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Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

CD receiver (New Stock)

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  • Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

    KDC-X492

  • Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

    Remote

Item# 113KDCX492 offer details

Item# 113KDCX492

Review Summary

 
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Kenwood

Why replace your factory radio?

Two good reasons - sound quality and cool features. A new car stereo offers power that's superior to most factory radios, along with more sophisticated tone controls. And most car stereos offer built-in or optional features that add safety and fun to life in your car, including inputs for your iPod or MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free cell phone calls, satellite radio or HD Radio reception, and connections for building an audio system in your car.

Our take on the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

by Robert Ferency-Viars

Listen to your favorite music source brought to life by the premium sound and quality of a Kenwood Excelon car stereo. The KDC-X492 CD receiver features a front-panel USB input for connecting and controlling your iPod® or other USB portable music device, while a front-panel auxiliary input offers a quick way to hook up your other audio sources. This versatile stereo also plays anything from your CD collection, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files.

Six preset tone curves give you quick overall sound changes, while a 3-band parametric equalizer offers ultra-fine adjustment of the bass, midrange, and treble. You can manage your bass settings with the built-in subwoofer controls, and you can use the high- and low-pass filters to adjust the frequencies going to your various speakers for optimum performance from your system.

Three sets of preamp outputs make it easier to connect and control a full-blown system of amplifiers and subwoofers. Add any of Kenwood's peripheral gear, including a CD changer or satellite radio; the optional Bluetooth® adapter brings you the safety and convenience of hands-free calling with your compatible cell phone.

Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility with this receiver or its optional iPod adapter.

Highlights:

    General features:
    • CD player with 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, WMA, and AAC files (will not play rights-protected music files on disc)
    • detachable face
    • remote control
    Audio features:
    • System Q EX Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band parametric equalizer)
    • "Supreme" audio processing for better sound from your compressed music files
    • speaker settings that let you tailor the sound to the size and type of speakers in your car
    • high-pass filters for front and rear speaker and preamp outputs, low-pass filter for subwoofer output
    Expandability:
    • iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional connecting cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home
    • compatible with Kenwood's satellite radio, CD changer, Bluetooth adapter and HD Radio™ tuner
    • inputs: front USB and auxiliary inputs
    • outputs: 6-channel 4-volt preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)
    • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
    Other features and specs:
    Shop all Kenwood Car Receivers
       

      Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

      Features and Specs

      Features and Specs
      General
      CEA-2006 Compliant
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      No
      RMS Power Output
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      22 watts
      Peak Output
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      50 watts
      RMS Power Bandwidth
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      20-20kHz
      Preamp Outputs
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      6-channel
      Sub Preamp Outputs
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      Yes
      Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs
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      No
      Preamp Voltage
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      4 volts
      Display Color
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      Blue
      Key Button Color
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      Blue
      EQ Bands
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      3
      Wireless Remote
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      Yes
      Steering Wheel Control Compatible
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      Yes
      Parts Warranty
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      2 Years
      Labor Warranty
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      2 Years
      Expandability
      AUX Input
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      Front and Optional Rear
      USB Input
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      Front
      Memory Card Slot
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      USB memory
      Bluetooth Compatible
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      Optional
      Satellite Radio Ready
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      Both
      HD Radio
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      Optional
      Navigation
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      No
      iPod Compatibility
      Full size
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      ---
      Nano
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      Touch
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      ---
      Mini
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      ---
      iPhone
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      ---
      Tuner
      FM Sensitivity
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      9.3 dBf
      European Tuning
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      Yes
      Seek/Scan
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      Seek
      Radio Data System
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      No

      Product Research

      Product Research
      What's in the box?

      Download owner's manual

      • AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/AAC/USB receiver with 10-amp fuse inserted into the chassis
      • Face
      • Sleeve
      • Trim ring
      • Wiring harness
      • RC-547 Wireless remote
      • 2 "AA" batteries
      • Soft fabric face pouch
      • 2 Removal tools
      • 4 Panhead ISO-mount screws
      • 4 Flathead ISO-mount screws
      • Instruction Manual (English/ Spanish/ French)
      • Warranty Card
      • "Attention" note

      Our Product Research Team

      At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

      Features
      External Device Controls

      Features

      Overview: The Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X492 AM/FM CD receiver features a detachable face, front auxiliary and USB input, three pairs of 4-volt preamp outputs, CD changer and Satellite radio controls and built-in iPod operation, as well as MP3/WMA/ACC playback. The unit also supports Bluetooth via an optional adapter sold separately. In addition, the CD player comes with an IR wireless remote control. The unit's amplifier is rated at 22 watts x 4 channel RMS and 50 watts x 4 channel peak.

