KENWOOD KDC BT35 CD Car Stereo
The KENWOOD KDC-BT35 CD Car Stereo stands out as a versatile and budget-friendly choice for car audio enthusiasts. Known for its blend of essential features and solid performance, this car stereo is designed to cater to users who value convenience and quality without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the different aspects that make the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 a worthy contender for your car audio upgrade.
Design and Build Quality
The KENWOOD KDC-BT35 boasts a sleek and minimalistic design, perfect for those who prefer a clean, clutter-free look on their dashboard. The buttons are thoughtfully laid out, ensuring that users can easily access controls while driving. The detachable faceplate is a nice touch, offering extra security when parking in less secure areas.
Its build quality reflects durability, making it a solid long-term investment. The buttons and dials feel sturdy, and the display is bright and easy to read even in daylight. However, the screen could be a bit more high-res, but for the price range, it’s hard to complain.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 is where it truly shines. It delivers crisp, clear audio that enhances your overall driving experience. The stereo has a built-in MOSFET amplifier that provides 22 watts RMS, offering a well-balanced and powerful sound. This ensures that your music comes through with rich bass, sharp treble, and smooth mids, even without upgrading your car’s factory speakers.
With its 3-band equalizer, you can fine-tune the sound to your preferences, adjusting the bass, midrange, and treble. If you’re an audiophile looking for superior sound quality, you may want to pair this unit with aftermarket speakers for an even more immersive experience.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Hands-Free Calling
One of the biggest selling points of the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 is its built-in Bluetooth connectivity. This feature allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, making it easy to play your favorite playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks. The connection is stable, and the audio streaming is smooth with minimal interruptions.
Additionally, the Bluetooth functionality extends to hands-free calling, which is a vital feature for modern drivers. The built-in microphone ensures that calls are clear, though the quality might degrade slightly in noisy environments or at high speeds. The stereo automatically pairs with your phone, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of setting it up every time you enter your car.
CD Playback and USB/AUX Support
Although many newer car stereos are phasing out CD players, the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 retains this feature, making it a great option for those who still prefer physical media. The CD player handles standard CDs as well as MP3 and WMA formats, giving you plenty of options for playback.
If you prefer digital media, the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 also has a front-panel USB port and an AUX input. These inputs allow you to connect your smartphone, USB flash drives, or other portable media players. The USB port also supports quick charging, so you can keep your phone powered while driving.
Radio Tuner
For those who still enjoy tuning into FM/AM radio, the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 offers a solid tuner. It features RDS (Radio Data System) functionality, which provides additional information about the station you’re listening to, such as song titles and artist names. The tuner is sensitive and picks up signals well, even in areas with weaker radio coverage.
Ease of Use
KENWOOD has designed the KDC-BT35 with user-friendliness in mind. The large rotary dial makes navigating through menus easy, even when you’re driving. Pairing your phone via Bluetooth is a straightforward process, and the stereo remembers your device, reconnecting automatically when you get into the car.
The display is simple, offering essential information such as track name, artist, and radio station. However, for users who prefer a more sophisticated, multi-line display, this might feel a bit basic.
Expandability
While the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 does not come with a built-in GPS or touchscreen interface, it does support expansion options. It features preamp outputs, allowing you to connect external amplifiers for a more advanced audio setup. This makes it a good entry-level option that can grow with your needs if you decide to enhance your car’s audio system down the road.
Compatibility and App Support
The stereo is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Using the KENWOOD Remote App, you can control the stereo directly from your phone, which is a handy feature if you want more control over your music and sound settings. The app is relatively intuitive, though it could use a bit of refinement in terms of user interface.
This stereo also supports Siri Eyes Free and Google Voice, making it easier to control your music and phone calls using voice commands, keeping your hands on the wheel and your attention on the road.
Price and Value for Money
The KENWOOD KDC-BT35 offers excellent value for its price. It sits in the mid-range category, providing a good balance between essential features and performance without venturing into the premium price range. Given its features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, CD playback, USB support, and a solid amplifier, it competes well with other stereos in the same price bracket.
For users who don’t need cutting-edge features like a touchscreen or GPS navigation, the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 provides a perfect blend of functionality and affordability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price with excellent value for money
- Great sound quality with customizable EQ settings
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming and hands-free calling
- USB and AUX inputs for digital media playback
- CD player for those who prefer physical media
- Detachable faceplate for added security
Cons:
- Basic display with limited information
- Hands-free calling microphone quality could be better
- No touchscreen or advanced navigation features
- Lacks advanced DSP (digital signal processing) for finer audio tuning
Conclusion
The KENWOOD KDC-BT35 CD Car Stereo is an impressive all-around performer, particularly for those seeking a budget-friendly upgrade with solid sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity. It may not offer the bells and whistles of more expensive units, but it nails the basics in terms of ease of use, sound quality, and expandability. If you want a reliable, feature-packed stereo that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, the KENWOOD KDC-BT35 is definitely worth considering.
