KENWOOD
KENWOOD DMX500S 6.8" Capacitive Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver – Wireless Apple CarPlay,
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Highlights
- 🔊 Seamless Smartphone Sync 🔊 Enjoy hands-free convenience with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, turning your car stereo into a smart command center. Whether you're navigating, calling, or streaming, your radio now responds to your voice or touch — safely and effortlessly.
- 📱 Crisp 6.8” High-Resolution Touchscreen Display 📱 Enjoy stunning clarity with a 1024x600 high-resolution capacitive touchscreen that brings your maps, playlists, and calls to life in vivid detail. Whether you're navigating or streaming, the vibrant display makes everything easier to see and smoother to control.
- 🎵 Pro-Level Sound Customization 🎵 Fine-tune every drive with a 13-band graphic EQ, digital time alignment, and advanced crossover settings. Whether you're running factory speakers or a full setup with a subwoofer, this audio system adapts to your sound.
- 📶 Bluetooth Calling & Dual Phone Pairing 📶 Built-in Bluetooth keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Make and receive calls, stream audio, and switch between two paired phones seamlessly — great for work-life balance or shared driving.
- 🔊 Powerful Built-In Amplifier (50W x 4) 🔊 Enjoy bold, clear sound right out of the box with the built-in 200-watt amplifier (50 watts peak per channel). Perfect for powering your factory or upgraded speakers, this head unit delivers the volume and clarity your drive deserves — no extra amp required.
- ⚙️ Factory Steering Wheel Control Compatible ⚙️ Retain your factory controls using an optional adapter for seamless integration. Manage volume, track changes, or voice commands without taking your hands off the wheel — maintaining both safety and convenience.
- 📷 Backup Camera Input with Parking Guidelines 📷 Back into tight spots with confidence using the dedicated backup camera input and adjustable on-screen parking guides. It’s a safety boost you’ll appreciate every day — especially in busy parking lots and driveways.
- ⚡ USB Charging + Smart Device Control ⚡ Charge your phone while staying connected via the rear USB input (2.1A) — perfect for road trips or daily commutes. Wired or wireless, your Apple or Android device gets the power and control it needs, all from the dash.
- 🎥 Video Output for Rear-Seat Entertainment 🎥 Keep passengers entertained on long drives by connecting additional monitors using the rear video output. Play video files from USB devices or mirror your phone's screen using the free Kenwood MirrorAPP+.
- 🔧 Compact Double DIN Fit + Expandability 🔧 The DMX500S’s slim chassis fits more dash openings without sacrificing features. With 6-channel preamp outputs, USB, camera, and steering wheel control compatibility, it’s ready for a custom install now — and upgrades later.
Why You'll Love It
- Connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for cord-free navigation and hands-free calling
- View maps and media clearly on a 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1024x600 resolution
- Tailor audio to your cabin using a 13-band EQ, time alignment, and crossover settings
- Switch easily between two connected phones for calls and media streaming over Bluetooth
- Power car speakers directly with the built-in 200-watt peak amplifier output
- Park accurately using the dedicated backup camera input with adjustable on-screen guidelines
Pros
- +Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- +Crisp 1024x600 capacitive touchscreen
- +Built-in 50W x 4 peak amplifier
- +Dual phone Bluetooth pairing
- +Rear video output and 6-channel preouts
Cons
- -Requires optional adapter for steering wheel controls
- -USB port is located on the rear
- -Screen mirroring requires specific companion app
Detailed Review
The KENWOOD DMX500S is a double DIN digital media receiver designed to modernize older dashboard setups with smartphone connectivity. It provides hands-free communication, navigation, and audio streaming for drivers who want to update their vehicle without replacing their entire speaker system.
Daily operation centers around the 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen, which runs at a 1024x600 resolution for clear map views and responsive menu touches. Wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto lets you control apps, receive calls, and navigate via voice or touch without plugging in a cable. For audio tuning, the head unit includes a 13-band graphic equalizer, digital time alignment, and crossover controls, powered by an integrated amplifier delivering up to 50 watts peak across four channels.
The receiver also handles expanding setups and vehicle safety features. A dedicated backup camera input adds parking guides to your display, while a 2.1A rear USB port provides device charging and media playback. If you want rear-seat entertainment, the video output sends video files or mirrored phone screens from the Kenwood MirrorAPP+ to external screens. Built-in Bluetooth supports dual phone pairing so you can switch between personal and work devices effortlessly.
Before buying, consider the installation requirements. Retaining factory steering wheel controls requires purchasing a separate adapter, and the primary USB port is located at the back of the unit, which requires routing an extension cable into the cabin. Phone screen mirroring also depends specifically on using the free Kenwood MirrorAPP+ rather than native casting.
Verdict: The KENWOOD DMX500S is a well-rounded multimedia upgrade for drivers seeking reliable wireless phone integration and detailed audio tuning. It is an excellent choice for anyone wanting modern touchscreen features and room for extra cameras or amplifiers.
Specifications
- Display: 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen (1024x600 resolution)
- Amplifier Output: 200W peak (50W x 4 channels)
- Audio Customization: 13-band graphic EQ, digital time alignment, crossover settings
- Preamp Outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs
- USB Port: Rear input with 2.1A charging
- Form Factor: Double DIN with slim chassis fit
Who Should Buy It
A great fit if you:
- Want wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to eliminate dashboard cable clutter.
- Need deep audio controls like time alignment and a 13-band EQ to tune your car speakers.
- Share driving duties and need to connect two phones over Bluetooth at once.
- Plan to hook up rear entertainment monitors or an aftermarket backup camera.
Consider something else if you:
- Prefer a front-facing USB port directly on the faceplate for quick plug-in access.
- Want built-in steering wheel control compatibility without buying an extra adapter.
FAQ
Does this unit support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, it supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto for hands-free navigation, calling, and audio streaming.
Can I connect a backup camera to this receiver?
Yes, it features a dedicated backup camera input that supports adjustable on-screen parking guidelines.
Will my existing steering wheel controls work automatically?
The receiver is compatible with factory steering wheel controls, but you will need to install an optional adapter to retain functionality.
Can two phones stay connected at the same time?
Yes, the built-in Bluetooth includes dual phone pairing, allowing you to switch between two paired devices for calls and media.
Product Details
| Brand | KENWOOD |
| ASIN | B0DSQWLHBV |
