Car Audio Reviews
First looks and reviews of in-dash CD receivers, headphones, and subwoofers from Crutchfield's CES 2015 coverage.
Source material from Crutchfield: http://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc0JQ/
Kenwood Excelon Line
Kenwood's Excelon line of in-dash CD receivers gained new features in 2015 while carrying over the robust power and 2-year warranty the series is known for.
| Product Line | Kenwood Excelon |
|---|---|
| Format | In-dash CD receivers |
| Highlight Models | DDX492, KDC-x599 |
| Feature Carryover | Robust power output |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Show Floor | CES 2015 |
Featured Video Reviews
- Kenwood Excelon DDX492 Display and Controls Demo — Crutchfield Video
- Kenwood Excelon's new 2015 KDC-x599 in-dash CD player with Bluetooth
- Patrick Siebert reviews the Kenwood KDC-x599 and KDC-X399
Other CES 2015 First Looks
- Sennheiser Momentum wireless headphones — CES 2015 First Look
- JBL Synchros Reflect Aware headphones — CES 2015 First Look
- Infinity Reference shallow-mount subs — CES 2015 First Look
Car audio enthusiasts often look to big industry events to spot the newest in-dash CD receivers, headphones, and subwoofers that will define the coming year. Trade show coverage offers an early window into how established brands are refining familiar product lines, adding features, and refreshing designs without abandoning the qualities listeners already appreciate. Short hands-on impressions and first-look reviews help shoppers separate meaningful upgrades from minor refreshes, especially when spec sheets look similar on paper.
Receivers remain the heart of most car audio systems, serving as the control center for music, calls, and connected media. Buyers tend to weigh power output, expandability, and everyday usability alongside any headline-grabbing new features introduced each season. Familiar lineups often carry forward proven amplifiers and warranties while quietly improving the software experience, voice clarity, and integration options, giving returning customers a recognizable foundation paired with subtle refinements.
Headphones showcased at major electronics shows tend to highlight a blend of comfort, isolation, and tonal character rather than sheer novelty. Manufacturers frequently present multiple wearing styles and price tiers to suit commuters, travelers, and home listeners. Reviewers usually describe long-wear comfort, microphone quality for calls, and how each pair handles busy tracks, helping readers picture the experience before stepping into a store to try them in person.
Subwoofers draw attention for their physical presence as much as their sound, with cabinet design, driver size, and amplification shaping the low-frequency impact. Coverage often focuses on how cleanly a sub integrates with stock or aftermarket speakers and how it behaves at both modest and demanding volumes. Listeners who want rumble for action films or nuance for acoustic bass can compare the overall personality each model brings to a vehicle.
Watching repeat demonstrations online lets buyers revisit the moments that mattered during a brand announcement and study details that were easy to miss the first time. Video walkthroughs of menus, remote apps, and connection options offer a clearer sense of daily use than spec lists alone. Pairing hands-on impressions with personal listening priorities helps readers turn first-look coverage into a more confident shortlist before making a final choice.