Good Unit for the Price
Written: Feb 25 '04
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Pros: Price, customizable color display, CD changer control capability, quick track access
Cons: Secondary controls very small, faceplate mounting system a bit flimsy
The Bottom Line: This unit can be picked up very cheaply now that it's being phased out, which makes it an excellent deal.
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| viss1's Full Review: Kenwood KDC-MPV622 Car CD/ MP3 Player |
I bought this unit primarily because it was the least-expensive MP3-capable Kenwood with 2 sets of preamp outs, CD changer control capability, and customizable display color available.
The CD changer control capability is useful if, like me, you have a pre-existing changer. You no longer need to fiddle with a remote to control your changer - it can all be done with the head unit.
The customizable display is a nice feature because it enables you to match the unit to the rest of your dashboard/gauges.
Other Features:
Other features are typical for its class: 22Wx4, 2 sets of preamp outputs, CD changer control (for Kenwood changers), and Sirius-ready controls. It also includes a remote.
The unit also includes "System Q," a group of pre-set EQ settings tailored for different types of music. I personally have no use for this feature, since I run an external 11-band EQ.
You might find an extra set of preamp outputs in a few of its competitors, or maybe a slightly better warranty, but in general it's all there.
Functionality:
Switching from mode to mode (MP3 to Changer to tuner) is very quick, as is track shuttling in MP3 mode. The only drawback is that there's no "loop" in the track search feature - if you have a CD with 150 tracks, are on track 149, and want to go to track 2, you can't go forward 3 tracks - you have to either go back 149 times or stop and restart the CD from the beginning.
The primary controls are a somewhat flimsy volume wheel and four adequately-sized buttons controlling forward/backwards and AM/FM (or other functions depending on mode). The secondary buttons are quite small, and their labels are essentially impossible to read from more than a few inches away. However, you seldom need to access these secondary buttons; plus, in Kenwood's defense, all aftermarket DIN-sized headunits have the same issue.
The only potential drawback is the lack of support for .WMA files - if you have files recorded in this format, they won't play. Most other Kenwoods include .WMA support; perhaps this is why this model is being phased out. In any case, all my music is saved as .WAV or .MP3, so no problem for me.
Security:
The faceplate is detachable, and the panel behind includes a flashing LED. You can also create a security code so the headunit can't be used if removed until the code is entered.
The faceplate mounting mechanism is a bit awkward, and I don't have ultimate faith in its ability to withstand daily removals.
Final note:
Kenwood is phasing this unit out, so you can pick it up quite cheaply at discount stores. Despite its age, it still holds its own with the competition.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 170
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Epinions.com ID:
viss1
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Reviews written: 4
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