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Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697

Single-Din Car Stereo w/ iPod, Android and Pandora Support

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• Three-Line Full-Dot LCD Display
• 50W x 4 Chan. Max, 22W x 4 Chan. RMS
• 3 Sets of 4V Preamp Outputs
• 3-Band Parametric Equalizer
• Electronic Shock Protection
• 2-Way iPod Control
• Pandora Support

Learn more about the kdcx697

We apologize

This item has been discontinued

Product Highlights


• Three-Line Full-Dot LCD Display
• 50W x 4 Chan. Max, 22W x 4 Chan. RMS
• 3 Sets of 4V Preamp Outputs
• 3-Band Parametric Equalizer
• Electronic Shock Protection
• 2-Way iPod Control
• Pandora Support

Description


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eXcelon Performance & Quality

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697

Kenwood's eXcelon products incorporate the latest technologies and deliver amazing sound performance. From advanced audio tuning capabilities, crossover and equalizer systems and high voltage preouts, eXcelon represents the very best product available from Kenwood.

A Listening Experience

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697

The Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697 CD receiver will expand your sonic boundaries with a nice blend of audio features and sophisticated styling. Thanks to its selectable color feature, you can pick a button color that matches your vehicle's illumination so the receiver will look perfect in your dash.

Install the Pandora App for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smartphones and you'll enjoy a personalized listening experience. The KDC-X697 also allows you to connect, control and enjoy satellite radio from SiriusXM, including new SiriusXM XTRA Channels with optional SiriusXM tuner SXV200. Compatible 2013 CD receivers can also take advantage of the SXV200 advanced features such as Smart Favorites, artist/song/game alerts, iTunes tagging or SiriusXM Replay.

USB Connectivity for iPhone, iPod and compatible USB mass storage devices

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697

Most USB-enabled CD receiver models, feature USB connectivity for audio playback from popular devices like iPhone and iPod. Featuring easy-to-use user interface, iPod browsing is a breeze when searching by playlist, artist, album, song, genres or composer. Additionally, you can use advanced search functions like Reverse Browsing, Alphabet Search and Skip Search to find what you want to listen to, quickly and easily. For added versatility, App/iPod Mode disables the receiver's integrated control, enabling passengers to control the iPod manually including some selected Apps. The same USB connectivity allows users to connect USB thumb drives and external hard disk drives.

Music Control for Android Smartphones

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X397

For those Android Smartphone users that feel neglected by car audio companies, Kenwood has you cover with their new App that allows you to interface your music through the car stereo. This free Kenwood application found on Google Play organizes your music and provides quick and easy music search capability from any 2013 USB/CD receiver. Once installed on a compatible Android smartphone which supports mass storage mode, you will be able to search by artist, song or genre as well as select music based on your mood.

Connect and Control Satellite Radio

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X397

Connect, control and enjoy satellite radio from SiriusXM, including new SiriusXM XTRA Channels (USA only) with a single direct connection to a compatible CD receiver with optional SiriusXM tuner SXV200. Compatible 2013 CD receivers can also take advantage of the SXV200 advanced features such as Smart Favorites, artist/song/game alerts, iTunes tagging or SiriusXM Replay.

Expand with Dual USB Inputs

Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697

A front panel mounted USB and a rear USB input mounted on an extension cable will support multiple devices at the same time. A LED status indicator for "Rear USB" is found on the front panel confirming if a device is connected.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Features:

  • KDC-X697 In-Dash eXcelon Series Receiver
  • Three-line Full-Dot LCD display for improved viewing
  • 2-way iPod control allows control from the iPod or the stereo
  • Pandora Link integrates your car stereo with your iPhone and Pandora Internet Radio
  • Kenwood application for Android provides quick search and music organization
  • Blue illuminated button lighting
  • Power Output:
    • Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
    • RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
  • Detachable face plate
  • Remote control included
  • CD text information display
  • MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
  • 2-year Sonic Electronix Warranty

Playback and Audio Features:

  • CD/CD-R/RW, MP3/AAC/WAV/WMA Playback
  • Compatible with Kenwood's Music Control app for Android phones
  • AM/FM tuner with 18FM/6AM presets
  • Electronic Shock Protection (ESP)
  • Supreme setting improves music that is encoded at low bit rates
  • 3-band parametric equalizer with 8 selectable tone curves (7 Preset, 1 User)
  • 24bit DAC enhances MP3/WMA playback
  • Built-in electronic High-Pass and Low-Pass crossover filters
  • Spectrum audio analyzer with 8 times over sampling

Expandability Options:

  • 3 Sets of 4V preamp outputs (front, rear and subwoofer)
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready: SiriusXM Radio Package and subscription required and sold separately
  • iPod and iPhone Ready: Standard USB-to-iPod Cable is compatible, however Kenwood recommends the KCA-IP102
  • 3.5mm Front Auxiliary Input
  • Front and Rear USB Input
  • Steering Wheel Control Ready: PAC SWI-JACKv1 or the Axxess ASWC required and sold separately
  • Remote Control included

Product history:

Kenwood KDC-X697 thumbnail
(newest, current model)
Kenwood KDC-X496 thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X697)

Specifications & Details


In-Dash Receiver Specifications
Receiver Size
Single DIN
Wireless Remote
Yes
Peak Power Output
50 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
3-Band Equalizer with 8 selectable curves
Smartphone Integration
Compatible Smartphones
iPhone (iOS)
Android
iPhone Control
Siri Eyes Free Control
Pandora Control
Android Control
Pandora Control
Expandability Features
Inputs
Auxiliary (Front)
Auxiliary (Rear)
USB (Front)
USB (Rear)
Steering Wheel Control Compatible
Yes (Accessory required and sold separately)
Tuner
AM/FM Tuner
Yes
FM Presets
18
AM Presets
6
Radio Data System (RDS)
Yes
Warranty and Return Policy
Parts Warranty Duration
2 years
Labor Warranty Duration
2 years
Warranty Provider
Sonic Electronix

Item Details


Manufacturer:

Model Number:

KDC-X697

Weight:

3.80lbs

Internal SKU:

kdcx697

Internal Product ID:

65900

Product and How-to Videos


Customer Ratings & Reviews



5 star
55%
4 star
36%
3 star
9%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%



Durability
4.1
Value
4.7
Features
4.1
Design
4.2
Usability
3.8

Customer Reviews

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KDC-X697

I really like the look of this head unit, it's very sleek and elegant. The flaps over the cd and usb/aux ports are a classy touch. I also like the glossy finish, I'm not having any of the glare problems that a lot of reviewers write about. That may be because I have heavily tinted windows.

The sound quality is fantastic.This is the first non-Alpine/Pioneer head unit I've owned in years, and I'm not disappointed. One important thing to note when setting your amp gains, this head unit's preouts do not clip at full tilt - volume 35/35. If you set your amp gains at 28/35, which is about 80% like most people/sites recommend, will will end up with a fairly low preout voltage. To get the full 4 volts, you need to use volume 35 and sub +1.

Kenwood has seriously stepped up their game lately. One reason I decided to go with Kenwood over Alpine/Pioneer/Claroin, is that I was so impressed with my girlfriend's Kenwood head unit. I got her a new KDC-108 a little over a year ago for dirt cheap, and she loves it. Looks, sound quality, durability, these are all around quality units, and they seem, to me, to be much better value than what the other guys are putting out.

There are only 2 things I don't really like about it. Firstly, if you pause then go to a different song, that song automatically plays. You can't pause a song right at the beginning because the you have to hold the pause button for a couple seconds. That may sound like no big deal, but I just find it a little annoying that whenever I get in the car, the middle of a song, or at least a second or two into a song, starts playing, instead of the beginning. & there's nothing you can do about it.

Secondly, useless functions like "loudness" and "supreme". I know most companies have similar functions, but Kenwood - You would be much more highly respected in the audiophile community if you'd get rid of that crap.

Okay, so my two complaints were pretty weak, but that's really all I've got. I really like this head unit, and I highly recommend it. As far as I'm concerned in the heard unit market, Kenwood is one of the big boys now.

By TJ on February 28, 2014

27

found this helpful.

Excellent Head Unit

I bought this unit to replace the factory stereo in my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. I didn't have a lot of money to spend and this unit offered a lot of features for the price. I hooked it up to some JBL GTO speakers I had. I have another car I use for a daily driver that has an expensive and very complex system. When I fired up the Kenwood with the JBLs I was amazed at how well everything sounded with just the head unit and no amp.

Don't let the price fool you. It offers some great features and has a pretty extensive menu of settings. I really like having the front and rear USB ports. You can even add satellite radio to it. I have a 64GB thumb drive with nearly 4000 songs loaded on it connected to the rear USB port. Paired to JBLs the sound quality is very good.

So far I guess my only complaint with this unit is that it doesn't have blue tooth. If you need that then you need to look at another model. I really didn't have high expectations so I was very surprised by its capabilities. I recommend this unit.

By James on April 3, 2014

27

found this helpful.

its ok

itts ok..just not happy w the screens and resolution

By ben on April 11, 2014

15

found this helpful.

GREAT SOUND

This is a very nice unit - great sound. Must use the remote for everything which is a bother - radio preset recall with the remote is a pain. But the sound makes up for any problem. To hard the set up and the operation directions - useless

By brian on May 27, 2014

13

found this helpful.

Most bang for your buck

After doing some research i found the eXelon product line rates well with most audiophiles then it's just a matter of finding it at a price you can live with. Well i had to wonder if the cops were coming to my door because i stole this item legally. Sonic electronix always has had what i wanted in stock at a great price with timely delivery A WIN, WIN, WIN SITUATION FOR ME !!!!!!! also included was a wiring harness for a professional installation

By thomas on March 23, 2014

14

found this helpful.

Really great deal!

I would recommend this unit, I wanted to replace my old unit which only had the iPod hookup, now I have that plus pandora, I'm good!

By Shawn on January 27, 2014

13

found this helpful.

Kenwood eXelon is the only way to go!

I can some up this cd-head unit in one word.....CLARITY. I've used several types of kenwood decks and have yet to be disappointed. Ever since i tried the eXcelon line, I haven't looked back. I narrowed it down with 6 choices: 1: deck size, 2: pre-amp voltage, 3: number of rear RCAs. 4: display text/font style, 5: usb location & 6: price. Sonicelectronix has such a wide variety of car audio, with in unbelievable pricing. I will continue to check here before looking elsewhere. FYI- if your credit card shipping/billing addresses are different, CALL-IN YOUR ORDERS! Sonicelectronix FTW!

By Bj on December 6, 2014

12

found this helpful.

Great Product.

I bought this stereo to replace the existing one in my Tahoe but I'm very satisfied with this product. It has all the features I was looking for like Pandora , Two usb connection and great sound.the best part was the price I paid less then What I thought.
Great stereo I would definitely recommend it.

By Ito69 on January 13, 2015

12

found this helpful.

Best Bang for Your Buck!!

The 4V preamps are a great feature to get the best quality audio out of your speakers,amps, and subs. The USB inputs are almost useless unless your music files are meticulously sorted on your player. Aux input will make up for the weak USB inputs.

By Mr. Savingsworth on November 13, 2014

10

found this helpful.

Cannot beat it for the price.

I purchased the XDC-697 for $104. I was looking for a single DIN unit with a multi-line character display and USB. Most other Single DIN units have 10-12 characters max at a time. This unit can have three lines and probably 16 characters across.

The colors are customizable (buttons and/or display to match my dash). The audio adjustment options are endless. The display and interface customizing options are endless as well. You could get lost for days tinkering with your settings.

I have had it for almost a month now and finally think I have all of the settings where I want them. It pushes my speakers nicely. The higher end units have bluetooth.

My Gripes:
-------------
1. The faceplate appears to scratch easily
2. If you like adjusting your EQ frequently, it is not a simple process
3. FM reception is not as great as my GM factory HU
4. You have to download the 104 pg manual online to understand the settings
5. The lack of buttons on the faceplate gives the remote control easier control over the unit
6. You only have one audio 'User" preset

All in all I love this HU. It only took me three weeks to understand what all it can do.

By Paul on April 19, 2014

12

found this helpful.

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