When I’m driving in my truck, music is not an option. I have
to have my tunes. Car receivers have gotten pretty fancy, with their HD
displays. But for some, those HD displays may not be in your budget. Or, maybe,
it just isn’t your cup of tea. Whatever your reason, Kenwood still has a
receiver for you. Up for review is their Kenwood eXcelon DPX795BH. It’s a more
basic receiver, but still has excellent features. MSRP is a budget friendly $259.
Features and specs:
Music Mix
Up to 5 Bluetooth® devices can be paired to the receiver at
the same time. You can enjoy audio streaming just by switching the devices with
your friends or family.
Dual Phone Connection
While you are connected through Bluetooth, with a touch of a
button you can switch between two phones.
Remote App
A smartphone application can control most basic functions of
the receiver over the Bluetooth connection of the paired phone (iPhone or Android).
Graphic EQ / Digital Time Alignment
13-Band equalizer and DTA gives optimal tuning enhancements
for listeners.
Drive EQ
Boosts specific frequencies in the audio signal to overcome
the negative impact of road noise.
DUAL USB
Multiple USB ports provide additional inputs for music
sources or smartphone battery charging.
Variable Color Illumination
Bright variable color LEDs can be adjusted to match any
color dash lighting.
200mm ESCUTCHEON Included
A 200mm escutcheon is included to help make the fit seamless
in many of the latest model Japanese and other select cars.
420 Segment 3 Line Text Display
Amazon Alexa Ready
Built-in HD Radio Tuner
Dual USB
13Band EQ & Digital Time Alignment
Variable Color Illumination
200mm Escutcheon Panel Included
3 Preouts 5.0V
The Kenwood eXcelon DPX795BH came in a great looking color
printed box with photos and specs of the receiver. Opening the box revealed a well-protected
deck, held in place by custom Styrofoam. Materials used in the construction was
mostly metal, with plastic on the face. Quality of materials used, as well as
fit and finish, was very good. Also included was the wiring harness, wired
microphone, as well as keys and manual.
I like the design of the receiver. The 3-line display is
easy to read. The buttons are large and well laid out, with a rotary knob front
and center. There’s also a front USB and auxiliary ports. And while it has a
button for Alexa, Alexa is voice activated as well! Switching between two
connected cell phones is also easy. Your family can also enjoy their own music
as well, as you can connect up to 5 Bluetooth devices at the same time. I also
can’t forget it being SiriusXM ready.
While the Kenwood eXcelon DPX795BH has all of the
functionality to enjoy your music from several different sources, it also has
the features you need to make your music sound it’s best. It’s internal MOSFETS
provide 50 watts to your speakers, and its built-in crossovers make sure your
speakers get the right frequencies that they can handle. There’s even a 13 band
EQ, Drive EQ, and time alignment. And if you want more power to your speakers,
there’s RCA outputs for front, rear and subs with a full 5-volt output. Now
let’s see how it sounds.
The Demo mode is fun, with the LED’s changing colors to give
you an idea of how it can look. The owner’s
manual is well written and easy to follow.
The 3-line text display is also sufficient to follow what you are doing,
and provide instructions for set-up. Just a heads up…the large rotary knob in
the middle that rotates, also acts as a button.
Pairing my LG V40 smartphone for Bluetooth Audio was very simple. My HD tunes from my Amazon Music service
sounded great! And the internal amps
thanks to their MOSFETS provided good power.
Highs were crips and clean, mids were warm and smooth, and bass had nice
depth with good punch. The internal tuner for HD Radio also worked sufficiently
well. And if you like to use Alexa, you
are in for a treat. The included
microphone works great for hands free calls.
But it also helps to control your tunes. Thanks to the available app,
you can use Alexa to control volume, go back and forth thru tracks, and even
ask questions and have it read you the news.
The Kenwood eXcelon DPX795BH was a bit of fresh air. While the 3-line text display design was an
obvious cost cutter, you still get all of the modern functionality. Features such as HD Radio, Bluetooth Audio, and Alexa, are all found onboard. The front Aux input and dual front and rear
USB inputs also gives usability with multiple devices. And all of this
functionality comes at a bargain price point that does not break the bank.
The Kenwood eXcelon DPX795BH provides a huge amount of
functionality, at a bargain price point. It has all the features needed for
your music to sound good. With the Music Mix feature, your family and friends’
music will sound just as good. And thanks to its eXcelon build quality, it will
last you for years. It’s bang for the buck is huge. Based on its design,
features, quality and performance, the Kenwood eXcelon DPX795BH has earned our Value
Award. It you’re in the market for a budget double-din receiver, it should be
on your short list. For more info and complete specs, check out their website
at www.kenwood.com.
