We haven’t featured any Kenwood product since last year when we said Kenwood head units would feature wireless connectivity for Android Auto. Receivers soon allowed wireless connection and for this year, the company is introducing new touchscreen and shallow-mount multimedia receivers, as well as, the eXcelon Reference DNX996XR premium multimedia receiver. The CES is usually Kenwood’s launching pad of its new products so we’re not surprised the brand is once again in Las Vegas, ready to introduce new receivers for the car. These Kenwood products will get you going and entertained during short or long trips.
The company has recently announced the KENWOOD eXcelon DMX706S and KENWOOD DMX7706S. These are short-chassis multimedia receivers that boast of big features. They don’t come with CD/DVD transport so you can mount less than three inches and still have large screen space for more entertainment and smartphone-integration options.
The DMX706S and KENWOOD DMX7706S work with Android Auto. This means you can connect to your phone and play music, charge via the USB port, communicate, navigate and control whatever content.
The receivers come with a 6.95-inch resistive touch panel, built-in Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, SiriusXM SXV300 tuner (optional), and Dual Zone Audio/Video. Audio streaming is allowed and you can also receive calls from your smartphone.
The receivers can also be paired with five other devices at once so they can share and switch between content during travel. This is made possible by the KENWOOD Music Mix technology.
For the driver, there is a rear-view parking guideline plus front and rear camera inputs. You can connect these receives to any amplifier but they still offer internal amplification of 22×4 watts, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, and a 13-band equalizer with Digital Time Alignment as described. Prices go for $649.95 (DMX706S) and $599.95 (DMX7706S) when they are released in April.
KENWOOD also launched the eXcelon Reference DNX996XR. Like the first two receivers, this one offers communication and driver assistance control, entertainment, and Android Auto wired and wireless connectivity. This is the premium model Kenwood is offering the retailers for this year. It will be out with a $1,599 price tag this coming March.
The Kenwood eXcelon Reference DNX996XR offers several personalization features, numerous streaming entertainment options, and unsurpassed safety and driver assistance capabilities.