      Detachable Face: The unit features a single front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis to deter theft. The CD player comes supplied with a soft black fabric, draw string face case to protect the detachable face when you have it off the chassis.

      AAC/MP3/WMA Playback: The KDC-X492 can play MP3, WMA and AAC files with ID3 tag information recorded on CD-R and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, Romeo and Long file name formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 100 folders, and 500 files. During MP3/WMA/AAC playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag (Ver.1) information. The headunit will display up to 30 characters.

      24 Bit D/A Converter: The Kenwood KDC-X492 utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior CD sound quality.

      Supreme Setting: When MP3, WMA or AAC files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Supreme Setting 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 the Supreme Setting is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.

      AUX Input: The KDC-X492 is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input for connecting external portable audio devices such as an MP3 player or Tape walkman.

      Auxiliary Display: The KDC-X492 allows you to select the source type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or TV.

      Dual Zone: The Dual Zone mode allows you to output the Main source and the Auxiliary input separately for the front and rear channels. You can select whether the auxiliary input will play in the front or the rear.

      3-Sets of 4V Preamp Outputs: The KDC-X492 features front, rear and subwoofer 4V preamp outputs. The Subwoofer preamp output can be turned On or Off and adjusted independently. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs are fixed to the rear chassis of the headunit.

      Front and Rear High-Pass Filter: The KDC-X492 features an independent High-Pass Crossover for the front and rear channels when your front and rear speakers are connected by the unit's speaker-outputs or preamp-outputs. You can adjust the high-pass crossover from through, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, or 180, 220Hz. The "Through" selection is a full-range setting. This feature is very helpful when you have smaller-type speakers in the front and larger-type speakers installed in the rear of the vehicle.

      Low-Pass Filter: The receiver features a built-in Low Pass Filter control for the preamp-output when the Subwoofer Output is "on". You can select from 50, 60, 80, 100,120Hz or Through. The "Through" setting allows your external amplifier's crossover network to do all the filtering for your subwoofer.

      Subwoofer Level: Once you have switched the Subwoofer Output to "on" you can independently control the subwoofer preamp output level from the CD receiver. You select levels between -15 to +15.

      Subwoofer Phase: You can adjust the phase of the subwoofer output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).

      Rotary Volume Control: The CD receiver uses a 7-way rotary volume control that increases and decreases the volume of the stereo from 0 to 35. The rotary knob also controls other audio settings such as Bass, Treble and preset EQ settings.

      Speaker Settings: The Speaker Setting function tailors the System Q Sound Control settings according to the type of speakers in your vehicle. You may select a Speaker Setting of "SP Off" (flat), "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).

      Note: The Speaker Setting affects the bass, midrange, and treble values of the System Q presets. The speaker setting should be selected first.

      System Q Sound Control: Six EQ curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of music. Each preset has its own level settings for bass (100Hz), midrange (1kHz), and treble (10kHz). The 6 preset curves with their respective bass, mid, and treble levels are as follows:

      • Rock: Bass +6, Mid +1, Treble +2
      • Pops: Bass +3, Mid +2, Treble +6
      • Easy: Bass +6, Mid 0, Treble -2
      • Top 40: Bass +3, Mid +1, Treble +8
      • Jazz: Bass +5, Mid +2, Treble +2
      • Natural (Flat): Bass 0, Mid 0, Treble 0

      Note: The above values reflect the System Q settings when the Speaker Setting function is turned off. When the Speaker Settings are selected, the System Q level settings are different.

      Detail Audio Control: The KDC-X492 features independent Bass, Treble and Midrange control. The Detail Audio Control allows you to adjust the following settings for the Bass, Treble and Mid frequency levels.

      • Bass:
        • Frequency: 40/50/60/70/80/100/120/150 Hz
        • Q-Factor: 1.00/1.25/1.50/2.00
        • Bass Extend: On/Off (when this feature is set to "On", the low frequency response is extended by 20%)
        • Level: -8 to +8
      • Mid:
        • Frequency: 0.5/1.0/1.5/2.0 kHz
        • Q-Factor: 1.0/2.0
        • Level: - 8 to +8
      • Treble:
        • Frequency: 10/12.5/15.0/17.5 kHz
        • Level: -8 to +8

      Loudness: The Loudness feature compensates for low and high tones during low volume. You can turn this feature either on or off. Only the low tone is compensated for when the tuner is selected as a source.

      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.

      Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System Q bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (CD, FM, AM and Aux).

      Text/Title Scroll: The KDC-X492 will display CD text, Audio file text and Satellite and HD radio text. You can turn the scrolling feature "on" to scroll longer titles across the screen.

      Last Position Memory: If the unit is shut off or switched to the tuner mode while a CD is playing, the next time CD is selected as the source, playback will resume from the point where it left off.

      CD Force: When there is a problem with playing a CD with a special format, this setting plays the CD by force. Some CDs still may not play in the CD Force mode.

      CR-2 Advanced Tuner: This unit uses Kenwood's CR-2 Advanced tuner for clear radio reception. You can choose one of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual.

      Auto Memory Tuning: 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 tuner features 3 FM banks (1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank. You can store 6 presets for each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets.

      Clean Reception System Circuit (CRSC): This circuit controls multi-path distortion by reducing stereo separation. As stereo separation is reduced, multi-path has less effect on the radio signal, improving reception in areas with tall buildings and mountains. The CRSC circuit can be turned on or off.

      Tel Mute: The KDC-X492 features a cell-phone mute wire (brown) in its harness that when hooked up to your car's phone system mute wire will automatically mute the receiver's audio signal when a call comes in.

      Security Code: You can enter a 4-digit security code which must be used when the unit is removed from the vehicle, or the constant power source is disconnected from the unit. When constant power is restored to the unit, the security code must be entered before the unit becomes operational.

      FL Display: The unit features a large 14-segment Fluorescent display that uses a black background and blue characters that are easy to read.

      Display Illumination/Clock Display: When the unit is in Standby mode, the face/button illumination is "keyed." In addition, while the unit is in Standby mode, you can turn the clock display on or off. When the Clock Display is turned on and the unit is in Standby mode, the Clock Display is also "keyed." Pressing and holding the source button turns the unit off completely.

      Display Illumination Control: This function turns off the display when have not performed an operation for 5 seconds. This is effective for when you are driving at night.

      Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim this unit's display automatically when the vehicle light switch is turned On when you connect orange/white Illumination wire of this player.

      Remote Control: The KDC-X492 comes with the RC-547 IR wireless remote control with a full numeric keypad. The remote will control Audio, CD, Tuner, Satellite Radio, and Dual Zone functions. It is powered by 2 "AA" batteries (supplied). The dimensions of the remote are: L = 5.362", W = 1.962", D = 1.115".

      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 KDC-X492 has a "steering remote control" lead on the back panel. When used with the optional SWI-JACK interface (item number 127SWIJACK), you can retain the use of your steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head unit in select vehicles. The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please consult "What Fits My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.

      External Device Controls

      USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-X492 features a front panel 2.0 USB type-A port that is hidden behind a sliding cover. The USB port enables connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class device. The USB port is compatible with all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. When your USB device is connected to this unit, it can be charged up provided that the KDC-X492 is powered on.

