Kenwood KDC-x993

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

Im looking at this. Im a diehard Alpine guy but my new interior is red so i want it to flow. Is the Ipod intregration and control as goodas the Alpine units, specifically the 9886 andx303. What did you think of it ?

Click to read more...

 

[hatedonmostly 5,000+ posts]

red interior lawlz

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

I like the looks of the KDC-X794 as well, any comment on that one ?

 

[hatedonmostly 5,000+ posts]

Eclipse CD3200 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[JPWynn 10+ year member]

Hi there!

Just an FYI: FNG here. I'm new to the car audio scene too...

I've owned the KDC-X993 for about two months now. I'll be happy to answer any specfic questions you have, but keep in mind I've obviously never owned any Alpine gear before. I was torn between the Alpine and Kenwood gear when I ordered my stuff. I went with the Kenwood because of the differenct colors to match my dash (I wanted green...2002 WRX).

As far as general info the biggest complaint with that unit is the controls. I primarily use the remote control on mine. The problem I had with it is that it isn't intuative at all but once you know how to control it you're golden. Most people that complain are probably the type that throw away the manual and think they can just learn the controls on the fly. Big mistake that I could see leading to massive frustration. The manual is key to mastering the controls but once you get it you're golden. Definately a learning curve and if you're used to installing something and having zero learning curve this is definately not the HU for you.

I use a IPod Touch 32GB not that it matters. It's Flawless. The search features are top notch.

I originally wanted the 693 but I ended up with the 993. The bluetooth phone features are probably my favorite part of the HU so far which was quite the blessing in disguise as I didn't even care about the hands free portion when I bought it (the 693 was sold out at the time on Crutchfield).

If you have any specifics fire away. I've added a subscription to the thread...

Good luck!

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

I am a little worried about the complication of the controls that i have read in the crutchfield reviews. I dont need anything too complicated because im not going after perfect SQ. I didnt see any negative reviews about the controls x794 and it looks like my old x303.

Any suggestions from other companies are welcome as long as those units are on par with the units mentioned in this thread. ( 9886, ida-x303, KDC-x993, and x 794 )

 

[hatedonmostly 5,000+ posts]

Toone has a 9887, and I believe you can make the buttons all red. That CD player skips a lot though.

I like my Eclipse a lot, the newer x200 series has variable color display for the buttons.

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

I got an older Pioneer DEH5800MP with red lighting. Its not as nice as those other HU's though. Im swapping it out for an Eclipse CD7000. I think most of the Eclipse decks that are CD3xx and up have color changing abilities. The 5030 allows red or blue.

ECLIPSE CD/USB Multi-Source Receiver/ Built-in A2DP Bluetooth wireless technology CD5030 | Fujitsu Ten

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

Tha eclipse looks nice.

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

The 3200 that was mentioned earlier can do blue/red, blue/green, blue/amber, or all red, all blue, and all amber.

ECLIPSE CD/USB Multi-Source Receiver with Bluetooth wireless technology CD3200 | Fujitsu Ten

Can be had for cheap on eBay:

ECLIPSE CD3200 IN DASH CAR STEREO CD/ MP3 USB Player - eBay (item 390183788645 end time Apr-19-10 11:00:24 PDT)

You buy the 3200 and then sell me the cage, trim ring, and face plate case.

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

No offense to my sweetheart layframe but i think the 3200 looks hideous.

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

The CD7000 I just picked up is the same layout. I think it looks nice and clean. Oh well what do you know your only 17 (I saw you rip Annarbor84 a new one about age)

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

ill proly just get the x993. And kiss my ***.

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

I actually might go JVC

 

[hatedonmostly 5,000+ posts]

The 3200 that was mentioned earlier can do blue/red, blue/green, blue/amber, or all red, all blue, and all amber.
ECLIPSE CD/USB Multi-Source Receiver with Bluetooth wireless technology CD3200 | Fujitsu Ten

Can be had for cheap on eBay:

ECLIPSE CD3200 IN DASH CAR STEREO CD/ MP3 USB Player - eBay (item 390183788645 end time Apr-19-10 11:00:24 PDT)

You buy the 3200 and then sell me the cage, trim ring, and face plate case.

Good luck finding someone who will sell the cage for these. They are NOT universal with Eclipse units.

No offense to my sweetheart layframe but i think the 3200 looks hideous.

Meh, whatever you say, I love my 5100 and the layout is the same.

ill proly just get the x993. And kiss my ***.

I actually might go JVC

I wouldn't want a Kenwood or a JVC in my car, period. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif