Kenwood DDX26BT Review in 2023

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Kenwood DDX26BT Advanced Bluetooth Functionality with A2DP and CarPlay Support! The Kenwood DDX26BT comes equipped with Apple’s CarPlay feature built right in, which seamlessly integrates a select number of iPhone apps from your mobile device directly onto the Kenwood infotainment system display via a wired USB connection.

In addition to its use of the iOS platform for its core user interface, you can also take advantage of some Android Auto capability as well as additional helpful features such as OEM specific customizations options, built-in satellite radio support, and compatibility with both iPod and iPhone devices for music playback.

The Kenwood DDX26BT is also equipped with expansive support for A2DP Bluetooth music streaming, which allows the unit to wirelessly stream stereo audio files directly from your mobile device.

You can even use it to take calls or control the playback of music on select compatible devices thanks to its hands-free calling feature. And thanks to its high-quality sound output you won’t have to worry about sacrificing sound quality while taking advantage of any one of these features.

The Kenwood DDX26BT includes an on-screen menu that helps you easily navigate through all of its various features and technologies, providing a simple user interface that is incredibly intuitive. It syncs up with your smartphone via a wired USB connection so you can get started right away without having to fumble around with any complicated menus or setup processes.

It’s also incredibly easy to operate thanks to its responsive capacitive touch screen, which allows you to tap and swipe your way through all the features with Android-Esque ease of use.

The Kenwood DDX26BT can playback CD/CD-R/RW audio files, MP3/WMA music files (including tracks on disc one that is recorded at a lower quality bit rate) as well as display song information such as track title, artist name, and album label when playing back digital music files.

This infotainment system is compatible with JPEG still image files like those found saved on CD-R/RW media discs too. The SRP159 car receiver supports WAV (PCM format only), MP3/WMA/AAC audio files with a bit rate of 8-320kbps and sampling frequency of 16-48kHz. When you playback AAC files, the unit can display track title, artist name, and album label.

Kenwood DDX26BT Review

The Kenwood DDX26BT is fitted with a 2 DIN chassis so it will fit nicely into most vehicles’ dashboards without hogging up too much space. Its body features a sleek black design that will look great installed in almost any vehicle imaginable.

It features a large 6.95″ screen, which is used to display all of the information you’ll need while occupying the driver’s seat. Its expansive size, combined with its brilliant high-resolution WVGA (800×480) capacitive touchscreen display makes this screen look pristine and crystal clear even when it’s sunny outside thanks to its enhanced sunlight readability feature that boosts its brightness levels up to an astounding 1500 nits.

The Kenwood DDX26BT includes built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling functionality, allowing you to take calls without ever having to hold your phone in your hand or try to fit it into a cup holder somewhere.

It supports phone book transfer via USB from your smartphone as well as voice control features that allow you to simply speak a contact’s name to call them instead of having to look for them in your phonebook.

Its Bluetooth wireless connectivity also allows you to stream your music wirelessly from a compatible smartphone or audio player device that is paired up with it via Bluetooth. You can even control playback functions such as Play, Pause, and Skip directly on the unit itself using its large easy-to-use touchscreen controls.

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Kenwood DDX26BT
Kenwood DDX26BT Advanced Bluetooth Functionality with A2DP and CarPlay Support! The Kenwood DDX26BT comes equipped with Apple’s CarPlay feature built right in, which seamlessly integrates a select number of iPhone apps from your mobile device directly onto the Kenwood infotainment system display via a wired USB connection. Check On Amazon

Overview [Kenwood DDX26BT Review]

What’s in the box

  • Kenwood DDX26BT 6.95″ LCD-Display DVD Receiver.
  • Speaker Wire Hookup Clips.
  • Swc-2 Switching Control Harness (3.5mm Mini to 2 RCA L/R Audio Cable included.)
  • Remote Control w/ Battery & Customer Instruction Manual.
  • Quick-Start Guide.

