Kenwood DDX7709S Car Stereo Headunit with Apple CarPay and Android Auto with HDMI input. Review

[@mikemjw4533]

This guy gives great reviews. I’m in the market and keep coming back to this channel

[@BreakersStereo]

Thanks, will do!

[@toysforboysrc]

I bought this exact unit and I love it but I have some complaints. The first complaint is that after the back of the radio gets pretty hot pretty fast and I’m only using two 6.5” alpine coaxial but I do play loud using the head unit’s amplification for now… it has a cooling fan with an aluminum heat plate but the fan blows very soft and slowly. Upgrading that won’t cost anything and it will save your radio lifespan and play cleaner at higher volumes for extended periods of listening time. My second complaint is the radio touch screen responsiveness but that’s not the real problem. The problem is that the screen “freezes” if you try to rush the touch screen commands. You can still lower and raise the volume, you can still touch the home button and turn off the head unit, but it will not respond to apps or setting icons on the Kenwood screen. The only way that I know to fix the situation is to turn off the ignition and turn back on and then things work just fine again when the radio turns back on. This is only a problem if your driving especially on the highway or road trip, you would have to “to be safe” pull over and restart your ignition and get back on the road. ITS STILL AN AWESOME RADIO and it’s still worth it bcs I’ve done EXTENSIVE research and this is just how technology is right now. HERE is one cheap simple hack you can do for when the screen freezes.. the RED positive wire on the Kenwood harness is the ignition/accessory wire that’s the red wire that only gets power when you turn on your key ignition. So what you do, is you cut the red wire at the center of its length and you twist or solder a small button inline with the red wire. Get a button that states it is (NORMALLY ON)! That mean that the button ONLY TURNS OFF when you press on the button. Then the radio will turn right back on soon as you let the button go. Yes your radio will still work normal, just do the installation how your supposed to.. and when you do the button heck with the red wire, keep in mind you might need to make that red wire a little longer so that you can place the button where you want it in case the screen freezes. Just buy the proper radio harness adapter for your application and the installation will be a breeze. I’ve always used Rockford Fosgate for mids and highs and it’s always sounded perfect for heavy metal but this time with this Kenwood I’m using Alpine coaxial 6.5” and the music sounds best with electronic music and 90’s rock like Pearl Jam, aero smith, Pink Floyd… but any heavy metal just does not sound as clean as Rockford Foagate did with heavy metal. I would need a 4ch amp with power and redo the EQ to get the notes to come out, but either way, the alpines are just built better and I’m sure they can do even better once I get amplification.

[@soggyfries4347]

You should mention that JVC and Kenwood are essentially the same company after the new multinational corps merged to become JVCKenwood back in 2008. So when you buy a JVC product manufactured after 2008 it is essentially a Kenwood product with just a different brand tag.

[@chevaldodavidson1361]

So would the JVC cost less?

[@SooksVI]

just because a company acquires another does not mean the products are the same. They can simply add that company and their products to their portfolio, kill that competition and gain their profit. They might streamline production to cut costs and share parts, but quite often the companies remain separate. A great example is how AKG, Harmon Kardon and JBL all fall under Samsung but their products remain unique to each brand.

[@jasoncaine2600]

Correct their head units are virtually identical

[@brandonwilliams7404]

You should mention that in your off time you like to dress in ladies clothing….

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Usually he does - not sure why he didn't in this video. Most people into car audio, already know this. 😮

[@AdamSVT]

Will you be taking a look at the new Kenwood DMX8709S soon?

[@JeffWyatt-c6x]

How do you get the Apple Car Play to work? We had this installed for my daughter and the icon is on the screen but it never lights up. This video is great but when it gets to the car play it skips past how to connect....

[@emmalusty8948]

i have not been able to find anything that says stuff about wireless apple carplay. i personally have my usb thing plugged into a cord that works with my phone, and it works like that.

[@MauricioPablo-w3f]

Hey bro.. I have the same stereo my hdmi is connected but when I try to plug in my iPhone is not working it just shows no signal do you have any idea what could it be that it doesn’t work ??

