Kenwood X891 Vs. Pioneer 880prs

[atoz350 10+ year member]

As if you haven't seen these threads enough. I'm asking for honest opinions. With the problems that the pioneer has been having with longevity it has me flocking to other options. The problem? All other options are ugly. I'm looking for a classy look for my dash with my new headunit. Which has the better processing? I would need an EQ, 3-way active capability as well as T/A. That will probably sway me more than anything.

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[kaneo13 10+ year member]

I have no experience with Kenwood decks, but I have never had a problem with the longevity of the 3 Pioneer decks I have owned. I had a DEH 1100 back in the day, a 7300 for about 4 years with no problems, and I am very happy with the 880PRS.

 

[99StangGt 10+ year member]

I dont think the Kenwood does active crossover. I have had an 880 and 2 860s and never had an issue. I havent had a Kenwood but it looks like I will be getting one for the usb. Im not running active any more.

 

[pellis 10+ year member]

i used to have the pioneer 3600 around 2 yrs ago, half of the lcd screen went out. next, i got the 8600 no probs. and now i have the been using the 880 for 2 wks and no probs so far. purchased all 3 on ebay.

 

[chucku 10+ year member]

I had problems with my refurb 880, now that they sent me a new one, it was worth it. The 880 is a nice deck, sq is excellent. I dont think there is a comparable hu in or near its price range.

 

[///M5 10+ year member]

880 smokes that Kenwood which won't at all do what you need.

 

[champaned_out 10+ year member]

nuff said get the 880... i havent had any problems with mine either

 

[adam71 5,000+ posts]

I agree with taking the 880 over the Kenwood. Pioneer has had some issues with some of their decks in the past but those are taken care of. Just in case some of the bad ones are still out in circulation, I would make sure you get it legit so then you have the 2 year waranty. I would suggest buying it from a local brick and mortar if you have one around you. It may cost you more but it will be worth it if you are unfortunate to have any problems.

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Which has the better processing? I would need an EQ, 3-way active capability as well as T/A. That will probably sway me more than anything.

As much of a fan of the eXcelon gear as I am for the necessities you've listed here's how it breaks down:

The Premier's EQ what....13-band graphic - independently adjustable for left and right?

The Kenwood has a 4-band parametric

The Premier will support running active natively wherein the Kenwood will not.

The T/A in that model Kenwood leaves something to be desired as it isn't adjustable independently left and right but rather just gives you front, rear, and subwoofer distance adjustment without taking separate channels of each into account.

About the only thing the Kenwood can claim that the Premier doesn't match is the full color OEL screen which as far as SQ processing goes is completely inconsequential.

The lacking T/A in last year's and older eXcelons that have it is why I'll be retiring my XXV-01D in favor of the KDC-X991 this summer when they're released. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif