The Tortoise

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.

zinger002

iTrader: (1)

the price

PT-Chris

iTrader: (1)

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.

The Tortoise

Thanks for the info.

Audiophile72

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.

The Tortoise

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).

scotiacustom

iTrader: (2)

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