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One of the best automotive audio electronics manufacturers, Kenwood was founded in 1946 and has gained a lot of popularity in recent times for best quality, reliable and high-performance consumer products. They offer an extensive range of car entertainment products including high-end stereo receivers, amplifiers, subwoofers and more.
One of the most outstanding double DIN head units from the brand, the Kenwood DDX374BT is an ideal replacement for any vehicle factory stereo system. Like other models, the DDX374BT is designed to look great and perform amazingly. It is quite easy to install and user-friendly.
In this post, we present an in-depth review of the Kenwood DDX374BT to help you decide if it is the right product for your car entertainment requirements.
Whether you want to hear your favorite music from radio, streaming, drive or your CD collection, Kenwood DDX374BT receiver gives you an instant access to all your music and entertainment capabilities.
Moreover, the big 6.2-inch touchscreen display allows seeing and controlling all the information on your iPhone or Android and access all the important functions quickly. Additional Bluetooth capabilities enable the receiver to allow you to focus on the road.
Features
Intuitive Interface
Advanced 6.2-inch clear resistive display panel with high contrast ratio provides a clearer and brighter visual experience with easy to read text. Touchscreen controls with easily recognizable icons make navigation easier and intuitive.
You can customize the home screen by moving the icons and choose the background. The Kenwood DDX374BT offers compatibility with wireless remote control and factory steering wheel controls for added convenience.
iDatalink Maestro
iDataLink Maestro RR from Automotive Data solutions can be connected to the Kenwood receiver to get a seamless interface retaining factory infotainment features like USB media player, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free and music streaming. Performance details, HVAC and TPMS and other vehicle information is also accessible.
Integrated Bluetooth
The Kenwood DDX374BT is equipped with built-in Bluetooth that allows making and receiving phone calls wirelessly through the receiver while streaming music wirelessly from the smartphone.
You can pair up to ten Bluetooth enabled devices to the head unit with easy switching between them. Dual phone connectivity allows working with two phones simultaneously. The touch screen controls can be used to make and answer calls or end calls.
External microphone allows carrying out a conversation on the phone, listening through the vehicle speakers. When paired to an iPhone through Bluetooth, the receiver gives you the ability to access Siri and use all its functions.
Smartphone Integration
Kenwood DDX374BT lets you connect Android smartphones through USB to listen to the music files and access music app from the device. You can control the playback functions right from the head unit.
Dual phone connection ensures you can use two phones with the receiver for hands-free operation. Switching between the phones is as simple as a button touch. The intuitive interface makes it easy to answer and make calls or search the phonebook.
Android Rapid Charge charges your compatible smartphone through USB. Bluetooth connection enables searching and selecting songs from the phone’s music collection.
Connectivity and Compatibility
You can connect your devices through USB or Bluetooth to the receiver to access Spotify, Pandora and iHeart Radio music services. Apart from this, the Kenwood DDX374BT is SiriusXM-Ready and comes with Sirius XM Connect Vehicle Tuner to give access to over 175 channels.
The head unit also features an integrated AM/FM tuner with three tuning modes to choose from. The DDX374BT has front-loading disc slot to easily play DVD video and CD discs. It supports a wide variety of music, photo and video file formats. The rear USB port enables playing music and video from flash drives.
Sound Quality
The receiver is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier which delivers increased power with minimum distortion. High and low pass crossovers enhance the sound experience while the 13-band equalizer allows customized tuning.
Built-in time alignment processor allows turning the driver’s seat into the front row of a concert. Drive EQ mode enables overcoming road noise and 8 EQ presets facilitate easy sound adjustments. The receiver offers numerous volume level and bass adjustments to get the desired output.
In addition to these, the DVD receiver comes with a rear-panel audio/video input to connect external sources like TV tuner, Blu-ray player or game system. It also features a composite video input to connect an optional rear-view camera that allows using the in-dash touchscreen LCD to see what is behind you. Parking guide lines appear on the screen on connecting the rear-view camera to make parking easy and safe.
Pros
- Large touchscreen display with variable button illumination
- Fits all double DIN dashboards
- Integration with smartphone
- Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Dual phone connection
- Plays CDs, DVDs, USB devices
- 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment
- Compatibility with iDataLink Maestro
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- USB connectivity is sometimes poor
- Not so budget-friendly
What’s in the Package
DVD Receiver with integrated monitor
Wiring harness
Microphone with bracket
Radio removal tools
Parking brake wire
Mounting screws
Warranty card
Instruction manual
Final Thoughts
Kenwood always puts a lot of thought and effort into designing their car stereo systems and the DDX374BT is no exception. With all the features one would require to enjoy a modern car entertainment experience, the head unit proves to be a great replacement to factory stereo.
It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use with quick access to all the features and easy connectivity options. If you are looking for a fully-featured Android radio for your car, Kenwood DDX374BT is definitely the worthy choice.
