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Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 CD receiver (Factory Refurbished)

Item # 613KDCX599

The KDC-X599 CD receiver embodies the Kenwood Excelon design philosophy of combining the best audio quality with...

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The KDC-X599 CD receiver embodies the Kenwood Excelon design philosophy of combining the best audio quality with...

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Item # 613KDCX599

Shop all Kenwood (Refurbished) Car Stereos

About the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599

Bob Bihlmayer

The excellence of Kenwood Excelon

The KDC-X599 CD receiver embodies the Kenwood Excelon design philosophy of combining the best audio quality with the latest car stereo technology. With its built-in Bluetooth® with aptX®, you can get CD-quality wireless audio streaming from compatible devices. Its front-panel USB port provides a way to connect, control, and charge an iPhone or an Android. It also features deep sound-sculpting tools and ultra-clean 4-volt preamp outputs for your amplifiers.

The excellence of Kenwood Excelon

The KDC-X599 CD receiver embodies the Kenwood Excelon design philosophy of combining the best audio quality with the latest car stereo technology. With its built-in Bluetooth® with aptX®, you can get CD-quality wireless audio streaming from compatible devices. Its front-panel USB port provides a way to connect, control, and charge an iPhone or an Android. It also features deep sound-sculpting tools and ultra-clean 4-volt preamp outputs for your amplifiers.

iPhone and Android connectivity

The KDC-X599 receiver offers direct control over a connected iPod or iPhone. You can also play, control, and charge select Android phones that are plugged into the front-panel USB port using the receiver's built-in AOA (Android Open Accessory 2.0). You can enjoy your favorite Pandora® and iHeartRadio® Internet Radio stations from your iPhone or Android.

In addition to streaming audio with Bluetooth, you can pair your phone with the Kenwood for hands-free calling. The KDC-X599 includes an external microphone, so callers can hear you loud and clear. iPhone users get voice control when pairing an iPhone that offers Siri.

Play your favorite music

You can also satisfy your music fix using the receiver's sensitive AM/FM radio, CD player, and front aux input for a portable music player. And if you have MP3, WMA, AAC, or WAV music files on a thumb drive, the USB port can handle those too. If you think that terrestrial radio is too "old school," you can check out the incredibly deep programming offered by satellite radio by adding a SiriusXM tuner to this Kenwood. There's nothing better than finding a great SiriusXM station, then listening to it for the duration of your trip.

Sight and sound

The KDC-X599's 5-band parametric equalizer and eight EQ presets let you shape your music your way. You can use the low-pass frequency filter and phase control to tune the bass going to your subwoofer, while the hot 4-volt preamp outputs provide better performance for your amplifiers. You can also adjust the variable-color display so this Kenwood looks right at home in your dash, while dust covers protect the CD slot, aux input, and USB port.

Want to keep your steering wheel controls?

In most cars, you'll need an adapter to retain those controls with this car stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and radio, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls.You'll see the adapters that work with your vehicle when you add this receiver to your cart.

Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our articles about Bluetooth profiles and streaming music using Bluetooth with aptX.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

    General Features:
    • CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
    • built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
    • plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs including discs loaded with MP3, AAC, and WMA music files
    • detachable face with 13-digit LCD display and variable-color illumination
    Smartphone Features:
    • built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
      • aptX® audio coding technology for near-CD-quality sound with compatible Bluetooth devices
    • built-in Android AOA control and charging of select Android devices (Android version 4.1 and higher) using the USB connection
    • built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control
    • Pandora and iHeartRadio Internet radio control with iPhone and Android
    Audio Features:
    • 5-band parametric equalizer
    • Sound Reconstruction improves the sound of heavily compressed music files
    • eight preset EQ settings with Drive EQ
    • subwoofer level, low-pass filter, and phase control
    • bass boost and loudness controls
    • high-pass filter for speakers
    Expandability:
    • compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner
    • Music Drive lets you select audio from multiple flash drives or memory cards in a connected USB hub or memory card reader
    • inputs: front-panel auxiliary input and USB port with sliding covers
    • outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, and subwoofer)
    Other Features and Specs:
    • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
    • warranty: 90 days
    • MFR # KDC-X599

