omg wow you mean it now has a VGA (640x480) 7 inch screen? My smart phone has a 4" 720p screen and costs half that much when it's unlocked. I'm sick and tired of kenwood et al feeding us this 1999 technology and acting like it's gold.

I've been super excited for this HU and now that it's shipping and expanded info is starting to become available I have to start looking for another unit for my Z.

The 9990HD has every feature you can think of but it looks like they dropped 5.1 output from their devices this year. From what I can tell it apparently takes 5.1 sources and downmixes them to 2 channel audio only.

Perhaps I'll fall back on the 9980HD. I'm hesitant to pick one of these up due to the sluggishness of the unit but it might be the way to go for now. I'd wait for more of the 2012 HU's to come out but after a month of driving without acceptable audio I'm starting to get impatient for a solution. :icon14:

I was looking at upgrading to the DNX9990 from the DNX9980 due to the slow response and random reboots but apparently Kenwood dropped voice control from the new units for this year :icon14:

I use voice control all the time for programming the Garmin and to switch to the front camera when I pull into a parking spot with a curb. This is a deal breaker for me and it amazes me that Kenwood would remove features like this on top of the line units.

Can anyone confirm 100% that this feature has been removed?

I just had the 9990 HD installed in my NISMO. It is a big step up from the 9960. The response time is almost instant and it let's you tweak the sound with a couple of more options. I am glad I chose this radio. Going to tune it up tomorrow. Yeah you right.

Thanks Nazar,

Sounds like you are really impressed with it. I am thinking about pulling the plug & replacing the factory HU & buying the Kenwood Excelon DNX9990HD. Is it well worth it & can you tell a night & day difference in sound? Did you replace the factory speakers & if so with what? I started looking at the Pioneer Stage 4 TS-C172PRS to replace the factory speakers, but I need to-do some research on them (more I shoudl say).

I'm still waiting to see how this stacks up against the Alpine 928HD.

Special is still on.
Just got some more in... Still have about 5 available... Going fast...
Kenwood also just introduced a $100 Rebate program.

Night and day from the stock head unit.... You bet your sweet azz! I got the JL c3's from Wicked for the 6.5's in the doors and the tweeters on the dash the same time I ordered the radio, and stealth box for the 13 incher. I also bought some JL c5's (6.5 coaxel) on clearence from a local shop that was going to do the install for me. They built me a pair of custom fiberglass enclosures that sit on the shelves behind the seats for them. I must say it sounds TTIIGGHHTT!

Sweet...... I am leaning pretty heavily on the Kenwood Excelon DNX9990HD HU. It is a little steep in price, but from what I have been hearing that it is effen sweet & worth it. I am going to scrap the Pioneer Stage 4 TS-C172PRS speakers & more than likely go with Focal K2 Power 130kr & the Focal FPP 2100 amplifier. This little set-up should be banging & clarity will be crystal clear.

if you are considering focal, you may want to look into the Hertz Audio Mille line.

I appreciate it. I will look into that later on today.

Just ordered mine, quick question: it appears that the hard buttons on the headunit light up blue. Is it possible to choose other colors?

Yes it is possible. You have to go through the set-up or tools. You can also adjust the angle of the monitor as well. Oh make sure you are not leaving the EQ on flat. You will have to set-up the EQ for HD Radio, XM, Pandora, CD & etc. You can not do it only for one & expect it to be the same. This is an awesome HU & is the best on the market as we speak.

Nice, I have a red theme going on in my interior, and am glad to know I can adjust the color to match accordingly. This is my first touch screen headunit, so not sure what to expect. Will I be able to play music from my phone and change the tracks on the screen instead of having to fumble for my phone?

LOL....... The same here. This is my first touch screen as well. I believe you will be able to change the tracks on the screen b/c on Pandora I can use the phone or the touch screen to go to the next song.