Kenwood KVT 617DVD - DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For some context:
I recently installed this head unit in my '04 Grand AM. I'm running it with a pair of Polk DB components, Alpine 6x9 rears, a single Alpine Type S 12" sub in a sealed box and a Pioneer GM-7100 amp feeding the sub around 350W RMS. This unit was an upgrade from my '06 model Pioneer DEH-P5800mp.
First let me say that I (as I imagine most people do) did a LOT of research before choosing this head unit. I encourage anyone interested in an in-car DVD screen to get out to a local retailer to view and test as many options as you can. It's one thing to look at all the specs and details in print but an entirely different experience once the device is in front of you. All the features in the world don't mean anything if the controls are counter-intuitive or the LCD is low quality. I'm happy to report that this Kenwood unit met all of my qualifications and expectations both on paper and in reality.
The screen is bright and contrast is sharp. The built in light sensor dims the screen at night and brightens it during the day, making sure you always have a good picture. There are plenty of tilt and depth options to suit pretty much any application. The touch screen menu interface is a nice alternative to some other screens that force you to use dedicated areas of the screen to arrow through all the options to select the one you want.
The only two drawbacks to the 617 are the lack of an external display when the screen is closed and the 2V pre-out voltage, but both are comparable to the features of similarly priced screens (from companies with less history, or lower quality standards than Kenwood) and are easily balanced out by the positive aspects of the unit.
What really drew me to the Kenwood line was the look of the screen. Most other manufacturers surround the LCD with up to an inch of plastic, wasting space and making for an ugly border around an otherwise nice looking display. Kenwood does away with that, filling nearly the entire fold-out portion of the HU with the ample 7in. screen.
The install went smoothly and the connections to the stock wire harness were no more complicated than a standard CD head unit install. Kenwood provides ample wire to locate the unit's external "brain" in the trunk if you choose, or under a seat as I did.
Don't be thrown by the low price, overall this is a great unit for anyone looking to move up to DVD capability.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kenwood KVT 617DVD - DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner

Click here for more information about Kenwood KVT 617DVD - DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner

Read More...

Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor, digital player and radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I researched the best Double DIN units for a couple of weeks. There isn't much on the web about this unit and where there is there is 1 review that says it's great to 1 review that says it's horrible. This unit was more available for me to get my hands on locally then any other. I played with the pioneer a bit and was fairly satisfied with it's interface. The clarion's review on the web was terrible so i don't even bother. So basically it was either the pioneer (forget the model but it's the one with all the bells and whistles that compare to this unit) or this kenwood.
The pioneer installer actually told me that they wouldn't/couldn't install the unit in my '07 vette. Said it was just too difficult and couldn't be done. These people have installed all my alarms/radios/speakers etc for 15 years now and i trust their opinion. However, i read a couple step by step forum posts that showed it be done. Instead of arguing and trying to talk them into it i went to another installer.
The second installer had the kenwood (8120 and 7120) with some other cheaper non-options for me (Dual and some other manufacturer). The kenwood had the built in bluetooth which was a huge plus for me. I'm very very skeptical of bluetooth units in any car. I have had many and have yet to find one that was sufficient to replace me having to hold the phone to my ear. The fact that this was built in gave me hope as all others are add-ons.
Many reviews said the kenwood interface is bad. I don't see why. It is plainly laid out and functional. I think it just has so many options (bells and whistles) that there are many nav keys to get into them it confuses people. It seems pretty good IMO. Could be flashier but i haven't gotten into all the custom skins etc that can be added so maybe it is.
I added the IPOD and Sirius accessories. They work great. The sirius has a better connection then my sirius handheld stiletto which isn't saying much but worth noting. The IPOD connection works good and clean sound. The interface is kind of bulky but when you're used to the iphone's simple interface what isn't going to be bulky compared to it? (Bulky = boring/simple not alot of features)
So everything works great except for the one thing that i knew probably wouldn't before i ever purchased it. The bluetooth phone. Everybody i've talked to on the other end said it sounded choppy and/or had static. I could hear them just fine and the voice dial seems to work ok. However, none of that matters if the other person can't hear you :P I will prob keep the phone to my ear.
Oh, the NAV works great. I've used several nav systems on phones and in rental cars and OEM version's and this is wonderful. It auto updates the routes instantly and doesn't yell at me for not following it's orders. It adapts rather than freaking out. So far so good.
Bottom line -- I would look at the pioneer a little harder if i went back through the purchase process but i doubt it's BT is any better and i don't like it's nav maps. However, for me, if the BT is better i'd swap in a heartbeat. The BT is very important to me though.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor, digital player and radio

Click here for more information about Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor, digital player and radio

Read More...

Kenwood KVT-719DVD DVD/WMA/MP3/AAC/USB/iPod Control Receiver with 7-Inch-Wide In-Dash Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought and installed this head unit; it took 14 hours with all the cables, accessories, and removal of vehicle parts (seats, consoles,etc). Overall, the unit works well in all but one aspect. I have a rearview camera, gps, bluetooth, usb thumb, apple ipod, amp, and of course quality speakers connected. The only issue I have is with the BT100 I connected to it. Not sure though if it is the BT100, the interface with the 719, or just my cellphone compatability. It does take some patience getting all other accessories to interface correctly, and I wouldn't say the manual is great.
The screen is very good including the tilt feature and if you have a steady hand, you can use the little silver circular button controller. The remote is a plus too as it does many things; if you can remember all functions. A good compromise to higher end head units, and it fits all in 1-DIN with a removable faceplate.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kenwood KVT-719DVD DVD/WMA/MP3/AAC/USB/iPod Control Receiver with 7-Inch-Wide In-Dash Monitor

Play movies, music and control your iPod in high speed with this beautiful indash monitor. Play music directly from a USB device or go hands free on phone calls with the optional Bluetooth adaptor. You'll also appreciate its user-freindly GUI and touch-screen control.

Click here for more information about Kenwood KVT-719DVD DVD/WMA/MP3/AAC/USB/iPod Control Receiver with 7-Inch-Wide In-Dash Monitor

Read More...

Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I Received My DNX-7140 a week ago. I had no trouble installing it. It is extremely packed with value and even sounds good without an external amplifier.
Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver
Pros: Garmin Navigation, DVD, IPOD Connectivity(however you need the Kenwood adapter $30 to have full functionality), Back up camera (separately about $200), Excellent Sound
CONS: My Bluetooth Microphone didn't work at first. The System needed a firmware upgrade for the bluetooth and after resetting the factory settings it worked perfectly.
Bottom Line: It really is an impressive unit, Picture quality is good with DVD's and IPOD Videos. Touch Screen is responsive and GPS is Amazing!!!
The GPS is super accurate, shows the speed limit, your speed, arrival time, sets the clock automatically,and even changes time zones the second you cross the border!!
It is amazing, even changes speed limits exactly at the sign.
Overall I Recommend this product it is pretty awesome

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver

The DNX7140 is an extraordinary all-in-one in-dash system with cutting-edge audio, video, and navigation technologies. Featuring onboard Bluetooth powered by Parrot, an advanced navigation system by Garmin, a brilliant 6.95-inch touchscreen, and a wealth of expansion options, it's sure to assist as much as it entertains.

6.95-Inch Touchscreen with Variable Illumination The DNX7140 puts intuitive control right at your fingertips with its 6.95-inch QVGA TFT Active Matrix Display and powerful, easy-to-use graphical user interface. Customize the unit's front panel illumination with the new variable illumination palette of colors--match your interior tones, dash lighting, or whatever tickles your fancy. Selectable wallpapers and customizable backgrounds offer further personalization.
Reverse Tilt Mechanism Depending on the vehicle, in-car monitors are installed in a variety of heights and angles, and this sometimes results in reduced visibility due to reflected glare from sunlight. Kenwood's solution is the exclusive Reverse Tilt mechanism: In addition to the traditional tilt mechanism that allows the bottom of the monitor to be tilted forward over five positions, Reverse Tilt also allows the top of the monitor to tilt forward to eliminate reflected glare.
Built-In Advanced Navigation--Guidance by Garmin This integrated advanced navi system guides you everywhere with ease and is beautifully displayed on a large 6.95-inch screen. All functions are intuitively controlled by touchscreen menus and voice guidance works over the vehicle's speaker system. There is no need to swap map discs since it comes with a built-in full-memory Garmin Navigation board that features maps of continental USA, Canada, Hawaii and Alaska. New navigation functions include:
Roadside Assistance
Phone Number Search / Call (Using BT)
Brand Icon
Mileage Tracker

Built-In Bluetooth--Powered by Parrot The built-in Bluetooth hands-free system enables easy, safe cellular phone communications from the car. Features include (not all features work on all phones):
High-quality noise-cancelling microphone
Register up to five Bluetooth phones
Holds up to 1,000 phone numbers per registered phone
Supports Auto Phonebook Download
Supports A2DP Wireless Music Streaming
Supports voice-recognition dialing
Supports incoming/outgoing short-message service (SMS)
Bluetooth firmware upgradeable

