While it’s the first touchscreen receiver in Kenwood’s popular Excelon lineup, I certainly wouldn’t consider the DDX396 DVD receiver an “entry-level” model. Its 6.2″ touchscreen display shows off music info from a variety of sources, all your phone call info, and the extensive sound-shaping options built into this receiver. For a wide range of vehicles, you can also view engine data and other vehicle information, using iDatalink’s Maestro interface (not included). And Kenwood backs up this Excelon receiver with a 2-year warranty.
If you like radio, you’ll love the options the DDX396 offers, including Pandora® and Spotify®. You can plug your Android™ phone or iPhone® into the rear-panel USB port, and control the music in your phone while you charge it. This port can also handle music stored on a thumb drive, including high-resolution FLAC music files. And yes, you can still rely on CD playback and AM/FM radio too.
This receiver’s variable color illumination lets you match its display to your interior lighting, including the illuminated volume knob. It also sports a 13-band equalizer that allows you to set up separate tone curves for different audio sources. The driver’s seat isn’t exactly the best listening position, but the digital time alignment processor times the output from different speakers so you hear a much clearer stereo image. The Drive EQ mode also boosts certain frequencies that help overcome any nasty road noise you come across.
