Kenwood DMX7706s Review in 2024 – Get an Amazing Sounding Ride Without Breaking The Bank
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As a parent, can I trust Kenwood to keep my kids safe?
Let’s face it tech has a good and bad side. Today’s kids are connected to their phones. Even if they are driving, they need to talk and message.
This is dangerous. Paying more attention to the phone instead of the road will get them hurt. Nobody wants to get a phone call saying that there was an accident…
There’s no way to ban kids from their phones. The only solution that I see is to make it as safe as possible. This is where Kenwood and other stereos come into play.
With the hands-free options, I feel more secure letting my kids drive. This is why I’ve created this Kenwood DMX7706S Review.
By standard, it has two camera inputs. You can mount a backup camera and a dash cam as well.
By reading this review, you will know if this double DIN head unit is the right fit. Now the Kenwood DMX7706S it’s not just for safety. It has many features and apps. We will get to that shortly.
The pros/cons section is at the end of this review. I went through a lot of tests to make it as informative as possible. Don’t buy before you read that part. It’s that important.
Who is the Kenwood DMX7706S digital media receiver for?
What I love about the Kenwood brand is that it’s appealing to many people. The #1 customer for Kenwood is the former customers. Not long ago, a good friend of mine upgraded his stereo.
Around six years ago, he purchased a Kenwood digital media receiver. Now he felt that the time is right to get an upgrade. He was shocked by how much they have evolved. There are so many new features that you get bored reciting them all.
The major takeaway for many customers is that the music is out of this world. I don’t know what Kenwood has done, and it makes factory speakers sound amazing. I’ve tested many different brands over the years. Nothing comes close to it.
Let it be low, mid or high range stereos only with Kenwood I heard that extra oomph.
This stereo is for anybody who likes to listen to something while driving. You can use it for short commutes or long hauls. The biggest plus for this unit is that you can listen to any audio format.
Do you love music? Do you love audiobooks?
This digital media receiver can give extra depth to your music.
You probably understand that the stereo appeals to music fans and concerned parents.
Who else can benefit from this unit?
Anybody who has a double DIN slot. This stereo requires a double DIN slot. If you have a single DIN, then check out those Kenwood stereos.
However, if you are interested in double din head units, check out the best Kenwood head unit post.
What can the Kenwood DMX7706S head unit do for you?
I have been a huge Kenwood fan. This is their first unit that has a fast startup. Older generations have such a slow boot up. Like I had driven some distance until the music started.
Not anymore!
Thanks to the new design and tech, it’s significantly faster.
Where’s the CD slot?
They have eliminated it. By not having a CD/DVD slot, the digital media receiver became lighter and easy to install. Who’s carrying a box of CDs in their car?
You can convert a CD into an mp3. After that, you can upload your files on a USB drive. You can pack more audio on one memory stick than a box of CDs.
As I mentioned earlier in this review, it has hands-free calling. It doesn’t matter if you have an Android or an Apple iPhone. It will work for you. The Kenwood DMX7706S digital media receiver supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
This is the reason why I’ve decided to buy it for my kids. Thanks to the hands-free mode, they can talk and listen to text messages. Plus, they can compose replies with the help of Siri Eyes Free.
If you love and adore music as much as I do, then the EQ will be love at first sight. The Kenwood DMX7706S has a 13 band visual Equilizer, not only that you can customize any audio input.
If you know something about Kenwood DMX7706S digital media receiver is that you can customize the interface. You can change the button lighting. And of course, you can change the background as well.
How can you make your car safer?
By installing a backup camera. With this nifty tech, you can make parking safer and easier.
Last but not least, you can connect your stereo to your existing steering wheel controls. Although it’s a hassle to get it done it’s all worth it.
We shouldn’t forget two more features. You can use Google Maps for navigation. Plus you have built-in time alignment.
Key Features:
- Digital multimedia player with AM/FM tuner
- Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming
- Built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- 6.95″ Clear Resistive touchscreen display
- Bass boost and loudness controls; digital time alignment
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Kenwood DMX7706S shortcomings
Some people read my reviews for this chapter only. Well, I’m not going to disappoint.
We need to talk about the display. Yeah, it’s nice and colorful. Plus, it’s customizable. But and this is huge, it’s hard to see.
Many people have reported that during the night, it’s too bright. The dimming features aren’t good enough. The only option is to shut the touch screen down.
There are also issues during the day. If the sun hits it at the right angle, you can’t see anything from the haze. It’s also hyper reflective.
It’s all good that you can change the background, but what about the font color? I mean, if I pick a white background, the text can’t be read. Hopefully, in the next release, itwill be fixed.
As I mentioned, it doesn’t have a CD/DVD slot, but this is not a huge loss. At least you don’t have to worry about storing and scratching CD’s
One of my problems with this unit is that it does not support HD radio. It’s a sought after feature.
My final issue with this Kenwood is that if you want to utilize Android Auto. The lag is ubearable.
- Two camera inputs provide users the ability to add both a front and rear camera for enhanced driver safety and convenience. Built-in, adjustable parking guidelines further add to its effectiveness.
- Two camera inputs provide users the ability to add both a front and rear camera for enhanced driver safety and convenience. Built-in, adjustable parking guidelines further add to its effectiveness.
How To Get The Most Out Of It Kenwood DMX7706S?
To get everything out of this digital media receiver, you should let a pro install it. After that, make sure you have the latest firmware on.
