Kenwood DPX-MP4030

Price Paid:  $225.00 from ebay auction

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Kenwood DPX/MP4030

Summary:
I was after a double-din replacement for my stock head, with the prerequisite that it would handle mp3's. The 4030 represented the best price/quality combo of the few available double-d mp3 capable options.

Strengths:
It sounds great. I could immediately tell the difference from the stock cd player. It's got enough oomph to push the mains and my powered sub.

Weaknesses:
It has serious trouble with VBR mp3's; a real frustration. The manual reads as like a bad fansub, simply adding confusion to the myriad of options. The built in EQ, while nice, is far from intuitive when in pro programming mode. It won't display the time and track details simultaneously. Lastly, I'd prefer a more laid back design; the pseudo-futuristic industrial silver face is hardly subtle against the rest of the truck's dash components. In the end I got a great deal because of the auction... had I paid full price I suspect I'd be disappointed.

Price Paid:  $307.00 from ETronics

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Kenwood DPX/MP4030

Summary:
Needed something to go into my Toyota Tacoma (2001) dash to replace Cd/Cass combo with no modification. Found this head unit and it had everything I wanted (DSP, matches dash lights, MP3s, etc). Initially found it in Crutchfield ($449) and did some searching and found it for $307 at ETronics. Fit perfectly and it rocks!

Strengths:
Versitility and features: tape head has good playback freq, good control layout, CD tracks well, MANY sound shaping modes

Weaknesses:
Silver - need black/gray option, LOTS of features - keep the manual handy - can get confusing, MANY sound shaping modes

Similar Products Used:
Toyota OEM head