Kenwood Excelon DNX995S Review – Wireless Android Auto?

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My prayers answered a working wireless Android Auto stereo?

Here are the facts. Wireless Android Auto is in the works. A few brands have units that offer it, but they are buggy. Only a handful of phones are supported. The main issue is with Google. They are moving like an iceberg.

Apparently, Kenwood has a wireless Android Auto Wireless car stereo.

This is the reason why I’ve written the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S review. Maybe it’s the double din head unit we were all been waiting for. Maybe it’s full of bugs. Read this review, and you will know.

iPhone users had wireless Apple Carplay for so long. It’s so cool that you can keep your phone in the pocket and connects to your stereo.

At the end I’ve compiled the pros and cons for this head unit. Make sure you don’t miss it.

Let’s get this Kenwood Excelon DNX995S review started.

Who is the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S for?

This Kenwood unit is for those drivers who have awaited wireless Android Auto. Plus, it’s for those customers who want to enjoy great entertainment.

Are you a SiriusXM fan?

The head unit comes with SiriusXM ready.

With all the streaming apps available, you will never be bored. Let Pandora, Spotify accompany you on your trips.

You might also like: Best Kenwood Car Stereo Revealed – Great Sound Without Compromising

What can the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S do for you?

So we finally have wireless Android Auto?

Well, yes and no. If you are the lucky few who have Google phones, then you will have it. If not, you will have to wait until Google rolls out a new update.

I’ve mentioned this earlier. Kenwood has fixed the glare problem permanently. You can tilt the display to negative degrees.

The display has blown me away. Finally, it has HD. I have lived to tell the tale. The 6.95” capacitive touchscreen has 720p resolution. The HD screen size is perfect it’s big enough to fit. With the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S head unit, you have the liberty to personalize everything. This is a big plus in my book.

What else can this beast do for you? Well, it has two USB ports. One would be for an iPhone because it only allows a wired connection. The second one would be for any external drive. You can plug a 1TB hard disk. Also, the USB is fast charged enabled. No more waiting hours to get your phone charged.

There’s no use for great sound quality if the stereo can’t play HD music. With this Kenwood, you can listen to 192bit FLAC files. Also, all traditional files like MP3 and WAW are supported.

Key Features:

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Kenwood Excelon DNX995S shortcomings

All the car stereos so far have flaws. Is this the case with high-end units as well?

The easiest thing to do would be to nitpick some minor things and dumb it down. If I would do that, then I would be doing a huge disservice to you. Plus, this is the most popular section of my reviews. I won’t disappoint.

Only a handful of phones are working with Wireless Android Auto at the moment. This isn’t Kenwood’s fault. Still, they should make sure that the phones which are supported it works flawlessly.

It’s an insult to injury that Apple Carplay only works through a USB cord.

Happen to have a rocket engineer diploma?

No, me neither and you going to need it. This is the most complicated, no common sense head unit I’ve ever seen. I’m not joking they have dropped the ball here.

Here’s a perfect example you can adjust the HD screen from three different places. Why? One would be sufficient. By having more than one is confusing.

They have upgraded the screen, which is highly welcomed. So why did they pick the one that lusts for fingerprints? If Siri or Google Assistant could wipe the display, it would be just perfect. You won’t survive if you don’t get a screen protector.

The HDMI is missing. For this price, they should’ve included it. Instead, there’s some over-complicated an overpriced solution.

If you want to set POIs for the GPS, you will be in a world of hurt. There’s nothing that could help you out. A friend of mine created a custom POI file, and even that didn’t work.

You can’t create a playlist. Say what? Yes, that’s true. There’s no playlist function.

I’m afraid of the new-gen car stereos. It takes so much time to load. No wonder Atoto is beating them to the punch with their 2s boot time.

Last but not least, stay away from Kenwood Traffic. It’s a mess. No wonder it has a 1.9-star rating on the store.

How To Get The Most Out Of Kenwood Excelon DNX995S?

To get the most, you have to make sure that it’s installed properly. I’ve seen many negative reviews because people did a lousy job. This is why I always recommend being done by a pro. Less time wasted and fewer headaches.

There’s a small issue with the Kenwood DNX995S. You will lose your steering wheel controls. For this, you will need an additional device, such as the iDatalink Maestro. This gizmo will help you keep your steering wheel controls. Plus, you will be able to enjoy hands-free calls. Not to mention, you will get vehicle diagnostics as well.

With the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S, there are two video inputs. You can mount a rear view camera and a dash cam as well. This will make you park faster.

Don’t forget to customize your head unit. You can choose from 30,000 color combinations. The more it blends into the dash, the better feeling it will give you. Additional info: built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels).

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

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Kenwood Excelon DNX995S Review Conclusion

Wow, this was a loaded review. This Kenwood DNX995S has a bunch of positives and negatives, as well. Now it’s time for you to decide if this is the right head unit for you.

We have reached the end of the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S review. I believe this was an educational post. Let me know how the install went.

If you want me to review other stereos, let me know.

Catch you next time.

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kenwood DNX995S:

Does the Kenwood DNX995S radio tuner have built-in HD radio?

Yes this car stereo has a built-in HD radio.

Does the Kenwood DNX995S digital receiver has access to SiriusXM satellite radio?

Yes this radio tuner is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio.

Does the Kenwood DNX995S have an audio video output?

Yes with the Kenwood DNX995S has audio video output you can connect to an external monitors. Besides audio video output this unit has audio video input as well.

How many camera inputs does the Kenwood DNX995S have?

The Kenwood DNX995S comes with two camera inputs for a backup camera and a dash cam.

How big is this Kenwood cart stereo’s touch panel?

The touch panel is 6.75″

Can I use Apple Carplay and Android Auto with this double DIN unit?

Yes both Apple Carplay and Android Auto works with this stereo. If you have an Android phone or any android phone you can connect to Android Auto.

Is the Kenwood DMX7706S a good alternative for the Kenwood Excelon DNX995S?

One of the best alternatives is Kenwood DMX7706S. The Kenwood DMX7706S review will explain it detailed.

What can iDatalink Maestro do for this Kenwood radio tuner?

The iDatalink Maestro is an extra device for the Kenwood radio tuner. With it connected you will be able to retain steering wheel controls. Not only that with this device you can get vehicle information such as tire pressure, voltages, temperatures, etc. The iDatalink Maestro is sold separately not included in the package.

What kind of camera input does this receiver have?

For this unit, there are two camera inputs. One for a rear-view camera and the second one for the dash cam.

What kind of USB inputs does this stereo have?

There’s dual USB capability.

Does this unit come with a remote control?

No but if you want a remote control you can buy it separately.

Is there a built-in Bluetooth?

Yes it comes with a built-in Bluetooth connection. With the help of this feature you can do hands-free calling. Plus the sound quality is crisp. You can do music streaming with ease. You utilize both YouTube and Yelp.

Does it come with time alignment?

Yes this Kenwood has time alignment. You can adjust the time difference between the speakers. If you want the ultimate music streaming experience then you need that bass boost.

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley