Kenwood  DMX906S Review – Are You Ready to Enjoy Your Commute With Perfect Sound?

Kenwood DMX906S 6.95" Digital Media CarPlay/A.Auto & License Plate Cam

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Are you looking for wireless Android Auto?
This stereo is the best-valued head unit on the market for wireless connectivity.

Here’s the good news that you can use wireless Android Auto. The bad news is that it only works with a few phones at the moment. If you have a Nexus or a Pixel the chances are good it will work for you. Now, if you have an iPhone, Apple Carplay will work flawlessly.

This isn’t Kenwood’s fault. Google is moving extremely slow with updates.

The Kenwood Excelon unit is right at the sweet spot when it comes to capabilities and price.

This is the reason why I’ve created the Kenwood DMX906S review.

Here’s a quick preview on what’s coming up. The double DIN Kenwood unit has everything you need to be current. As I mentioned, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Plus, the sound quality is out of this world.

It’s easy to use and intuitive. You can listen to standard AM/FM radio, plus it has an HD radio receiver as well. It comes with SiriusXM Ready so you can enjoy satellite radio. The interface is snappy, and you can customize it to your liking.

Do the pros outweigh the cons? Read this review until the end and you will find out.

Let’s get this Kenwood DMX906S review started.

Who is the Kenwood DMX906S for?

The Kenwood DMX906S car stereo is geared towards drivers who want wireless phone connectivity. At the moment, Apple Carplay works better and supports more phones than Android Auto. This isn’t the case with just Kenwood. It’s with all aftermarket stereo makers.

Thanks to this head unit, you can bring your car in the era. You can enjoy hands-free calling and texting as well. If you love to listen to perfect quality music, this unit won’t disappoint. The sound quality is excellent.

What can the Kenwood DMX906S do for you?

The biggest thing that this Kenwood DMX906S can do for you is to provide hands-free calling and controls. Since Apple Carplay and Android Auto works through the built-in wireless connection, you don’t have to mess around with wires.

Now, if you want to charge your phone while driving, this double DIN head unit comes with two USB inputs . These are all rear inputs, so you need to run a USB cable from the back to gain access.

As I mentioned before, wireless Android Auto works with only a few phones right now. Everybody is waiting on Google to release new updates and patches.

On the other hand, wireless Apple Carplay works like a charm. If I have to compare the two apps, Apple Carplay is the clear winner. It offers more capabilities, and it’s more polished.

Since there’s wireless hands-free calling, you get access to both Siri and Google Assistant. You can make hands-free calls, and you can text as well without touching your phone.

The display screen size is 6.95” touch screen. I go into more detail in the next chapter, so make sure you read it. In my opinion, this is its major drawback.

I love the interface because it’s snappy. There’s no lag, and it’s easy to learn and use. What more do you want?

Since it supports both major smartphone manufacturers, you can do audio streaming with your favorite apps like Spotify and Pandora. It also comes with an HD radio receiver plus it’s SiriusXM ready so that you can listen to satellite radio shows.

Kenwood DMX906S Review

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Kenwood DMX906S shortcomings

The perfect stereo hasn’t been invented just yet. This is the case with the Kenwood DMX906S as well. It has some flaws, and let’s see how bad they are.

Each time you start the car, there will be an agreement popping up. And it doesn’t go away until you OK it. There are units where it automatically disappears after 10s. But no Kenwood went the extra mile to make life difficult.

Something is seriously wrong with the screen. First of all, it’s not HD. Come on, were in the new millennia, it’s time to upgrade the screens to 720p at least.

The touchscreen looks and feels like glass. So why am I mentioning in the shortcomings section? Wait for it…

Being like glass, it attracts fingerprints like no other stereo before. Look at the bright side; it’s easy to clean. Since it looks like glass, the glare will be brutal. The screen protector is a must, or you won’t be able to look at the display.

It seems that they didn’t bother with the coating either. I always fancy driving with sunglasses having this stereo will justify it.

Last but not least, I want to mention that there’s no DVD player. Sure it makes the install easier, but we lose one source of music.

