Review: Kenwood KDC-794
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Made by the Excelon division, this unit has great features which I will try to cover as best I can. The upgraded version is the KDC-994
A few members have this unit and, from what I've heard so far, they're pleased as well
I will try to update this review as time goes on.

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Visual: The faceplate has a nice glossy finish that looks great. The layout is well thought out and not cluttered. I like the balance of controls to the screen as far as the space they occupy. The buttons are backlit white, the 994 has multiple color options.
Pros: Great layout, glossy finish, sleek, easy to read screen
Cons: Glossy finish could lead to finger smudges, need to navigate menu's without as many "shortcut" buttons.
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Features: Direct Ipod control through the headunit which works excellent. Remote control, which is great for keeping your hands off the nice glossy faceplate. 22 watts RMS x 4 channels, peaks at 50 watts. 5 line LCD screen. CD playback, including burnt CD's. USB hookup allowing expandability with the Ipod or flash drive.
Can be expanded with bluetooth (the 994 has it built in), Satellite radio, HD radio, and CD changer. Rear AUX input
Three 4V outputs (Subwoofer, Front, and Rear)
NOTE: Older generation Ipods will not load as fast as the newer ones.

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Overall I'm extremely pleased with this headunit. My current setup is 2 amps (one for the sub and the other for the door speakers) I'm still messing with the fine tuning, so don't ask. When I get it tuned correctly I'll post what I set everything at.
I recommend this unit to anyone wanting a headunit that has good Ipod controls, and great tuning features.
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X794 CD receiver at Crutchfield Signature
Kenwood KDC-X794 (kdcx794) - Car Stereo In-Dash Receiver at Sonic Electronix - Sonic Electronix
A few members have this unit and, from what I've heard so far, they're pleased as well
I will try to update this review as time goes on.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual: The faceplate has a nice glossy finish that looks great. The layout is well thought out and not cluttered. I like the balance of controls to the screen as far as the space they occupy. The buttons are backlit white, the 994 has multiple color options.
Pros: Great layout, glossy finish, sleek, easy to read screen
Cons: Glossy finish could lead to finger smudges, need to navigate menu's without as many "shortcut" buttons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Features: Direct Ipod control through the headunit which works excellent. Remote control, which is great for keeping your hands off the nice glossy faceplate. 22 watts RMS x 4 channels, peaks at 50 watts. 5 line LCD screen. CD playback, including burnt CD's. USB hookup allowing expandability with the Ipod or flash drive.
Can be expanded with bluetooth (the 994 has it built in), Satellite radio, HD radio, and CD changer. Rear AUX input
Three 4V outputs (Subwoofer, Front, and Rear)
NOTE: Older generation Ipods will not load as fast as the newer ones.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall I'm extremely pleased with this headunit. My current setup is 2 amps (one for the sub and the other for the door speakers) I'm still messing with the fine tuning, so don't ask. When I get it tuned correctly I'll post what I set everything at.
I recommend this unit to anyone wanting a headunit that has good Ipod controls, and great tuning features.
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X794 CD receiver at Crutchfield Signature
Kenwood KDC-X794 (kdcx794) - Car Stereo In-Dash Receiver at Sonic Electronix - Sonic Electronix
i have the upgraded version, the 994 and i absolutely love it. I actually got it for $199.99 refurbished from crutchfield so i had to steal it. but if you are deciding between both i wouldn't get the upgraded version. It is extremely hard to read when it is sunny out.
There is a glare on the screen with the glossy faceplate. I didn't notice it as much in my 150 but since Justin said something about it I can kind of see it. With tinted windows its not as bad though. Its definitely not a deal breaker for me.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
The glare is definitely not a deal breaker. Yes there are times that a glare will keep you from reading the screen.
But I bet if you find a static cling anti glare cover, that will solve the problem.
But I bet if you find a static cling anti glare cover, that will solve the problem.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
One more thing. This unit has a ton of tuning features.
A neat feature is the time delay. which really doesn't make a huge difference in a compact truck.
But it does have presets like "long van" "sedan". things like that. None for compact truck
I have 2 amps that are tuned, so I didn't make a lot of changes on the headunit besides the sub level.
If you have just the speakers wired to the headunit, all those tuning options are awesome
A neat feature is the time delay. which really doesn't make a huge difference in a compact truck.
But it does have presets like "long van" "sedan". things like that. None for compact truck
I have 2 amps that are tuned, so I didn't make a lot of changes on the headunit besides the sub level.
If you have just the speakers wired to the headunit, all those tuning options are awesome
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Update: This thing reads effing minds!!!!
Alright so I don't know what I did, but it just started doing this.
Before, when I started my truck, the Ipod would automatically start playing (assuming you were listening to the Ipod when you turned the truck off).
This always annoyed me. All of a sudden, the headunit will now wait until I hit play.
Now it's even more awesome.
I don't know what I changed, but I like it
Alright so I don't know what I did, but it just started doing this.
Before, when I started my truck, the Ipod would automatically start playing (assuming you were listening to the Ipod when you turned the truck off).
This always annoyed me. All of a sudden, the headunit will now wait until I hit play.
Now it's even more awesome.
I don't know what I changed, but I like it
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