    What's in the box:

    • Refurbished CD receiver (10A fuse)
    • Face (attached)
    • Trim ring (attached)
    • Sleeve (installed)
    • Wiring harness
    • Wireless remote control (RC-406)
    • CR2025 3V lithium-battery (installed in remote)
    • Microphone with integrated bracket (attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle male 3.5mm connector)
    • 2 Removal tools
    • Face-fixing screw
    • Instruction Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
    • Warranty Card

    Customer reviews for Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599

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    4.5 out of 5 stars
    19 reviews

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    More details on the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599

    Stacey B.

    Features & specs

    Expandability
    AUX Input Front
    Audio/video Input ---
    USB Input Front
    USB Port Power ---
    Backup Camera Input No
    Second Camera Input No
    CarPlay No
    Android Auto No
    Siri Control Bluetooth
    Alexa Voice Control
    Android Control Yes
    Memory Card Slot USB
    Bluetooth Compatible Built-in
    Satellite Radio Ready SiriusXM
    HD Radio No
    Navigation ---
    iPod Compatibility
    Full size Classic
    Nano 7/6/5/4/3
    Touch 5/4/3/2
    iPhone 6+/6/5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS/3G
    General
    RMS Power (CTA-2006) N/A
    RMS Power (Manufacturer) ---
    Peak Output 50 watts
    RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
    Preamp Outputs 6-channel
    Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
    Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs No
    Video Screen No
    Navigation App Compatible (iOS)
    Navigation App Compatible (Android)
    Preamp Voltage 4 volts
    Screen Size ---
    Screen Type ---
    Display Color Variable
    Key Button Color Variable
    EQ Bands 5
    Wireless Remote Yes
    Steering Wheel Control Compatible Adapter required
    Parts Warranty 90 Days
    Labor Warranty 90 Days
    Tuner
    FM Sensitivity 8.2 dBf
    European Tuning Yes
    Seek/Scan Seek
    Radio Data System Yes
    File Playback
    Music File Playback MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV
    High-res Playback N

    Product Research

    Built-in Bluetooth
    iPhone & Android Integration
    Internet+SiriuxXM+AM/FM Radio
    Disc/USB/Aux Playback
    Audio Section
    Display Features
    Remote Control

    Built-in Bluetooth

    Bluetooth Technology: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 is equipped with built-in Bluetooth (ver. 2.1+EDR/3.0) allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit. In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:

    • Hands-Free Communication: HFP 1.5 (Hands Free Profile), OPP 1.1 (Object Push Profile), PBAB 1.0 (Phone Book Access Profile).
    • Audio Streaming: A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).
    Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599. Visit Kenwood's Support Site for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled phones.

    Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) + Auto Pairing (for iPhone): With Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), you can easily pair a Bluetooth enabled phone to the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 without having to enter pin codes or go through complicated settings. When a paired Bluetooth device is in close proximity to the receiver, the auto connection function automatically pairs the two units. You can pair up to five Bluetooth-enabled devices to the Kenwood head, but only one can be used at a time. You can even pair your Apple iPhone (iOS 5+) by simply connecting it to the Kenwood head unit via USB and following a single prompt on the head unit's display.

    Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication: The head unit supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The controls of the KDC-X599 can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also includes an external microphone (featuring adjustable gain), so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode. 

    • Answering a Call: When a call comes in, a ring-tone will be heard through your vehicle's speaker and the caller's name or phone number will be displayed. You can answer the call from the head unit's front-panel controls, or setup the head unit to automatically answer the incoming call immediately or after 1-30 seconds. The KDC-X599 also supports the Call Waiting function, so you can answer another incoming call while suspending the current call you are on. Your compatible cell-phone must also support this feature.
    • Dialing a Number: Using the KDC-X599, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:
      • Entering a Phone Number: Allows you to directly dial a phone number up to 32 digits from the head unit's control knob or remote control.
      • Preset Dialing: Allows you to register up to 6 phone numbers for quick dialing. The preset numbers can be accessed from the head unit's front-panel controls.
      • Phone Book: You can dial by using the downloaded phone book. You can download phone book data from your cell phone to the KDC-X599. Up to 600 numbers can be stored for each registered cell phone. Each number can be up to 32 digits long and each name can be up to 50 characters long.  Stored phone numbers can be categorized by General, Home, Office, Mobile, or Other. You can search each category of the phone book in alphabetical order.
      • Call History: The Call History is a list of calls that have originated from and were received by this unit that you can dial. You can select Outgoing, Incoming, or Missed calls.
      • Voice Dialing: If your mobile phone supports voice recognition, then you can dial out by voice command. Simply speak into the included microphone.

    Note: The external wired microphone offers improved audio quality versus an integrated microphone, so you can be heard easier over noisy traffic and road noise. You can adjust the volume level and noise cancellation of the microphone without affecting the other sources. The external microphone features an attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector which plugs into the mic input on the rear-panel of the head unit. The microphone offers an integrated mounting bracket which can be clipped to your vehicle's sun-visor or taped to your dash. The external microphone measures 0.525" (diameter) x 1.505" (depth).

    Wireless Audio Streaming (w/ aptX): The Kenwood KDC-X599 supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or audio player, plus song/artist information display and support for aptX lossless music streaming.

    • Stored Music & Music Apps: You are able to stream your stored music library on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, as well as music apps downloaded on your smartphone to the Kenwood KDC-X599 for playback.
    • AAC & aptX Codecs: In addition to support for the standard SBC Bluetooth audio codec, the KDC-X599 offers support for AAC and aptX codecs for higher quality audio streaming from select Apple & Android devices. By supporting AAC, the KDC-X599 offers better audio performance of the music streamed from your Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad. aptX audio coding technology provides even better sound quality with lossless, CD-quality streaming for compatible aptX-compatible smartphones, like many Android smartphones with OS 4.0+.
    • Basic Playback Control: You can use the front-panel controls of the KDC-X599 to operate basic playback functions of your Bluetooth device's stored music & music apps; such as Play/Pause, Skip Next/Previous, Fast Forward/Rewind and Random/Repeat (not compatible with all apps). Advanced music control of your stored music and music apps will still need be done via your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
    • Song/Artist Information: The head unit will also display your stored music and music app's song information; such as Artist name and Song/Album title (not compatible with all apps).
    Note: When an incoming call or outgoing call is in progress from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, audio streaming will be paused so you can take your call. Once the call is finished, your streaming music will resume.

    Siri Eyes Free Control: When paired and connected to an iPhone with Siri via Bluetooth, the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 has the ability to access Siri through its front-panel controls and external microphone. Simply press-and-hold down on the head unit's Answer Button to engage Siri and use the included microphone to communicate with Siri. Siri's voice will heard through your vehicle's speakers. All Siri functions including hands-free calling, music search, setting reminders, text-messaging, audible navigation, and more can be done through the KDC-X599 and its microphone. You even can ask Siri to get directions to a destination and the turn-by-turn instructions will heard through your vehicle's speakers, while the on-screen map still displays on your iPhone with Siri. The head unit's audio is attenuated while Siri provides audible directions.

    Note: The head unit's display will only indicate hands-free calling and Bluetooth audio information (all other functions of Siri are only audible through the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599; visual data will still need to be viewed from your iPhone device).
    iPhone & Android Integration

    iPhone Direct Connection: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599's front-panel USB port can be used to connect your Lightning-connector or 30-pin dock connector iPod/iPhone to the head unit. The KDC-X599 supports audio playback, music navigation, information display, and charging of your compatible Apple device.

    • Lightning Connector: If you have a newer iPod/iPhone with the Lightning-connector, you can use Kenwood's Lightning connector-to-USB cable (113KCIP103 sold separately) or the Lightning-to-USB cable that came with your Apple device to connect your iPod/iPhone to the KDC-X599.
    • 30-Pin Dock Connector: If you have an older iPod/iPhone with a 30-pin dock connector, you can use Kenwood's dock connector-to-USB cable (113KCIP102, sold separately) or the dock connector-to-USB cable that comes with your Apple device to connect your iPod/iPhone to the KDC-X599.

