Thanks for this video! I was looking into this unit and I was soo close to buying it. I'm glad you made this review, clearly this Kenwood unit needs to be work on some more.
I hate to bash the thing but damn, they did screw up a few things in my opinion. Unfortunately, my experience is that they won't fix my gripes on a firmware update so your best hope is waiting for the 2017 models to come out. That sucks because it's a long time away and you never know what they're going to put in those units. You almost have to drop the cash and THEN find out all the nuances of them.
+Derek S. well im glad you made a review I would have been in your shoes. I was planning on buying it and installing it next week. Now imma look into pioneer. the only reason I wanted to buy the kenwood unit was because of the garmin navigation system. seems like all their flaws makes it not worth buying their stereo.
The 893s' capacitive screen, which is visually sharper, as you mentioned - is more touch sensitive than Kennwood's latest 773s and other manufacturer's units with "resistive" panel screen. I had a head unit with "resistive" tech and I have to push hard sometimes 2-3x to get it to function. It annoyed me. The 893s also has superior audio quality potential If you have FLAC/WAV files and it has "Photo Real Junction View." I use my Nav all the time and that feature will help me. I'm also a high end audio fanatic so the superior resolution from this unit has me leaning toward It. I was hoping you would have compared quickly the KW Nav to Alpine 8100-8200 Nav. That's the other unit I'm considering. I agree with your comment on the missing scroll bar for music - convenient feature! I've had Alpine Nav prior and it's great stuff.
Excellent Video. Thank you for taking the time to explain this unit. I was about to jump the gun until your video. You mentioned you were going to exchange it for the 892. Can you do a video on the 892? Thank you.
Not sure if I'll do a vid on the 892 or not. I did get the 892 in last Saturday, put it in that day, and I'm good with it. I don't think I'll ever be 100% satisfied with these units. I'm not a Kenwood basher either. I think Kenwood has the best units out there. If I never do get around to making an 892 vid, there is guy out there that made one last year. Just search for DNX892 on UA-cam and you'll find it - name of the guy who did it is Matthew Long. I'm going to submit a wish list request to Kenwood that will contain all the features I would like to see in the 2017 models. I'm guessing they don't give a damn what I think but "ask and you shall receive," right? Or, is it "never ask and you definitely will never receive?" In any case, I figure it's worth a shot. I was very disappointed in the DNX893S. I was so looking forward to it and It has so many nice things about it, but it has just enough bad things that I'd rather keep the 892.
Agreed....just got mine, and the unit is the least intuitive unit I've had. Just "upgraded" from a Kenwood DNX8120, and this new device software is terrible.
I'm still getting this. I think you're a little nitpicky but I appreciate your review. All new cars make you press ok on the disclaimer before you use the radio. I'm ok with that.
To each his own. Yeah, I'm ok with touching the button every time on my 8100NEX. I do think it's stupid but if that's the way all the units are, then we're all just stuck with it. Hope you enjoy the DNX893S.
Great video. I was torn between getting the 893s or the pioneer 8200nex. Love the display on the kenwood better but after seeing your video I'm having second thoughts 🤔🤔
Are you going to do a similar video on the Pioneer? Your gripes for the most part would be my gripes as well. I like the Garmin navigation but my Android Auto experience has been very underwhelming on my DDX9902S.
I wasted my money on the DNX893S.. complete disappointment. Coming from a dnx9990 I am not happy. the system nags you every time you start it up. they got rid of the smart phone control for true mirroring. the steering wheel controls are locked out until you clik OK every time you start your vehicle... Cant answer your phone or adjust volume controls until you take your eyes off the road and press the screen to get rid of this nag... I have owned Kendwood since I was a teenager many years ago
I just installed the 8100NEX in my truck yesterday. So far, I'm liking it. Only a few quirks I'm not crazy about. Overall, it might be my favorite one so far.
maybe an update fixed the scrub bar? the nav button should be where the home button is. home button should be where it says kenwood and be different from other buttons.
I've never used Alpine nav so I can't speak to that. I will say that Garmin (built in to the Kenwood unit) is way better than the Pioneer 8100NEX unit I have now.
looking at upgrading from my DNX 991, I like most of the new features on new one...but I do have a issue with the track (line) not being available?? on the USB & CD? to zip back and forth to choose different parts of the song. Have you tried the the USB video playback? and is that option also missing? Thanks for your video review!!!
I did try the video playback. Whether it is music or video, you can rewind or fast forward by holding the |>| buttons but there is no slider or time counter when playing either type of file. I know there has been a movement to simplify and get rid of excess clutter in a lot of different consumer electronics but why would they get rid of this basic "feature?" Seems ridiculous to me.
+Derek S. Me to Derek??? I'm still looking to buy one soon as a upgrade for my custom 1996 Z28(Project Red Alert).If you checked out my channel you will see that I do a lot of custom installations, and have pushed Kenwood's for decades. But since your review I might be on the fence for the first time, looking at Pioneers new 8200. I need your take on this bro, pros & cons...I do love the fact that Kenwood is using Linux..Please let me know how smooth a quick it responds to the older units. Thanks!!
I'm a Kenwood fan too. In fact, I just bought a DNX892 and installed it yesterday. I actually like it (overall) better than the DNX893S. But, I guess it's just a personal preference. I'm sure there will be many people who do not share the same complaints I have about the DNX893S. There is a lot to like about it. I would say it is quite smooth and responsive. I have now owned a DNX9960 (2010 model), this (DNX893S), a DNN992 (2015 model), and a DNX892 (2015 model). The DNX893S is definitely the most responsive and quickest. You can tell the Linux-based hardware is an improvement over previous years' models with respect to speed, snappiness, and the general "feel" of it. If that is the only concern, then this model wins out. However, my other issues I showed in the video were too much for me and I am returning it.
+Derek S. Great perspective Derek, Thank you for that..I will chew on this for a while before I make a decision. I definitely will like the new processor, my 991 has glitches and accually froze on me once (having to be repaired by Kenwood). And once I got it back I noticed it ran a little slower? but never locked up since, it does freeze from time to time? but I just turn off and one...and that works...
I'm happy to give my two cents on these, for whatever it's worth. I know the feeling of having problems with these units. My 9960 has frozen up countless times. But, I just turn it off and turn it back on and it always comes right back to life. After my 992 died on me (it would not even turn on), I learned my lesson that it is probably a good idea to buy a SquareTrade warranty with these units. I feel lucky with my 9960 (and the 992). It was refurbished and, despite the countless freezing (maybe once every few weeks), it always comes back to life. My 992 died on day 57 of my 60 day warranty and I got a full refund (about $1,000). It only had a 60 day warranty because that was refurbished too. If you buy these units brand new from Amazon, you can get a 4 year SquareTrade warranty for about $100. People have complained about how SquareTrade handles the warranties but I've seen very positive reviews as well. I've never had to actually use a SquareTrade warranty so I can't personally comment on them, but an extra $100 when you're already spending $1,000 or more seems like good peace of mind.
I can't say for sure. In the few days I had it hooked up, I had my usb drive connected. It has about 5,000 songs on it and I didn't notice any issues. Wish I could tell you more but that's all I know. I'd say call Kenwood directly if you want more info.
You're saying a parking break bypass will disable the warning message that comes on every time you turn on the unit? If so, please provide the specific brand, model, etc.
I don't know the brand sorry. I just found that out when you get it installed from a radio place. Not Best Buy or Walmart places because they won't do it because it's illegal. I'm in the process of get the same radio installed next week they put it in for free. You have that message display because of the DVD part correct? Then yeah you need the Parking Break Bypass for it. Where did you get your radio installed?
Lorraine Escareno I install everything myself. I'm pretty sure there's no way to bypass the initial warning message that comes on when starting the unit. The bypass you're referring to allows you to watch DVD's, etc. while the vehicle is not in park. The free way to do the "bypass" you're talking about is to simply connect the light green parking wire to ground (black wire).
I guess. I know nothing about that....I'm taking my car next Wednesday to have everything installed. I'll find out when I have it all done. I watch other UA-cam video on this model and some of them don't do that message alert.
Got mine March 15. Yeah, they told me that message doesn't go away, it's there so you are aware of not watching movies while driving and you don't sue the company. So far I like it. I just can't figure out how to use the microphone with my Galaxy S6 Edge through Android Auto when playing music. They told me it would read my text messages through it. You have any answer's for me or should I talk to the place who installed it? I should just wait about a month because I might get the new Galaxy 8+.
You know what dude? All the companies are milking us. With all this crazy technology we have today, all they have to fucking do is use whatever operating system maybe Android or iPhone and just give us Tethering. Then we could stream internet to the damn thing thus removing wires etc. I can't believe how confusing they make the screens on these damn things. I've been searching now for about ,3 months comparing and contrasting different high end models. I bought an appradio2 in 2012 for $1400 after installation and parts. It didn't fucking do a damn fucking thing for Android users. You needed an MHL adapter and it still didn't work. Apple? Someone sucked their dick because Apple worked fine. Since then, I really don't want to go back to Pioneer but they seem to have their eggs in a basket with the 8200nex which is the same thing as the 8201nex. But I still hate the layouts. This is so aggravating that I'm seriously contemplating making my own with a raspberry pi.
Derek S. I actually pirated that and had to jailbreak my old phone to do it. It was a hit or miss with that damn head unit. I don't know if I have the video here on this channel but I did make a video of how I did it. I even got it to independently use GPS without a cellphone connection, which should have been automatic anyways. They really stretched the white lies with that stupid headunit. I'm really leaning for the 8200nex but it says Best buy is Sold Out. They have free installation so that's a big deal where I'm at.
Michael Enochs I have a HTC 10. Once I figured out how to do it, it blows everything else away. Wireless Android Auto has nothing on that app if you ask me.
Derek S. That's my problem, I don't know how to do it and to be honest I'm pretty lazy on doing it myself. I have two raspberry pi 3's and one is the latest version. I did find a brand new video that came out yesterday on how to do it so maybe I'll just take the lazy route and get a pioneer and then work on the pi project. I have got to get something right now because I go nuts with a broken radio in my car.
Michael Enochs I don't know anything about Raspberry pi stuff. But, I'm quite confident in saying that AppRadio Unchained is superior to anything I've ever seen. Just Google it and research for yourself for free before spending any money on it.
Thanks for this video! I was looking into this unit and I was soo close to buying it. I'm glad you made this review, clearly this Kenwood unit needs to be work on some more.
I hate to bash the thing but damn, they did screw up a few things in my opinion. Unfortunately, my experience is that they won't fix my gripes on a firmware update so your best hope is waiting for the 2017 models to come out. That sucks because it's a long time away and you never know what they're going to put in those units. You almost have to drop the cash and THEN find out all the nuances of them.
+Derek S.
well im glad you made a review I would have been in your shoes. I was planning on buying it and installing it next week. Now imma look into pioneer. the only reason I wanted to buy the kenwood unit was because of the garmin navigation system. seems like all their flaws makes it not worth buying their stereo.
The 893s' capacitive screen, which is visually sharper, as you mentioned - is more touch sensitive than Kennwood's latest 773s and other manufacturer's units with "resistive" panel screen. I had a head unit with "resistive" tech and I have to push hard sometimes 2-3x to get it to function. It annoyed me.
The 893s also has superior audio quality potential If you have FLAC/WAV files and it has "Photo Real Junction View." I use my Nav all the time and that feature will help me. I'm also a high end audio fanatic so the superior resolution from this unit has me leaning toward It.
I was hoping you would have compared quickly the KW Nav to Alpine 8100-8200 Nav. That's the other unit I'm considering. I agree with your comment on the missing scroll bar for music - convenient feature! I've had Alpine Nav prior and it's great stuff.
Excellent Video. Thank you for taking the time to explain this unit. I was about to jump the gun until your video. You mentioned you were going to exchange it for the 892. Can you do a video on the 892? Thank you.
Not sure if I'll do a vid on the 892 or not. I did get the 892 in last Saturday, put it in that day, and I'm good with it. I don't think I'll ever be 100% satisfied with these units. I'm not a Kenwood basher either. I think Kenwood has the best units out there. If I never do get around to making an 892 vid, there is guy out there that made one last year. Just search for DNX892 on UA-cam and you'll find it - name of the guy who did it is Matthew Long. I'm going to submit a wish list request to Kenwood that will contain all the features I would like to see in the 2017 models. I'm guessing they don't give a damn what I think but "ask and you shall receive," right? Or, is it "never ask and you definitely will never receive?" In any case, I figure it's worth a shot. I was very disappointed in the DNX893S. I was so looking forward to it and It has so many nice things about it, but it has just enough bad things that I'd rather keep the 892.
There has been a couple of updates for this unit since this review. I think they address most of the things he had issue with.
KENWOODUSA nope I just got mine. Still trying to figure out how to get to the player quickly from the NAVI (or anything else really)
Agreed....just got mine, and the unit is the least intuitive unit I've had. Just "upgraded" from a Kenwood DNX8120, and this new device software is terrible.
I know this is old, but damn! the startup on this thing compared to the Pioneers are very slow.
I'm still getting this. I think you're a little nitpicky but I appreciate your review. All new cars make you press ok on the disclaimer before you use the radio. I'm ok with that.