[@chivas100x100]

Same issue

[@MauricioPablo-w3f]

@@chivas100x100yeah I have try everything and nothing seems to work I changed the cable I got the new iPhone with a new cable and still doesn’t work

[@MauricioPablo-w3f]

@@chivas100x100 I actually bought the hdmi cable directly from kenwood and replaced the one I had on the stereo and it worked now I just had to buy the hdmi cable from kenwood

[@MauricioPablo-w3f]

@chriss.6376I just replaced the hemi cable from kenwood and it worked

[@mehere4569]

this is the 2nd stereo I have from you. I had the JVC to start and now this one on the same car due to several issues. Finally everything was fixed but now on the phone I can hear who calls me, or I call but they cannot hear me. This whole experience is super stressful and now I just want my OEM stereo put back in. I will be contacting you to reinstall my OEM stereo

[@jasoncaine2600]

🤷‍♂️🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pastortonymarin5577]

I know when using the equalizer let say you go to the natural use but once you start to mess with the sound or control it, it will change on you to user, i wonder if that supposed to happen?

[@BreakersStereo]

I don’t think you can adjust it in the preset setting. You have to go to user

[@Warg666]

Now my issue with the radio is the vehicles up button for the radio stations does a seek vs preset, I wish I could figure out why, my last truck didn't do that with the HU, but that was Alpine this is Kenwood!~

[@juniorfernandez5266]

Quick question how do i prevent the hdmi from dozing off every 30 sec when watching it on my screen ?

[@Trapp762]

How does the hdmi cable work an how did you get your iPhone to screen mirror with the cable? Do I need to buy a separate plug in for my iPhone? I’m confused nothing was explained on that section

[@davidrivera1960]

Did you figure this out? As you said nothing was explained

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Can this head unit play video off of USB? I like to make my own music video by importing music ripped from my CD collection (lossless audio) into video application (free version of Davinci Resolve). Kind of like old days with cassette, but using USB thumb drive. Yeah, it's an underground thing 🤫

[@BreakersStereo]

Yes it has video play back on the USB

[@emmanueladjaye6957]

Do I need to purchase any extra wires or connections to activate to cameras?

[@KennyJordana]

GOT DAMN! This is a lot of features in this car stereo. Is there anything simple with not too many features? 😂

[@jeekee8]

Right? I just want a head unit with Apple car play that will support my subs. I’m too poor for cameras 😂

[@jasoncaine2600]

A kid could use it 🤷‍♂️

[@theBlankScroll]

I'm trying to set up a TV in my RV and I want the stereo to just play audio from the TV, it does NOT need to play video from the tV. How could I set this up? My tv doesn't have AV out, just 3.5mm and HDMI ARC. Would HDMI ARC work with the HDMI mini port on this unit?

[@tallahassee6228]

U said u have the hdmi hooked up is it a A separate wire or is it the USB?

[@HardHeadMilitary]

Have you ran into an issue with the kenwood not getting past the bootup/loading screen? Just got a dmx 8709s and it will stay on boot screen… ill wait a while and come back to it and it will boot up…

[@sambeagle72]

Is this worth getting over the DMX4707s? I kinda want to have he HDMI and front camera inputs but i feel like i could live without them. What i am searching for is better sound quality how much better is this one then the DMX4707s?

[@BreakersStereo]

If you can do without it do those feature then get the 4707. But if your gonna add amps the 7709 has 4 volt preouts where the 4707 is 2 volts. So the 7709 would be my reco if your doing amps

[@kevinW826]

Here’s a question. I’m replacing the oem headunit in my base model Mazda CX-7. I don’t care about apple carplay or android auto, I just want to play my cds, mp3s and my 15 year old iPod, and have Bluetooth. And I don’t need a double din touchscreen, just a single din works for me. What would be a good one?

[@asenciolosangeles6778]

I would look for an old school unit that offer those features itd be much cheaper as wel

[@Cracko298]

Does this unit have Wireless Android Auto, or is it only wired?

[@j.u.c.o]

Wired, but they have wireless dongles on Amazon from $40-70

[@toysforboysrc]

Update: not a fan of the HDMI input situation for the iPhone. For a pros & con video I would have added the HDMI configuration with the iPhone as a CON. You did not go into detail about the mini HDMI configuration and that Kenwood charges $50 for the big to small HDMI cable adapter and you still need to find a lightning to hdmi cable as well. Right now I’m only getting audio from the HDMI configuration but no image. The sound quality is also less than usb or BT. I’ll revisit the manual so if there’s something missing, then it was not shown or explained in this video. You didn’t share what cable you used, where you got it, what model iPhone, what software versions of comparability or anything of that nature and only showed the mirroring. Any missing or additional info will be useful to consumers.

[@OsamaAltobuli]

Thanks… great review. What is that little white port at the rear side of the radio - above the ? fan opening

[@shawncope5875]

Think its some sorta OEM port for diagnostics, ect, I have the unit, found nothing explaining that port.

[@doozowings4672]

Why does the videos lock up after random times ? I’ve tried several flash drives .. I can’t watch a move for more than a few minuets before it crashes ..

[@DarkSideCollectibles-p1l]

Can switch the side of the radio stations to driver side on the screen? Instead of reaching over to the passenger side where the stations are displayed?

[@BreakersStereo]

I don’t believe you can move that over… but I agree it should be able to move that

[@biffbastion301]

7709S vs ILX-W650 (without add on amp) Which is the better choice? Main desires are Apple Car Play and sound quality. May add amps later. 2008 Sport Trac with factory amp and sub.

[@biffbastion301]

Went with the 709S instead for the extra $50 above this one.

[@4xsanti325]

@@biffbastion301how are you liking it ?

[@thatguykai479]

@@biffbastion301how is it I’ve been looking at multiple pioneer and kenwood audios even the boss 960NV bc it’s major watts on the radio 320 compared to 200

[@elsombero1747]

So, if it has microHDMI output, will any of those microHDMI to HDMI adapters work here or do I need to purchase a specific adapter from Kenwood? I travel a lot and sometimes I just want to hook up my PS3 Slim and play some games while taking a break from driving. As far as I know, PS3 goes down to 311p (or something like that) in my sales region

[@chivas100x100]

Having the same issue

[@icantkallit801]

So the screen mirroring does work for I phone right ?

[@reginaacevedo8796]

What cable hdmi I need to connect the carplay and mirroring my iphone?

[@jmonayy5049]

That’s what I need to know

[@erickmaldonado5573]

I think he say micro hdmi🤔🤔

[@AzizSk91]

Hey there. I have two questions. How can I know if any product can support my original car subwoofer? Cuz most of them are not. And the second question is what is the best car display under $300? I’m looking for music quality/rear camera/car play.

[@ike7539]

Did you find your answer?

[@AzizSk91]

@@ike7539no. but i guess i need harness for that. not sure.

[@Titoo.1]

@@AzizSk91 obviously you need a harness

[@straya_au_]

hows the colour

[@ItsShhh]

DDX?

[@carloss627]

Help me choose please. Between the JBL gto x86 vs jbl stange 3 8627 which ones are better or what are the differences? Thank you.

[@92hatchsi]

Gto bro

[@onwardtotheedge]

Are you not able to do this video without a jump cut every 4 seconds?

[@cornn2593]

So I’m using an hdmi adaptor with my iPhone and it is not working at all… any ideas??

[@MrXcbravo]

Seems to be something a lot of ppl are struggling with , did you solve the issue .? Was looking at this stereo but would like to know

[@cornn2593]

@@MrXcbravo Yes! so I figured it out., I was recommended a micro HDMI cable to HDMI from best buy that they had. It didn't work but I found the model number for the one that Kenwood recommended and I ordered it from amazon and tried that one and it works flawless. I am assuming because the stereo does not support anything higher than like 480p, so therefore any fast cables are not compatible with the display HDMI and will show not devices are connected. The correct and only cable I would use for it is the Kenwood KCA-HD200. Hope this helps! Also the apple adaptor works fine with this, that's what I am using.