    Note: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected iPod/iPhone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position (if your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it).

    iPhone Audio Playback w/ DAC Bypass: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music and music apps to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 16-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 110dB. The Kenwood head unit supports audio playback of stored music, music apps, and podcasts on your iPod or iPhone. The KDC-162 provides music control and song/artist information display. You can choose between two operating modes.

    • Head Unit Mode + Song/Artist Info: From the head unit's front-panel controls you can search for stored music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, and Composer. The contents of a Playlist or Category can be searched alphabetically (A-Z) or numerically (0-9). The KDC-X599 also supports Repeat (file/all) and Random (album/all) playback functions of stored music on your iPod/iPhone. In addition, you'll be able to control basic playback functions (such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track) from stored music and select music apps streamed to your iPhone. During Head Unit Mode, the KDC-X599 will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information such as Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, and Album title. Newer iPod/iPhones with iOS 6.0+ allow you to continue to access your Apple device's touchscreen in this mode in order to access other applications; older iPod/iPhone devices will be locked during connection.
    • iPod/iPhone Mode: The iPod/iPhone Mode lets you control your older iPod/iPhone (iOS 5.1.1 and earlier) from its clickwheel or touchscreen. You'll still have access to basic playback controls (like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the head unit, but advanced navigation functions will be locked. No song/artist information is displayed in this mode. The unit will simply display "App & iPod Mode".

    Apple Device Compatibility Chart: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 2/24/2015):

    Apple Device Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type Bluetooth Charge
    Audio Video Head Unit iPod/iPhone Pandora/iHeart Artist/Song Text Track Info Phone Audio Siri
    iPhone
    3G 4.2.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y
    3GS 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    4 7.1.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    4S 8.1..3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5/5C/5S 8.1..3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    6/6+ 8.1..3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    touch
    2nd 4.2.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y
    3rd 5.1.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y
    4th 6.1.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y
    5th 8.1.3 Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    nano
    3rd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    4th 1.0.4 Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    5th 1.0.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    6th 1.2 PC Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    7th 1.02 PC Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y
    classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    120GB 2.0.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    160GB 2.0.4 Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N Y
    iPad 1 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N
    2 8.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N
    3 8.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N
    4/air 8.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N
    mini 8.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y
    Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

    Android Connectivity: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599's front-panel USB port also lets you connect your Android smartphone for music playback. Click here for the most current list of compatible Android smartphones. Kenwood does not guarantee operation with all Android devices. Some Android device may freeze if the device is disconnected from the head unit's USB port without pressing the Disconnect button. There are 3 type of connection methods based on your type of Android smartphone and what content you want to listen to.

    • Hand Mode for Newer Androids: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 supports Android Open Accessory 2.0 (AOA 2.0), which lets  you connect your Android smartphone (OS 4.1+) to the KDC-X599's front-panel USB port and listen to stored music and music apps from your Android device through the Kenwood head unit. You'll be able to control basic playback functions such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track. Other advanced music navigation will still be done from your Android smartphone's touchscreen. In this mode, the head unit will not display song/artist information; only "Hand Mode" will show up on display. You'll continue to view song/artist information from the Android device's touchscreen. You'll also still be able to access other functions and applications from your Android smartphone's touchscreen, while listening to music through the head unit. If you make a call or answer a call from your smartphone while listening to music in this mode, the music will pause until you are finished with the call and then start back up again.
    • Kenwood Music Play for Newer Androids: Downloading the Kenwood Music Play app onto your Android (OS 4.1+) smartphone not only allows you to listen to stored music from your Android device through the Kenwood CD receiver connected via USB, but it also lets you browse your Android smartphone's music library from the head unit's front-panel controls. You can browse your store music library by Playlist, Artist, Song, Album, or Genre. You can also control Play/Pause and Previous/Next track from the head unit. In addition, the head unit will display song/artist information. You can exit the Kenwood Music Play app to access other functions and applications of your Android smartphone, while your stored music library is still playing through your head unit. If you make a call or answer a call from your smartphone while listening to music in this mode, the music will pause until you are finished with the call and then start back up again.
    • Music Control for Older Android Smartphones: The Kenwood Music Control app for Android organizes your Android smartphone's music, while providing quick and easy search capability from the Kenwood CD receiver. The free Kenwood Music Control App can be downloaded onto your Android smartphone from the Google Play App Store. Your Android smartphone must be running Android OS Froyo or Gingerbread (OS 2.2). Once the app is downloaded and has a chance to organize all the stored music on your Android smartphone, you can connect your Android smartphone to the Kenwood CD receiver via USB (your compatible Android smartphone must be recognized as a USB mass storage class device; not compatible with MTP protocol). The Kenwood Music Control app offers music browsing by song title/artist name/album title/genre, song/artist information display, a mood playlist (high energy/acoustic/standard/stylistic), and intro skip.
    Note: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected Android smartphone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position (if your Android device has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it).
    Internet+SiriusXM+AM/FM Radio

