Are 5v preouts and bluetooth as opposted to 2v preouts and no bluetooth worth $170?

[BryanHamade 10+ year member]

I am trying to decide between the Kenwood DDX712 and the DDX812. The main differences between the two are the DDX812 has bluetooth and 5v preouts while the DDX712 has 2v preouts and no bluetooth.

So is the DDX812 worth $170 more in your mind?

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[Jeremy M 10+ year member]

yes.

 

[BryanHamade 10+ year member]

yes.

Can you or someone else elaborate on the advantage of 5v preouts to 2v preouts?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

There is no real advantage of 2v over 5v. If you have use for the Bluetooth, the Bluetooth module for the Kenwood units is a couple hundred bucks.

BTW unless its significantly different from the DNX-8120 (and it shouldn't be) the 5V preouts are only on the 5.1 harness. The regular F, R, S outputs are "only" 2V.

 

[only126db 10+ year member]

5v is better than 2V because they are maximum ratings and with a 5V you can get the required voltage to your amp without having to take the volume up to full and possibly add distortion by maxing out your headunit.

For example at 3/4 volume a 2V head unit may only be putting out 1V but a 5V may be putting out 2-3V, I know my head unit (2V) doesnt really kick in the voltage till 30-31-32 of 35 and at those numbers it jumps up not smoothly transistioning to the highest voltage.

My old system had 5V and it was alot easier to set it up, since there was more voltage to smoothly transition up the scale and I didnt have to max out my deck to get that voltage.

As for Bluetooth if you need it then it is worth it.....All this also depends on the brands, you may get more for your dollar than just Bt and 5v with another brand