      Note: You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or Multi-Card Reader to this unit.

      iPod High-Speed Connection: The KDC-X492's front-panel USB port also acts as an iPod high-speed direct connection when used with the optional Kenwood USB Direct Connection Cable (113iP101, sold separately) or the USB/iPod cable that comes with your iPod. Using either cable allows you to connect, control, and charge select iPod models with the KDC-X492. The USB connection allows your iPod's large music libraries to be loaded instantly to the headunit and sound quality to be maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to105dB.When your iPod is connected to the KDC-X492, you can choose to operate your iPod via the Kenwood headunit's controls or your iPod's click-wheel/touch-screen.  If you select to control your iPod from the KDC-X492, the Kenwood headunit will allow you to navigate your iPod's music by Playlist, Artists, Album, Genre, Composer, Song, or Podcast (your iPod's click-wheel/touch-screen will be locked in this mode). You can search these categories alphabetically or using a percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%). You can also choose to listen to all songs stored on your iPod at random. The KDC-X492 will also display your iPod's music file information when in this mode. If you choose to operate your connected iPod via its click-wheel/touch-screen controls, the KDC-X492 will not display your iPod's music information (the headunit will instead display "iPodMODE") and the Kenwood headunit's controls will no longer operate your iPod. The Kenwood KDC-X492 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of Nov. 2009):

      iPod/iPhone Model Media Type  Control Display Charge
      Audio Video Unit iPod Song/Artist Track
      iPod w/ dock-connector (3rd gen.) N N N N N N N
      iPod w/ click-wheel or color-display (4th gen.) N N N N N N N
      iPod mini (1st/2nd gen.) N N N N N N N
      iPod video (5th gen.) Y N Y N Y Y Y
      iPod classic (80/120/160 GB) Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      iPod nano 1st gen. Y N Y N Y Y Y
      2nd gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      3rd gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      4th gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      5th gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      iPod touch 1st gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      2nd gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      3rd gen. Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      iPhone 2G Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      3G Y N Y Y Y Y Y
      3GS Y N Y Y Y Y Y

      Note: Apple firmware updates may change functionality results.

      Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver to this receiver:

      • XM Satellite Radio: To receive XM Satellite Radio, you can connect the optional CNP2000UC XM Mini Tuner and the CNP-KEN1 Kenwood adapter cable (package item number 700XMKEN1).
      • SIRIUS Satellite Radio: To receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can connect the optional SIRIUS Universal Vehicle Tuner (607SCC1) and the optional Kenwood Sirius Satellite Radio Interface (113KCASR50).
      • Auxiliary Input: A portable satellite radio receiver, such as the Delphi SkyFi3 or SIRIUS Sportster, can be connected to the head unit via the auxiliary input or a Kenwood Auxiliary Input Adapter, such as the CA-C1AX, CA-C2AX, or KCA-S220A.

        Note: A subscription is also required to receive satellite radio programming from SIRIUS or XM.

      HD Radio Ready: With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (item # 113KTCHR20), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local stations where available. This new technology will significantly improve audio quality and reception, as well as include information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display.

      Bluetooth Ready: The unit is also Bluetooth compatible using the optional Kenwood KCA-BT200 Bluetooth adapter. Using this adapter you can make and answer phone calls from the Kenwood headunit. You can even download your Phonebook information from your compatible mobile phone into the headunit. You are able to register up to five compatible Bluetooth cell phones when using the KCA-BT200 adapter. Visit http://www.kenwood.com/bt/information/ for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled phones.

      Changer Controls: This unit is directly compatible with Kenwood changers manufactured in 1998 or later. If the changer has an O-N switch, the switch will need to be set to the "N" position. In addition to basic disc navigation features, this unit has the following changer controls: direct disc access (using the remote), direct track access (using the remote), track intro scan, track repeat, disc repeat, disc random, and magazine disc random. When connected to a CD Text capable CD changer or an MD changer, this unit can display disc and track titles for discs encoded with disc and track title information. The text information can be scrolled manually or automatically.

      Additional/Optional Rear Auxiliary Input: The unit already features a rear panel auxiliary input, but if you need a second auxiliary input, another one can be added to the rear of the unit. When used with an optional adapter, this unit can accept a rear input from an auxiliary source. When the CA-C1AUX adapter (item 113CAC1AX) is used, you cannot connect a CD changer to the head unit because the adapter plugs into the DIN changer control connection on the head unit. When the KCA-S220A 2-changer switch (item 113KCAS220) is used, you can connect a CD changer and an auxiliary audio source at the same time. When an auxiliary audio source is connected, you can choose from one of six names for the source: Aux Ext, TV, DVD, Video, Game, or Portable.

