The "new" KDC-X990 has Wolfson DACs vs. XXV-01D's (25th Anniv) Quad Burr-Browns. Yes the screen are the same but I believe the 990 left out some features that were available on the 01D. I haven't listened to any Wolfson DAC car audio implemtation, only home audio. (For my home audio the Wolfson DAC is slightly better sounding than BB but that was in my $4K Integra Research processor though.) IMO, the 990's $180 premium over the 01D is not a good buy (
Crutchfield recently dropped the 01D's price to $400 -- a very good authorized dealer price:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-i8W2FO88vRT/cgi-bin/Prodview.asp?c=3&g=300&I=113XXV01D&s=0&cc=01)
For my part, I ordered a 01D unit based on curiosity and on good reviews from Prowler and various other forums. I have NEVER EVER considered Kenwood in all my time in car audio and have to admit that this unit is a pleasant surprise. It's SQ is excellent -- on par to my Eclipse 8455. Sure there is less flexibility in terms of 3-way setup (for active) but IMO, it integrates a passive speaker system better than the Eclipse; YMMV but that's how it was with my setup. Soundwise, I would put it right between Alpine and Eclipse -- not warm like Clarion DRZ, not thin like Alpine, and not analytical like Eclipse but full bodied and musical. The screen is one of the best displays I've seen in a long time. It's certainly the best in a single DIN unit.
For those looking to go active and have ultimate flexibility in the near future, this unit is not for you. But for those who like good SQ with decent flexibility then the 25th Anniv model is a very good choice. I may very well keep this unit when it's all said and done.
Prowler -- I'm glad I read your posts as I have never seriously looked at Kenwood to be a SQ player. Thanks.