Kenwood DDX419 Review - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum

Bake · 06-17-2012, 11:11 AM

Yesterday I had my factory radio replaced with a Kenwood DDX419 in-dash unit. Right off the bat I could tell that the sound clarity and quality was greatly improved. The factory speakers sounded like they really came to life!! I was able to have all my steering wheel controls hooked up to work with the new radio and hooked up a reverse camera as well. I had the microphone for bluetooth phone calls installed in the upper part of the A pillar. So far the best part is that i can control all my iPod songs, pandora channels, garmin navigation and netflix movies right from the touch screen! Overall this is an awesome upgrade and made my commute time a lot more enjoyable.

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...e_Video/DDX419

click on the VIDEOS tab to see the radio functions in use.

ClassicRbt · 06-18-2012, 09:04 AM

I like it.

hermosaboy · 06-18-2012, 10:44 AM

How is the IPod connected to the in-dash unit?

Bake · 06-18-2012, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermosaboy

How is the IPod connected to the in-dash unit?

Either through bluetooth or through the front USB. I'll go snap a pic for you.

Bake · 06-18-2012, 11:06 AM

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Annoying that it's in the front but it's all good. And it charges the ipod/iphone while being used. The bluetooth is great but you still have to use your ipod to control everything. If its plugged in the touchscreen will control either the pandora or ipod

Bake · 06-18-2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRbt

I like it.

I love it. Made the stereo sound so much better! These speakers have some life to them now.

bhmkv · 06-18-2012, 07:40 PM

Dam that looks good!

Bake · 06-19-2012, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhmkv

Dam that looks good!

Thanks dude

IamRobbyah · 06-26-2012, 07:17 PM

Hmmm... Seems pretty legit.

I desperately want to replace my stock unit, particularly with a double din w/ screen -- but I don't want to empty my wallet, nor go for the seemingly problem-ridden Chinese knock offs.

My buddy, who is pretty car audio savvy said his next in-dash screen would have to be Kenwood. His Alpine was a huge disappointment.

Couple a q's:

- Did u buy the software (iTunes and Kenwood) for the Garmin?
- Do your steering wheel functions work?
- Where'd u buy and how much?

I've grown weary of the bass-cut problem, the flat sounding bass, and the severely limited (and hideous) stocker.

T.I.A. and cheers!

Moosecakes · 06-26-2012, 07:21 PM

That looks fantastic!!

my only gripe with it is that it doesn't have a hi-speed connectivity rear output for the ipod

I'm still on the hunt for my double din setup...

Bake · 06-26-2012, 07:24 PM

- The use of Pandora, Netflix and iPod are free. The garmin nav ap was $40.
- Yes the steering wheel controls work
- i bought it from a local car audio shop and total for everything installed with tax was around $680. the PAC cable to integrate the steering wheel controls was $180. There is a cheaper way to do it but it included splicing wires and i didnt want to do that. The PAC cable is fully plug and play.

trust me when i say that the audio is greatly enhanced. You can set not only bass/mid/high levels but there's a crossover and adjustable EQ for each.

Bake · 06-26-2012, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moosecakes

That looks fantastic!!

my only gripe with it is that it doesn't have a hi-speed connectivity rear output for the ipod

I'm still on the hunt for my double din setup...

thanks! yeah i wish it had the rear USB but its really not a big deal. i got used to the cable really quick. you can still do everything through bluetooth if you dont want to install the cable.

Moosecakes · 06-26-2012, 09:17 PM

I have way to much music to use just my phone unfortunately haha. I have an old 32g ipod with a busted screen that i use for all my car music haha.

I guess the search continues

Bake · 06-26-2012, 09:34 PM

just run the wire and keep the iPod in the change tray. from there you use the Kenwood unit to control everything. trust me when i say the USB being in the front is not a big deal.

pioneer has a comparable model as well that i believe is rear usb.

hobbes · 06-27-2012, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moosecakes

I have way to much music to use just my phone unfortunately haha. I have an old 32g ipod with a busted screen that i use for all my car music haha.

I guess the search continues

You should check the compatibility of the unit with your iPod. I have a Kenwood DNX9960 and it can't use my old iPod. It was the gen right before they switched to color screens.

I've got my iPod cable routed into the glove box. That was a huge PITA to get it there.

Moosecakes · 06-27-2012, 03:22 AM

that's the one I have :( I'll probably have to end up buying another ipod too lol...

