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Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X396

In-Dash CD/MP3/USB Car Stereo Receiver w/ Pandora Support, Variable Color Illumination and Remote

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In-dash AM/FM, CD, MP3 Receiver • 52W x 4 Chan. MAX • 22W x 4 Chan. RMS • 3 Sets of 4V Preamp Outputs • System Q 3-band Parametric Equalizer • 24-Bit Digital Analog Converter (DAC) • Direct iPod Control • Bluetooth Ready • iTunes Tagging

Learn more about the kdcx396

Good news and a little bad...

This item has been discontinued

But you may be interested in the newest model that's available.

kdcx397 thumbnail

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X397

OUR PRICE: $129.99

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Product Highlights


In-dash AM/FM, CD, MP3 Receiver • 52W x 4 Chan. MAX • 22W x 4 Chan. RMS • 3 Sets of 4V Preamp Outputs • System Q 3-band Parametric Equalizer • 24-Bit Digital Analog Converter (DAC) • Direct iPod Control • Bluetooth Ready • iTunes Tagging

Description


Kenwood brand icon

Authorized dealer


 

 

 

 

 

General Features:

  • In-dash eXcelon Series AM/FM, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA player with Remote
  • Single-line blue illuminated backlit display
  • Pandora Link integrates your car stereo with your iPhone and Pandora Internet Radio
  • Music control app for Android will organize your music for playback from the receiver
  • Variable color illumination feature allows selectable display and button lighting
  • Theft-deterrent, detachable face plate
  • MOSFET Power Output:
    • Peak: 52 watts x 4 channels
    • RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
  • Wireless remote control included
  • CD text information display
  • MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
  • 1-year Sonic Electronix Warranty

Playback and Audio Features:

  • Playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and WMA
  • AM/FM tuner with 18FM/6AM presets
  • 24bit Digital Analog Converter (DAC) to enhance your MP3/WMA playback
  • System Q 3-band Parametric Equalizer with 8 selectable tone curves (7 Preset, 1 User)
  • Separate subwoofer level control (-15db - +15db)
  • Subwoofer low-pass filter: Through, 85, 120, or 160hz
  • 2-way control allows your iPod or iPhone to be controlled via your stereo or from the iPod itself
  • iTunes Tagging lets you tag your favorite songs for later viewing in iTunes

Expandability Options:

  • 3 Sets of 4V preamp outputs (front, rear and subwoofer)
  • Bluetooth Ready: Kenwood KCA-BT300 required and sold separately for hands free calls and audio streaming
  • iPod and iPhone Ready: Standard USB-to-iPod Cable compatible
  • Front Auxiliary Input: 3.5mm headphone jack allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players
  • Front USB Input: USB port allows connection to digital devices such as flash drives, portable media players, etc.
  • Marine Remote Ready: Kenwood KCA-RC60MR required and sold separately
  • Steering Wheel Control Ready: PAC SWI-JACKv1 or the Axxess ASWC required and sold separately

Product history:

Kenwood KDC-X397 thumbnail
(newest, current model)
Kenwood KDC-X396 thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X397)
Kenwood KDC-X395 thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X396)

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Specifications & Details


In-Dash Receiver Specifications
Receiver Size
Single DIN
Anti-Theft Security
Detachable Faceplate
Wireless Remote
Yes
Peak Power Output
52 watts x 4 channel
RMS Power Output
22 watts x 4 channel
Preamp RCA Outputs
3 Sets (6-channel)
Dedicated Subwoofer Preamp RCA Output
Yes
Preamp Voltage
4 volts
Built-In Equalizer
System Q 3-band Parametric Equalizer with 8 selectable tone curves (7 Preset, 1 User)
Display Type
Fluorescent Display
Expandability Features
Inputs
Auxiliary (Front)
Auxiliary (Rear)
Steering Wheel Control Compatible
Yes (Accessory required and sold separately)
Tuner
AM/FM Tuner
Yes
FM Presets
18
AM Presets
6
Warranty and Return Policy
Parts Warranty Duration
1 year
Labor Warranty Duration
1 year
Warranty Provider
Sonic Electronix

Item Details


Manufacturer:

Model Number:

KDC-X396

Weight:

3.60lbs

Internal SKU:

kdcx396

Internal Product ID:

52148

Product and How-to Videos


Customer Ratings & Reviews


Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X396 thumbnail image

5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%



Durability
4.7
Value
4.9
Features
4.9
Design
4.8
Usability
4.7

Customer Reviews

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Awesome Headunit.