The biggest issue is with this Kenwood Excelon is the screen. If you have the right screen protector on, it’s quite good.

Are you still with me? Or did I scare you off? This concludes the Kenwood shortcomings section.

I’ve reviewed a similar Kenwood head unit. Take a look at the Kenwood DMX706S review.

Related Kenwood stereo article: What Is the Best Kenwood Car Stereo?

How To Get The Most Out Of Kenwood DMX906S?

The first thing to do after you got the unit is to get it installed. I always prefer and recommend to get it done by a pro. It’s a real time saver.

Now, if you want to keep your steering wheel controls, then you need to get the iDatalink Maestro. This device helps you keep your steering wheel buttons, plus it delivers vehicle diagnosis info as well. The iDatalink Maestro is not included in the package, and it’s sold separately.

Now to get full features and not to get locked out of the settings menu while driving, it’s a good idea to invest in a parking brake bypass.

Did you know that the Kenwood DMX906S comes with three camera inputs?

Yes, you can mount a backup camera, a dash cam, and a side cam as well to keep you safe while driving. The cameras are not included in the package, and they are sold separately.

What I love about this stereo is the ability to customize the background and startup images.

Last but not least, I want to mention the equalizer. It’s a 13-band graphic equalizer that will allow you to fine-tune the sound. Plus, it has time alignment and a 3-way crossover. If you are interested in the outputs here they are: rear analog A/V outputs, 6-channel preamp outputs (5-volt front, rear, sub). Apple Carplay, Android Auto will work depending on what kind of phone you have.

Here’s the bird’s eye view for this head unit.

Pros
  • The sound quality is unmatched
  • The user interface is snappy without lag
  • Finally a working wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto head unit
Cons
  • On start, you need to OK the Agreement, or it won’t disappear
  • The screen looks like glass, so there’s significant glare

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
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Kenwood DMX906S Review Conclusion

As you can see, the Kenwood DMX906S head unit brings a lot to the table. From wireless smartphone connection to strong and fast built-in Bluetooth connection, it has it all.

We have reached the end of the Kenwood DMX906S review.

Do share your thoughts on this car stereo. If you have ideas and tips, do reach out to me or comment below.

Catch you next time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What are the preamp outputs for the DMX906S Kenwood car stereo?

The preamp outputs for the DMX906S Kenwood are these: 5-volt front, rear, sub.

Does the DMX906X Kenwood deck comes with a remote control?

These head units typically don’t come with a remote control. But you can buy a universal one if you really need one.

Can I use Apple Carplay Android Auto with this Kenwood digital multimedia receiver?

Yes both Apple Carplay Android Auto works with this head unit. Depending on what kind of phone you have you can utilize them.

Is the Kenwood Excelon dmx906s satellite radio ready?

Yes the Kenwood Excelon dmx906s digital multimedia receiver is satellite radio ready. You can listen to satellite radio on the road.

Does the Kenwood Excelon dmx906s have an audio video output?

Yes with the Kenwood Excelon dmx906s digital multimedia receiver has audio video output you can connect to an external monitors. Besides audio video output this unit has audio video input as well.

What kind of files can I play with this deck?

You can play the most common files such as MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC. If you have a pen drive wiht MP3 WMA files you can listen to that music with ease.

Where is the USB port located on this Kenwood Excelon dmx906s?

The USB port is located in the back. Since it’s rear input you need to run a USB cable to the front to utilize the USB port effectively.

Can I use both wired Android Auto and Android Auto wireless?

Yes with the Kenwood Excelon dmx906s you can use both wired Android Auto and Android Auto wireless. Do keep in mind that Android Auto wireless is just for a select few Android phones. We have to wait for Google to release new updated so other phones can work with Android Auto wireless.

Does this deck come with time alignment?

Just like most top line Kenwood stereos this as well comes with time alignment. You can set the delay for the music to reach you this is what time alignment does.

How many camera inputs does this Kenwood stereo have?

This deck comes with three camera inputs. You can mount a backup camera, a side and d dash cam as well.

Last Updated on November 1, 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!