Battle of the Head Units: Comparing Kenwood DMX4707S, Sony XAV-AX4000, and Jensen CAR723W

Car audio enthusiasts, buckle up! We’re diving into a detailed comparison of three head units designed to upgrade your in-car entertainment: Kenwood DMX4707S, Sony XAV-AX4000, and Jensen CAR723W. Each caters to a specific audience, whether you’re after cutting-edge features, user-friendly operation, or budget-friendly upgrades. This “Good, Better, Best” comparison will help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

At TAS Electronics, we specialize in high-quality car audio systems to enhance your driving experience. From expert installations to premium products, we’re here to help you achieve the ultimate in-car entertainment.

Let’s explore their strengths and see how they stack up.

Head Unit Comparison at a Glance

Kenwood DMX4707S: A premium choice for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts, this unit features a 6.8″ capacitive touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Maestro compatibility for retaining factory controls. It’s perfect for those seeking seamless connectivity and superior audio customization.

Sony XAV-AX4000: Known for its reliability and advanced features, this 6.95″ anti-glare touchscreen unit offers wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and Maestro support. The intuitive interface and excellent audio quality make it a strong contender for balanced performance.

Jensen CAR723W: Ideal for budget-conscious buyers, this 7″ touchscreen provides essential features like wired CarPlay/Android Auto. While less feature-packed, it’s a cost-effective way to modernize your dashboard.

Kenwood DMX4707S: Best-in-Class Features

The Kenwood DMX4707S is a cost-effective multimedia receiver that excels in sound quality and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although it lacks CD/DVD support. Its 6.8-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen offers a resolution of 800×480 pixels, delivering crisp visuals for its price range. The main screen design provides quick access to apps like radio, CarPlay, and Bluetooth, though some users might find the interface a bit cluttered.

Close-up of the Kenwood DMX4707S head unit displaying the Apple CarPlay interface with options for USB, Radio, and more, emphasizing its modern touchscreen design
  • Touch Controls: Features touch-sensitive side buttons for shortcuts and screen-off functions, though they lack physical feedback.
  • CarPlay Responsiveness: While functional, there is a slight input delay compared to native Apple devices, but it performs better than many off-brand units.
  • Settings Navigation: Organized into setup and audio sections, allowing customization for display adjustments, custom wallpapers, and camera color settings.
  • Audio Customization: Includes speaker size selection, crossovers, a 13-band equalizer, and time alignment for fine-tuning sound quality.
  • Volume Offset: Adjust volume levels separately for CarPlay and other inputs, ensuring smooth transitions without sudden audio jumps.
  • Sound Effects: Offers bass boost and loudness features, enhancing audio subtly but effectively for most listeners.
  • Shortcuts: Frequently used sound settings can be accessed directly from the home screen for streamlined navigation.
  • Expandability: Support for multiple cameras, USB mirroring, and SiriusXM compatibility add to its versatility.

This unit is a fantastic choice for users who prioritize advanced audio features and customization.

Sony XAV-AX4000: Balanced Performance

The Sony XAV-AX4000 is a budget-friendly car stereo offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a versatile option for modern drivers. Released in August 2022, it remains relevant thanks to the typical 2-3 year update cycle for head units. Its 6.95″ anti-glare resistive touchscreen ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, though it is less responsive than capacitive screens.

Sony XAV-AX4000 head unit featuring a sleek interface with a digital clock, date display, and icons for Radio, Bluetooth, RearCam, and Settings.
  • Audio Features: Equipped with a 14-band EQ, time alignment, and adjustable crossover settings, the XAV-AX4000 allows for extensive audio customization. It also supports LDAC high-resolution audio for superior sound quality over Bluetooth.
  • Expandability: Includes rear camera input, iDatalink Maestro compatibility for retaining factory features, and SiriusXM support (modules sold separately).
  • Accessories and Installation: Comes with a GPS antenna, wiring harness, USB-C cable, Bluetooth microphone, and clean cable management features for straightforward installation.
  • User Interface: The minimalist design offers customizable wallpapers, rear camera display with adjustable guidelines, and easy-to-use buttons for volume, track control, home, and voice commands.
  • Wireless Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for seamless navigation, music, and communication app usage, eliminating the need for cables.
  • Limitations: While the resistive screen is durable, its lower responsiveness may affect usability. Additionally, it has single camera input support and 2-volt pre-outs, which may not satisfy audiophiles seeking higher output levels.

The XAV-AX4000 delivers excellent value with its clean design, anti-glare display, and user-friendly functionality. Competing models may offer similar features but differ in quality and pre-out voltage. Final rating: 4.25/5 for its affordability and well-rounded performance.

Jensen CAR723W: Budget-Friendly Essentials

The Jensen CAR723W offers a feature-rich entry point into the world of smart infotainment at an affordable price. Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, this 7″ touchscreen receiver supports wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration for apps like Spotify, navigation tools, and more.

Jensen CAR723W head unit displaying Apple CarPlay interface with app icons for Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, Podcasts, and Settings.
  • Core Features: A digital multimedia receiver with an 8-band EQ, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen. While it lacks crossovers for front and rear speakers, amp-based adjustments can address this limitation.
  • Design & Installation: The shallow mount design with recessed brackets is unique to Jensen, simplifying installation in various vehicles. The unboxing includes a Bluetooth mic, GPS antenna, wiring harness, mounting hardware, and a trim ring.
  • User Interface: Sources include radio, USB, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and AV input for phone mirroring, allowing apps like Netflix to be streamed via additional adapters.
  • Wireless Performance: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections are seamless, with high-resolution screen quality enhancing the user experience.
  • Audio Features: While the 8-band EQ delivers basic sound customization, the unit lacks high-resolution audio and high-pass crossovers, which may disappoint audiophiles.
  • Pros: High-resolution screen, competitive price point, and seamless wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • Cons: Limited audio customization with no high-pass crossovers and only an 8-band EQ. Previous models had button reliability issues, though improvements are evident in this version.

Rated at 4 stars for its price-to-feature value, the Jensen CAR723W is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking modern connectivity and usability. It strikes a solid balance between affordability and performance, making it a reliable option for upgrading your in-car entertainment.

Best: Kenwood DMX4707S

For tech enthusiasts and audiophiles, this unit delivers the ultimate experience with its superior sound, customization options, and seamless integration.

Final Recommendations

Each head unit excels in its category, catering to different needs:

  • Audiophiles & Tech Enthusiasts: Kenwood DMX4707S for its unparalleled customization and advanced features.
  • Everyday Drivers: Sony XAV-AX4000 for balanced performance and intuitive operation.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Jensen CAR723W for reliable essentials without overspending.

Choose the one that best aligns with your priorities and enjoy a sound upgrade that transforms your drive into an unforgettable experience.

Ready to enhance your car audio experience? Call or stop by TAS Electronics today for the best deals and professional installation on all your car audio needs. Our experts are here to help you find the perfect head unit and ensure it’s installed flawlessly, so you can hit the road with confidence and style.



from TAS Electronics https://taselectronics.com/blog/battle-of-the-head-units/
via TAS Electronics

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