Specifications

  • Display Type: 6.95″ WVGA Touchscreen
  • 6.95″ WVGA Touchscreen Display Resolution: 800 x 480 USB 2.0 Input (for iPod / iPhone)
  • 1 Port AUX In: 3 (Front, Rear/Subwoofer Pre-Outs)
  • 3 (Front, Rear/Subwoofer Pre-Outs) HDMI Input: No
  • Bluetooth Profile Support: A2DP + AVRCP + HFP 1.5 + HSP 1.0
  • A2DP + AVRCP + HFP 1.5 + HSP 1.0 CarPlay Compatibility: Yes
  • Advanced Audio Features: Sound Retriever AIR (Adaptive Reception/Transmission)
  • High-Pass Filter (HPF)
  • Dual Rear VCA (Variable Color Audio)
  • Dynamic EQ/Loudness Control
  • Bluetooth Voice Recognition / Siri Eyes Free: Yes, via AppRadio Mode + CarPlay Compatibility via AppRadio Mode + CarPlay Compatibility
  • Android Music Support: Yes, USB Android Open Accessory 2.0 (AOA2.0) Compatible with Select Android Phones.
  • USB Android Open Accessory 2.0 (AOA2.0) Compatible with Select Android Phones
  • DVD Player Included: No
  • Max. Power Output: 50W x 4
  • 50W x 4 Built-in Amplifier: Yes, MOSFET 50W x 4
  • MOSFET 50W x 4 Equalizer Control w/ 13-Band Graphic EQ
  • DSP Section (13-Band Graphic EQ): 13 Band Parametric – See Note 2
  • 13 Band Parametric – See Note Preamp Voltage Switchable (Preamp Output): 3V or 6V
  • 3V or 6V Subwoofer Control with Level Adjustment (-16dB to +16dB): Yes
  • General Details Finish Color / Material(s): Black Metallic / Aluminum Face
  • Black Metallic / Aluminum Face Faceplate Material: Plastic
  • Plastic Remote Control Included: Yes
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.19″ (H) x 17.95″ (W) x 2.75″ (D) 6.19″ (H) x 17.95″ (W) x 2.75″ (D)
  • Unit Weight lbs.: 3.4 lbs

Connectivity

For connectivity purposes, the Kenwood DDX26BT is fitted with a rear-facing USB input that allows you to connect an iPod or iPhone directly to it for access to its wide range of supported music and media content options. It also comes equipped with Bluetooth functionality so you can stream music from your device directly into the car’s sound system without having to deal with any annoying wires.

The unit supports A2DP Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio files directly from your smartphone or tablet. You can also use the hands-free calling feature of this unit to answer and make phone calls on supported phones (including iPhone devices).

And thanks to its Bluetooth compatibility with your mobile device, you’ll be able to control the CarPlay interface directly from your car’s infotainment system display if it’s equipped with Apple CarPlay itself.

Additional connectivity options on the Kenwood DDX26BT include an Aux input (3.5mm mini-jack) as well as a rear-view camera input that allows you to connect an optional backup camera to the unit. This is a great feature to have if you’re looking to add a little extra safety and security to your driving experience.

Overall, the Kenwood DDX26BT is a great choice if you’re looking for an aftermarket car stereo with plenty of features and options for expanding its functionality. It’s sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment while out on the open road.

Features & Performance

The Kenwood DDX26BT is Apple CarPlay compatible, which allows you to get quick and easy access to all of your apps that are installed on your Apple smartphone directly from the head unit’s 6.95″ display.

This powerful in-car entertainment system also supports Siri Eyes Free functionality that allows you to control certain functions on your phone using voice commands.

For example, if a call comes in while you’re listening to music via this unit, it will be routed through its front-facing speakers so you can hear what the person is calling about without having to hold your phone up against your ear or take your attention off the road for extended periods of time.

The Kenwood DDX26BT offers a wealth of audio playback options that let you listen to your favorite songs how they were meant to be heard on the road. It features advanced sound processing functions like Sound Retriever AIR, High-Pass Filter, Dual Rear VCA (Variable Color Audio), and Dynamic EQ/Loudness, which provides further audio fine-tuning for maximum listening enjoyment.

Auxiliary & USB Inputs

The Kenwood DDX26BT comes equipped with an expansive 6.95″ touchscreen display that is able to get bright enough for use even under direct sunlight at its highest brightness settings thanks to its excellent level of daylight readability.

Its large 6.95″ capacitive WVGA display makes it easy to view all of the information it shows while occupying the minimal amount of space within your car’s dashboard.

The DDX26BT offers a wide range of input options that allow you to connect other types of digital devices (such as MP3 Players, iPhones & iPads) to its USB port. It also features 3 RCA Pre-Outs (2V), allowing you to send amplified audio signals to external amplifiers or subwoofers installed in your vehicle for extra punch and volume.

