Long gone are the days when you drive bored because there’s nothing on the radio. With these two multimedia receivers you’ll have access to a never-ending supply of entertainment. The only problem is deciding between them. Let’s look at them both and see which one is the best choice for you.
Kenwood DDX372BT Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash DVD/AM/FM Receiver
Kenwood has a solid reputation for quality audio products, and the DDX372BT is no exception to that rule. Although it plays AM/FM radio and CDs, it’s a giant step up from last century’s stereos. It’s compatible with Sirius XM radio, Internet radio stations from Pandora, and compressed audio formats like mp3, WMA, and AAC.
Play music from your phone or tablet once you’ve connected it with an audio or USB cable, or through Bluetooth. Bluetooth will also let you control your iPhone with your voice and make and receive calls hands-free. The Siri Eyes-Free interface lets you check your calendar and send text messages too. After you set it up once, the receiver will automatically pair with your phone each time you enter the car.
While you’re parked, play a DVD or VCD or video from your device. Movies play widescreen in 16:9 format on the 6.2” WVGA screen. You can also output video to an additional screen through the RCA outputs in the rear of the receiver. If you have a rear view camera, you can connect it through the RCA input.
When you’re on the move, everything sounds awesome because of Drive EQ. This is Kenwood’s solution for handling road noise. It boosts certain frequencies so you can hear your music better than ever before in a car. You can also adjust the 5-band graphic equalizer.
There are even more customizable features., Change the background to your favorite photo, and choose from 21 languages for the menus. Program up to 18 FM and 6 AM station presets. The only thing this receiver needs is more compatibility with Android phones like the Pioneer AVH-X2700BS below.
More features of the Kenwood DDX372BT receiver
- Sirius XM requires a subscription
- USB and RCA interfaces on rear
- Compatible with remote control
- Not all features are compatible with Android phones like they are with iPod and iPhone
- Resistive touchscreen, not capacitive, works while wearing gloves
- Installation dimensions 7-3/16” x 4-7/16” x 6-5/16”
- Maximum output power is 50W x 4 (MOSFET Power IC) with 3 pre-outs (4V)
PIONEER AVH-X2700BS 6.2″ Double-DIN DVD Receiver with Bluetooth(R), Siri(R) Eyes Free, SiriusXM(R) Ready, Android(TM) Music Support & Pandora(R) Internet Radio
At first glance, the Pioneer AVH-X2700BS looks similar to the Kenwood DDX372BT. They both have 6.2-inch touchscreen displays, they both offer Bluetooth and USB connections for smartphones and other devices, and they tune into AM, FM, and Sirius XM satellite radio. Bluetooth allows most smartphones to do hands-free calling. The AVH-X2700BS has Siri Eyes-Free specifically for iPhone that lets you check your calendar and send texts, too. Both receivers play CDs and DVDs and other media files like mp3, WMA, and mp4. If you like Pandora Internet radio, you can enjoy that, too.
But Pioneer takes a few things a step further than Kenwood. They double the bandwidth dedicated to hands-free calls over Bluetooth so the quality is as good as a clear FM station. If you connect your phone with a USB cable, you can use Pioneer’s AppRadio One to control your phone from the receiver’s touchscreen. (This is nice when you’re wearing gloves because the receiver’s touchscreen is resistive while your smartphone needs the touch of your cold fingers.)
The AVH-X2700BS has MIXTRAX that indexes your music library and makes a nonstop mix with DJ effects. It pulses the lights of the receiver to the beat of the music and displays information about the current track playing. The receiver can change its illumination to 112 different colors.
Since today’s music libraries take up gigabytes of space, Pioneer makes it easier to find what you want to hear with their built-in search options. While your device is connected with the USB cable, the receiver charges it with up to 1 amp of current.
More features of the Pioneer AVH-X2700BS receiver
- Menus available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and French
- Display is WVGA, 800 x 480
- Comes with remote control
- Subscription to SiriusXM and Connect Vehicle Tuner sold separately
- Need Android 4.0 or later to connect with MTP protocol
- Pioneer offers a 1-year limited warranty
Recommendation
Either of these multimedia receivers will be a much-appreciated upgrade to a stock radio. If you have an iPhone 4s or newer, you can make full use of all their features.
If you have an Android phone running Ice Cream Sandwich or later, you may prefer the Pioneer AVH-X2700BS since it is compatible right out of the box. The AVH-X2700BS also has a full list of features for iPhone users. This receiver would also be a great choice for someone who enjoys the music MIXTRAX feature or who wants a remote control.
If you prefer menus in a foreign language like Greek, Tagalog, or Urdu, the Kenwood DDX372BT is made for you. The Drive EQ feature makes music enjoyable even on noisy roads.
Click here to purchase Kenwood DDX372BT on Amazon!
Click here to purchase PIONEER AVH-X2700BS on Amazon!