To each his own. Yeah, I'm ok with touching the button every time on my 8100NEX. I do think it's stupid but if that's the way all the units are, then we're all just stuck with it. Hope you enjoy the DNX893S.
Thanks, I'm getting it installed next week
In almost all new cars I've seen, you don't have to press ok on the disclaimer to use the radio
kool review dude....
Great video. I was torn between getting the 893s or the pioneer 8200nex. Love the display on the kenwood better but after seeing your video I'm having second thoughts 🤔🤔
I gotta say, I got the 8100NEX and I love it. No regrets for me.
Are you going to do a similar video on the Pioneer? Your gripes for the most part would be my gripes as well. I like the Garmin navigation but my Android Auto experience has been very underwhelming on my DDX9902S.
Not sure...I wasn't planning on it just because there are so many reviews & info out there already on the NEX units, but maybe I will.
When I press the eject button nothing happens.
I wasted my money on the DNX893S.. complete disappointment. Coming from a dnx9990 I am not happy. the system nags you every time you start it up. they got rid of the smart phone control for true mirroring. the steering wheel controls are locked out until you clik OK every time you start your vehicle... Cant answer your phone or adjust volume controls until you take your eyes off the road and press the screen to get rid of this nag...
I have owned Kendwood since I was a teenager many years ago
Thanks all for your feedback. Am in the process of deciding on a new unit so all advice is useful..
What about the Pioneer AVIC 8100 NEX or the 8200?
I just installed the 8100NEX in my truck yesterday. So far, I'm liking it. Only a few quirks I'm not crazy about. Overall, it might be my favorite one so far.
Ok thanks Bro!!
maybe an update fixed the scrub bar?
the nav button should be where the home button is. home button should be where it says kenwood and be different from other buttons.
I've never used Alpine nav so I can't speak to that. I will say that Garmin (built in to the Kenwood unit) is way better than the Pioneer 8100NEX unit I have now.
looking at upgrading from my DNX 991, I like most of the new features on new one...but I do have a issue with the track (line) not being available?? on the USB & CD? to zip back and forth to choose different parts of the song. Have you tried the the USB video playback? and is that option also missing? Thanks for your video review!!!
I did try the video playback. Whether it is music or video, you can rewind or fast forward by holding the |>| buttons but there is no slider or time counter when playing either type of file. I know there has been a movement to simplify and get rid of excess clutter in a lot of different consumer electronics but why would they get rid of this basic "feature?" Seems ridiculous to me.
+Derek S. Me to Derek??? I'm still looking to buy one soon as a upgrade for my custom 1996 Z28(Project Red Alert).If you checked out my channel you will see that I do a lot of custom installations, and have pushed Kenwood's for decades. But since your review I might be on the fence for the first time, looking at Pioneers new 8200. I need your take on this bro, pros & cons...I do love the fact that Kenwood is using Linux..Please let me know how smooth a quick it responds to the older units. Thanks!!
I'm a Kenwood fan too. In fact, I just bought a DNX892 and installed it yesterday. I actually like it (overall) better than the DNX893S. But, I guess it's just a personal preference. I'm sure there will be many people who do not share the same complaints I have about the DNX893S. There is a lot to like about it. I would say it is quite smooth and responsive. I have now owned a DNX9960 (2010 model), this (DNX893S), a DNN992 (2015 model), and a DNX892 (2015 model). The DNX893S is definitely the most responsive and quickest. You can tell the Linux-based hardware is an improvement over previous years' models with respect to speed, snappiness, and the general "feel" of it. If that is the only concern, then this model wins out. However, my other issues I showed in the video were too much for me and I am returning it.
+Derek S. Great perspective Derek, Thank you for that..I will chew on this for a while before I make a decision. I definitely will like the new processor, my 991 has glitches and accually froze on me once (having to be repaired by Kenwood). And once I got it back I noticed it ran a little slower? but never locked up since, it does freeze from time to time? but I just turn off and one...and that works...
I'm happy to give my two cents on these, for whatever it's worth. I know the feeling of having problems with these units. My 9960 has frozen up countless times. But, I just turn it off and turn it back on and it always comes right back to life. After my 992 died on me (it would not even turn on), I learned my lesson that it is probably a good idea to buy a SquareTrade warranty with these units. I feel lucky with my 9960 (and the 992). It was refurbished and, despite the countless freezing (maybe once every few weeks), it always comes back to life. My 992 died on day 57 of my 60 day warranty and I got a full refund (about $1,000). It only had a 60 day warranty because that was refurbished too. If you buy these units brand new from Amazon, you can get a 4 year SquareTrade warranty for about $100. People have complained about how SquareTrade handles the warranties but I've seen very positive reviews as well. I've never had to actually use a SquareTrade warranty so I can't personally comment on them, but an extra $100 when you're already spending $1,000 or more seems like good peace of mind.