The DDX26BT’s Bluetooth module gives you the ability to wirelessly stream audio files from your smartphone or tablet directly into the car’s sound system. You can also use the hands-free calling feature of this unit to answer and make phone calls on supported phones (including iPhone devices).

And thanks to its Bluetooth compatibility with your mobile device, you’ll be able to control the CarPlay interface directly from your car’s infotainment system display if it’s equipped with Apple CarPlay itself.

Kenwood DDX26BT Reviews

Performance and Review

Review 1: Like the sound of your car stereo loud and clean? You’ll love it even more after you replace your factory speakers with some Kenwood KFC-1665S 6×8 Coaxial Speakers. The reason why is because this package comes complete with everything you need to install four high-quality speakers in just about any vehicle, including the popular sport compact cars, without having to solder or cut wires.

Review 2: On top of that, its three preamp outputs allow you to easily add an amplifier, subwoofer(s), door speaker(s), and rear speaker(s) for extra depth and range.

Even better, these amplifiers are MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), which by nature run cooler and more efficiently than their tube counterparts.

Review 3: The Kenwood KFC-1665S coaxial speakers feature a multi-hole spider design that provides additional mechanical strength to the voice coil, allowing for highly accurate sound reproduction at high volume levels while resisting distortion.

This means you get optimal performance from your new speakers without taking a toll on the sound quality or system power. These are 6″x8″/5-1/4″ speakers with 100 watts of peak power handling with an RMS rating of 50 watts per speaker.

Pros & Cons – Kenwood DDX26BT Review

Pros
  • Solid build quality
  • High level of reliability
  • Easy installation process
  • Large 6.95″ capacitive display is bright and easy to see.
  • Excellent display with great daylight readability
  • Support for Apple CarPlay and Siri Eyes Free
  • Plenty of audio processing options for enhanced sound quality
  • Comes with a rear-view camera input
  • 3 RCA Pre-Outs (2V) for connecting external amplifiers or subwoofers.
Cons
  • No HDMI input
  • Not Bluetooth compatible
  • No built-in navigation system
  • We’ve found that some users have reported issues with the Bluetooth connection on this unit.
  • USB port for connection of digital media devices

The Best Features Of The Product

Sound Retriever AIR (Adaptive Reception/Transmission): This feature is responsible for restoring lost data packets in compressed audio files, resulting in enhanced overall sound quality.

High-Pass Filter (HPF): This feature removes ultra-low bass notes below a certain user-adjustable frequency so that the amplifier does not have to work as hard.

Dual Zone: This feature allows you to simultaneously enjoy music and talk over your phone in two different zones.

Variable Color Audio (VCA): This feature allows you to adjust the color of the unit’s 6.95″ display to match your car’s interior lighting.

Dynamic EQ/Loudness: These functions work together to automatically adjust the sound quality and volume level of your music playback according to the vehicle’s speed.

FAQs [Kenwood DDX26BT Review]

Does this unit have an HDMI input?

No, there are no HDMI inputs.

Is the DDX26BT compatible with BT streaming audio for android devices?

The ONLY way to get sound from your phone is via a USB cable and an OTG to 3.5mm adapter and that will only play music and NOT allow any Siri or Bluetooth functions to work.

Why does my radio make a slight popping noise when I turn it off?

That is a function called “anti-shock”. This allows all your settings to be saved while the unit turns off without corrupting them. It’s a safety feature.

Does this come with everything needed for installation?

Yes, If you have the proper tools and wiring harnesses from the factory or aftermarket this comes with everything needed to hook up four speakers inside your car.

Conclusion

Now, you can improve the sound of your car stereo with Kenwood KFC-1665S 6″x8″ Coaxial Speakers. You’ll get lots of sonic punch and detail from its multi-hole spider design and 100 watts peak power handling. These speakers give you great output even when pushed to their limits so they’re perfect for revving up your favorite highway jams or getting down and dirty with high-volume bass in your ride’s trunk.

The system allows you to upgrade the sound in one specific zone using a convenient dual-zone input option. All in all, which makes this an excellent addition to any vehicle audio system. Finally, if you still have any questions about this product that we did not answer here please leave a comment and we will help out.

William R. Keen

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