    Internet Radio Apps: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 allows you to access Pandora and iHeartRadio online music services through your USB-connected iPhone or Bluetooth-connected Android/Blackberry smartphone. Your Apple iPhone must be connected to the KDC-X599 via the Kenwood KCA-iP103 cable (sold separately), Kenwood KCA-iP102 cable (sold separately), or the cable supplied with your iPhone. Your Android or Blackberry smartphone must support A2DP/ AVRCP/SPP Bluetooth profiles and be paired with the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599. Your iPhone, Android smartphone, or Blackberry device will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi.

    • Pandora App (for iPhone/Android/Blackberry): The free Pandora App (either from iTunes Apps, Google Play, or BlackBerry App World) lets you play music from the Pandora music service through the Kenwood KDC-X599 using your USB-connected Apple iPhone (iOS 5.0+) or Bluetooth paired Android/Blackberry smartphone. The Kenwood KDC-X599 provides control over the Pandora music service and displays Artist, Album, and Song information. You can select Pandora stations from your station list and sort them by date or alphabetically (A-Z). New stations can be created based on the current songs or artists playing. You can also save 5 Pandora stations as presets. You can also skip song tracks within a station. You can even give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down. An active Pandora account is required.
    • iHeartRadio Link (for iPhone/Android): The free iHeartRadio Link app for Kenwood (either from iTunes Apps or Google Play) lets you play music from the iHeartRadio music service through the Kenwood KDC-X599 using your USB-connected Apple iPhone (iOS 5.0+), or Bluetooth paired Android smartphone (2.2+). The iHeartRadio music service provides access to more than 1,500 live radio stations from coast-to-coast (including pop, country, urban, rock, talk, and sports). The KDC-X599 will provide control over the iHeartRadio Link app, as well as display station identification and song/artist information. From the head unit's front-panel controls, iHeartRadio stations can be searched by the following categories (Local, Genre, City, or My Stations). The Local selection provides a list of radio stations in your local listening area. The unit also provides over 22 Genres to choose from (including pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, etc.) to help you find the right radio station for you. In addition, you can search for radio stations by City. Cities can be searched alphabetically (A-Z). You can even store your favorite stations (My Stations) for easier, quicker access. An active iHeartRadio account is required.
    Note: Access to these Internet Radio services will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone or Android/Blackberry smartphone to connect to the Internet. Not supported in Canada and only available in the United States.

