Kenwood KDC-BT958HD

Great

I love the features, this a simple unit, and has great features. BT works flawlessly on the phone and music. Equalizer is more extensive then most other units I have worked with. I like the unit, if you don't like simple, then look elsewhere, but if you want simple and great quality, this is for you.

feature galore!

this is by far the best head unit ive ever owned!. it has built in features that usually require external sound processors. it has so many color options the sound quality is superb, the unit is great, haven't tried Bluetooth yet but the iPod connection is great, makes listing to the iPod easy and sounds great. the radio reception is crystal clear. the downfall to the radio is how the radio presets are set up, no biggie though.

On then Off again loss of sound

Since the day I installed this radio it has been a headache after replacing a very reliable but outdated Kenwood KDC-MP922. The receiver was installed and worked fine for a couple of days then no sound! Did everything Kenwood customer support asked ex: software/firmware updates checked wiring and still the same issue. I would have to disconnect cable from car battery then the sound would come back on but for how long who knows? A few days, weeks or a month? Look on line for other reviews and others have had the same issue. No more Kenwood receivers for me!

Its okay - not great

I picked this HU based on the RMS output but wish I had chosen something different. The menus can be a bit of a challenge to operate. Had to download full operators manual to figure out how to navigate the SiriusXM. Couldn't intuitively figure it out. I preferred my previous Sony, Alpine, and Pioneers over the Kenwood. This is my second Kenwood. Sound quality is okay, but my previous decks were much better, especially the Sony. I find that periodically menu navigation does not work, leaving me to remove the faceplate in order to power cycle to get function back. Bluetooth freezes often leaving me to again remove faceplate to power cycle off and on. I have a Blackberry Bold 9900 and it connects 95% of the time to the phone but only 10% of that the actual phone function/hands free works. When the phone rings and its "connected" I need the ability to answer and speak hands free. No point if the phone is connected but doesn't actually work. Very disappointing.

Amazing Deck

I've owned this deck for 6 months and im 110% satisfied. The options are a little tricky to learn but after a week or two its no big deal. If your looking for a nice quality deck this is it, I run two 12" subs with this deck and with all of the fine tuning available you will be impressed. Another thing I'd like to mention is the Bluetooth option. I mounted my mic ontop of the rearview mirror and with the Windows down and doing 70 mph the person on the other end hears me perfectly. I plan to buy another one of these decks for my girlfriends car because she likes mine so much. Her favorite things are its compatabilty with android phones and how she can access her phonebook through the deck itself. So go Kenwood this decks the one.

Oh and if your a sub/amp nut looking for serious tuning options I'd recommend this deck but the xcelon version. Its 13 band eq as well as better speaker setup options. Go Sonic Electronics!

great unit

The controls are not for a novice user. I like the amount of detailed adjustments. The Bluetooth works great. I live a little further out so the HD likes to cut out.

Second Review - 6 Months After My First Review

Menu's become easier and more familiar to navigate although not intuitive. Bluetooth challenges continue...connectivity not very effective.

WORST PART - playback on all functions has been lost this last week. Menu/function/source changes still audible with the beeps however no music on any function. All connections are proper and there were no reasons why this should happen. Will try to disconnect battery that will hopefully reset whatever glitch has caused this.

Recently installed a Pioneer DEH-X8500BS in my other vehicle and wow what an improvement over this unit. Menu's easier to use, sound adjustments easier, same features, and bluetooth works better. Oh and its less expensive.

Pretty good value, lots of features, good sound.

I bought this radio to replace the factory head unit in my 1997 Saab 900S. Front dash speakers are stock, rear deck speakers are aftermarket DUAL 6x9s.

NOTE: Since I have only used this unit for a couple days, this is really my first impression of it. I will update this review as time progresses.

Pros:
-2 USB connection ports (one front, one rear), 1 AUX port
-3 sets of pre-amp outputs (front, rear, sub)
-CD slot has a door to keep dust out.
-attractive and well laid out faceplate, buttons are well labeled as to their function.
-menu navigation is fairly intuitive
-several shuffle settings when listening to media on a USB drive.
-Bluetooth phone and audio functions work well and are pretty straightforward
-ability to make/dial phone calls from the remote control (the full keypad on the remote control makes dialing phone numbers super easy!)
-ability to navigate and adjust settings in all the menus from the remote control.
-plenty of audio settings to tune the sound to your vehicle and equipment.
-display and button colors are adjustable to a number of preset colors.
-display information layout is adjustable (you can change what info you want the display to read, such as track name, album, artist, clock, date etc.)
-good quality sound output


Cons:
-included "quick start guide" is somewhat useless, only covers the basics of install/setup, doesn't describe how to use most of the functions/settings of the unit.
-no PAUSE button on the front panel! This is a very important feature to be missing from the front of the unit. There is however one on the remote control.
-very few buttons on the front panel means there is a lot of menu navigation to change settings/navigate tracks and folders, etc.
-screen is not bright enough for good daytime viewing.

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with my purchase. Since most of my music is stored digitally on a 16gb USB drive, being able to navigate folders/artists/tracks is super important to me. I rarely listen to the radio or CDs, and occasionally stream music via Bluetooth. So far this unit is serving me well. Other aftermarket units I tried (Alpine CDA-105 and a 3 year old JVC unit) had fallen short with cumbersome USB folder navigation, lack of a shuffle feature, and the inability to recognize more than 100 music folders. This unit has no such shortcomings.

The sound this device outputs to my speakers is pretty darn good after some tweaking of various audio settings. It makes my stock tweeters sound really nice, I didn't think they were capable of producing good sound. The aftermarket DUAL 6x9s actually sound better than anticipated too.

Kenwood KDC-BT952HD head unit

This head unit is amazing. the features you get for the price is unbeatable. There where features on this head unit that my friends $1500 double din pioneer unit did not have and he was envious of. If you are thinking about getting this product i suggest you get it, you wont regret it. The audio it pushes out sounds amazing even with my stock speakers.

Best price.

I love my Kenwood HD radio, easy to use, installation was quite easy and great sound.