Product Reviews and Info

Product Review – Kenwood DNX6980

Ken

September 2, 2011

I selected the Kenwood radio DNX6980 to install with my Metra dash kit. It offers AM/FM Radio, Satellite Radio, optional Backup Camera, Nav System, CD/DVD Player and Bluetooth. The Kenwood allows customization of the colors and I configured the radio button colors to match the Camaro’s light blue interior lighting. I selected the CM0S-200 backup camera because the color seemed washed out on the more expensive CM0S-300.

I didn’t feel comfortable installing all of this myself, so I ordered all of the parts below through a local car audio company. I could have gotten a few of the items a little cheaper, but I wanted the installer to be responsible for everything. This provides a faster resolution in the event an item arrives defective.

Kenwood & Options:

$999 – Kenwood DNX6980 (Nav/Bluetooth/CD-DVD/Sat Radio)

$20 – Kenwood Video/Sirius cable

$200 – Backup Camera (CM0S-200)

$75 – Satellite Radio Adapter

$40 – iPod cable

$75 – Satellite Tuner

$485 – Installation

I’ve had numerous problems with this unit, including the following:

On a recent trip to Boston, the NAV system froze twice. I had to turn off the system and turn it back on to reset the NAV assistance.
Changing songs on the iPod via steering controls is sluggish. Sometimes it takes 1-2 seconds and other times it takes 4-5 seconds. It seems like every other change is delayed.
The NAV system will randomly leave the normal screen and act like someone touched a part of the map, taking you to a different map format. I have to hit the return button to get back to the normal NAV screen.