    SiriusXM-Ready: The Kenwood KDC-X599 is SiriusXM-Ready and compatible with the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (220SXV300 sold separately). The SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner supports SiriusXM programming with access to 175+ SiriusXM channels via subscription; check out the most popular SiriusXM subscription packages here. Additional features of the SiriusXM Connect tuner include:

    • Channel List w/ Category Search: The Channel list displays a list of all available channels. You can also search and list channels in specific categories.
    • Song/Artist Info:  Displayed Information such as Channel Name, Artist Name, & Song Title can be viewed on the head unit's LCD.
    • Presets + Smart Favorites: Up to 24 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets can be saved. Up to 6 of your SiriusXM presets can be identified as Smart Favorites for advanced features such as TuneStart & TuneScan.
    • TuneStart & TuneScan: TuneStart allows you to choose whether to start a song from the beginning or from its live point when tuning to a Smart Favorite channel. TuneScan plays the first few seconds of each song that has not been listened to from each of the channels which you have saved as Smart Favorites.
    • Direct Tuning: Directly tune to a SiriusXM channel by entering its station number from the numeric keypad on the included remote.
    • Parental Control: Channels containing unsuitable content for children can be blocked. When enabled, The Parental Control feature requires you to enter a 4-digit passcode to tune to the locked channels.
    Note: A separate SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription is required (operates on the XM Network). However, you can easily add this SiriusXM tuner to an existing Sirius or XM account for a Multi-Radio Discount Plan.

    RDS AM/FM Tuner: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 features a built-in AM/FM tuner. The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist & track information when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. You can choose one of four tuning methods: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual Tune. The KDC-X599's tuner features 3 FM banks (1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank for storing presets. Not only does the CD receiver's tuner allow you manually enter your desired presets you can choose to have the unit automatically put stations with good reception in the memory banks automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling. The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 offers two preset modes.

    • Normal: You can store 6 presets for each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets (total of 24).
    • Mix: A total of 6 preset stations can be assigned to the head unit's 6 preset buttons, regardless of AM/FM band. This lets you recall a preset station without switching between bands.
    Disc/USB/Aux Playback

    Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs.

    • CD Read: This function sets the method for reading a CD disc. You can choose between two modes - CD1 (automatically distinguishes between audio file disc and music CD when playing a CD or CD-R/RW disc) or CD2 (when unable to play a special formatted CD, set this function to CD2 to force playing; some music CD  discs may be unplayable even when set to this mode).
    • Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. When a disc is inserted with the power off, the unit will automatically power up and begin playback.
    • Auto Reload: If the ejected disc is not removed within 15 seconds, the disc is automatically inserted again into the loading slot to protect it from dust.
    Note: For proper disc playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.

    USB Port: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 features a front-panel USB (type-A) port that is hidden behind a flip-out cover. The USB port enables connection of select USB thumbdrives, select Android smartphones (see Android section above), and select iPod/iPhones (see iPod/iPhone section above). You can insert a USB thumbdrive into the head unit's USB port for playback of a variety of music files stored on the USB mass storage class device. USB portable devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

    • Music Drive: When a mass storage class (MSC) compatible smartphone (like Android with Froyo/Gingerbread OS) is connected to the head unit's USB input, the unit's Music Drive features lets you select its internal memory or external memory (such as an SD card) for stored music playback. The Music Drive feature also lets you switch between multiple memory cards (up to 5) in a USB multi-card reader or multiple USB thumbdrives (up to 5) connected to a USB hub.
    • Music Editor Compatible: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 supports the free  Windows PC application, Kenwood Music Editor Lite Kenwood's Music Editor Lite (v1.1.0). Kenwood Music Editor Lite is a Windows-based desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer music files (MP3/WMA only) to your USB thumbdrive from your PC. When you playback audio files that have been stored on your USB thumbdrive using Kenwood Music Editor Lite through this unit, you can search a file by title, album, or artist name using the head unit's Music Search function. Compatible Windows PC include XP Professional, Home Edition SP2 or later (32-bit);  Vista (32/64-bit); 7 (32/64-bit); or 8.

    Compatible Music Files: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 supports the following types of MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV files recorded onto CD-R/RW discs or loaded onto a USB thumbdrive or other USB mass storage class devices.

    Media Type CD-R/RW USB
    File System ISO9660 Level 1 or 2, Romeo, Joliet, or Windows long file name FAT 12/16/32
    Playable File Types  MP3: bit rate of 8-320kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz
     WMA:
    bit rate of 32-192kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz
    AAC:
    bit rate of 8-320 kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48 kHz
    WAV (USB only): bit rate of 8- or 16-bit
    Maximum # of Folders/Files 999 folders/20,480 files (999 files per folder)
    Tags ID3 tag (version 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4), WMA tag

    Playback & Search Functions: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 offers a variety of playback and search functions to help you find and enjoy your music on disc and USB.

