Recommend me a replacement for Kenwood KRC-394

[BigAde]

This is something I've been thinking about for a while and finally getting round to.

While I'm satisfied with the sound quality from the standard Kenwood KRC-394, I'm thinking of changing it because:

• I don't like the up-down volume buttons, prefer a rotary switch and push on/push off.
• I'd like to be able stream audio wirelessly using bluetooth from my iPhone.
• I'd like to be able to make/answer calls using the parrot function.

Having thought about it for a while I've changed my list of requirements.
Features I'm looking for:

• Must work with the existing IR steering wheel controls (critical).
• Have USB/SD card slot for MP3 files (front or rear)
• Have iPhone bluetooth audio control
• Have parrot-type call answering.
• Be an improvement sound quality wise.
• Be simple to install.
• Would be nice to retain use of the CD changer in the boot, but I know that realistically may not be an option with some of the newer features.

Budget isn't going to stretch to one of Radioguys DD units (sadly), probably looking at the second hand market to be honest.

No mad rush on this one and happy to listen to your suggestions. Thanks

[coolcat]

Originally Posted by BigAde

This is something I've been thinking about for a while and finally getting round to.

While I'm satisfied with the sound quality from the standard Kenwood KRC-394, I'm thinking of changing it because:

• I don't like the up-down volume buttons, prefer a rotary switch and push on/push off.
• I'd like to be able stream audio wirelessly using bluetooth from my iPhone.
• I'd like to be able to make/answer calls using the parrot function.

Having thought about it for a while I've changed my list of requirements.
Features I'm looking for:

• Must work with the existing IR steering wheel controls (critical).
• Have USB/SD card slot for MP3 files (front or rear)
• Have iPhone bluetooth audio control
• Have parrot-type call answering.
• Be an improvement sound quality wise.
• Be simple to install.
• Would be nice to retain use of the CD changer in the boot, but I know that realistically may not be an option with some of the newer features.

Budget isn't going to stretch to one of Radioguys DD units (sadly), probably looking at the second hand market to be honest.

No mad rush on this one and happy to listen to your suggestions. Thanks

Hi Adrian,

Don't discount Sean's double din units as there is a healthy market for the used versions ( Mgr WinCe ) as members have traded them in for the android versions.
If you give Sean a Pm he will be able to let you know prices and availability on these units.

Just one thing, unless you purchase a Kenwood head unit with infra red remote capabilities you will have to modify the steering wheel control box behind the head unit to enable functionality with Radioguys units.
This is very simple to do and we will talk you through it if you decide to purchase one of his units.

Just for clarification, this only needs to be done when the oem unit is a Kenwood radio as they are the only units from the factory that worked on infra red signals.
All other oem radios use hard wired steering controls

[BigAde]

Thanks Jeff - that clears things up a little re the IR steering wheel controls.

While a DD unit would be great, realistically I know I won't watch TV/DVDs and already have a separate satnav, so the extra cost over a single DIN unit (even second hand) would be difficult to justify. Assuming that is I can find a single DIN unit to meet my requirements.

[Last14]

BigAde, may not be a realistic idea, but as per my thread below, i've now a redundent single din unit and 6 disc stacker that i was going to put up for sale at some point (fascia not avail atm). Both in working order. The postage to UK might be the killer (no idea), but i can find out if interested. Unit worked fine with my steering controls. Cheers.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=181680

[Colly]

I bought a JVC KD-R741BT for mine. Had to buy a single fascia and adapter from e-bay but only cost £100 all in. Easy to install. Full phone controls on the unit (comes with a seperate mike - mine is wired to the interior light), great quality sound also. I stream music from my phone so dont use the CD, jack or usb ports. Looked at the radioguy units but couldnt justify the cost for the extra features; cant ever see a need to watch DVd's in the car or use apps that are on the phone anyway.
With the difference in cost I put on a new set of tyres, did a full service and still had change!

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by Colly

I bought a JVC KD-R741BT for mine. Had to buy a single fascia and adapter from e-bay but only cost £100 all in. Easy to install. Full phone controls on the unit (comes with a seperate mike - mine is wired to the interior light), great quality sound also. I stream music from my phone so dont use the CD, jack or usb ports. Looked at the radioguy units but couldnt justify the cost for the extra features; cant ever see a need to watch DVd's in the car or use apps that are on the phone anyway.
With the difference in cost I put on a new set of tyres, did a full service and still had change!

Thanks Colly - thanks will add that one to the checklist. What did you have before? Did you replace a Kenwood unit for the JVC, if so any comments on sound quality?

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by Last14

BigAde, may not be a realistic idea, but as per my thread below, i've now a redundent single din unit and 6 disc stacker that i was going to put up for sale at some point (fascia not avail atm). Both in working order. The postage to UK might be the killer (no idea), but i can find out if interested. Unit worked fine with my steering controls. Cheers.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=181680

Thanks Last14 - think the postage would indeed by a killer on that one. Thanks for the offer though.

[Dorset Bob]

The eyebrow is secured to the dash with 2 Phillips screws.

You need to unclip the cover underneath to gain access to them.

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