Navigation is the Source

Kenwood DNX7100
MSRP
$1,600

What We Like
All in one, ease of use, full remote control

What We Don't Like
Lackluster graphics

Nav Features
garmin navigation, map of u.s. and canada, 6 million pois, option for tmc traffic or xm navtraffic

Audio Features
50 x 4 max power, dvd, video cd, cd playback, 3 preouts with 2.0v pre-out level, 24 radio presets

Extras
usb 2.0 direct connection, remote control, plays divx format dvds, mp3/wma/aac playback, zone control, sd card slot for map updates

What To Connect To It
ipod video with interface, optional adapter for bluetooth, xm satellite radio (xm navtraffic), optional FM transmitter for traffic, backup camera, HD Radio with seperate tuner

Kenwood's is one of the least expensive double-din all-in-one multimedia source units with HDD navigation on the market. You might be tempted to think they've skimped on something here, but in fact the DNX7100 is a fairly complete package. It plays DVDs, CDs, covers about the same file formats as most of the other products reviewed here and the 2 gigs of map data contain information on the U.S. as well as Canada.

Perhaps where Kenwood saved some money was on the graphics. The icons on the right side of the screen, which make up the main menu items, are a bit mystifying. Once you figure out what they represent - no problem. Overall, the graphics aren't quite at the same level as that of some other products, but from a utility standpoint, they serve the user well enough. That seems to be Kenwood's focus here: to make a head unit that is full featured yet uncomplicated. There they have succeeded.

The navigation windows work very intuitively, pretty much the way you would imagine. In split screen mode you have the map on the left, a bar on the right with a street name. Hit the bar on the touchscreen and you get directions to your destination in text form, turn by turn. Touch the map and you can go full screen. And if you want to access audio controls while navigating, just hit press the function button on the front panel.

We've used Garmin's StreetPilot, one of the better portables on the market, and the DNX7100 performed like its genetic twin. It even indicated the location of the editorial office, a place often left unidentified by most nav units. Adding destinations, changing type of routes and canceling them were as easy as on the Clarion system - but at a significantly lower price point. Moreover, the touchscreen was just as responsive as that found on the other nav systems.

The only shortcoming was that the 7100 doesn't have a lot of depth in terms of tweaking ability on the audio side. You have the preset EQs - Natural, Rock, Pop, Easy, Top 40 and Jazz - and you can manage the subwoofer output. As well, you have the ability to adjust tone and your bass, mid and treble frequencies. For some people that will probably do just fine, but other audio geeks may want finer tuning.

In the end, the Kenwood DNX7100 is a great overall value. It may not be the best presented system with its somewhat outdated looking graphics; but given it's ease of use and all of its features, combined with a brilliant price tag, this isn't a product to overlook as a navigation system and media source. - Ben Oh
Grade: A-