    • Music Search: The Kenwood AM/FM CD receiver features a Music Search feature which allows you to scroll through and select your MP3/WMA music folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks using the head unit's rotary knob. This function also supported by Kenwood's Music Editor Lite software and USB thumbdrives.
    • Direct Search: The supplied IR wireless remote control (RC-406) allows you to search for music directly by entering the track number for discs and USB.
    • Repeat & Random: You can repeat the playback of a music file or folder on a CD or USB device. You can also randomly play back all files on al disc or within in a folder of a USB device.
    • Last Position Memory: If the unit is shut off or switched to the tuner mode while a CD or USB is playing, the next time CD or USB is selected as the source, playback will resume from the point where it left off.

    Aux In: The unit is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input that can be used to input audio from a portable audio source, such as a portable MP3 player. The Aux input must be turned on to function. The KDC-X599 allows you to select the source type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video, or TV.

    Audio Section

    16 Bit D/A Converter: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 utilizes a 16-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.

    MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the KDC-X599 are as follows:

    • Full Bandwidth Power: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
    • Maximum Output Power: 50 watts x 4 channels

    6ch/4V Preamp Outputs + Sub Control: The KDC-X599 features front, rear and subwoofer 4-volt preamp outputs. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 offers the following subwoofer controls, when you are using unit's subwoofer preamp output.

    • Low Pass Filter: The receiver features a built-in Low Pass Filter control for the preamp-output, when the output is set to Subwoofer. You can select from 85 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, or off.
    • Subwoofer Phase: You can adjust the phase of the subwoofer output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).
    • Subwoofer Level: Once the Subwoofer preamp output is activated, you can independently control the subwoofer preamp output level (-15 to +15) from the CD receiver.

    Front & Rear High-Pass Filter: The KDC-X599 features a High-Pass Crossover for the front & rear channels when your front & rear speakers are connected by the unit's speaker-outputs or preamp-outputs. You can adjust the high-pass crossover from "Through", 100, 120, or 150 Hz. The "Through" selection is a full-range setting.

    Speaker Settings: The Speaker Setting function tailors the head unit's audio settings according to the type of speakers in your vehicle. You may select a Speaker Setting of 'SP-Off' (flat/off), 'SP-OEM' (for OEM factory speaker systems), 'SP-6x9/6' (for systems with 6" and 6"x9" speakers), or 'SP-5/4' (for systems with 4" and 5" speakers).

    Sound Presets + 5-Band EQ: The integrated equalizer offers 8 preset sound modes (Rock, Pops, Easy, Top 40, Jazz, Natural, Drive EQ, or User) suitable for the music genre of your choice. You can adjust the effect level (1/2/3) of each preset mode. The Drive EQ mode is an EQ preset that helps reduce road noise. The User mode allows you to manually adjust the head unit's 5-band EQ (80, 200, 800, 4k, 12.5k Hz) from -8 to +8.

    Note: You can store EQ settings for each source (Disc, Tuner, USB, iPod, Android, Bluetooth, and Pandora/iHeart).

    Sound Enhancements: The head unit provides further sound enhancements for your car audio system.

    • Bass Boost: The Kenwood CD receiver features a Bass Boost control that can be set to the following levels (1-3 or off).
    • Loudness: This function enhances low and high frequencies to make the sound clearer lower volumes. There are 3 levels (1-2 or Off).
    • Sound Reconstruction: When MP3 or WMA files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Sound Reconstruction function restores their high frequencies so the sound quality is closer to files encoded at a high bit rate. The processing is optimized for the compression format and the bit rate used. When Sound Reconstruction is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.
    • Volume Offset: The level of each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range from -8 to 0 (-8 to +8 for Aux source).

