In the world of car audio systems, Kenwood is a well-established brand known for its high-quality products. Among its diverse range of car stereos, two models often come up in comparison: the Kenwood DX 09707S and the Kenwood DNR476S. Both of these systems are equipped with advanced features, but they target slightly different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll break down the specifications, features, design, performance, and overall value of these two models to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Overview of Kenwood DX 09707S and Kenwood DNR476S
Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a brief look at the two models:
- Kenwood DX 09707S
The Kenwood DX 09707S is a high-end car stereo system designed to deliver excellent audio quality and provide an immersive listening experience. It comes with a variety of features tailored for users who prioritize sound quality, user interface, and connectivity. - Kenwood DNR476S
The Kenwood DNR476S, on the other hand, is more of a multimedia and navigation system. With built-in GPS navigation, touch screen interface, and extensive connectivity options, this model targets users who want a more all-encompassing solution for entertainment and navigation.
Now let’s break down the comparison in more detail.
1. Design and Display
Kenwood DX 09707S
The Kenwood DX 09707S features a user-friendly design with a high-resolution LCD display. The screen is typically around 6.8 inches in size, offering a clear and bright display that’s easy to read while driving. The interface is designed for simplicity, with intuitive controls and buttons that make navigating through music, settings, and other features straightforward. It’s a sleek, minimalist design that won’t overwhelm your dashboard, providing an elegant yet functional aesthetic.
Kenwood DNR476S
The Kenwood DNR476S comes with a larger 6.95-inch touchscreen display, which makes it ideal for users who need a bigger, more interactive screen. This model includes capacitive touch technology for a more responsive and smooth touch experience. It also has a higher resolution screen, providing better clarity and detail, particularly important when you are using the GPS navigation system. The display is well-suited for both entertainment and navigation, offering vibrant colors and an overall crisp image.
Winner: The Kenwood DNR476S wins in terms of display size, touch responsiveness, and overall screen quality.
2. Audio Quality and Features
Kenwood DX 09707S
Audio quality is one of the primary selling points of the Kenwood DX 09707S. It comes equipped with a high-powered internal amplifier that produces crisp and clear sound. The system supports multiple audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and AAC, ensuring compatibility with various media sources. It also features a 13-band graphic equalizer, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preference.
Additionally, the DX 09707S supports high-resolution audio playback, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles looking for superior sound quality. It also integrates seamlessly with external audio sources, offering Bluetooth connectivity and USB support for easy access to music libraries.
Kenwood DNR476S
The Kenwood DNR476S offers impressive audio quality as well, especially given that it is primarily designed as a multimedia system with navigation functionality. It supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, and more. Like the DX 09707S, it comes with a 13-band equalizer for customizable sound.
However, one significant advantage of the DNR476S is its advanced audio tuning features, which include a built-in time alignment feature. This allows for more accurate audio placement and tuning, which is particularly useful for users who want a personalized audio experience in their vehicle. The system also comes with high-definition audio playback, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize sound quality.
Winner: Both systems deliver excellent audio quality, but the Kenwood DNR476S wins for its advanced audio tuning and high-definition audio features.
3. Connectivity Options
Kenwood DX 09707S
The DX 09707S is equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. Additionally, it includes USB and AUX inputs, so you can easily connect your devices. However, it does not come with built-in Wi-Fi, which means you’ll need to rely on Bluetooth or a wired connection for internet-related functions.
One of the standout features of the DX 09707S is its compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes it easy to integrate your smartphone with the stereo system, providing seamless access to apps, maps, and other features directly from the display.
Kenwood DNR476S
The DNR476S offers extensive connectivity features, including Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming. It also includes a USB port for connecting your devices, and its larger screen makes it ideal for viewing content from streaming services.
One of the standout features of the DNR476S is its built-in Wi-Fi capability, allowing for faster internet access and easier software updates. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your smartphone and access apps directly from the unit’s touchscreen. Furthermore, the DNR476S features a wide array of input options, including HDMI and RCA for video playback and rear-view camera integration.
Winner: The Kenwood DNR476S wins in terms of connectivity, especially with its built-in Wi-Fi and additional input options.
4. Navigation and GPS Features
Kenwood DX 09707S
The DX 09707S does not feature built-in navigation. It is primarily focused on providing superior audio quality and entertainment options. However, it does have full integration with smartphone apps, including Apple Maps and Google Maps, through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So, while it lacks a standalone GPS feature, you can still rely on your smartphone for navigation.
Kenwood DNR476S
The Kenwood DNR476S, on the other hand, comes with integrated GPS navigation. The system includes pre-loaded maps and offers turn-by-turn directions with real-time traffic updates. The navigation system is highly detailed and is designed to be used with the large touchscreen for easy and clear map viewing. Additionally, the DNR476S is compatible with Kenwood’s own Traffic Tuner system, which gives users up-to-date traffic information for smarter route planning.
Winner: The Kenwood DNR476S wins hands down due to its built-in navigation and advanced GPS features.
5. User Interface and Ease of Use
Kenwood DX 09707S
The user interface on the Kenwood DX 09707S is designed to be simple and intuitive. The physical buttons combined with the touchscreen interface make it easy to control both basic and advanced features without much distraction. Additionally, the system is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, ensuring smooth integration for most smartphone users.
Kenwood DNR476S
The Kenwood DNR476S features an advanced touchscreen interface that’s smooth, responsive, and visually appealing. The large screen and capacitive touch technology make navigating through menus and settings a breeze. With easy access to audio, navigation, and settings features, the system is designed for efficiency and ease of use.
Winner: The Kenwood DNR476S takes the edge here, thanks to its responsive and user-friendly touchscreen interface.
6. Price and Value for Money
Kenwood DX 09707S
The DX 09707S is priced in the mid-range bracket, making it an attractive option for users who want high-quality audio without spending too much. It offers great value for money when considering its audio features, smartphone integration, and ease of use.
Kenwood DNR476S
The DNR476S is typically priced higher due to its additional features, including the integrated GPS navigation, larger touchscreen, and enhanced connectivity options. For users who need a more comprehensive multimedia system that blends audio and navigation seamlessly, the DNR476S justifies its higher price tag.
Winner: The Kenwood DX 09707S offers better value for money for users primarily interested in sound quality and smartphone integration. However, if you need navigation and a broader feature set, the DNR476S provides excellent value as well.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Kenwood DX 09707S and Kenwood DNR476S offer great features, but they cater to different user needs:
- Choose the Kenwood DX 09707S if you are looking for a high-quality audio system with excellent smartphone integration, easy controls, and a more budget-friendly price point.
- Opt for the Kenwood DNR476S if you want a comprehensive multimedia system with integrated GPS navigation, larger screen, and advanced connectivity options.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value audio quality more or need a more feature-packed multimedia system that includes navigation and other advanced capabilities. Both models represent Kenwood’s commitment to quality, but the DNR476S offers more versatility if you need a complete solution.