MSN Direct Traffic/Data Receiver Ready Don't be late or waste your precious time and fuel stuck in traffic; use the Kenwood KNA-M100 featuring MSN Direct. Once you activate your subscription, the traffic receiver will begin to receive real-time traffic and other useful data right onto your Kenwood touchscreen, providing quick access to alternative routing using Garmin navigation.
Audio enhancement all the time As part of the DSP for the all new Sound Excellence feature, the DNX7140 Entertainment/Navigation System includes a Space Enhancer and a new Bass Boost. Space Enhancer expands the sound field for the listener so that the audio signal can be heard clearly by the driver and front seat passenger. The new Bass Boost feature increases low-frequency output for each channel and listeners will be able to feel the more powerful sound.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media The DNX7140 is a media powerhouse, letting you play your favorite CDs and DVDs, along with several digital audio and video formats. The unit accepts DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, and CD-DA discs. It plays back AAC-LC, MP3, and WMA audio files; MPEG1 and MPEG2 video files; and can display JPG images. Throw your files on a disc or a USB device and enjoy them in your vehicle wherever you are.
And, of course, you still can listen to the AM/FM radio. Use Auto Memory to automatically add stations with good reception to presets, or enter them manually. The DNX7140 displays FM radio text when available as well as traffic information, and it allows you to enter station names.
Seamless Connection with iPod Video/Audio Connect an iPod using the optional KCA-iP301V cable to enable full video (for iPods with video capability) and/or audio control. You'll supply power to your iPod as well as charge it while you enjoy your music.
USB Direct Control You can enjoy your favorite music, video, or images from USB devices like flash drives or MP3 players. When connecting a USB device, playback starts automatically. When a battery-powered USB device like an MP3 player is connected to this unit, it also gets a charge, so it's ready to go with you when you exit the vehicle.
Input and Output In addition to the iPod and USB support, you can use the DNX7140's front auxiliary A/V input to connect external audio/video sources like video game systems.
The unit also features an A/V output for sending content to an additional screen in the vehicle.
For audio output, the DNX7140 has three sets of 2V RCA pre-amp outputs for system expansion (in addition to the on-board 50W x 4 amplifier).
HD and Satellite Radio Ready The DNX7140 allows you to enjoy SIRIUS (requires CA-SR20V cable + Sirius Tuner) or XM (requires KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner) radio in your vehicle. Enjoy a multitude of channels featuring music, news, talk shows, sports, and traffic information with CD quality sound.
You also can add an HD Radio tuner. When you connect an HD radio tuner, features of the unit are disabled and changed to HD Radio tuner features.
Rear Camera Input The DNX7140 is ready for a rear camera, allowing you to monitor behind your vehicle as you back up.
What's in the Box Kenwood DNX7140, sleeve, trim ring, wiring harness, installation tools, installation manual, operation manual, warranty card.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver

Read More...

Sony ES Super Audio CD Player w/HDMI Output Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This player makes my CDs sound better than an SACD. I also have the Sony SCD-XA9000ES and this unit is even better for both formats. Even if you do not have SACDs I highly recommend you find and buy the SCD-XA5400ES because I cannot imagine another player with better CD performance at any price. And if you have SACDs, this player is a must because it looks like HDMI is here to stay for a while and future hardware may not support SACD. I can only vouch for the digital performance because analog, for me, lacks pizzaz and the correct instrumental timbre and decay. The tray mechanism is not as perfectly smooth as the 9000ES but is still better than any other I have used (Oppo, Marantz, Denon, other Sonys). I hope this helps.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony ES Super Audio CD Player w/HDMI Output

Click here for more information about Sony ES Super Audio CD Player w/HDMI Output

Read More...

Polk Audio SurroundBar360° DVD Home Theater System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Observations
Pros: Built like a tank
Simple setup
Cool factor of 10
Cons:
Should have blue ray at this price point.
Frankly I think it needs a subwoofer, Tried it for a few days with a Polk subwoofer and without. Yes it sounds decent without a sub, but only decent, not great. I have yet to hear anything even close to 5.1 or any type of surround. Upon contacting Polk, I was advised that this bar was NOT (unlike the soundbar series) designed to be used above the tv only below with the optimal placement directly in the front of the tv. Frankly the soundbar sitting in front of a 56 inch tv looks horrible, under it it looks built in. Polk indicating that could affect the sound field. Well thats just cute, the whole POINT of this system was it was supposed to give you the 5.1 effect regardless of placement or your position in the room!
It is a nice system, could use a tad more volume, not amazing with the surround, even though the wide open setup I heard at best buy was nothing short of amazing, but in my 12 X 12 living room, far less than spectacular.
Finally save your money, at this price point the 360 is not ready for prime time. If you are looking for solid tight sound in a high end soundbar this is it. If you are expecting the results Polk claims you will be badly disappointed.My old 5.1 theater in a box $300.00 system sounded a tad better frankly.UPDATE:
After owning this a few months I must say it is a complete waste of money.
There simply is no separation in the soundfield regardless of the input signal.
I have tweaked this system to no end with lackluster results.
For a grand there is a endless amount of equipment that you could purchase that would put this system to shame.
Polk missed on this one, if your heart is set on one, wait a while as the price is certain to go down due to the LARGE amount of people disappointed in this system.
This is nothing more than a fancy expensive 2.1 system. Save your money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polk Audio SurroundBar360° DVD Home Theater System (Black)

