Just did a quick search on Sonic Electronix......they do NOT have the XXV-01D. They do have the XXV-05V - the 25th Anniversary in-dash DVD...but no 25th Anny CD receiver.
To blessed ~ What is a good price to you? (As these things are often pretty subjective and very dependent on the individual in question)
There is only ONE authorized online retailer for eXcelon gear - Crutchfield. That is by far not the only place that they can be purchased....but it is the only place that Kenwood will honor the warranties for any units sold by them. So - whether or not the units you're seeing on eBay are refurbisjed or brand-spanking-new they won't come with a manufacturer's warranty.
If you buy a Kenwood deck that is part of the eXcelon lineup and/or any of the 25th Anniversary gear online from anywhere but Crutchfield, correct. I list them separately as I do not know if Kenwood considers the 25th Anny gear is considered eXcelon stuff as it is not marked as such. I digress....at any rate, there are several online outlets that are authorized to retail the "regular" Kenwood equipment. I'm not entirely sure why but KenwoodUSA is a bit more particular about who they allow to legitimately sell the eXcelon/25th Anniversary stuff...and Crutchfield is the ONLY online retailer that is authorized by the manufacturer to sell it.So, in essence, if I buy a BRAND NEW HU online from other than Crutchfield's, then Kenwood will not honor the warranty?
Really? I haven't looked extensively online as it wasn't at all important to me...the only place I had a glance was on eBay and the one time I looked they were only going for around $50 than on Crutchfield.I guess that's why you can get one for like $200 cheaper online.
I reckon it all boils down to how much importance you place on a valid warranty. Kenwood has made great efforts over the past year or so to correct previous quality control issues, eliminating design flaws, and just generally trying to get back to where they once were - widely viewed as a manufacturer of top-shelf gear. I bought an XXV-01D from Crutchfield today...to me it's worth it for several reasons:A) Valid warranty - even if the deck is absolutely flawless in its build and design accidents happen! I'd rather have the warranty.That sux, now I'm not sure if paying the extra $200 is worth the security "just in case" something goes wrong. Knowing my luck, I'd pay it and it would be fine with no problems.