Kenwood DNX7160 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I have the Aussie 7360 version, identical apart from locale settings.
First up, I had the reset issue that some owners have experienced with this model and also the DNX-9960 model. This has been fixed with an easy to load firmware update off the Kenwood website. If the FW on your unit is 1.0.0, then update as other slight improvements have been made to the iPod interface.
My main reason to choose the Kenwood was the Garmin navigation which I've used for several years and prefer over other SatNav systems. Could be just familiarity but I do like its no-nonsense interface. Access to readily available red-light and speed camera POIs and ability to upload all my existing favorites were also features for me.
As a radio/CD/DVD/iPod player, it's a very flexible unit. The comprehensive settings available across all audio/video sources mean any owner should be able to fine tune the unit to their listening preferences. You can configure just about every conceivable aspect whether it's EQ, position, balance or fader, spacial enhancement and so on. You can add a reversing camera which activates on selecting reverse gear. Plus you don't need to use a Kenwood camera. You can choose a CCD if you prefer over CMOS.
In my own case, I've retained the stock speakers at this stage and the improved sound over the standard Toyota head unit made by Fujitsu Ten, is wuite noticable, especially in the bass and treble ranges. As it is I don't see any reason to invest in an amp or replacement speakers.
The only reason I did not award a 5 star rating is that the interface which is easy to use, is a bit slow to respond and sometimes needs multiple touches to get a response at all. This is annoying as it distracts you while driving and as such it could shift your focus off the road. This is far from ideal. I tend now to ensure my sources are set up before driving. That is, try not to change CDs or change playlists on the iPod feature while driving. I have had my unit setup to play DVDs while driving but only use music DVDs. A nice touch is the ability to have a video window on the Nav screen. A quick touch hides this feature if the law is watching! I've fitted a PAC Audio SWI-JACK steerring wheel control unit interface to use the factory controls with the head unit. They work well but there is a slight delay in response. I guess this is because the controls must be translated in the box and this unfortunately is not instantaneous. You get used to it though.
You can also customise the boot screen which I have done to make it look more like a factory unit. All these features make the Kenwood a very desireable unit. While the Alpines look very nice too, the Garmin SatNav was the clincher for me and overall I am very happy. I'd probably rate it a 4.5 stars if I could but not quite a 5 as it does have some slight imperfections, but these are not enough to prevent me recommending the 7160/7360.

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