Once this is done, the fun part begins. It’s time to customize. If you love music, you will have a lot of fun with this part. The EQ is just great and easy to manage.
The screen is ok and has a fast response time.
You can connect up to five phones. During road trips, anybody can play the DJ.
How often do your phones run out of juice?
Plug it in, and by the end of your commute, it will be fully charged. Thanks to the USB input, you can have hundreds of songs on one thumb drive.
With the built-in Bluetooth you can use Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It doesn’t matter what kind of phone you have it will work. Don’t forget you need to plug in so the multimedia receiver recognizes it.
If you want to use the car steering wheel controls I highly suggest getting an iDatalink Maestro. With this gadget not only you can use the steering wheel controls but you get car info as well. Would you like to no real-time data about tire pressure and voltage? Then the iDatalink Maestro can help you. Additional info: preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, sub).
Alternative
Now the Kenwood DMX7706S digital media receiver is not for everyone. This is why I love to offer another choice to my readers. This unit is expensive. If you don’t have the budget for it, then you can opt for an earlier version.
The Kenwood DMX7705S head unit is a good substitute. Besides being cheaper, it matches the latest model almost exactly though you are sacrificing faster boot time.
- Finally a fast startup Kenwood stereo
- It gives extra oomph to factory speakers
- You can listen to any type of music format
- You can’t listen to HD radio
- Complicated install for Android Auto
Kenwood DMX7706S Review Conclusion
I’m about to end this review. As you can see, it’s a well-rounded double DIN digital media receiver. It has strengths and weaknesses. No matter if you want to drive safe or listen to music, it’s a good fit. The sound quality is great and you can tweak it to perfection with the 13-band graphical equalizer.
In case you are wondering, yes, I do reviews on demand. If you wish for me to review a stereo, contact me. If there’s enough interest, I will do it.
Catch you next time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Do I need iDatalink Maestro with Kenwood Excelon DMX7706S satellite radio?
It depends on how much you want to customize your DVD receiver. If you want to display all the car information then you will need to use the iDatalink Maestro with the Kenwood DVD receiver. To access all the features that your steering wheel controls can provide you will need it. If you want to see engine performance data, vehicle information. If your stuck with anything do call tech support.
How many camera inputs does the Kenwood Excelon DMX7706S multimedia receiver have?
The Kenwood DMX7706S has two camera inputs. One for a dashcam and the second camera input is for the rear view camera (backup camera). It also has video output and backup camera input.
Does Google Maps work with Kenwood Excelon DMX7706S head unit?
Yes, Google Maps work perfectly with this Kenwood head unit. Navigation will be easy and free. Always check customer reviews and customer ratings when buying.
What about time alignment does Kenwood DMX7706S head unit has it?
The Kenwood DMX7706S has this feature. You will be centered in the car and it will delay the speaker that is closer to you. By getting a head unit that has time alignment you are saving money.
How is the Kenwood DMX7706S digital multimedia receiver sound quality?
I was pleasantly surprised with the Kenwood DMX7706S sound quality. It’s clean and crisp. I just love streaming music with Apple Carplay compatible. My wife has an Android phone so her choice is Android Auto. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto electronic viewing angle display adjustment fits double-DIN dash openings.
How well does this digital multimedia receiver fit in the dash?
This Kenwood digital multimedia receiver comes with a short chassis so it will fit nicely. Thanks to the short chassis the install is easier.
Does the built-in Bluetooth connection support dual phone connection?
Yes the DMX7706S digital multimedia receiver ‘s built-in Bluetooth connection supports dual phone connection. These head units are so good that you can make phone calls with both phones connected. Plus this stereo can play the most popular files such as mp3 wma and flac files.
How big is the touch screen?
The screen size is 6.95″ wide. It displays album art, you can check the file system, pick your favorite music files. If you want navigation you can use the free ones such as Waze, Google Maps, Apple maps. You get access to radio stations.
Does this receiver has an audio video remote control profile?
Yes , it has the audio video remote control profile feature. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth you can remote control music streaming playback, audio streaming, video playback, music playback. Also, you can play pause songs. Power Output Front Rear : 50Watts x4.
Is there a Kenwood remote for the DDX7706S?
This digital multimedia receiver doesn’t come with a Kenwood remote. You can always buy one separately.
Is the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S a good alternative for the Kenwood DMX7706S?
Yes, you can find out more after reading the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S review.
How to keep factory steering wheel audio controls?
The best way to keep your steering wheel control is by getting the iDatalink Maestro. When you get this unit the steering wheel controls will be back. So you will be able to enjoy bluetooth hands-free calling through Apple Carplay. Everything will be displayed on your touch screen.
What about satellite radio in this car audio system?
With the DDX9705S digital multimedia receiver you have satellite radio. It’s SiriusXM ready. Plus you can play audio video. Road noise is usually not a problem.
Do I need a parking brake bypass with this stereo?
Manufacturers are bound by law to enforce certain things like not watching a movie while driving. Though they went overboard and you can’t change the EQ settings while driving this is the case with the Pioneer DVD receiver. This is why it’s a good idea to get a parking brake bypass. Also you can get locked out of the settings menu while on the go. It’s a good idea to get a parking brake bypass. This device is sold separately.
Where is the USB located?
It’s rear USB. So you will need a USB cable to get access to it. With the USB inputs you can charge your smart phone or any mobile phone with a USB port.
Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Brian Beasley