Polk Audio SurroundBar 360-degree DVD Theater is a complete home entertainment system. It incorporates the enveloping sonic benefits of our SurroundBar SDA technology and our patented PowerPort bass venting technology with the convenience of a control console that is a DVD/CD player, amplifier, and an AM/FM radio. The SurroundBar 360-degree has sleek, contemporary design and simple, single-cable speaker hookup which makes it ideal for anyone who wants big, rich surround sound home entertainment without any of the hookup hassles of multiple speakers and wires. The SurroundBar 360-degree DVD Theater employs 8 drivers. A patented combination of signal processing and acoustical geometry produces the vivid three dimensional surround field that exists on the original recording. What you hear is essentially the same as if sounds were actually coming from all around and behind you.

Get 46% OFF

Click here for more information about Polk Audio SurroundBar360° DVD Home Theater System (Black)

Read More...

NEW 7" Touch Screen 2-Din In-Dash GPS Navigation DVD Bluetooth US&Canada Map TFT LCD Display Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this same item from a different seller. Item comes from china
its larger thae 2 din after I had o cut my dash board to install it discovered
that it did not work properly it had terrible feed back, navigation system did not
work at all, back up camera stopped working, radio stations were not clear. I paid
$200.00 to have this professionaly installed this was a huge waste of my money. take my advise by a name brand you recognize. Again I did not buy from this seller but system is the same.


Click Here to see more reviews about: NEW 7" Touch Screen 2-Din In-Dash GPS Navigation DVD Bluetooth US&Canada Map TFT LCD Display

Click here for more information about NEW 7" Touch Screen 2-Din In-Dash GPS Navigation DVD Bluetooth US&Canada Map TFT LCD Display

Read More...

Furman Elite-15 PF i 13-Outlet Linear Filtering AC Power Source Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Amplifiers, except those made by NAD, are overwhelmed by the peak performance of demanding music like classical symphonies or rock bands in full production so the top and bottom range is cut off and the mid-range detail is lost in the vain struggle to use the available power to get out as much music to the speakers as possible. You may have wondered why single instruments sound great and large numbers or groups sound flat? Well, it's simply a lack of power available to meet peak amplifier demand.
You have probably heard of Panamax and it is their sister company, Furman, highly regarded in the professional music industry for thirty years, that's has a number of products to address this problem. The least expensive is the Furman Elite 15 PFi but they all regulate the voltage, clean up the power and most importantly in this particular connection add capacitors to store power for peak amplifier demand. So when Beethoven Fifth or your favorite rock band starts opening up and you expect to hear that strangled, flat sound of old, prepare yourself for a transformative experience. Your old amplifier will suddenly start belting the music out on steroids, the treble and bass range will be greatly extended and the clarity of the mid-range detail will open up. Now that's what I call a great $600's worth of investment! I had to work really hard to discover this information since Furman does not market to consumers so take advantage of my research and enjoy the benefit.
Obviously, if you have a CD/ DVD player, music server or Internet radio, you will also benefit immeasurably by stripping out the 'jitter' or vibration degrading the quality of sound coming out of digital-analog converters by also investing $1,200 in a Peachtree Audio Nova. That will give you back the clear separate recorded sounds that got merged together and that clarity will be a source of great joy. High quality speaker cables will also extend the range and subtlety of the sound from the speakers but the Furman is the first transformative building block!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Furman Elite-15 PF i 13-Outlet Linear Filtering AC Power Source

For over 33 years, Furman has pioneered the development of AC power products for the most demanding audio, video, and broadcast professionals. Though the need for pristine AC power is nothing new, the Elite-15 Power Factor i's technology and its unique implementation are revolutionary and without peer. With Furman's exclusive Linear Filtering Technology, televisions, projectors, DVD players, amplifiers, and processors are fed linearly filtered AC power. This dramatically reduces noise, ensuring consistent peak operation regardless of load conditions or the time of day. For the first time, you will see and hear your theater or audio system as it should be--uncompromised. Another critical feature is Furman's exclusive series Multi-Stage Protection. This virtually maintenance-free surge suppression assures the highest level of AC protection possible, without sacrificing itself when the offending surge is severe. Further, the famous retractable front panel LED lamps allow easy viewing of either a rack or cabinet full of equipment, even when your theater lights are off. The Elite-15 PF i also features remote control capability via 12V triggering, compatible with the 12V triggering devices commonly found in power receivers and pre-amp processors. At the center of the Elite-15 PF i is Furman's unique Power Factor Technology. For the first time, low-level analog, digital, and video components are not modulated or distorted via the power amplifier's extreme AC current demands. Further, the power amplifier sees a highly filtered, extremely low-impedance supply of AC power. The Elite-15 PF i, in fact, has in excess of 3 Amps of continuous current reserve (over 45 amps peak charge) for the most extreme peak power demands. This technology enables power amplifiers and powered subwoofers to operate at peak efficiency, reaching levels of performance previously unattainable.

Click here for more information about Furman Elite-15 PF i 13-Outlet Linear Filtering AC Power Source

Read More...

Power Acoustik PAVN-7210 6.5-Inch Touch Screen In-Dash Navigation System with AM/FM Radio and DVD Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased my PAVN-7210 almost a year ago and I've been disappointed. It did not come with a user's manual, so I contacted the company and they emailed me a digital. I can not get the screen to auto-dim as is one of their advertised features. The lower half of the screen is darker than the top, making it hard to read the lower half. The equilizer feature is terrible. It has no clock on the radio display, although there is one on the Navteq GPS system - but if you are not using it, you do not have a clock where one is typically provided on most radios. It's not like there is no room. The display screen is quite large, but the use of it is pathetic and it is so boring. In a dark car, you can not see the radio buttons since they are not illuminated in any way. The eject button does not open the unit all the way to access the CD/DVD slot. You have to manually assist the unit to open and close. The CD unit does not work. I am currently trying to work with the company on this. My call to Power Acoustiks results in long phone waits for "the Tech" (I guess they only have one). So far, his suggestion to press the reset button has failed to fix the problem. I like the Navteq GPS alright, except that it is not integrated well with the radio. When the GPS unit is on, you can not use the preset radio stations as they are part of the radio screen and do not show up when the GPS is on. Also, the GPS interupts your music/talk stations when giving directions verbally. You can not turn off the verbals (you can mute them, but your radio music/talk will still mute-out when the GPS would be giving driving directions). Overall, this unit has been a disappointment and I would not recommend it. I doubt that I will ever purchase another Power Acoustik product after having this unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Power Acoustik PAVN-7210 6.5-Inch Touch Screen In-Dash Navigation System with AM/FM Radio and DVD Player

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Power Acoustik PAVN-7210 6.5-Inch Touch Screen In-Dash Navigation System with AM/FM Radio and DVD Player

Read More...

Cambridge Audio Azur 350C CD Player, Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a huge fan of Amazon.com, and I've been a faithful shopper for years. I have a +20-year-old system composed of a Carver receiver and Bose 901 speakers. My CD player recently went bad, and I did some research online and came across Cambridge Audio. As I didn't want to spend a lot of money, I finally decided on the 350C, as the ultimate compromise and value for the money. It came quickly and the set up was a snap. And, oh what a difference it made to my system! What a quality increase! What excellent value for the money! I highly recommend this CD player. On the first CD that I played, I could tell a huge qualitative improvement over my older CD player. The background was silent and the soundstage improvement was audibly noticeable. The 350C really made the Bose 901s pop! There is real punch there, particularly in the mid-range and hi freq area. Bass is fine and not overbearing (as it was with my previous CD player). I was so impressed that I bought new speaker wire and interconnects. Again, another improvement. My older system sounds like it's brand new! I am now thinking that I will upgrade my present system with a Cambridge Audio amplifier to replace the old Carver. It's about time to retire it, as it's been a true workhorse. Full disclosure: I have a very high-quality hi-fi system (Rega Saturn and Elicit and Linn Majik speakers) that I spent a lot of money on; but, for most of the folks who listen to my music, they are unable to really distinguish any real differences in the sound. In fact, most prefer the Carver/Bose/Cambridge Audio lineup to the much more expensive system, as it can really put out some sound-and-music!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cambridge Audio Azur 350C CD Player, Silver

Click here for more information about Cambridge Audio Azur 350C CD Player, Silver

Read More...