Kenwood Excelon DNX697S

Description

The Kenwood Excelon DNX697S navigation receiver offers a simple yet compelling proposition: a wealth of handy features, seamless phone integration, impressive sonic performance, and spot-on directions, all in a handsome package. I could stop writing about the stereo right here, but something tells me you want to dig a little deeper. Very well — here’s a teaser before we get to the real reasons you want the DNX697S: the Excelon designation means you get a 2-year warranty, high-voltage preamp outputs, dual detachable rear USB inputs, and high-performance audio components that’ll keep your ears happy as you drive.
Keeps up with your smartphone so you don’t have to

Kenwood designed the DNX697S to work effortlessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No matter which phone you (or your passengers) prefer, you can access the apps you need without getting distracted from the matter at hand — driving your vehicle. The DNX697S gives you fingertip or voice control of your apps, and its impressive 6.75″ resistive touchscreen display offers plenty of real estate to check out your sources and other important info — you can even customize the source button locations for easier access.

Find out more at www.android.com/auto and www.apple.com/ios/carplay. And even if you’re not into using Android Auto to access streaming services, you can still get control of select music apps (like Pandora and Spotify) through the receiver via a wireless Bluetooth connection.

Screen mirroring for iPhone® and Android™

Stay on the right path with 3 years of Garmin map updates

Leave worries about getting lost behind, as the DNX697S supplies Garmin maps of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll also get reliable routing with spoken street names at turns, lane assistance, and realistic views of complicated intersections. 3D terrain views give you the lay of the land for even more assurance. You also get three years of free map updates from Garmin, so you’re sure to stay current as roads and destinations change down the line — these updates are only available via the Garmin Express app suite for PCs. Kenwood’s interface also provides more opportunities for split-screen control, so you can still follow the maps as the stereo shows you what’s playing or who’s calling.

Get more from your local stations with an HD Radio™ tuner

The DNX697S also features an HD Radio tuner. You’ll enjoy much-improved AM/FM sound quality when you’re tuned into a local participating station, and there’s no subscription required — just tune it in like a regular radio station.

Access your tunes how you want

This receiver will play all your CDs and DVDs, including discs loaded with music files, while an A/V input offers connection for more audio/video sources. Two rear USB inputs let you add audio from an iPod or flash drive, including high-resolution FLAC and WAV files. You also get a microSD card slot for playing digital music files and map updates.

HearingCover the angles with up to three cameras is believingiDatalink Maestro lets you keep your factory extras — and add some upgrades

Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver’s Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone’s Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our articles about Bluetooth profiles.

iPod/smartphone note: If you’re going to use your iPod or smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check “Details” for compatibility information.

You’ll need a wired connection to your parking brake to access settings and other features on this receiver. Your parking brake must be connected and set in order to view video on its screen.

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Product highlights:

• Featured in our article: Best in-dash navigation stereos for 2023

General Features:

• DVD/CD navigation receiver
• 6.75″ clear resistive touchscreen
• built-in Garmin navigation system
• plays media loaded with MP3, WMA, AAC music files, plus high-res WAV and FLAC files
• fits double-DIN (4″ tall) dash openings
• built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
• built-in HD Radio tuner
• AM/FM tuner

Smartphone Features:

• compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection)
• wired screen mirroring for iPhone and Android with “Mirroring for Kenwood” app
• music control and charging of Apple devices using the USB connections
• Pandora and Spotify control with iPhone and Android
• compatible with Kenwood Remote S smartphone app for wireless source selection through your phone

Navigation Features:

• Garmin maps of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, plus 6 million points of interest
• 3 years of Garmin map updates included with purchase (Garmin Express software suite for PC required)
• text-to-speech voice prompts announce actual road names at turns
• lane assistance and junction view
• 3D terrain view

Audio/video Features:

• plays CDs, DVDs, USB memory devices, and microSD cards (see Details for full capabilities)
• Drive EQ boosts specific frequencies to overcome road noise
• 13-band EQ
• high- and low-pass filters and 3-way crossover
• digital time alignment, space enhancer, sound realizer, sound elevation, bass boost, and loudness
• dual-zone A/V output
• supports rear-view camera adjustable parking lines (optional camera required)
• audiophile-quality sonic circuitry including gold-plated preamp outputs

Expandability:

• compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner
• inputs: two rear detachable USB inputs; microSD card slot; rear A/V input (mini); two camera inputs; input for Kenwood DRV-N520 Drive Recorder
• outputs: video output (RCA) with audio output (mini-jack); 6-channel preamp outputs (5-volt front, rear, sub)

Other Information:

• wired connection to parking brake required to access settings and other features on this receiver (the brake must be connected and set for video display)
• microSD card slot for map updates
• built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
• compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
• compatible with iDatalink Maestro
  • retains factory features in a wide selection of vehicles
  • displays engine performance and other vehicle data on touchscreen
• warranty: 2 years
• Our 60-day money-back guarantee
• MFR # DNX697S

What’s in the box:

Kenwood Excelon DNX697S owner’s manual

• Navigation receiver w/ fixed 6.75″ touchscreen monitor (15A fuse)
• Sleeve (attached)
• Trim ring
• Wiring harness
• Two 39″ USB extension cables
• GPS antenna (attached 11.5′ cable terminated by a proprietary connector)
• Microphone w/ bracket (attached 10′ cable terminated by a right-angle mono 3.5mm connector)
• 7″ Male minijack to female RCA adapter cable
• Self-adhesive pad
• 2 Radio removal tools
• 6 Pan-head ISO-mount screws
• 6 Flat-head ISO-mount screws
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty card