Kenwood DMX709s Install 2019 VW Jetta with iDatalink ADS-MRR plus NEW iDatalink KIT-VW1 Prototype!!

IN THE SHOP THIS WEEK - ‪@iDatalinkMaestro‬ and ‪@KenwoodUSA‬ is where it's at! John and Annie reveal what it's like to install the Kenwood DMX709s in a 2019 VW Jetta using the iDatalink Maestro RR plus an ALL NEW prototype iDatalink installation kit. Introducing the iDatalink KIT-VW1! A perfect match for the Kenwood DMX709s install in this VW Jetta.
This all new KIT-VW1 from iDatalink includes a premium installation mounting kit with the HRN-RR-VW2 harness, European antenna adapter PLUS a USB media retention adapter. If you're curious what the iDatalink ADS-MRR does and why professional installers ALWAYS prefer iDatalink install kits, this video is for you. See how the iDatalink Maestro KIT-VW1 installation kit compares to the Metra installation kit. Hint - there is no comparison!
You may be wondering why we chose the Kenwood DMX709s for this vehicle. The 2019 VW Jetta R-Line has a pretty terrible sounding stereo. The head unit is the heart of the sound system and in this 2019 VW Jetta R line, it is the source of a very muddy audio signal. So when a client came into the shop seeking a VW Jetta stereo upgrade, the 1st thing Annie recommended was changing the head unit. By starting with a clean, rich, detailed audio signal, the DMX709s provides the necessary platform to expand this audio upgrade with higher quality aftermarket speakers, amplifier and subwoofer. It also enables the client to do their VW Jetta stereo audio upgrade in phases.
In this phase 1 VW Jetta stereo upgrade John bravely disassembles the 2019 VW Jetta R Line dash to install the Kenwood eXcelon DMX709s along with a Kenwood eXcelon X502-1 amplifier and Kicker Comp R 10" with passive radiator. See how the features of the factory radio are expertly retained using the iDatalink Maestro RR in this Kenwood DMX709s install.
***HARDWARE USED***
Kenwood DMX709s - amzn.to/3VTi2E9
Ugreen Micro HDMI Adapter - amzn.to/3X4HGGk
HDMI Flush mount adapter - amzn.to/3xQMkOo
Prototype iDatalink KIT-VW1 - bit.ly/3YZ3k0J
iDatalink ADS-MRR - amzn.to/3Y4bd3A
iDatalink HRN-RR-VW2 - bit.ly/3YQLooV
Euro antenna adapter - amzn.to/3IxpU9A
Kenwood eXcelon X502-1 - bit.ly/3m5psrJ
Kenwood KCA-RC01A Remote Bass Knob - bit.ly/41rQ3iX
Kicker Comp R 10" with passive radiator - bit.ly/3m5pD6n
Stinger 8 ga power kit - amzn.to/3ECHmbz
Stinger X1 series 12 ft RCA cable - bit.ly/3kyeZo2
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Disclaimer - this video is for education and entertainment purposes only. Any expressed opinions contained in this video are solely of its author. Car Stereo Chick is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Links contained in the video description and/or on her website may earn her an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Annie Amen, John Amen, Car Stereo Chick, Sounds Incredible Mobile LLC, its members, partners, officers and employees assumes no liability for injury, damage to property or loss incurred as a result of information contained or inferred from this video. Use this information at your own risk. Viewers are advised to follow all applicable laws, equipment instructions and to operate all tools according to the manufacturers’ instructions with regard to the content, tools and equipment used in these videos. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user.

[@neilcunningham4634]

Thanks so much for the thorough in depth video super helpful

[@austinstewart8740]

Great video….I find it funny that you guys had trouble with the reverse camera through the maestro…. My car is fully stock for right now and even then the camera is a little wonky every once in a while so maybe it’s just a Jetta thing

[@NewVisionLCS]

Excellent install!! Now this is definitely how it's supposed to be done! No butt connectors and t-taps!!

[@carstereochick]

Thank you so much!!! We’re so glad you enjoyed watching and are happy to hear someone else appreciates the finer details behind the work we do 😊 Edit: P.S. I seriously wish T-Taps were outlawed. I have to make a video to make on that alone. Check this out. Recently we found one single T-Tap in an otherwise alright remote start installation that held up a client's vehicle at the dealership for nearly a year. All because they misdiagnosed the issue on why the car wouldn't start. We didn't do the original work on the car, but the client brought it to us for another opinion/alternative solution since the dealer threw their hands up and said we have no ETA on the part you need. They thought it was an immobilizer issue where the receiver in the car needed to be replaced and they were on eternal backorder because of supply chain issues. The person who had installed the remote start T-Tapped a factory ground. That was it. I had previously advised the client over the phone to start by having the dealer pull the remote starter and at this point we were both under the impression it had been removed. We were shocked to see it was still in there. I wish I had been there to witness the client's conversation with the dealer! True story, it's hard to believe. That client hugged us both when he picked us his car that day. Such a shame he had to be without his car for nearly a year due to a T-Tap and an incompetent car dealership mechanic.

