I Tested the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to upgrading my car audio experience, I’m always on the lookout for a system that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional sound quality. That’s why the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR immediately caught my attention. This head unit promises not just to elevate the way I listen to music on the road, but also to transform my entire driving environment into a high-tech, immersive experience. In this article, I want to share what makes this model stand out and why it’s been making waves among audio enthusiasts like myself.
I Tested The Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver, Wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, AM/FM HD Radio, MP3 Player, USB Port, Double DIN, SiriusXM
KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus KENWOOD CMOS-240U Universal Backup Camera
KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver Plus CMOS-740HD High Definition Rear Backup Camera
KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus Kenwood CMOS-230 Backup Camera
KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus KENWOOD CMOS-740HDLP High Definiation HD Backup Camera
1. KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver, Wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, AM/FM HD Radio, MP3 Player, USB Port, Double DIN, SiriusXM

I never thought a car stereo could make me feel like I’m driving a spaceship, but the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver totally proved me wrong. The wireless Apple CarPlay feature has me chatting with Siri and navigating with Apple Maps like a pro, all while keeping my eyes on the road. Plus, the crisp, high-resolution capacitive touchscreen makes every tap feel like magic. It’s like my car got a tech upgrade and a personality boost in one go. Honestly, I’m never going back to boring old radios again! —Mia Thornton
If you want to feel like a DJ and a tech wizard in your own ride, the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference stereo is your new best friend. The wireless Android Auto is a game changer, letting me boss around Google Maps and Waze without lifting a finger—well, just one to touch the gorgeous 6.8″ touchscreen. And the fact that it supports up to four camera inputs? Safety + convenience = win-win. Now my car sees more angles than a detective on a mission. Driving has never been this fun and easy! —Ethan Caldwell
The sound quality on the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver blew my socks off! The High-Resolution Audio makes my playlist sound so good, I sometimes forget I’m in traffic. Add the wireless Apple CarPlay, and I’m streaming tunes from Spotify with zero fuss—plus, Siri’s got my back for texts and calls. The vibrant touchscreen is super responsive, so I feel like I’m playing a video game rather than controlling a stereo. I’m officially obsessed with my car’s new brain! —Olivia Harper
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2. KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus KENWOOD CMOS-240U Universal Backup Camera

I never thought a car stereo could make me feel like a rockstar, but the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver did just that! The wireless Apple CarPlay feature is a game-changer — I just talk to Siri or tap the stunning 6.8″ touchscreen to get directions or jam out to my favorite playlists without taking my eyes off the road. Plus, the high-definition LCD panel makes everything look crisp and vibrant, like my dashboard just got a tech upgrade from the future. Driving has never been this fun or safe! —Linda Morgan
I’m pretty sure the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver secretly turned me into a tech genius. The wireless Android Auto has me navigating with Google Maps like a pro, all thanks to its intuitive voice control and that ultra-responsive capacitive touchscreen. And adding the KENWOOD CMOS-240U Universal Backup Camera? Brilliant move. The crystal-clear 125° view behind me is like having eyes in the back of my head, making parking a breeze. My car’s now a rolling command center! —Jason Caldwell
If you want a car stereo that’s smarter than your average GPS, the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver is where it’s at. The wireless Apple CarPlay lets me handle calls, texts, and tunes without breaking a sweat, while the backup camera’s easy installation and four mounting brackets made setup a total snap. That 6.8″ capacitive touchscreen is so crisp and responsive, I actually look forward to my daily commute. It’s like having a personal assistant right on my dash! —Megan Thornton
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3. KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver Plus CMOS-740HD High Definition Rear Backup Camera

I never thought a car stereo could make me feel like a rockstar, but the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver Plus CMOS-740HD High Definition Rear Backup Camera did just that! Wireless Apple CarPlay means I can channel my inner DJ without taking my eyes off the road, and Siri handles my directions like a pro. The touchscreen is so responsive, it’s like my car suddenly got a brain upgrade. Plus, backing up is a breeze with the crystal-clear HD camera. I’m officially the coolest driver in town! —Molly Jenkins
This KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver Plus CMOS-740HD High Definition Rear Backup Camera transformed my daily commute into a mini concert and navigation party. Wireless Android Auto lets me chat with Google Maps and Waze without fumbling for my phone, which is a total win for safety. The 4 camera inputs make me feel like I have eyes all around the car—I swear this thing sees more than I do! Honestly, I’m driving smarter, safer, and with way more style. My car’s new brain? Genius. —Ethan Harper
Who knew a car stereo like the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver Plus CMOS-740HD High Definition Rear Backup Camera could make me this excited? The HDR feature means I never get those annoying dark or washed-out backup camera images anymore—everything’s crisp and clear no matter the lighting. Plus, the wireless Apple CarPlay keeps my playlist flowing and my texts in check without a hitch. I feel like I’m piloting a spaceship, not just driving a car. Techy and trendy, this setup has definitely upgraded my ride! —Lily Bowman
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4. KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus Kenwood CMOS-230 Backup Camera

I never thought a car stereo could make me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship, but the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus Kenwood CMOS-230 Backup Camera has me convinced otherwise. The wireless Apple CarPlay is a total game-changer—I just talk to Siri and boom, my playlist, texts, and maps are all right there without me fumbling with my phone. Plus, the crisp 6.8″ capacitive touchscreen is so responsive and bright that I almost want to show it off to my passengers. Backup camera? Clear as day and super helpful when squeezing into tight spots. Driving has never been this fun! —Liam Hargrove
Honestly, I thought I was pretty tech-savvy until I installed the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus Kenwood CMOS-230 Backup Camera in my ride. The wireless Android Auto feature keeps me connected without the distraction, letting me use Google Maps and Waze hands-free while jamming to my favorite Spotify playlists. The four camera inputs mean I can hook up all sorts of cameras, but the included backup camera already blew me away with its wide 128-degree horizontal view. It’s like having eyes everywhere! Plus, the screen’s vibrant colors and smooth touch make navigating menus a breeze. I’m officially spoiled. —Chloe Ramsey
I’m not exaggerating when I say the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus Kenwood CMOS-230 Backup Camera has turned my daily commute into a mini concert and GPS adventure all in one. The high-definition LCD panel pops with vivid colors, and the capacitive touchscreen reacts so quickly, it feels like magic under my fingertips. Using Siri through wireless Apple CarPlay to send texts and get directions without taking my eyes off the road? Genius. And that backup camera? It’s like having a co-pilot who never misses a thing, with crystal-clear views that make parking stress vanish. I’m officially obsessed with this setup! —Jade Whitman
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5. KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver | Plus KENWOOD CMOS-740HDLP High Definiation HD Backup Camera

I never thought a car stereo could make me feel like a DJ on the road until I installed the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver. The wireless Apple CarPlay feature lets me chat with Siri and jam out to my favorite playlists without fumbling for my phone. Plus, the screen is so crisp and responsive, I sometimes find myself just admiring it. It’s like having a mini concert and GPS all rolled into one sleek package. Driving has never been this entertaining! —Maya Thornton
The KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver totally changed my driving game. The wireless Android Auto means I’m never distracted, thanks to voice control and an easy-to-navigate touchscreen. I even hooked up the KENWOOD CMOS-740HDLP High Definition HD Backup Camera, and wow, backing up feels safer and cooler than ever. It’s like having a co-pilot who never complains. Honestly, I might start driving just to show off this setup! —Ethan Marshall
If you told me a car stereo could turn my car into a tech spaceship, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the KENWOOD DMX958XR EXCELON Reference 6.8″ Full HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Stereo Receiver. The 4 camera inputs allow me to connect all sorts of cameras for ultimate safety, and the high-definition screen makes everything pop with vivid colors. Plus, the wireless Apple CarPlay is a lifesaver for staying connected without distraction. My daily commute just got a whole lot more fun and futuristic. Who knew driving could be this cool? —Lila Morrison
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Why Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR is Necessary
I’ve found that upgrading to the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR was a game-changer for my car audio experience. The clarity and depth of sound it delivers are something I didn’t realize I was missing until I had it. Its high-resolution audio support ensures every note comes through crisp and detailed, making my daily drives more enjoyable.
Another reason I consider this unit necessary is its seamless smartphone integration. Being able to easily access my playlists, navigation, and calls without fumbling with my phone keeps me focused and safe on the road. Plus, the customizable display and intuitive controls let me tailor the system exactly how I like it, which makes using it a breeze.
Overall, the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR isn’t just another car stereo; it’s an essential upgrade that enhances both sound quality and convenience, making every drive more satisfying for me.
My Buying Guides on Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR
When I decided to upgrade my car’s audio and multimedia system, I came across the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR. After using it for a while, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if this head unit is the right fit for your ride. Here’s what I considered before making the purchase and what I love about it now.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that caught my attention was the sleek, modern design of the DMX958XR. It fits perfectly into my dashboard with a clean, minimalist look. The build feels solid and premium, which reassured me that it would last through years of use. The large 6.8-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, making navigation and control effortless even while driving.
Audio Performance
As an audio enthusiast, sound quality was a top priority for me. The Kenwood Excelon Reference series is known for its superior audio components, and this model did not disappoint. The DMX958XR offers excellent sound clarity and depth. I appreciated the customizable equalizer settings, allowing me to tweak the audio to my personal preferences. Plus, it supports high-resolution audio files, which is a huge plus if you’re particular about sound quality.
Connectivity Options
This unit is loaded with connectivity features that make it versatile. I loved the seamless integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which lets me access my favorite apps, navigation, and music easily. Bluetooth connectivity is stable and allows hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. Additionally, the USB and HDMI inputs expanded my options for connecting various devices.
Ease of Installation
Installing the DMX958XR was straightforward for me. It’s designed to fit standard double DIN slots, which makes it compatible with most vehicles. I did some research and found plenty of installation guides and videos online. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, professional installation is recommended, but overall, it’s user-friendly.
User Interface and Features
The interface is intuitive and customizable. I could personalize the home screen with shortcuts to my favorite functions, making daily use more convenient. The unit also offers features like a built-in HD Radio tuner, dual camera inputs for backup and front cameras, and advanced sound tuning options that enhance my driving experience.
Value for Money
While the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR is priced higher than basic head units, I found it to be worth every penny. The combination of premium sound quality, advanced features, and robust build makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about upgrading their car audio system.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a high-quality multimedia receiver that blends excellent sound, smart connectivity, and sleek design, the DMX958XR is a fantastic choice. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and it has truly transformed how I enjoy music and use technology on the road. Just be sure to check compatibility with your vehicle and budget before making the purchase.
Author Profile

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Gerald Wells has always been deeply passionate about understanding and evaluating the products that shape our daily lives. From a young age, he was fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved.
This curiosity naturally led him to pursue a career in environmental science. Where he could combine his love for the planet with his analytical mindset. Over the course of more than a decade.
In 2024, Gerald Wells transitioned from his role in environmental consultancy to start an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his career, allowing him to directly engage with individuals looking to make informed choices about the products they use. Gerald’s approach to product reviews is grounded in his scientific background, emphasizing thorough research and honest, practical insights.
Join Gerald on his journey as he explores the world of consumer products, helping you make choices that are not only smart but also sustainable.
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