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

This head unit is pretty amazing. It is full of features ive never seen b4 so there gunna take a little to get used to, SQ is amazing on this head unit and it just looks sexy. After a few months of owning it i will post back how its doing but so far i love it.

By Craig on January 30, 2012

10 found this helpful


Amazing Reciever!!!

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

This is an amazing reciever for the cost. I have this reciever in my Yukon Denali. It has 3 sets of 4Volt pre-amp outputs for external amps. Front Aux inputs for iPods, Sat ready and front USB for other downloaded music.

By Steve on September 10, 2011

10 found this helpful


great value

It's an excellent product and have had no problems with it. Shipping was quick and the directions made it easy to install so I would definitely recommend this product.

By Amy on December 24, 2012

8 found this helpful


LOVED IT!

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

I've had this radio for about a week now, and to say that I didn't pay that much for it, it is amazing. Something cool that's not mentioned in the description is that not only does it have the variable low-pass filters for the subwoofer, it also has two seperate variable high-pass filters for the front & rear speakers/front & rear RCAs that go up to 220hz. This works for people like me who haven't upgraded their stock speakers yet- thought I'm pretty sure my stock Pioneers could take it. The USB feature is pretty neat too. I had a Dual receiver that would take forever to load, and this loads my thumb drive in a matter of seconds.

Only thing that bugs me is that when you switch sources, there's a beep that you can't turn off when you press the source button. Other than that, it's a great buy and I would recommend to those on a budget.

By Kamaran on September 4, 2011

9 found this helpful


Excellent product

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

This is one of the best stereos I ever owned, easy install great sound features, only thing I recommend if you already have a factory amp in your vehicle like I have in my 2000 durango, get the wire harness intergration with rca plugs that go in the back of radio, you will get a premium sound and better balance and clarity, made my infinity speakers sound like they were brand new, talk to sonic they carry the harness for your vehicle.

By Robert Man on October 15, 2011

8 found this helpful


Great bang for the buck

This is the best stereo I have ever bought for the price I love my kenwood one thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't work when it's cold in your car. Other than that it is great. I bought it to one up my friend and well it worked

By Kingadrik on January 31, 2013

6 found this helpful


Kenwood Deck

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

I am pretty impressed with this deck so far. I would say it is probably the best deck in it's price range. The subwoofer controls are nice as are the 4v pre-amp outputs. The s-n ratio is phenomenal. CDs sound better on this deck than they ever have. It has more tuning adjustment than I could ever use. The only gripe I have with this deck is that I wish you could see the display better when the sun is hitting it. I just hold my hand up to shade it when I need to, but it is a little distracting if you just want to quickly glance at the clock. Looks great at night or when the sun is not shining directly on it though.

By Stephon on January 4, 2012

6 found this helpful


Awesome unit

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

I own a previous model of this receiver. The rotary knob also had up/down and side to side functionality, like a joystick, that always did things you didn't want it to. It looks like Kenwood corrected that with this newer unit, so picking your next track should be a very painless procedure.

The music search function is excellent. You can search through your music on CD, iPod, or USB drive, while listening to the current track. You can also easily change directories (different folders) while searching. The music search function works really well.

I also love the crossovers on the Kenwood eXcelon units. Setting up the crossovers properly makes the sound quality of your system a lot better, even if your speakers and amplifier already have crossovers.

The higher voltage pre-outs increase sound quality because you do not need to set amplifier gain as high. Look for high voltage pre-outs any time you want to use amplifiers in your car stereo.

By Paul on October 11, 2011

6 found this helpful


Easy to use, great features.

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

I have had this unit for only a few weeks, so I could not properly rate it's durability.

This is a great low cost head unit. We have it mated to Kenwood KFC-1652S in front doors and Pioneer TS-1644R in the rear doors of a 2004 Subaru Legacy sedan.
When using the adapter plug, connect the blue wire to pin 14. This will power the antenna booster, located in the driver's 'C' Pillar. The instructions do not call to do this connection, but without it, radio reception will be poor.
The best feature is the "Natural" setting on the equalizer. It some how rads the song and nearly always makes the best adjustments, automatically.
The only thing I have found that I don't like, is the brightness of the lights, taht cannot be dimmed. The lights for the USB and Aux jacks and around the knob are really bright blue.

By Pablo on September 7, 2011

7 found this helpful


Great head unit for a great price!!

The following review is for a previous version (KDC-X395).

This head unit will have friends asking where did you get it. It's the perfect modern with a usb, aux and sat radio hook up head unit, and a sharp looking one with the digital read out, you will be very happy with this unit.

By Wayne on March 7, 2012

5 found this helpful




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