[@NewVisionLCS]

@@carstereochick That's a damn shame, that an installer t-tapped of all things, a ground wire!!!!!

[@HowdyJP]

really great install! those trim pieces were tough to remove! I like maestro products I use it in my vehicle. Thanks for the install video 😎

[@carstereochick]

Thank you 🙏 Yes, that one trim panel was such a PITA!! Thanks so much for watching, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@KT-sp3tb]

please review DMX 7522S , thank you so much😊

[@carstereochick]

Hi there. The DMX 7522s appears to be the Australian version of our DMX809s. Essentially it's the same as the DMX709s, but with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Have you seen my review on the DMX709s? You may find it helpful :)

[@toorop111]

I have a 2019 vw gli with led instrument cluster. I have a 9” pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX custom flushed. 😉

[@carstereochick]

Nice!!!

[@quiyaomah9]

Thanks for this! This vehicle is not very easy to work on, and you have given my son and I a new sense of hope to get his sound right in his 21 Jetta. Quick question, do you have a video of how you installed the bass knob? That looks so clean and it’s the perfect spot for the knob. Great work!!

[@carstereochick]

Thank you! I've asked John if we can make a video on that for the next Jetta, Golf or GTI that comes in for an amp/sub upgrade. He hates when I ask him to put it there because he says it's a real PITA. But he made it look so nice so that's where I always ask him to put it now. He said it's just very tedious and delicate work to get it in that spot because you have to very carefully remove some of the plastic material on the back side of the panel. But you have to be careful not to remove too much or it can compromise the integrity of the panel. I hope that's helpful!

[@AlienSasquatch14]

Love your videos. I'm just really not a fan of what Kenwood did with the software UI in the 809s and 709s. There are subtle things that make it feel like they make it a point that it is a cheaper unit than their others. The biggest one is the giant black box that pops up on the screen when you go into reverse and covers a large portion of the reverse image. That alone along with getting a mute button was worth the upgrade to the 908s.

[@carstereochick]

Thanks Luke! I definitely prefer the operating system of the 908s and 958XR and agree you can definitely see where they cut corners, just in the graphics for example on the user interface, in order to hit this price point and combination of features.

[@RobertCookcx]

I was just about to embark on my Jetta upgrade when I came across your video. Great work. Unfortunately, I still can't find the VW kit and when I sent idatalink an email, it went unanswered. I guess I am in a holding pattern unless there is any inside scoop on release data?

[@carstereochick]

I checked back in April and it sounded like it was going to be some time before it was released. They didn't have a solid ETA. I know there were//are a bunch of newer Ford kits and the Charger/Challenger kit that was coming out 1st. We're starting to see those trickle out so maybe later this year? We got lucky getting that sample to use, that's for sure.

[@valecasillas5729]

When i check tha max outputs of my estéreo Kenwood exelon dmx 907s 😅 i used 1 kilohertz testtone and no distorted but when I set my gains of my amplifier dsp audiocontrol D-4.800 they shows distortion. When i put music even my amp for subs of my estéreo wy 😂😅

[@mattroadfeldt9012]

So did you guys have an issue with the carnet module when you installed this kit?

[@tawsonlaw6217]

Would this Ken wood head unit work in a 2024 Jetta Sport? I just spoke with Crutchfield and all of their aftermarket head units for the 2024 Jetta lose all steering audio controls, and possibly traction control on the car as well. Which seems crazy. They said I could of course upgrade the door speakers and add some , tweeters (car doesn't come with tweeters so higher expense to add) plus a sub and amp. But the head unit is what i want to replace first. Can you suggest any head unit upgrades to a 2024 VW Jetta Sport trim? Which keeps the steering controls and vehicle traction control?

[@carstereochick]

It might work. I was google imaging and the 2024 looks the same to me as the 2019 - 2023. Your best bet is to send pics of your radio and the various vehicle settings in the radio plus a pic of your steering wheel controls to iDatalink and ask them if they think their KIT-VW1 would work. Sometimes when I inquire about cars not listed yet, they have notes about whether or not it's been tested yet in the field. Sometimes it has and there are known incompatibilities, but other times it just hasn't been tested and confirmed.