[@rememberthealamo9008]

​@cornn2593 what did you have hooked up to it? Was it a phone or system? I have a Galaxy s21 n I'm bout to order the cord off this comment 😅

[@cornn2593]

@@rememberthealamo9008 hjaha yeah man, so i tried my iphoe and it didnt work, then i tried another iphone then my apple tv thewn a sasmsu g phone then nothing would work so i bought the recommended cable and it worked perfectly!

[@diamondavid]

What Alpine head unit would you choose in the same Price point as this Kenwood?

[@mohammedtarekahmad7326]

5020DABS

[@kennymccormick8295]

​@@mohammedtarekahmad7326Did you read the question?

[@jasoncaine2600]

None 🤷‍♂️

[@richardzambon4836]

Does anyone know if I can fit this to my Ford Edge 2007😅? By the way thanks for the great review👍!

[@halliemell]

more than likely yes :) fits most standard GM and ford models

[@rmrmrm1523]

Can you please make a review of zwnav 12.3 ANDROID 10 AUTORADIO STEREO MULTIMEDIA PLAYER FOR TOYOTA COROLLA 2019 2020 2021 RADIO RECEIVER AUDIO HEAD UNIT GPS NAVIGATION and Belsee 12.3 toyota corolla

[@davidmahle1221]

Hey Dude - You mispelled DDX in your Description ;)

[@kruzer98]

Help. I can't get my hdmi working on my dmx7709s. I got the cable for it too. Please help

[@rememberthealamo9008]

Did you ever get it working? These assholes aren't replying to anyone's comments...unsubscribed

[@sport3fan]

What is the HDMI option used for?

[@ThomasTribeTrails]

its how you hook up Apple Car Play, not available wirelessly

[@kaleabteklemichael6931]

Can you guys test out Teyes Android Headunit they are the best on the market imo and would love to see them in your hands.

[@jasoncaine2600]

🤦🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kaleabteklemichael6931]

@@jasoncaine2600 is there a better one? 😑

[@713H]

How bad is the 480 resolution

[@WHATITDOBURRO]

It is P.O.S I want to return mine it will not mirror with or without their app bluetooth or usb. I hate it

[@johnnyangel9096]

I like your videos and knowledge, but for a creator that focused on sound products, your video audio sounds super muddy and muffled. You need better mics.

[@Ellyitt_civic]

I’d love to have a touch screen in my car but man these seem so slow and I know it would bother me

[@alwayswill315]

Step back from the dmx706. The menu is from 8 years ago. Come on Kenwood.

[@CarlosCarliCAN]

Agreed, most of them carry a UI from 10 years ago. I bought the alpine halo 9, and returned it from a high quality android unit. I still don’t get the lack of innovation

[@noctrno]

I'm looking for a new double din for my 350z - what do u guys think of the alpine ilx-507?

[@nbdxchance9010]

@@noctrno me too, for my g35. I want one with wireless Apple car play, iPhone mirroring for Netflix/KZbin. and overall a responsive up to date head unit. Let me know any recommendations

[@pshhunreal9329]

@@CarlosCarliCAN what did you get?

[@CarlosCarliCAN]

@@pshhunreal9329 t’eyes cc3. Out my research one of the best

[@scottlowell493]

I'm getting one to replace my Chevy infotainment screen. Factory electronics are poor sounding. Even the best multispeaker bose is a joke compared to the excelon system.

[@seamusmcfitz913]

Wired android auto and Apple car play?? It's 2023.

[@rememberthealamo9008]

Ay what did you use to get the hdmi input? With what cord? With what phone??? I can't get mirroring, av input or hdmi to work...da fuck kenwood!?

[@chivas100x100]

Same issue here