       

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      Reviews for the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

      Average Customer Review:

      93 people say:

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      5 out of 5

      Nicolai

      Written By Perry, Norman, OK. on Monday, January 26, 2009
      Installed in a 1994 Buick Park Avenue
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      This unit Rocked my car! I love the sound quality and that I can push it to the limits and it only starts to get warmed up. It is a very versatile lots of ways to expand the total car audio experience. Kenwood lives up to its reputation!
      1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      3 out of 5

      Good overall

      Written By Donny, Muscle Shoals, AL on Wednesday, January 21, 2009
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      I have had several Kenwood decks, and this is one of the better one's. As always, Kenwood makes an exceptional quality product that has plenty of power and stands up to the test of time. The only issue I have with Kenwood is finding and setting things through the menu. If it were easier to adjust menu fetures, or actually find them, then this unit would rate world class in my opinion.
      2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      3 out of 5

      It could be better

      Written By Nam, Alabama on Sunday, December 21, 2008
      Installed in a 2007 Toyota Tundra
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      This deck has a lot of nice features. However I found it very difficult to navigate the menus. I could not even find out how to access some of the menu features. I am no novice to car stereos and this one really bites in terms of user friendly. The joystick knob is also too sensitive. The amp although it says 22rms you have to turn the volume up to 25 for any real volume the kicker is 35 is as high as it will go. so if you buy this deck add a amp to it. You will not be able to see anything on display in the sunlight. I wound up returning it for the new sony with the same features for $20 less and did not regret doing so.
      1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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      5 out of 5

      Stop whining!

      Written By Civicrunner07, Louisville KY on Sunday, December 21, 2008
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      Ok, So I just put this unit in my girlfriend's 00 accord, After reading the reviews I was a bit apprehensive about getting it because alot of people were complaining about things. Installation took maybe an hour or two.. mind you I put it in my girlfriends car.. after setting everything up, it worked fine, I mean it is a bit frustrating having to use the single knob rather than the two that I have on my KDC-X791 but it was not hard at all to figure out, just start pressing buttons and you will figure it out eventually. Good unit for the price, has all of the essentials for an audio system (3 sets of pre amp outputs, high pass filters, and equalizer) nothing fancy about it as far as display goes, kudos crutchfield for the installation equipment, Great unit for the money. would recommend to anyone. Only problem that I had was the bottom of the assembly bowed a bit.. Not that bad though. Also look at the KDC-x692 another solid unit.
      2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      My first radio installation in many years!

      Written By Guatiao, Puerto Rico on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
      Installed in a 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      I finally decided to upgrade the whole stereo system of my '05 Impreza RS with this radio and 2 pairs of Kenwood speakers. I don't know how I could
      stand 3 years using the OEM system!!!

      Installation was easy, and as usual, Crutchfield supplies EVERYTHING you need to make installation a painless procedure.

      On to the radio itself. It sounds great!!!! The level of detail, the clarity of the sound, and the punch the music has now makes for a much better daily commute! I have to agree with other reviewers concerning the brightness of the display and the control know ring. being able to dim it would make the radio much less visually distracting. Overall, the controls are not that hard to use, but the multi-way control know does take some time to get used to and to learn how it controls which feature. Having both the auxiliary and USB inputs in the front is for me a nice feature.

      The two pairs of Kenwood speakers I bought produce very neat and detailed sound. Installation was also easy. They do not produce as much bass as I would like, though.

      Overall, a very nice radio that I look forward to enjoy and upgrade!!
      2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      3 out of 5

      Not bad, just not for me.

      Written By Dave, Forest, VA on Monday, November 24, 2008
      Installed in a 1990 Honda Accord DX
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      As always, using the Crutchfield provided install kit made the job quick and painless.

      Sitting down low in my Honda Accord Dash, the top of the display is cut off from view. The light around the Knob, Aux, and USB port, is much to thick and too bright; an option to turn it off would be nice. Much less

      Poorly designed layout with the Source button second from the left in the bottom row of buttons.

      Love the USB connection.
      3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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      5 out of 5

      great product but......

      Written By Jim, naples fl on Monday, November 24, 2008
      Installed in a 1989 Chevrolet Astro
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      i love kenwood products but this radio has alot of features that take too long to access (2 many steps) and the light is way too bright and the manual sucks but it is a great radio!!!
      1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      keep the instruction handy

      Written By Anonymous, chicago, Il. on Saturday, November 22, 2008
      Installed in a 1995 Dodge Neon
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      The installation was a breeze in to my 95 neon. I needed to refer several times to the instructions to navigate to all the different settings. Instructions could have been explained a little better.
      1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

      Written By John, Marietta, GA on Friday, November 07, 2008
      Installed in a 1997 Toyota Tacoma
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      The radio was replacing another Kenwood that I bought from Crutchfield back in 1997.

      From what I've figured out so far, it works great. I'd like better sound out put when I connect up my XM Radio receiver as I have to turn up the volume to hear it.
      The instruction book could be a lot better, as I have had problems figuring out how some feature work with the radio. Still working on it.

      The blue light coming off the radio face is very distracting and there isn't a way to dim it, even through the truck's dimmer control.

      I had a question, called customer service but didn't get an answer because I think the adviser just didn't know? So, I had to contact Kenwood direct.

      I would recommend this radio.
      2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      Easy Install, Great Features

      Written By Bryan, Greater Hartford, CT on Thursday, November 06, 2008
      Installed in a 2003 Mazda Protege
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      It took me about 10 painless minutes to wire up the harness. And possibly 20 minutes to remove the OEM stereo and install the new one. The installation kit I received from Crutchfield was perfect and included everything I needed for an easy install. Even my friend who watched (a former mechanic who also installed his share of stereos in his day) was amazed at how quick and easy it went.

      Now- to the stereo itself. I bought this for the front USB as to use thumbdrives full of MP3s. Being in a cover band, I need to listen to a lot of different music and focus on a few tracks that I'm currently learning. Putting something on a USB Flash drive is just so much easier than burning a few mix CDs every month- which also tend to skip.

      The unit sounds great and I love the features. The only negative I can come up with is that it's fairly annoying to flip through the folders on the Flash drive. It's all done by that main knob, and who knows when to push, twist, or press up, down, left, or right. It's just going to take some getting used to. Seeing as this was the main reason for buying the stereo, I have to take off 1 star for that. Otherwise, I love it!
      4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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      5 out of 5

      My 2cents

      Written By mike, ST. Elmo Il on Wednesday, November 05, 2008
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      Im not a electronics expert.My main brand is alpine.I have owned a few kenwood and pioneer systems.The kenwood has surprised me.My opinion for the money its a good buy.The people at crutchfield treated me good .Thumbs up to them!
      A big thanks!
      1 out of 3 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      No surprises

      Written By Joe, Clawson, MI on Tuesday, November 04, 2008
      Installed in a 2006 Pontiac Torrent
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      IPOD sounds great through the USB port. The control to scroll through the IPOD menu is pretty slow as the others have noted. One thing that I noticed is that it is very difficult to see the display as you scroll through the IPOD menu while driving because your hand hides the small display. It would be nice if the dial was on the right side of the unit instead of the left.
      Also, very small buttons! Pretty cool to play music from a thumb drive!
      1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      Very Easy Install

      Written By Steveflier, Allen, TX on Saturday, November 01, 2008
      Installed in a 1998 Honda CRV
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      This was an easy install. The harness adapter took a little time to solder to existing wires, but overall a very easy install.
      The system sounds great. The Kenwood head unit is a little complex for some novices, but after you get used to the controls - it's all good.
      Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
       
      5 out of 5

      Best head unit I've purchase yet.

      Written By warobert, Hollis, NY on Thursday, October 30, 2008
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      When I installed this head unit in my 98 Ml320, it brought my OEM speakers to life. The front speaks were great but I never knew the rear passenger speakers work until I installed this unit. The USB port on it makes it awesome to use. The colors look nice in the dark. The remote control is also a bonus as well. You cannot go wrong if you get this unit and Crutchfield's instruction had me install this in 20 minutes.
      Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
       
      4 out of 5

      Nice Unit, Easy install

      Written By Mark, Michigan on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
      Installed in a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      I have always liked the way Kenwood products sound. This has plenty of power and good sound just going through my factory speakers. Installed it
      in about 20min. The USB plug on the face is great. It will charge the IPod just as though it were connected to your PC. It may take a little bit to get
      used to the IPOD controls, however, because when the IPOD is connected, the receiver controls the IPOD. However, the only reason I gave it 4 stars
      instead of 5 is that when controlling your IPOD- when choosing an artist that may start with a "T", and then you want to choose an artist that starts with an "S" and so on, you must begin right from "A" or the first artist on your IPOD(instead of just going back from "T") If your IPOD is set to shuffle prior to connection, you cannot choose Artist, or playlist, etc.