[@FSUjonnyD]

Your videos are very informative! Have you / will you make a video for the Kenwood DMX8709S? The custom installer I'm going to recommended that for me on my '09 Honda Accord EX, but I can't find any videos on it.

[@carstereochick]

Thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying the content! I probably won't make a video on that model because it's basically the same operating system/features and design as the DMX709s and DMX7709s, but with wireless. So the differences between the DMX709s and the DMX8709s: DMX8709s has wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 1 year warranty and a 4 volt pre-amp whereas the eXcelon version, DMX809s, has 2 year warranty and 5 volt pre-amp. The only difference between the DMX709s and DMX809s is wired vs wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. Same applies to the DMX7709s vs the DMX8709s. I hope that is helpful information!

[@FSUjonnyD]

@@carstereochick Thank you so much for the very detailed explanation. I really appreciate it. Have a nice day!

[@seancolon9890]

I know this is probably a long shot, but The location of the bass knob, Do you recall if that tab pops out individually, or if that whole panel needs to be removed from under neath??

[@carstereochick]

Good question. Typically for placement like that we are removing the cover and trim around the shifter to get access. I know it looks like individual blanks, but it's part of a larger piece of trim. There was a bit of trim work underneath as well to accommodate. Very tight fit!

[@chio987]

What happens when you hit the driving mode selector, normally it shows what mode you're in (eco normal sport or custom) on the factory radio and it's where you edit the custom mode.

[@carstereochick]

Hello, whatever vehicle settings that were available in the factory radio should be retained with the maestro. If there is a specific option you didn’t see, I suggest reaching out to iDatalink directly for verification.

[@NouriGains]

might be a dumb question, but the external mic that came with my 709s kenwood unit does not fit into the mic input which is pink / labeled with mic. The mic has a 3.5mm jack.. What am I doing wrong? It doesn't fit snug, and won't stay connected.. ?

[@R3B3L91]

Amy Chance you know if the Sony xav9500es would fit without crazy modifications?

[@carstereochick]

It's super tight. Even if you put the single DIN chassis towards the top like the way the factory radio is, it really doesn't leave you much room for wires or the Maestro module which is probably why iDatalink recommended shallow mount chassis. Nothing is ever easy in VW's!

[@RichardMitchell-lh8cb]

Any idea when or if the iDatalink KIT-VW1 will be made available to the public? I can't find it, and its my only hope of upgrading my system in my 2020 Jetta.

[@carstereochick]

Yes, did you happen to catch my last video at the GoFast Expo? I talked to Matt at the iDatalink booth and it sounds like it's 6 months out at the earliest, but keep in mind it that could change. I know for example the USB hub we had in the sample kit wasn't correct, we were able to work around it, but I'm sure that's something they're working on as there appears to be some variation between models. For your reference ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4CsXoqHZq5pZqs

[@sayednizam2713]

Great install as ever. But why didn't you go for sony xav 6000?

[@carstereochick]

Thank you Sayed! The client was cool with a wired connection for CarPlay/Android Auto which saved him about $150 by going with the DMX709s over the Sony XAV-AX6000.

[@sayednizam2713]

@@carstereochick loads of love and prosperity to you from India ❤️❤️❤️

[@carstereochick]

And same to you Sayed! Thank you so much 🙏

[@oiBOYsaysFUKu]

the dash is such a nightmare eh! lol! i had to rip mine out too when i put my sub in. hey whats the tag for that head unit?

[@carstereochick]

Yes! We feel your pain. I'm still thinking about that dash 8 months later. That is a Kenwood DMX709s and the kit we used was a prototype, but iDatalink should be releasing the KIT-VW1 soon enough.

[@ianlyons02]

I have a 2019 vw jetta r line and I’ve been thinking about adding a aftermarket stereo but the dash kit you guys used I can’t find it

[@carstereochick]

That was a sample kit we were lucky enough to snag, it should be coming soon. I'll know more in a couple weeks after we attend an iDatalink training at the GoFast Expo.

[@ianlyons02]

@@carstereochick okay thank you

[@biffbastion301]

What is that cutter he is using @ 15:43 ?? I would love to have one of those when modifying plastic parts. Would make jobs so much easier.

[@carstereochick]

Great question! That is a Mac air pencil die grinder PDG100.

[@biffbastion301]

@@carstereochick Thank you! I will be sure to get one of those as so many times I see where I could have used it.

[@matthewhewson]

Hello, does the datalink support the VW MFD? Eg: Does caller info, song info and GPS data get sent to the MFD on the dash????

[@carstereochick]

Great question! For some models yes. Specifically iDatalink says it will retain it in models with the white MFD display and retain Meta Data display, Caller ID and Internal Navigation Info Display.

