Can I Upgrade My Existing System to Kenwood Excelon? Here is your answer!
Upgrading an existing car audio system to Kenwood Excelon components requires careful consideration of compatibility, power requirements, and installation logistics. This guide examines the feasibility of integrating Excelon receivers, amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers into various vehicle platforms, drawing on technical specifications, installation case studies, and component interoperability. Assessing System Compatibility 1. Head Unit Integration Kenwood Excelon receivers, such as the DDX795 and KDC-X305, offer advanced features like Bluetooth 4.1, HD Radio, and support for high-resolution audio formats (FLAC, WAV). Key considerations include: Dash Kit Requirements: Vehicles require model-specific dash kits (e.g., Metra 95-5818 for Ford/GM) to accommodate double-DIN or single-DIN Excelon units615. For example, the Nissan Xterra installation used a Metra kit to secure the floating-screen DNR1007XR5. Wiring Harnesses: The Metra 70-1858 harness preserves factory wiring by providing color-coded connections for power, ground, and speakers6. Cutting factory wires without a harness risks electrical issues and voids warranties. Steering Wheel Control Retention: Interfaces like the Scosche GM3000SW relay steering wheel commands to aftermarket stereos via a brown wire connection to the REMOTE IN terminal9. 2. Amplifier and Speaker Pairing Matching amplifiers to speakers ensures optimal performance and avoids damage: Power Handling: The Excelon XR-1701P component speakers (100W RMS at 3Ω) require an amplifier like the X302-4, which delivers 75W RMS per channel at 2Ω. Bridging channels (150W RMS at 4Ω) risks overpowering the speakers but can be mitigated by adjusting gain settings4. Bi-Amping: For high-end setups, bi-amping separates tweeter and midrange signals using four channels (e.g., channels 1–2 for tweeters, 3–4 for midranges)4. Subwoofer Integration: The Excelon XW800F 12″ subwoofer (800W peak) pairs with mono amplifiers like the XR901-5, which provides 500W RMS at 2Ω2. Preloaded enclosures simplify installation but require trunk space. 3. Factory System Retention Modern vehicles integrate infotainment with safety chimes and diagnostics. The Scosche GM3000SW interface preserves: Warning chimes (seatbelt, low fuel) RAP (Retained Accessory Power) Steering wheel controls9. Failure to use an interface may trigger ECM error codes or disable safety alerts. Installation Challenges and Solutions 1. Wiring Without Harnesses When factory harnesses are damaged, direct wiring is necessary: Testing Power Wires: A multimeter identifies constant (yellow) and accessory (red) wires. Ground (black) connections require sanding paint off chassis contact points3. Speaker Polarity: Reversing +/- wires causes phase cancellation, reducing bass response. The Metra 70-1858 harness standardizes polarity across 16-gauge wires6. 2. Display and Ventilation Floating-screen units like the DMX1057XR (10.1″ LCD) demand precise dash modifications. The Nissan Xterra install used a Metra kit with extension brackets to prevent screen wobble5. Overheating is mitigated by spacing amplifiers ≥1″ from surfaces and using cooling fans. 3. Sound Dampening Applying butyl rubber mats (e.g., Dynamat) to door panels reduces resonance by 3–5 dB, improving midbass clarity for Excelon KFC-XW800F speakers2. Component Recommendations 1. Budget-Friendly Upgrade Receiver: KDC-X305 ($159) – Single-DIN with 13-band EQ, Bluetooth, and 5V preouts19. Speakers: XR-1701P components – Polypropylene cones handle 100W RMS4. Amp: X302-4 – 75W x4 channels at 2Ω4. Total Cost: ~$500. 2. High-End Build Receiver: DMX1057XR – 10.1″ HD display with capacitive touch14. Speakers: XR-1800P components – Silk dome tweeters and carbon-fiber woofers2. Amps: XR901-5 (5-channel) + XR1200-1 (mono) – 1,200W RMS for subwoofers10. Subwoofer: XW1200F – Dual 12″ preloaded enclosure1. Total Cost: ~$2,200. Conclusion Upgrading to a Kenwood Excelon system is feasible for most vehicles but requires: Matching components to factory electrical specs. Using interfaces to retain steering controls and chimes. Proper damping and ventilation for longevity. While DIY installations are possible using Metra kits and harnesses, complex integrations (e.g., bi-amping, DSP tuning) benefit from professional expertise. Kenwood Excelon The Kenwood Excelon series represents a premium line of car audio products designed for superior sound quality and performance. Here’s a detailed overview of the typical features and offerings within the Kenwood Excelon range: 1. High-Quality Sound Components DACs and DSPs: Excelon units often feature high-performance digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and digital signal processors (DSPs) to deliver clearer, more precise sound quality. Amplifiers: Built-in amplifiers in Excelon receivers are designed for minimal distortion and maximum clarity, providing robust power output to drive speakers effectively. 2. Build Quality Materials and Design: Excelon products are built with high-quality materials that enhance durability and performance. For example, the use of gold-plated preamp outputs in some models ensures better signal transfer and resistance to corrosion. 3. Advanced Audio Features EQ Capabilities: Many Excelon models come with advanced equalization options, including parametric or graphic EQ settings to fine-tune audio output according to the acoustics of the vehicle and listener preferences. Crossovers: Adjustable crossovers allow for precise control over frequency distribution between speakers and subwoofers, optimizing performance based on specific setups. 4. Connectivity Wireless and Wired Connections: Features such as Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, are common. Multiple Inputs/Outputs: Expect multiple USB inputs, auxiliary inputs, and sometimes even HDMI inputs, along with preamp outputs for external amplifiers. 5. Media Support Formats: Supports a wide range of media formats including MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC files, with some units capable of handling high-resolution audio files for audiophile-grade listening experiences. Sources: CD/DVD players are included in some models, while others focus on digital media exclusively, offering SD card slots or direct iPod/iPhone control. 6. User Interface and Controls Displays: Excelon receivers often feature large, clear displays with variable color illumination for better visibility and customization. Touchscreen interfaces are common in multimedia models. Remote Controls: Some models come with remote controls for easier operation, especially useful for drivers and passengers. 7. Installation Flexibility Double-DIN and Single-DIN Options: Available in both double-DIN (larger) and single-DIN (standard) sizes to fit a variety of vehicle dashboards. Customizable Settings: Users can often customize button illumination and interface themes to match the vehicle’s interior or personal style. 8. Warranty and Support Enhanced Warranty: Kenwood Excelon products typically come with a longer warranty compared to standard Kenwood products, often extending to two years when purchased from authorized dealers, reflecting confidence in product reliability and customer satisfaction. Kenwood Excelon products are ideal for audiophiles and car audio enthusiasts looking for high-end sound quality, robust features, and reliable performance. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or installing a new one, the Excelon series offers a range of options to enhance your in-car audio experience. Before purchasing,
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