This replaced my DNX-6180BT (which had replaced my DNX-6160BT). This thing is awesome - I'm absolutely in love with it!

The 6160 only lived in my car for a few days, as I discovered the 6180 had Lane Assist, so I swapped it out. The 6180BT was an absolute piece of crap. It was sluggish, would hang up a lot, reboot in the middle of navigating, and the radio reception and sound were unacceptably horrible.

The 9990HD (Excelon Series) has an upgraded processor, and it shows. It's responsive, has a bigger screen (with button row on the bottom opposed to the awkward side buttons where the vol **** got in the way). Sound is awesome too. My reason for sticking with Kenwood is that I was able to get Mexico maps for the Garmin system. I highly recommend this unit to anyone looking to buy a new nav unit.

 

Does it have SRS WOW settings?

 

There's no SRS/WOW settings selection per se, but IMHO it's much more customizable than that - almost like a home theater system! Here's some screen shots:

Main Menu



Audio Settings Menu



Balance/Fade



EQ



EQ Manual Settings



Single/Dual Zone Settings (awesome in my 4Runner!)



I guess this would be the equivalent of SRS/WOW



Speaker Position Calibration (Door/Dash/Under Dash)



Speaker Distance Calibration



Speaker Size/Type of Vehicle





Crossover Settings



I wanted to post you the link to Kenwood's press release on it, but their site is down right now. I'll post it for you later, or just google "Kenwood DNX9990HD"

 

What is TW gain vs Gain? Any idea?

Thanks for the awesome pics!

 

You're welcome!

IIRC, the "TW gain" is the tweeter gain, the "gain is the main front speaker

 

AH I assume it's similar to what was done before with the supreme sound, does supreme still exist?

 

I have no idea - this is the first time in ages I have gotten into more advanced audio, lol!

 

Lol well it looks good kinda makes me want to upgrade.

 

This is their 2012 flagship - it's a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Like I explained in the first post, I tried 2 of their earlier units and I felt it was a total waste of money. this one for a change, has been nothing but utter satisfaction! I think it's going to take me a few days to adjust everything to my liking though. The above is just the radio. So many more settings...

 

It's actually less than my DNX9960 was! I like the 9960, no real need to upgrade yet, but the 9990's updates a lot of things!

 

Quite a substantial amount of changes. Some things were removed from the former 9980, but not too much to be terribly concerned with. Quicker UI is for sure.

 

I don't know about the 9980, but I had the 6180 prior to this and the UI speed/responsiveness is a night & day difference

 

Been playing with mine for a week or so now and I love 99% of it. My clients seem to feel the same way.

 

My biggest complaint is weak antenna reception (it was also a problem on the 6180). Have you noticed it too, or is it just me?

 

Antenna ? Like AM/FM ? No clue, haven't used terrestrial radio since mid '07 !

 

LOL! I still do. Prior to the nav unit, I had a Sony single DIN HU and I hadn't noticed how awesome the AM/FM reception was until I upgraded to the Navi units.

IDK if all Maxi's ar like this, but my antenna wire has a double connection, so I added a second, amplified antenna that goes under the dash. It helped the 6180 substantially, but now I don't know if it's helping or hindering this HU.

 

that thing looks amazing. how much did you drop on it? retail looks like its averaging around 1k i cant justify spending that much on a head-unit..but that looks like its worth every penny lol

 

I got it for $1050 installed, but I got a very special deal with my local stereo shop because the owner is a client of mine.

It retails for about $1400 - $1500. There's less expensive units out there, but as I found out the hard way, you get what you pay for.

 

Im getting this headunit this week. Can you post a pic of where you mounted your mic?

 

nice really looks good

 

It definitely has a much nicer GUI than my DNX9140 does. Looks like a few more options/settings too. But aleast i have SRS/WOW. Did they drop the hands-free operation too? You can not go wrong with the exceleon series though.

 

Initially, I clipped it on the gauge cluster bezel below the temp gauge (see below). However, I recently moved it and clipped in on the edge of the map light trim - car's ar the shop right now, but I'll snap a pic when I get it back this afternoon so you can see it. It worked fine in the initial location, but I "felt" it was too far away - never had issues with someone not hearing me though.

Here's the pic of the original placement:

 

Ohh I see thanks for the pic.. I definitely want to put it somewhere so it looks stock . Yea, send that other pic when you can. Tomorrow Im getting my 9990.. upgrading from a Eclipse AVN 6620..

 

DAM...that thing looks HARD!!! I was looking at the pioneer X940bt but might have to compare features!!!



Also where to get that plastic piece AROUND the stereo?? Once you remove the old BOSE GARBAGE there is a big gap there but that looks stock...where'd you get that frame for the stereo?

 

Congrats on your acquisition - enjoy! Here's the pic of where it's mounted now:



Dude, I don't think you'd be one ounce disappointed with this HU. Some of its biggest advantages are the high level of customization and the Garmin Nav system.

The trim was provided by the shop that initially installed it, but I think it's just a Metra kit. If you can't find it, let me know & I'll ask them.

 

[QUOTE=EuroDriver;8471819]Congrats on your acquisition - enjoy! Here's the pic of where it's mounted now:


Thanks for the pic. I mounted the camera and mic tonight. I set my mic in the headliner right near my rearview mirror. Tomorrow I'll put the HU in and finish it off.

 

Are you using the KCAIP 202 ipod cable? I have my ipod (first Gen) connected and I only have controls from the ipod itself not the headunit. Was wondering If I did something wrong but there's not much to it. Connected the USB to the USB labeled ipod connector... don't know what it could be.

Pandora works awesome, Im really impressed with it. There's still so many setting I need to learn with this unit. Love the features so far.

 

I don't know the model# for the cable off the top of my head, but it's not the standard cable - it uses a 2 wire cable that one end connects to the usb pigtail and the other one connects into the back of the headunit. Otherwise, you will not be able to control the ipod from it.

 

Yes, thats exactly how I have it.

 

I'll check the cable number for you in the morning

 

iP202 is correct. Lenny, have you updated your iPod recently ? It is not a first gen Nano is it ?

 

No, first gen ipod touch. Other problem is, ipod movie isnt working either.. Im only getting sound no video.

 

and ... Have you done an update recently ?

 

First gen touch works perfectly fine. ip202 is absolutely the correct cable.

 

Hmm I wonder if Its something with the settings then.. AV out in particular.

 

Have-You-Done-An-Update though ??

 

Update software on the ipod touch? If thats your question, no.. I answered that a couple posts ago ... havent done one in years.. never really use my ipod touch for anything other than music. I'll try updating the firmware and see if that makes a difference.

Just checked the firmware and I have the latest version since I updated it a few years ago.

 

Here's where I mounted my BT mic - just to give you another idea. I like it here b/c it's out of the way and whoever is on the other side can still hear me fine.

 

Looks nice but you are blocking the noise canceling Ports and for me, it's too close to the window because I always drive with my window open. But I like your concept.

 

I just ordered this unit. I'm glad you posted such a good review because Crutchfield didn't give me the most "warm and fuzzy".
I'm excited now.