- AM/FM radio, DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, MP3/WMA/AAC, MPEG1, JPEG, iPod, USB, Bluetooth receiver with built-in Garmin navigation
- 4 x 50 Watts maximum power with three 5V preamp outputs (front/rear/sub) and crossover system
- 6.1-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with WVGA 800 x 480 pixel resolution
- Includes built-in Garmin navigation, Bluetooth,iPod connection, USB music streaming, front panel A/V input,output; add Kenwood adapters
- One-year limited warranty
UPDATED REVIEW: My earlier review only gave this unit 4/5 stars because it wouldn't download the address book from my iPhone 3G. Please read on and see how this issue was resolved.
I got this unit yesterday at Mickey Shorr (Canton, MI). They installed it in my 2006 Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer in about an hour and I was off and running. The iPod integration is top notch. Using the touchscreen controls I instantaneously scroll back and forth between songs. So for the guy who installed this unit in his F-150, I'm not sure why you're experiencing the latency issue of 10-15 seconds to scroll to the next song, or go back one track. I feel bad for him because I'm thrilled with the speed and ease of use. The GPS is from Garmin who I believe to be the best. GPS in the unit is very accurate and could NOT be easier to use. Overall, with 15-20 minutes of fooling around I was able to master all the controls of the DNX6960 and same with my wife (since it's in her car).
I formerly had an issue with the unit in which it couldn't download the address book from my iPhone 3G (software version 4.1). The phone paired with the unit instantly (AWESOME!) but would not download my address book. The letters "DL" would show up at the top of the telephone screen for 3-4 seconds and disappear. This told me the address was being downloaded, but the address book touch screen icon was still greyed out. Low and behold, by mistake I found where the installer hid the bypass switch and it was set to "ON." So I figured this meant the unit was in bypass mode, meaning the parking break IS BYPASSED from having to be engaged to watch videos and download the address book. Apparently not because when I flipped it to the "OFF" position just for the hell of it, the address book touch screen icon became active. I said if I was able to figure this out I would let everyone know and rate the unit 5 stars. So here we are. I figured it out and I have no reluctance giving the Kenwood DNX6960 5/5 stars. I hope this helped someone out who was experiencing the same issue.
AC
Buy Kenwood Excelon DNX6960 6.1" In-Dash Double-DIN Navigation DVD Receiver Now
I was looking at the DNX9960 and this unit to replace the Pioneer F90BT that started to give trouble. I ended up going with this unit because it was much more affordable, the features I were interested in were more or less the same, and the form and screen size were very similar to the F90BT. It is not as modifiable as the pioneer but performance-wise it surpasses the F90BT by far. The interface is easy to learn, however setting the configuration for the optimum sound took a little work. The garmin navigation is my preference I am familiar with the interface and maps are easily available for any area (I am not using this unit in the US). The pre-outs are 5volt as compared to the 3volts on the pioneer. I am using this with an infinity 5350A multichannel amplifier and infinity components with a pioneer low-profile subwoofer, and the sound I am getting now as compared to the pioneer seems to be packing a little more juice. All in all, I am very satisfied with this head unit and would recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade. GO GET ONE.
Read Best Reviews of Kenwood Excelon DNX6960 6.1" In-Dash Double-DIN Navigation DVD Receiver Here
After installing this head unit in my 2008 Ford F150 I got very excited. This really is a classy head unit in most respects. I've got my phone paired with the Bluetooth, the navigation seems very nice, Sirius radio sounds very good, even my steering wheel controls seem to work decently with the PAC SWIJACK, but... I used the Kennwood KCA-IP301V adapter to control my 120 GB iPod Classic. Immediately I noticed that it takes anywhere from 5 to 10 seconds (more often closer to 10) to switch forward or backward between songs, or to choose the songs from the list menu. Basically whenever you switch songs the unit freezes for the 10 seconds or whatever, and then resumes. Album artwork loads just as slowly too, which I really wouldn't mind being quicker, but would sacrifice in a heartbeat if it meant I could navigate between songs quicker. Also, when trying to navigate through my music using the A-Z menu, only about half of the letters actually brings up music that starts with that letter (M gets you O, P gets you R, but L might actually get you L, etc.) In essence, it's nearly impossible to listen to your music without going crazy. It can literally take you up to a full minute to try and skip ahead 6 songs!!! Try to press track advance twice (which you WILL unconsciously do when the unit doesn't respond after the first press} and then it freezes up for the 10 seconds, then skips ahead twice which is fine if that's what you want, but often I only wanted one song skipped, so you have to press the back button, which starts the 10 second clock all over again! I called Kenwood tech support and was told that this particular new line of head units (2010 I assume) does indeed process iPod functions slower that past year's models. I was not able to confirm that a software fix might be coming later on, only that the current slow operation is "normal" for this particular lineup. Maybe a software update is coming, maybe not. Who knows?
In closing, if you intend to use your iPod like I do (my CDs never even leave the house any more), then this head unit isn't even worth the trivial price you'd pay to have it shipped to you. If you don't use iPod, then I can't imagine you being unhappy with it.
I would give this product less than one star, but I think if you leave the iPod issues out of the picture, it's a GREAT player. But if you're like me and your entire music collection is on your iPod, AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Shame on you, Kenwood.