    Key Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

    Display Features

    Detachable Face w/ Hidden CD Slot: The Kenwood KDC-X599 features a hidden CD slot behind a manual flip-up cover which blends into the front-panel of the head unit. The KDC-X599 also features a detachable face to deter theft (no face case provided). An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.

    Variable Color Illumination: The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X599 features variable color display and button illumination. You can choose from one of 24 preset colors, have the unit scan through all 24 preset colors continuously, or customize your own color (RGB; 0-9). The custom setting allows you to individually adjust the intensity of Red, Green, and Blue (from 0-9) to better match your vehicle's interior lights. The same color setting is applied to both the display and buttons. The Kenwood logo and eject button remain red.

    Text Scroll: The KDC-X599 will display song/artist information text from CD, USB, iPod, and Android. You can set the text scrolling feature to three different modes (Auto, Once, or Off) to scroll longer titles across the screen.

    Brightness & Dimmer: You can adjust the brightness of the LCD from 0-31. You can also dim (on or off) the display. These setting only affect the LCD and do not affect the button illumination.

    12Hr/24Hr Clock: The head unit can be set to display a 12hr or 24hr clock. The unit also displays the day (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, or Sat). The clock is only displayed when selected and does not display simultaneously with song/artist or station information. The day & time can be selected to remain on, even if the head unit is switched off (as long as the vehicle's key is in the accessory or start position).

    Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be turned On or Off within the menu.

    Remote Control

    Wireless Remote Control: The KDC-X599 comes with an IR remote control (RC-406) for wireless operation of the head unit. The remote will control Audio, CD, USB/iPod, and Tuner functions. It is powered by a single CR2025 3V lithium-cell battery (supplied).

    • Numeric Keypad: The wireless remote control features a numeric keypad (0-9) which allows direct track access of your music tracks & files (from CD or USB), as well as AM/FM presets.
    • Attenuator: The CD receiver features an Attenuator button on the supplied remote control that turns the volume down very quickly with one touch of the button.

    Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.

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    Customer Q&A

    4 questions already asked

    Q
    I can get mine to power up but can't get sound ?
    rholdren  Nov 25, 2015
    1 answer
    A
    If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
    kristina  Nov 25, 2015 (Staff)
    Q
    What is preamp voltage and does it make a difference when hooking up an amp?
    dan  Oct 03, 2015
    2 answers
    A
    I'm Not sure what the preamp voltage is, but you find the specks by searching for 'Kenwood Execelon KDC-X599 (can't include the link) I could not find preamp voltage, they might have it listed under a different name. I just wired it up to may car's speakers, after replacing the front door speakers and it plays fine
    joseph  Oct 04, 2015
    A
    IT gives a better signal for clearer sound. 4v is also better if you are running the RCA cables a long distance
    jarvis  Oct 03, 2015
    Q
    With an aux cord, will this reciever work with htc one?
    cheese  Aug 26, 2015
    2 answers
    A
    I'm not 100% positive, but if the HTC one has the music on it, it should. I have a Nexus 5 on T-Mobile, and since they don't charge for streaming music, I use the Bluetooth audio, and stream using google's play music
    joseph  Aug 27, 2015
    A
    Using an AUX cord from the headphone jack of any phone to the front AUX port should work for any phone, I don't have an HTC-ONE to test but it worked for my LG-G3 that way. Its much better to use Bluetooth connectivity and stream the audio from your phone to the receiver. That way you can charge the phone or keep it in your pocket.
    bill  Aug 27, 2015
    Q
    Does this come with the remote etc. being that it's refurbished?
    heather  Jul 07, 2015
    4 answers
    A
    Yes the remote is included, so is the installation manual.
    bill  Aug 27, 2015
    A
    The one I bought did
    joseph  Jul 08, 2015
    A
    YEs it did come with the remote
    robert  Jul 07, 2015
    A
    It comes with everything the regular retail version does including the remote. The only indication I had that this was a refurbished product was the generic "Kenwood Refurbished" box it came in. Everything was packaged just like a retail product and flawless. If they'd put the product in the original box I would have never known it was a refurb.
    jonathan  Jul 07, 2015

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