Kenwood DPX-501 HU

[jjmIII]

Is anyone using the Kenwood DPX-501?? How does it look in your truck (any FX4 owners?)? How much better sounding than the factory HU (non-audiophile CD OEM HU)? Crutchfield.com link

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[051fdrof]

I've had one for about 4 months. It looks great and has great features. I didn't notice much difference in sound quality. Built in crossover and sub control is very useful.

Make sure you buy the trim kit and wiring harness from Crutchfield.

[jjmIII]

Crutchfield includes all mounting goodies, but so do other sites. Crutchfield is a nice site, but other sites are $80-100 cheaper!

If the sound isn't any better, should I bother?

I figured it had to be more watts than the stock. It's 22 watts RMS per channel.
Anyone know the RMS watts on the OEM unit?

[051fdrof]

Crutchfield is expensive, but I never shopped around for the trim kit, since it was only $15. I didn't get the HU from them; just the harness and trim kit. And the trim kit fit like a glove. It looks very OEM. Maybe you could find one for $5 less, but who knows if you'll end up with the same fit.

It is not any louder than the stock non-audiophile HU. But again, it's got a decent feature set and it's worth the $ if you plan on building a system around it. The USB input is super-cool.

If you want a 2-din HU and can't afford a touch screen, the DPX-501 is the way to go.

[ameration]

I just installed a Kenwood eXcelon DPX-701 Double Din in my FX4 yesterday and it sounds great. I also added an MTX Thunderforms so that sure helps.

I would spend the extra money and get the DPX-701 over the 501 as it has many more features. I got mine for $302.99 shipped ( sonicelectronix.com )and that included the mounting kit and wiring harness.

[051fdrof]

Other than the display and selectable EQ frequencies, what's the 701 got over the 501?

[jjmIII]

Originally Posted by 051fdrof

Other than the display and selectable EQ frequencies, what's the 701 got over the 501?

I don't think the 701 has anything extra I need.

[KCAutosound]

I will say that the Excellon pieces have an audible difference. I sold the DDX7019 out of my truck and installed the DDX8019 Excellon piece. Speakers are louder and clearer than the previous unit. There is a 5db difference on the ratings between the 501 and the 701. If you are running amplifiers then there is a major difference. The regular Kenwoods have a 2 volt output for the RCAs compaired to the 5 volt output of an Excellon.