Can You Spot The difference? - Head Unit Question
 

Aside from the 2 Volt pre-outs and 1 year warranty, is there any appreciable difference between these two units?:

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X491
http://www.crutchfieldcanada.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=113KDCX491&Show=Tec hSpecs


Kenwood KDC-MP435U
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10084310&logon=&lan gid=EN#

I've heard that FS and BB will often have specific model #'s for themselves. Something to do with a lowest Price guarantee.

Any thoughts on these two? I like the simple design, non-flip, USB and rear aux-in. The 24 bit DAC is a bonus for when I play CDs.
Thanks.

the price :dunno:

Better parts inside the X491 as well. By better parts I mean tighter tollerances, higher grade materials, thicker traces, etc.
I have both in my board and the X491 does infact sound better than the 435U.

Thanks for the info.

The "X" means it's part of the eXcelon line-up which is their higher end. I have an X589 and love it. I found noticeable sound differences between it and my Alpine 9811. I missed out on the USB option by about 6 months. They installed it on the next year's model after I purchased mine. :ohwell:

Thanks.

I ended up with the lower end model because best buy had a canada day sale and that unit was $40 off... I've installed it already and am quite happy with it so far. The USB is sweet!


Even though it isn't the excelon model I'm convinced it sounds a lot better than my old alpine CDA-9851 (not a great deck to begin with).

I have the same model, 435U and its been flawless. I wouldnt hesitate to buy the X line when i upgrade.