To its credit, the DNX7100 offers a good deal of music customization options. In addition to its preconfigured EQ settings (such as jazz, natural, and pops), the system offers detailed tweaking for bass, mid-range, and treble, and also has controls for an external subwoofer. Audio sources play via the system's built-in amp, which kicks out 22 watts per channel RMS, via a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter. The system also has a couple of advanced features for honing the focus of in-cabin acoustics: one that makes use of a graphical interface on the touch screen to enable the driver to use balance and fader levels set the "sweet spot"; and another that enables the car to be split into two zones with separate sources--connected via the system's 2-volt preamp outputs--playing through the rear speakers.
DVD video
The story with the DNX7100's video playback is similar to its music interface: a decent end product is let down by a clumsy media-selection interface. While users can only play music CDs by pressing the DVD Media button on the source menu, that same button cannot be used to select DVD video. Instead, users must use the View select button to get their video to show up after inserting a DVD.
With a movie playing, the DNX7100's wide screen provides a crisp, bright, well-rendered picture. Pressing the Function button when watching a DVD brings up a series of touch screen buttons, which serves as a surprisingly user-friendly means of navigating the video, enabling viewers to select video by chapter and to change the configurations of the screen settings.
In sum
The Kenwood DNX7100 is a tale of two interfaces: its touch screen navigation system is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly on the market, while its media-selection interface is one of the worst. Those looking for an all-in-one in-dash system primarily for its navigation interface should seriously consider the Kenwood DNX7100, which, in addition to its helpful interface, features crisply rendered maps and a lightning-quick processor. For audio and video sources, the DNX7100 plays good-sounding audio and good-looking video, but the awful interface for accessing media sources will have drivers pulling their hair out.
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