood is known for its innovative features and cutting-edge design, while Pioneer is renowned for its superior sound quality. So which one is the best? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line system with all the bells and whistles, Kenwood is probably the better choice. However, if you’re more concerned with audio quality than flashy features, Pioneer is definitely the way to go. Whichever brand you choose, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality car audio system.

What are some of the best models of Kenwood car stereo?

The Kenwood Excelon DDX9907XR 6.8-inch DVD Receiver is one of their top rated models, as well as the KDC-BT378U CD receiver with Bluetooth. Other popular models include the DNX996XR navigation system, X303M digital media receiver and KMM-BT318U digital multimedia receiver.

Does Kenwood provide good sound quality?

Yes, Kenwood provides excellent audio quality from its speakers and receivers due to its wide range of features including preamp outputs for external amplifiers and built-in digital signal processing for enhanced sound reproduction. The brand also offers a variety of product lines such as their Excelon series which guarantees superior performance with great power handling capabilities for maximum volume output.

What is a double din touch screen car stereo?

A double din touch screen car stereo is an in-dash stereo system that comes equipped with two slots that measure 4 inches tall by 8 inches wide (or “”double din””) allowing larger displays than single din receivers. It features both a touchscreen display and buttons on the faceplate to control various functions like radio tuning, CD playback or USB/Bluetooth connectivity. This type of system also allows you to access your favorite apps directly from the display while providing an all-round entertainment experience.

Are all Kenwood car stereos bluetooth compatible?

No, not all Kenwood car stereos are bluetooth compatible but most are nowadays and many offer additional features such as hands free calling or audio streaming via Bluetooth connection. You can check specific model details on their website or contact them for further information about specific products.

How does a Kenwood car audio system work?

A Kenwood car audio system consists of a head unit, amplifiers, and speakers. The head unit is the main control panel that functions as an interface between the user and the sound components. It allows you to adjust settings such as volume, balance, EQ (equalizer), Bass Boost/Cutoff frequency adjustment etc., to customize your listening experience. The amplifiers provide additional power to drive the speakers and ensure greater output which in turn enhances sound quality. Lastly, the speakers convert electrical signals into audible sounds that can be heard inside the car cabin.

Is Pioneer better than Kenwood?

When it comes to car audio systems both brands have many similarities in terms of features and sound quality; it all depends on what you’re looking for in terms of budget and performance. For example, both brands offer products with Bluetooth integration allowing for hands-free calling/streaming of music from smartphones/other devices; however Pioneer may be slightly ahead when it comes to higher end options like Apple Carplay & Android Auto compatibility depending on specific models chosen from each brand respectively.

What is a Kenwood Car Audio System?

A Kenwood car audio system is an automotive sound system made by the electronics company Kenwood. It typically includes components such as amplifiers, speakers, stereo receivers and other components that are designed to deliver high-quality audio experiences in vehicles.

How Does a Kenwood Audio System Enhance Your Listening Experience?

A Kenwood audio system can enhance your listening experience by providing powerful sound quality with crystal clear highs and deep bass tones. It also offers advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, digital media streaming and customizable equalizer settings for further customization of your individual listening preferences.

What Are Some of the Best Car Stereos Available from Kenwood?

Kenwood offers a wide variety of car stereos ranging from single din units to double din units featuring touch screens, navigation systems and built-in amplifiers. Some of the best car stereos available from Kenwood include their KMM-BT322U double din unit with Bluetooth connectivity and their KDC-X303 single din head unit with enhanced Apple CarPlay compatibility.

What Is the Difference Between Pioneer vs Kenwood Audio Systems?

Pioneer is another leading manufacturer of aftermarket car audio products but there are some key differences between Pioneer vs Kenwood audio systems when it comes to sound quality. Generally speaking, Pioneer tends to offer better sounding speakers due to their use of balanced drive technology which provides superior power handling capabilities than those found in many other brands including Kenwood’s line up of speakers. However, when it comes to features like digital media streaming or EQ customization options, both brands offer comparable levels at similar price points making either choice a great option depending on what features you’ll need most for your vehicle setup.

Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Danny Reid

Hey, I'm Danny, and I know how hard it can be to find the perfect audio gear. Need a new stereo, amp, speakers, or subs? Don't worry – my blog is here to help you cut through the noise! My mission is to give you the best reviews, so you can make the right decision for your audio needs. And if you ever get stuck thinking, "Where does this blue wire go?" don't worry – I've got tons of cool tips to help you out of any jam. So come along with me on this fun, sound-filled adventure, and let's find the perfect audio setup to make your tunes really sing!