How many songs will it allow you to put on a Flash Drive before it starts to freak out and not play?
I can't say for sure. In the few days I had it hooked up, I had my usb drive connected. It has about 5,000 songs on it and I didn't notice any issues. Wish I could tell you more but that's all I know. I'd say call Kenwood directly if you want more info.
Derek S. how about videos ? you able to watch it while in driving mode ?
Raza Ali Yeah, just attach the green parking wire to ground. That will trick the system into thinking it's correctly hooked up.
Ok thank you
And you pinch outward to zoom not pinch inward. Anyone knows this. I don't know, whatever, don't get me wrong.
RNW You're right, everyone does know that!
You need the Parking Breaking Bypass for the video to turn off that notification when you then on your vehicle.
You're saying a parking break bypass will disable the warning message that comes on every time you turn on the unit? If so, please provide the specific brand, model, etc.
I don't know the brand sorry. I just found that out when you get it installed from a radio place. Not Best Buy or Walmart places because they won't do it because it's illegal. I'm in the process of get the same radio installed next week they put it in for free.
You have that message display because of the DVD part correct? Then yeah you need the Parking Break Bypass for it. Where did you get your radio installed?
Lorraine Escareno I install everything myself. I'm pretty sure there's no way to bypass the initial warning message that comes on when starting the unit. The bypass you're referring to allows you to watch DVD's, etc. while the vehicle is not in park. The free way to do the "bypass" you're talking about is to simply connect the light green parking wire to ground (black wire).
I guess. I know nothing about that....I'm taking my car next Wednesday to have everything installed. I'll find out when I have it all done. I watch other UA-cam video on this model and some of them don't do that message alert.
Got mine March 15. Yeah, they told me that message doesn't go away, it's there so you are aware of not watching movies while driving and you don't sue the company. So far I like it. I just can't figure out how to use the microphone with my Galaxy S6 Edge through Android Auto when playing music. They told me it would read my text messages through it. You have any answer's for me or should I talk to the place who installed it? I should just wait about a month because I might get the new Galaxy 8+.
You know what dude? All the companies are milking us. With all this crazy technology we have today, all they have to fucking do is use whatever operating system maybe Android or iPhone and just give us Tethering. Then we could stream internet to the damn thing thus removing wires etc. I can't believe how confusing they make the screens on these damn things. I've been searching now for about ,3 months comparing and contrasting different high end models. I bought an appradio2 in 2012 for $1400 after installation and parts. It didn't fucking do a damn fucking thing for Android users. You needed an MHL adapter and it still didn't work. Apple? Someone sucked their dick because Apple worked fine. Since then, I really don't want to go back to Pioneer but they seem to have their eggs in a basket with the 8200nex which is the same thing as the 8201nex. But I still hate the layouts. This is so aggravating that I'm seriously contemplating making my own with a raspberry pi.
Michael Enochs Check out AppRadio Unchained. Totally worth the $20 I paid for it. Works awesome with my 8100NEX.
Derek S.
I actually pirated that and had to jailbreak my old phone to do it. It was a hit or miss with that damn head unit. I don't know if I have the video here on this channel but I did make a video of how I did it. I even got it to independently use GPS without a cellphone connection, which should have been automatic anyways. They really stretched the white lies with that stupid headunit. I'm really leaning for the 8200nex but it says Best buy is Sold Out. They have free installation so that's a big deal where I'm at.
Michael Enochs I have a HTC 10. Once I figured out how to do it, it blows everything else away. Wireless Android Auto has nothing on that app if you ask me.
Derek S.
That's my problem, I don't know how to do it and to be honest I'm pretty lazy on doing it myself. I have two raspberry pi 3's and one is the latest version. I did find a brand new video that came out yesterday on how to do it so maybe I'll just take the lazy route and get a pioneer and then work on the pi project. I have got to get something right now because I go nuts with a broken radio in my car.
Michael Enochs I don't know anything about Raspberry pi stuff. But, I'm quite confident in saying that AppRadio Unchained is superior to anything I've ever seen. Just Google it and research for yourself for free before spending any money on it.
they are on sale for 499.00
steve dental where are they on sale for $499?
Keep a eye on this page facebook.com/fivestarcarstereo/?fref=ts