Kenwood DMX706s Review 2024 – Is This Your Dream Head Unit?
UPDATE: The last time I checked this head unit was out of stock. The best alternative would be the Kenwood DDX376BT. If you want a stereo that has a fresher look, better sound quality, and an awesome display this is the winner you’ve been looking for.
Kenwood DDX376BT
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With a few hundred dollars you will have a modern car…
Let’s face it it’s not every year that we’re buying a new car. Thanks to the economy, most of us have to wait a lot to get a new one. But what if you can have today’s gadgets for less than the price of a new car?
It’s all possible if you get the right car stereo.
This is the reason why I’ve created the Kenwood DMX706S review.
Just imagine getting the latest features for a few hundred dollars. All this and more will be covered in the Kenwood review.
The built-in Bluetooth connection works fast without issues. You can use both iPhones and Android smartphones. This means that Apple Carplay and Android Auto will be available. Once you connect via the USB cable, you gain access to these apps.
Siri and Google assistants are there to serve you. Plus, it’s SiriusXM-ready. As you can see, it has everything you will need on the road.
You will find the pros/cons section at the end of the review. Read it to the end so you know what you’re getting and what compromise you will be making when you buy it.
Let’s get this Kenwood DMX706S review started.
Who is the Kenwood DMX706S for?
This Kenwood DMX706S is for those who want to enjoy excellent sound quality plus the ability to stream music.
Both major smartphone manufacturers are supported though you need to plug your phone in.
If you’re safety-conscious, then you can mount two cameras plus use the hands-free calling option.
What can the Kenwood DMX706S do for you?
With this double DIN Kenwood stereo, you get the latest tech. The built-in Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to have hands-free calling with ease. This is the safest way to drive and talk on the phone. I mean, it’s distracting, but at least you’re keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Ever since I heard about hands-free calling, I fell in love with it. Plus, my kids who are addicted to phones are using hands-free controls.
As I mentioned earlier, Kenwood is known for having great sound quality. The Kenwood DMX706S doesn’t disappoint either. It delivers the music superbly.
Now when it comes to music, you can enjoy standard AM/FM radio. Plus, there’s the USB input where you can plug a pen drive and listen to all your favorite songs. Now the USB is rear input, so you need to run a USB cable to get access to it.
If you don’t want the hassle of carrying around flash drives, you can do audio streaming thanks to Spotify and Pandora. All you need to do is connect your phone, and you’re ready to stream. Both Apple Carplay and Android Auto are there for you.
This head unit comes with two camera inputs. You can mount a backup camera and a dash cam for safer driving. If you have a van or a truck, it’s an absolute must.
What I particularly like about this deck is that when I put it in reverse, the backup camera comes on instantly. There’s no lag whatsoever.
Last but not least, I want to mention the resistive touch screen. The screen size is a 6.95” WVGA display and it’s resistive. It has its drawbacks, which I cover in the next chapter.
- Apple CarPlay is a safer way to use your iPhone in the car. Simply talk to Siri or touch the receiver's display to get directions from Apple Maps, make phone calls, listen to voicemail, send and receive texts, and listen to music, all in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road. With the latest iOS version (iOS 12.0 and higher), 3rd party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are also supported.
- Android Auto was designed with safety in mind, helping you to minimize distractions and stay focused on the road. KENWOOD's multimedia receivers combine an intuitive voice controlled interface with a large touch screen and superior sound quality, making it the perfect complement for your in-car life. With the latest ANDROID OS version (PIE and higher), Google Maps and Waze are also supported.
- Up to 5 Bluetooth devices can be connected to the receiver at the same time, allowing you to take turns streaming music with your friends and family.
Kenwood DMX706S shortcomings
The Kenwood DMX706S has some flaws. Let’s see if they are a deal-breaker for you.
First of all, the display is based on resistive tech. The newest generations of touchscreens all use resistive, thus are faster and more accurate. With the resistive display, you will experience lag, and also you will have to hold your fingers longer than usual.
Did I mention that the screen resistivity is bad? Yes, you will be pressing and holding for a while until the deck decides to take action.
Since we’re talking about the screen, I can’t miss this issue. Every time you start the car, there will be a warning message popping up for responsible driving. Ok, I got it after the first 100 times. Sadly there’s no way around it. You either wait for 10s to go away or you OK it down.
They seriously dropped the ball with the install guide. It’s useless. If you’re going with the DIY approach, YouTube will be your best friend. There are better tutorials on the internet that will get you going.
For some reason, there are missing features such as the HDMI connector. Plus, there’s no HD radio support. And you won’t be getting a remote either. But the good news is that you can buy compatible remotes. There are none included in the package and are sold separately.
Now, these were the main issues with this Kenwood Excelon digital media receiver. Are you still with me?
Similar: What Is the Best Kenwood Car Stereo? Buyer’s Guide Included
How To Get The Most Out Of Kenwood DMX706S?
The first thing to do when you get this head unit is to get it installed. I personally always go for a pro. It saves me valuable time.
The next thing to do is to get an additional device if you want to keep your steering wheel controls. Both Metra Axxess and iDatalink Maestro will do the job perfectly. These devices will help you keep your steering wheel controls and make hands-free calling a breeze.
What you need to do is that they are not included in the package, and they are sold separately.
The Kenwood DMX706S digital receiver comes with two camera inputs. Put it to good use and install a dash cam and a backup camera as well. I learned this the hard way. With the rearview camera, I can park faster and in tighter spaces than before.
Now for all those who want that crystal perfect sound play around with the 13-band graphic equalizer (graphic EQ). Plus it comes with Drive EQ and digital signal processing. It takes some time to get that perfect pitch, and it’s all too worth it. The built-in amplifier delivers the power output of 50W X 4 Channels.
Here’s the bird’s eye view of this digital media receiver head unit.
- The sound quality is excellent without a speaker upgrade
- The backup camera turns on instantly you don’t have to wait
- It’s a solid unit for the money
- Warning message lingers for 10s or more
- The display is not that responsive there’s a lag
Kenwood DMX706S Review Conclusion
All in all, it’s a solid unit for the money. It has a few drawbacks, which is a deal-breaker for some. And if you look at the benefits, they outweigh them. The audio experience is superb thanks to the great built-in Bluetooth.
We have reached the end of my Kenwood DMX706S review.
I hope this post made it clear that this stereo is the right fit for you.
Do share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, if you want me to review different stereos, let me know.
Catch you next time.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the power output of the Kenwood Excelon dmx706s digital media receiver?
The power output of the Kenwood Excelon dmx706s digital media receiver is 50W x 4 channels.
How big is the touch screen of this digital media receiver?
The Kenwood Excelon dmx706s comes with a 6.95″ WVGA touchscreen display.
What are the most common files that this head unit can play?
Since it’s kinda universal all the most common files such as MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC can be played by this digital multimedia receiver.
Can I use Apple Carplay and Android Auto with my smartphone?
Yes, you can use Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Do remember that this Kenwood Excelon dmx706s digital multimedia receiver only allows wired connection. If you want wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connection you need to look at a different digital media receiver. Plus it costs more as well. Both iPhone and Android phones are supported.
What kind of camera input does this Kenwood Excelon head unit offer?
This deck comes with Dual Camera input. Since it’s dual camera input you can mount a backup camera and a dash cam as well. Even so, it has two camera inputs the cameras are not included in the package and are sold separately.
Does this Kenwood Excelon dmx706s digital media receiver come with digital time alignment?
Just like most top-line Kenwood Excelon dmx706s digital multimedia receivers this also comes with digital time alignment. You can set the delay for the music to reach you this is what digital time alignment does. The 13-band Equalizer will allow you to get that perfect pitch.
Should I consider the Kenwood DMX906S an alternative to the Kenwood DMX706S?
Yes, it’s one of the best alternatives. Take a look at the Kenwood DMX906S review for more details.
Does this Kenwood digital media receiver come with a remote control?
These head units typically don’t come with a remote control. But you can buy a universal one if you need one. Sadly the remotes are not compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Does this Kenwood car stereo support dual phone connection?
Yes, this unit supports dual phone connection. All this without sacrificing the audio experience. Plus it has a music mix. Music Mix allows you to connect up to 5 phones to stream music with a flawless audio experience. All thanks to the built-in Bluetooth. Both phones get access to Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Does the Kenwood Excelon stereo have an audio-video output?
Yes with the Kenwood Excelon unit has audio video output you can connect to external monitors. Besides audio video output, this unit has audio video input as well.
Can a backup camera be used with the Kenwood DMX706S?
Yes, the Kenwood DMX706S comes with dual Camera Inputs which allows you to mount a backup camera and dash cam.
What type of sound quality is provided by the unit?
The Kenwood DMX706S provides high sound quality without needing to upgrade speakers. It also features a 13-band graphic equalizer (graphic EQ) and Drive EQ which allows you to get perfect pitch.
Does the unit support dual phone connection?
Yes, it supports dual phone connection and music mix streaming from up to 5 phones simultaneously.
What type of video inputs are available for this unit?
This unit has Audio Video output/input, including HDMI input so you can even use the HDMI input with this unit.
Can the Kenwood DMX 706s be used as a hands-free device?
Yes, the Kenwood DMX 706s supports Bluetooth Hands-Free & Hands-Free Calls.
What type of touch screen does the Kenwood Excelon DMX709S have?
The Kenwood Excelon DMX709S utilizes a resistive touch sensor.
What audio file formats can be played through an Android phone connected to the Kenwood 706?
The audio file formats compatible with an Android Phone connected to the Kenwood 706 include WAV, MP3, AAC, FLAC, and WMA.
Does the Kenwood radio have customer support?
Yes, customers can access support for their Kenwood radio by visiting their website or contacting them directly through email or telephone.
Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Brian Beasley