UPDATE I purchased a brand new 64GB iPod Touch and it had the same issues with this head unit as my older iPod Classic. I have returned the unit. An awful first experience owing a Kenwood product.
Want Kenwood Excelon DNX6960 6.1" In-Dash Double-DIN Navigation DVD Receiver Discount?
I placed an order through Amazon.com with Car Toys for the DNX6960 on 14 February 2011. Wanted to buy from Car Toys as Kenwood's web site lists them as an authorized internet retailer, this ensures that I will be able to receive Kenwood's Direct Warranty Service. Car Toys shipped the unit quickly and it arrived in excellent condition.
I easily installed the unit on 03/10/2011 in addition to these Kenwood Accessories; KTC-HR300 HD Radio Tuner and a Kenwood KCA-iP302 iPhone/iPod Hi-Speed Audio and Video Cable (latest model). The accessories connected easily and interfaced flawlessly with the unit. The most difficult part of the install was finding a concealed location in my Harley Truck to mount the HD Tuner Box, its 6 ½" x 1 3/8" x 4 5/16" size proved a bit challenging. The Navi's GPS Antenna was mounted under the plastic wiper cowl, and to my surprise the unit immediately began acquiring satellites inside my garage after the ignition was keyed on. I've just begun to adjust the audio and radio settings, will move on to customizing the display and then setting up the Navi and Bluetooth Systems. A 4th Gen iPod Touch will be added in a couple of weeks.
Bottom Line: Although I've had very little actual hands-on time using the actual features and functions of the DNX6960. I'm VERY optimistic that I will enjoy this unit very much once I've completed the setup of its Navi and Bluetooth Systems, and finally installed an ipod Touch for MP3/video play. The unit is basically plug and play if you use the correct harness adapter to connect it to your stock wiring harness. Just make sure you plan ahead for a good location if you're adding any sizeable additional accessory.
UPDATE: (03/14/11) The Hands-Free setup for the Bluetooth connection with my Motorola Cell Phone was a breeze, and my phones address book was automatically transfered to the DNX6960. After listening to how well the DNX6960 played HD Radio and CD's, I quickly decided that I would not wait two weeks to get a MP3 player, I purchased a 32GB iPod Touch 4th Gen the weekend following the units install. WOW! I'm very impressed with the way it interfaces with the Kenwood. The sound is VERY good and using the playlists I setup on the iPod Touch makes selecting and listing to artists and tracks a breeze, that also makes it much safer to do while driving too. Boot up time is a tad slow, but I have remote start, so the unit can be fully operational and playing by the time I reach the vehicle. I recommend to anyone planning to connect an iPod or iPhone to this or any Kenwood HU, make sure that you buy an actual Kenwood iPod/iPhone Audio and Video Adapter Cable. It's possible that some who get lousy iPod/iPhone performance, do so because they are actually using a Kenwood Compatible Cable, not a Kenwood Sourced Cable. For me, the addition of the iPod Touch ups the audio ante and makes listening to the DNX6960 an even more enjoyable audio treat!
Wanted my Bluetooth Microphone in an unobtrusive location, so I slid its little stand behind the top of the A-Pillar Cover and the cable is routed behind the pillar cover down and out behind the driver's side kick panel, then underneath the dash to the unit. The microphone is barely visible, even from inside the vehicle. It has just enough cable exposed to allow it to be swiveled forward or rearward depending on the drivers height. So with my GPS Antenna concealed and the Bluetooth Microphone almost invisible, I feel I'm a less conspicuous target to thieves.
Kenwood Excelon DNX6960 6.1" In-Dash Double-DIN Navigation DVD Receiver
I purchased the DNX 6960 unit and had it professionally installed in my Lincoln MKZ. I also purchased the iPod cable and pac swijack...off subject, but both of THOSE items were excellent.
Back to the DNX 6960:
I decided that this was a great "inexpensive" Excelon unit. Kenwood is a phenomenal brand and Excelon is their flagship model. Unfortunaeltly, after having the system installed for a week, I put my first cd in the unit. It proceeded to play, and it sounded extraordinary (after tweaking the sound previously). It wasnt until I decided to eject the CD that I had an issue...."MECHA ERROR". It just sits there and all you hear is a bunch of internal movement. The CD is stuck and now it won't play anything the CD anymore! :P
Although that is a definite turn off...especially because the same slot for the cd player also hosts the dvd player, I can still use the other features.
I was thoroughly pleased with the GPS of this unit Dead on accurate! Screen is beautiful! Touch is responsive! Sound is amazing! Phone feature awesome! EVERYTHING but the CD/DVD player issue has kept me extremely pleased. I am giving this review a 4 out of 5 because I really don't listen to CD's all too often since I have my ipod, and you can't watch a DVD and drive. It deserves a good rating on absolutely EVERYTHING else! I know not very many people will have an issue like mine. If you are looking for a great all around unit, this is the one. I just wish you all better luck than I had.
Update: 5 star rating!
Eject button is now working every time that it is pressed. CD's/DVD's play and eject with absolutely no issue. I live in MI, and we had a some pretty cold weather (possibly too cold for the unit to function properly...?) It works fine now. No complaints still! The DVD playback looks crystal clear. This is a great unit.