I did the same with my BMW. Talk about NO SPACE lol... i soldered my adapter harness to the headunit harness, installed the deck, in a shorter amount of time than it took me to route one cable lol.

SteveYem · 02-12-2013, 03:02 PM

Hi guys, this is my first post here....I actually joined so I could bump this thread and ask some questions : )

My fiancee has a 2009 GTi (6MT....she's a keeper!) and after a few years of ownership we want to put new head unit in. I'm pretty much sold on the Kenwood DDX419 after reading reviews and playing around with it at the store, as well as based on the good experience I have had with the older model DDX512 in my car. My questions regarding the install are:

1) Can anyone tell me the exact PAC module (Model #) I will need to install in order to retain all of the steering wheel controls?

2) Who makes the best 2-din trim kit in terms of OEM finish and good fit?

3) The DDX419 appears to have a built-in USB cord coming out of the back of the unit. Can the optional Kenwood iPod adapter cable connect here? (assuming I route the cable somewhere convenient for the iPod to connect) I would rather not have to plug the iPod into the front USB port.

4) Does the DDX419 come with a microphone for the Bluetooth handsfree phone feature, or would I need to purchase this separately? And where is the best place to mount this microphone for best call clarity?

5) Anything else I need to know before dismantling the car to tackle the install?

NOTE: For now I will be simply replacing the stock head unit with the DDX419. I will not be adding external amps or subwoofer at this point, and will be using the stock door speakers.

Thanks everyone in advance for your help! I've only done stereo installs on Japanese cars before, so this is new territory for me.

06-17-2012, 11:11 AM	#1
Bake FIA GT Champion Drives: '08.5 CW DSG Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 1,220	Kenwood DDX419 Review Yesterday I had my factory radio replaced with a Kenwood DDX419 in-dash unit. Right off the bat I could tell that the sound clarity and quality was greatly improved. The factory speakers sounded like they really came to life!! I was able to have all my steering wheel controls hooked up to work with the new radio and hooked up a reverse camera as well. I had the microphone for bluetooth phone calls installed in the upper part of the A pillar. So far the best part is that i can control all my iPod songs, pandora channels, garmin navigation and netflix movies right from the touch screen! Overall this is an awesome upgrade and made my commute time a lot more enjoyable. http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...e_Video/DDX419 click on the VIDEOS tab to see the radio functions in use. __________________ 2008.5 GTI DSG Uni Stage II/DSG stage I, Custom TBE, P-Flo/BSH Intake, BSH TB Pipe, Forge DV, Forge Twintercooler, AWE Boost Gauge, Custom DV relocation, H&R Cup Kit

06-18-2012, 11:06 AM	#5
Bake FIA GT Champion Drives: '08.5 CW DSG Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 1,220	Annoying that it's in the front but it's all good. And it charges the ipod/iphone while being used. The bluetooth is great but you still have to use your ipod to control everything. If its plugged in the touchscreen will control either the pandora or ipod __________________ 2008.5 GTI DSG Uni Stage II/DSG stage I, Custom TBE, P-Flo/BSH Intake, BSH TB Pipe, Forge DV, Forge Twintercooler, AWE Boost Gauge, Custom DV relocation, H&R Cup Kit

06-18-2012, 07:40 PM	#7
bhmkv Auto Body Appraiser Drives: 07 CW GTI 6SPD Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: CT Posts: 6,818	Dam that looks good! __________________ APR H&R KONI ITG

06-26-2012, 07:21 PM	#10
Moosecakes FIA GT Newbie Drives: 2008 GTI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: eugene Posts: 873	That looks fantastic!! my only gripe with it is that it doesn't have a hi-speed connectivity rear output for the ipod I'm still on the hunt for my double din setup... __________________ BUY MY GTI!! ///2008 FSI GTI \| APR Stage 2+ \| 3" Catted DP/Custom Straight pipe \| AEM Boost Gauge \| BSH Comp Catch Can \| Raceland Ultimos \|

06-26-2012, 07:24 PM	#11
Bake FIA GT Champion Drives: '08.5 CW DSG Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 1,220	- The use of Pandora, Netflix and iPod are free. The garmin nav ap was $40. - Yes the steering wheel controls work - i bought it from a local car audio shop and total for everything installed with tax was around $680. the PAC cable to integrate the steering wheel controls was $180. There is a cheaper way to do it but it included splicing wires and i didnt want to do that. The PAC cable is fully plug and play. trust me when i say that the audio is greatly enhanced. You can set not only bass/mid/high levels but there's a crossover and adjustable EQ for each. __________________ 2008.5 GTI DSG Uni Stage II/DSG stage I, Custom TBE, P-Flo/BSH Intake, BSH TB Pipe, Forge DV, Forge Twintercooler, AWE Boost Gauge, Custom DV relocation, H&R Cup Kit

06-18-2012, 09:04 AM	#2
ClassicRbt Rally Car Champion Drives: 2008 Rabbit Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 326	I like it.

