Superb sound and a great iPod interface

The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X693 CD receiver makes it easy to use your iPod® in your vehicle. Its direct iPod connection lets you control your playlists and albums with the receiver's controls, along with a multi-line display that shows off your artist and song info. Hook your iPod to the receiver's USB input, and you'll bypass your iPod's digital-to-analog converter, allowing the Kenwood's superior 24-bit DAC to make your files sound their best.

Find that song fast

Grab the big jog dial and skip through your files in 10% jumps, or search alphabetically — the choice is yours. Plus, your passengers can use the iPod's controls to switch songs if you want to concentrate on the drive. You'll also find a rear auxiliary input for MP3 players and other audio sources. If you're not using an iPod, you can load up a thumb drive with MP3, WMA, and AAC files and connect it to the rear USB input.

Sound Excellence DSP

Kenwood's Sound Excellence DSP offers digital sound enhancements designed to give you the best possible sound in your vehicle. iPod EQ features a set of sound adjustments voiced specifically for your iPod, including 22 presets. Highway Sound optimizes your music so it can be better heard over the road noise, while the Supreme + feature improves sound quality by enhancing the frequencies in your digital files that get compressed during conversion.

The Digital E's crossover feature allows you to trim some of the lows out of your front and rear speakers and adjust the low frequencies going to your powered sub, so your equipment plays more efficiently. If you're building a full system, the three sets of preamp outputs send a strong 4-volt signal to your amps for superior sound quality and lower noise levels.

More options

Connect a Kenwood satellite radio to the KDC-X693, and enjoy the mix of news, sports, entertainment, and commercial-free music. Kenwood's HD Radio™ tuner lets you access the superior fidelity and extra programming offered by participating stations in your area.

The receiver's customizable display illumination lets you set the display and button to one of 10 preset colors, or customize the color range to match your dashboard lights.

Safety on the highway

Kenwood's optional Bluetooth™ adapter allows you to make hands-free calls with your compatible phone. When a call comes in, the KDC-X693 mutes the music so you can converse over the car speakers. You'll also get a full-function remote control, so your passengers can pick the next tune or adjust the audio without hassling the driver.

Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Hands-on Research" for specific iPod model compatibility with this receiver or its optional iPod adapter.