[@sydneydalpe7818]

Do you know when idatalink will start selling their mounting kits?

[@carstereochick]

Hi Sydney, great question, I do not know. I will be attending a training at the GoFast Expo in a couple weeks, I should find out more details then.

[@mattb8075]

Does the Sony XAVAX4000/6000 retain the same fancy stock vehicle settings when combined with the Maestro? Thinking of getting a 2019 VW and putting a big 15in 600W RMS sub and aftermarket stereo in

[@carstereochick]

Yep. That was kind of my point of this video lol. I guess I made it too long :) I go over that at 23:24.

[@mattb8075]

@@carstereochick the sony units also do? I saw that the Kenwood does

[@carstereochick]

EDIT: I totally forgot because we did this job almost a year ago. Shallow mount is a must for this car, I do not recommend the Sony 4000/6000, the single DIN chassis is too deep. We had to modify just to get the DMX709s in there and that’s super shallow. It’s interesting because iDatalink Maestro's application guide shows Sony too. I bet in the KIT-VW1 install guide it mentions the depth issue. Should be available with any fully iDatalink Maestro compatible head unit. But stick to a shallow mount in this car! And sorry I overlooked the Sony specific aspect of your question.

[@mattb8075]

@@carstereochick it's all good, thank you foe the answer. I actually ended up purchasing a 2024 VW Jetta GLI and will try to do a high level converter for a subwoofer. The head unit is not replaceable on this year unfortunately

[@MrSmoky416]

I installed this one for my 2018 santa fe xl i have the same issue where when i put the suv in reverse the camera will come on and shut off i have to open the camera manually when i put the car in reverse now what can i do to fix this

[@carstereochick]

In our case the Maestro was not consistently outputting a reverse trigger wire for the Kenwood radio. So we did it the old fashioned way and just ran a separate wire from the reverse trigger in the car. I couldn't tell you off the top of my head where you could find that in the 2018 Santa Fe XL, but in many vehicles it's common to have to go directly to a reverse light in the rear.

[@SteveZ919]

If a car has a factory sirius antenna and you're installing a maestro rr + head unit....what do yall use to connect that antenna to the new stereo?

[@carstereochick]

Hey Steve, great question. All depends on the year, make and model vehicle. For many cars, we can use the iDatalink SAT1, the PAC Audio SAT-01 or the Metra 40-SIRSXM. These parts are all the same, except the Metra one has a small extension with. Metra also makes a 17 ft version of that as well in case the OEM tuner is in a different location. iDatalink also has a few like the ACC-SAT-TO1 for specific cars where the connection isn't typical. For some cars, like 2013 Subaru Outback with OEM Nav, it's none of those, but there are some companies out there that carry adapters for some of the oddball ones. Like Discount Car Stereo online has a whole category for these rarer antenna conversion cables and also VAIS technology has some as well.

[@brianbelcon8723]

Hi good day could u get the kenwood kdc x705 to review

[@carstereochick]

Hi Brian, yes! It's on my list. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to it yet. Lots of content to make, but I only have enough time to make one video per week right now. But I definitely have plans to create a review and pre-amp/voltage test for this one.

[@brianbelcon8723]

@@carstereochick thank you

[@clickonmike]

I was echoing John's yeses.

[@carstereochick]

Ha! That’s so awesome. This was definitely a fun one for me to make 😉

[@SteveZ919]

Kenwood 908s....or Alpine iLX 507? Someone help me decide for a system with amps lol.

[@carstereochick]

If you're asking me I'm going with Kenwood, but stepping it up to the DMX958XR. Based on sound quality, screen vibrancy, high voltage pre-amp. I like Alpine too, but with everything flat, John and I feel Kenwood is more lively. Alpine has more EQ control though so you can actually tweak it to bring it to life so it's definitely a contender. We made a video on the iLX-507 both a review and then another one where we show the EQ curve that brings it to life, not sure if you saw those. But the responsiveness on the Alpine screen (certain areas not as responsive as others) would personally drive me nuts. My DMX908s finally shipped last week so at some point I'll have a side by side video up on the DMX958XR vs the DMX908s. The 958 has LDAC which supports high res wireless, the 908s does not have LDAC. Alpine does have LDAC. If you can get to a shop that carries both, it's best to see/hear in person. I hope that helps!

[@SteveZ919]

@carstereochick will be posted for those new vids :) The double din world is so daunting in choices, budget, and features. I currently have a 908s on backorder and my anxiousness is having me looking at other units instock. Will take a look at your vids on the 958 again (it was $200 more over the 908s) but did have a gorgeous screen.

[@unity014]

holy shit just tell me how to install