Sorry for the double post ment Kenwood KMR-D558bt in the title
Thinking of upgrading to a bluetooth radio and have seen these two recommended on the forum. Kenwood KMR-D558bt and Kenwood KMR-D562bt.
Confused on what is the difference, and which one is better and easier to install ?
Any help would be great !

 

I upgraded to the Kenwood 558bt. Rudy Compart did the install. He is local to my area. The microphone is just to the left of the rear view mirror with wiring buried in the trim. It looks great and is a great color match to the existing silver of the Crossfire interior. You can dial in a green color output that just about matches the rest of the green output of CF speedometer, etc. The speaker/audible function for hands free (bluetooth) during expressway driving seems to be a bit quirky. I think most of the issue is road noise that is picked up by the microphone. In city driving, the audible seems fine. I have adjusted the sensitivity of the microphone with assistance from Crutchfield (lifetime tech support). I also may be in bad reception areas on the expressway.. I travel the same route when making calls to make the trip go faster. I suggest buying from Crutchfield. You will pay a little more from Crutchfield but I have contacted them at least a half a dozen times for various questions. There was an issue with which antenna part was needed for the install. Rudy was correct, Crutchfield was on the fence based upon what their specs stated.. I recall it had to do with a "power antenna" or something in that arena. You could contact Rudy through the forum. Since I only drive in non winter weather, I can't recall where I left off with adjustments on the speaker issue. I do recommend the Kenwood 558BT. I don't know the diff of the 562. Ask Crutchfield-find them on the internet- they are MOST helpful and knowledgeable. Good luck and have fun with your new SRT!!

 

Good info.
I went with the 558bt and am very happy with it, install when smooth no big problems. Really like the USB input on the front, can put my favorite music on it. Got the micro USB memory stick you can hardly tell it is plugged into the radio.
Like everyone else only complaint is little hard to see read in sun with sunglasses on but still very happy.

 

So I'm new to the Forums and I was wondering if there was a model like the Kenwood 558bt since its no longer around.

 

Just do a search for the 558dbt and it comes up with comparisons.

Best to do more research but the Kenwood line of marines are all similar in fundtion etc.
Here's one that came up: Kenwood KMR-D765 Marine Single-DIN In-Dash Marine CD Receiver with Bluetooth, Pandora Internet Radio and SiriusXM Ready

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kenwood-K...&wl13=&veh=sem

 

http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/

Looks like the 768 is the top dog atm.

 

Course I am debating about changing my 558 for a new model, more eq control.

 

I liked the JVCs as well. (Not that they vary much, JVC and Kenwood are now JVCKenwood.)
And it's more than a sound system, we will change your life.

 

I can feel the "excitement", But how does it create "peace of mind" ?
Sends your kids off to boarding school and the wifey back to her parents for 6 months ?

 

I have no clue. I liked "Listen to the Future" better.

I think it's a problem with translation from Japanese to English; remember, that motto or line is used world wide - perhaps it translates better in other languages.

 

I put the KMR-D558bt in mine. The silver trim matches perfectly. It has blue tooth and USB port for my IPod.

 

Been looking for one of these, but all I can find is the KMRD768BT.
Does anybody know if this is a similar quality receiver

 

It's our replacement for the previous models. There were some improvements made (like 4dB higher power output, 50 watts as opposed to 20 watts), and several features were added, including a 5V line output level (you could probably drive the factory amp in our cars with the line output from this one - but I'd still encourage you to use the speaker outputs). It's "all that and more" (including the higher price).

I challenge you to come up with a feature you want that it does not have .

You can learn all about it here:
KMR-D768BT | Marine | CAR ENTERTAINMENT | KENWOOD USA




"Pizzaguy Mark"
Field Applications Engineer
R&D | Communications
JVCKenwood, Atlanta, GA

 

Looks like it doesn't have a front USB, is that correct?
I was looking for a unit to charge my phone, and/or hook up my ipod.....I know, I'm a dinosaur

 

Magredvet,


Try Crutchfield. That's where I got my radio from just 4 months ago. Best Wishes.

 

rear USB is even better, that way you can run the extension cable down the console and leave it poking out by the seat, no exposed wires going up to the radio.
Or even better, wire it to a panel mount USB connector inside the console box.

 

Looks like the Kenwood KMR-D365BT will provide the features & performance wanted. I prefer it because it has a front-load CD slot. No "behind the door" CD player. And the D5588T model looks to be discontinued by Kenwood. A search of Amazon showed the D365BT for $99 this morning.

 

Ok Thanks gents for all the advice. I prefer front USB, as I will be swapping between I-pod, and Android phone charging cable

 

It will charge your phone, etc.

But they moved the USB to a cable out of the back of the unit. Personally, I don't like that but I"m a dinosaur as well.

 

Font usb is nice for changing oit between flash drives for different music, in my truck has a rear usb I ran the cord to the glove box, and use flash drive in glove box.

I have a great idea for a feature that would be awesome, and sooo helpful.
Well 3 ideas.

Giving away any upgrades for ideas?

I have been running the 558 for awhile, wanting upgrade for a few reasons.