Introducing Direct Replacement
With many newer vehicles it is impossible or expensive to install a new stereo, due to the shape of the dash, wiring, placement of climate controls, and other factors. Kenwood worked directly with ADS (makers of the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 interfaces) to create Direct Replacement, an innovative modular design that fits the receiver around the vehicle, instead of trying to alter a vehicle to accommodate a fixed receiver size.
Kenwood and ADS provide an innovative aftermarket receiver solution that doesn't affect your dash's factory look and controls.
Ground-breaking modular design maintains your factory look
Kenwood employs a modular design that works hand in glove with ADS' iDatalink Maestro APX (pronounced "apex") mounting kits. The display mounts directly in place of the factory display, while the receiver's chassis is mounted behind the dash or kick panel depending on the vehicle — making it especially handy for shallow dash cavities. These packages fit in more vehicles, many of which had no previous stereo replacement options, as well as provide an alternative to stereo installation systems that used expensive dash kits to alter the dash layout and controls in your vehicle.
This digital rendering shows a potential mounting application for the Kenwood chassis in the kick panel of a compatible vehicle.
Direct Replacement allows you to keep the look and feel of your factory setup, while enjoying the benefits of an updated stereo. If we have a Direct Replacement package for your vehicle, you'll need several things to complete the package:
- A Direct Replacement stereo, like this Kenwood.
- A vehicle-specific iDatalink Maestro APX kit, which includes brackets to secure the receiver's display and chassis within your vehicle. It also includes a vehicle-specific wiring harness.
- An iDatalink Maestro RR or Maestro RR2 interface module: this software-based interface is "flashed" (updated on a computer) for your vehicle and new stereo. This enables the new stereo to communicate with your vehicle, so you can retain many of your factory controls (and even program some new ones). These Maestro interface modules include intuitive vehicle integration that lets you add some vehicle diagnostics (including vehicle pitch and roll) and keep factory features that you'd otherwise lose when you install a new radio.
- A receiver-specific wiring harness for the stereo: Direct Replacement receivers come with no wiring. So when everything is ready to be connected, you'll just plug everything together using the T-harness connections on the package's components.
Sound complicated? Don't worry, we're ready to help. Shoot us a call or text at 715-343-8000.
About the receiver
The Kenwood Excleon DAX8000XR digital multimedia receiver offers a high-definition touchscreen display for dazzling clarity compared to the factory radio's dull display — great for navigation apps and backup cameras. And with built-in wired and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, you'll have all your most-used phone features on the display. Looking for some alternative music sources? Take advantage of HD Radio™ and high-res audio playback, and you can add satellite radio with an optional tuner. Plus, Bluetooth makes hands-free calling and wireless music streaming easy. And since this is an Excelon model, Kenwood backs it up with a 2-year warranty.
Serious phone integration
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto put your phone's content at your fingertips. This stereo's controls behave like your phone's interface, so there's no learning curve. Plug in or wirelessly link your Android™ or iPhone®, and you'll get voice control access to your navigation, phone calls, weather, text messages, and of course all your music. Get more info at www.apple.com/ios/carplay and www.android.com/auto. And for more versatility, this receiver's split-screen mode lets you work within the phone interface and also retain control over other sources like radio stations. Android owners, you can also mirror your phone's screen wirelessly using the receiver's built-in Wi-Fi.
ADS' software know-how works with your vehicle to show a variety of diagnostics on the Kenwood display, including your vehicle's pitch and roll using the receiver's built-in gyroscope.
A brilliant display with multi-camera capabilities
Onboard cameras are a must for safer driving, and this Kenwood gives you four video inputs for front-, side-, rear-, and backup cameras. The crisp resolution on Kenwood's CMOS-740HDLP HD backup camera complements this receiver's 720p HD display perfectly.
HD Radio, a USB-C input, and more
Kenwood includes a built-in HD Radio tuner so you can enjoy the very best audio quality in radio, plus extra programming choices on second and third channels when available. And if you're looking for radio stations that won't fade away as you head out of town, add a SiriusXM tuner (not included) to this Kenwood to enjoy satellite radio's extensive programming wherever you may roam. This receiver is also compatible with SiriusXM with 360L, which uses the receiver's built-in WiFi to provide you even more listening options within SiriusXM's satellite and streaming channels.
Since your phone can be linked wirelessly, a rear USB-C input opens up your source options too. There's great news for audiophiles — this Excelon receiver uses upgraded audiophile components that support high-res file playback of music stored on a USB drive or portable high-res music player. And if you have a smartphone that offers Bluetooth with the LDAC codec, you can listen to high-res audio wirelessly.
Tune and expand
If you care about sound quality, you'll dig Kenwood's suite of sound-crafting tools, including a 13-band equalizer, deep crossover settings, and built-in digital time alignment. Bring back the depth and detail for all your digital music sources with this receiver's processing power. If your car speakers are located down low in the doors, this receiver offers Stage EQ, which adjusts your music's frequencies to virtually "raise" your speakers for better, more natural imaging.
The DAX8000XR also includes three pairs of 5-volt RCA preamp outputs that provide an ultra-clean signal when it's time to add amplifiers to your system. And if you're building a 2- or 3-way system, this receiver gives you that crossover flexibility. This Excelon model even includes a digital optical output, so you can connect select digital signal processors for maximum system tweaking.
Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.
Smartphone note: If you're going to use your smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for compatibility information.