06-18-2012, 10:44 AM	#3
hermosaboy Passed Driver's Ed Drives: 2008 GTI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: United States Posts: 12	How is the IPod connected to the in-dash unit?

06-26-2012, 07:17 PM	#9
IamRobbyah Passed Driver's Ed Drives: 06 White 2D Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: The Bay, CA Posts: 10	Hmmm... Seems pretty legit. I desperately want to replace my stock unit, particularly with a double din w/ screen -- but I don't want to empty my wallet, nor go for the seemingly problem-ridden Chinese knock offs. My buddy, who is pretty car audio savvy said his next in-dash screen would have to be Kenwood. His Alpine was a huge disappointment. Couple a q's: - Did u buy the software (iTunes and Kenwood) for the Garmin? - Do your steering wheel functions work? - Where'd u buy and how much? I've grown weary of the bass-cut problem, the flat sounding bass, and the severely limited (and hideous) stocker. T.I.A. and cheers!

06-26-2012, 09:17 PM	#13
Moosecakes FIA GT Newbie Drives: 2008 GTI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: eugene Posts: 873	I have way to much music to use just my phone unfortunately haha. I have an old 32g ipod with a busted screen that i use for all my car music haha. I guess the search continues __________________ BUY MY GTI!! ///2008 FSI GTI \| APR Stage 2+ \| 3" Catted DP/Custom Straight pipe \| AEM Boost Gauge \| BSH Comp Catch Can \| Raceland Ultimos \|

06-26-2012, 09:34 PM	#14
Bake FIA GT Champion Drives: '08.5 CW DSG Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 1,220	just run the wire and keep the iPod in the change tray. from there you use the Kenwood unit to control everything. trust me when i say the USB being in the front is not a big deal. pioneer has a comparable model as well that i believe is rear usb. __________________ 2008.5 GTI DSG Uni Stage II/DSG stage I, Custom TBE, P-Flo/BSH Intake, BSH TB Pipe, Forge DV, Forge Twintercooler, AWE Boost Gauge, Custom DV relocation, H&R Cup Kit

06-27-2012, 03:22 AM	#16
Moosecakes FIA GT Newbie Drives: 2008 GTI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: eugene Posts: 873	that's the one I have :( I'll probably have to end up buying another ipod too lol... I did the same with my BMW. Talk about NO SPACE lol... i soldered my adapter harness to the headunit harness, installed the deck, in a shorter amount of time than it took me to route one cable lol. __________________ BUY MY GTI!! ///2008 FSI GTI \| APR Stage 2+ \| 3" Catted DP/Custom Straight pipe \| AEM Boost Gauge \| BSH Comp Catch Can \| Raceland Ultimos \|

02-12-2013, 03:02 PM	#17
SteveYem Newbie Drives: 2009 VW GTi Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: PA Posts: 1	Hi guys, this is my first post here....I actually joined so I could bump this thread and ask some questions : ) My fiancee has a 2009 GTi (6MT....she's a keeper!) and after a few years of ownership we want to put new head unit in. I'm pretty much sold on the Kenwood DDX419 after reading reviews and playing around with it at the store, as well as based on the good experience I have had with the older model DDX512 in my car. My questions regarding the install are: 1) Can anyone tell me the exact PAC module (Model #) I will need to install in order to retain all of the steering wheel controls? 2) Who makes the best 2-din trim kit in terms of OEM finish and good fit? 3) The DDX419 appears to have a built-in USB cord coming out of the back of the unit. Can the optional Kenwood iPod adapter cable connect here? (assuming I route the cable somewhere convenient for the iPod to connect) I would rather not have to plug the iPod into the front USB port. 4) Does the DDX419 come with a microphone for the Bluetooth handsfree phone feature, or would I need to purchase this separately? And where is the best place to mount this microphone for best call clarity? 5) Anything else I need to know before dismantling the car to tackle the install? NOTE: For now I will be simply replacing the stock head unit with the DDX419. I will not be adding external amps or subwoofer at this point, and will be using the stock door speakers. Thanks everyone in advance for your help! I've only done stereo installs on Japanese cars before, so this is new territory for me.

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