      Besides this, it is a great unit, plenty of power and the sound adjustments are endless.
      1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      Excellent Product

      Written By Aaron, Portland, OR on Wednesday, October 22, 2008
      Installed in a 2002 Mazda Protege5
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      I have always been happy with Kenwood receivers from the great sound and functionality but having the USB port in front really makes my car audio experience. Once I figured out how to get to the playlists, I was set. No more fiddling with the ipod while driving.

      My only complaint is that you can't access the iPod menu unless you take it off shuffle and I think it would be best if you can hit the JOG key (which accesses the iPod menu) from the remote. Otherwise, I'm very happy with it.
      1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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      5 out of 5

      Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

      Written By Derek, Greenwood, IN on Monday, October 20, 2008
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      Okay, lets start out by saying crutchfield is amazing. I could have bought this for much cheaper on other websites, but when i called crutchfield to get advise on the product, they were so helpful i decided to buy from them.
      The Head Unit is amazing. My favorite feature is the USB input. I absolutely love the feature. No more changing CD's. My only complaint would be the navigation dial. It really takes a long time to get used to. If you are patient, you will learn to live with it. I have a 2002 Chevy Cavalier ls sedan and crutchfield told me it would not fit, but told me if i bought it i could return it no questions asked. so i purchased it and man did it fit well. To sum it up, stop looking and just buy this head unit. I promise you will not be disappointed!
      2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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      4 out of 5

      Nice Stereo

      Written By Clinton, PA on Monday, October 20, 2008
      Installed in a 2004 Saturn VUE
      Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
       
      Nice stereo.. A lot of different options to configure.. Only things I disliked about it was the navigation through the options.. Its hard to catch on to.. The other thing is when I plugged my MP3 player into it. It cant read the folder structure. Good sound quality though.. Cant really beat it for the price.
      Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
       
      4 out of 5

      Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492

      Written By Miles, Roanoke VA on Saturday, October 18, 2008
      Installed in a 1994 Mitsubishi Mighty Max
       
      I bought this as a replacement for an old sony that I had in the vehicle for several years. I was very pleased with the features and the sound that I got from this unit paired with new speakers. Nice unit .....
      Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
       
      2 out of 5

      dissapointing disaster

      Written By kevin, philly on Saturday, October 18, 2008
       
      on paper this deck looks like a no brainer. but after installing two of these units i'm quite disgusted. the first one was a refurbished job that had to be returned for a defective cd player and a usb port that was problematic. now i'm on my second unit. this time a new one. well, the saga continues with uncooperative functions. ive never been more frustrated with the controls on a receiver. in fact, this thing can be downright dangerous. with that big goofy toggle knob. i find myself swerving off the road messing around with it.bouncy roads do not help the poor design. can be quite nerve racking. the knob controls just about everything, yet is very clumsy. i find myself complaining about the operation of all features. it is very difficult to access any of the features without upsetting any of the others while driving. the owners manual is also equally as bad, very uninformative and confusing. this usb port on the new one is also indecisive sometimes not reading my mp3 player, only when it wants to. iwill be returning this one as well. on a positive note this unit has great sound quality when you can get it to play. i just think they put too many features in a money saving sloppy ergonomic package. always used alpines in the past and now i know why. the service from crutchfield has been helpful just wish i could get a deck that works propperly. any suggestions? it does sound good though just not user friendly.
      3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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      1-20 of 93 >>

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      Rated 5-stars by consumers

      For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-1QSfod0wbiC/p_113KDCX492/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X492.html ).

      Sorry, the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492 is no longer available for purchase.

      • KDC-X492

        Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492
      • Remote

        Kenwood Excelon KDC-X492