About the Kenwood DMX129BT
Big screen that fits more applications
Big screen that fits more applications
Drivers in search of a solid upgrade at a more wallet-friendly price will find Kenwood's DMX129BT multimedia receiver with its 6.75" capacitive touchscreen display to be a satisfying addition to their dash. You'll also have a lot of other great options, including hands-free calling, music streaming, and playback of music and video files stored on USB flash drives. Kenwood also gave the DMX129BT an incredibly shallow chassis (2-15/16" deep) for a better fit in challenging dashboards.
Simple touchscreen controls provide an easy way to play music and tweak your sound.
The best of your phone in your dash
When you're parked and the parking brake is engaged, plug in your Android™ via USB and connect via Bluetooth®, and you'll see a mirror image of your smartphone screen using Kenwood's free "Mirroring OB for Kenwood" app. Your apps will work the same way they do on your phone. And iPhone® users, you can also plug in to get access to all music, audiobooks, and podcasts. The USB port also charges your phone while you listen.
The best of Bluetooth
Built-in Bluetooth means you can wirelessly pair your phone with the DMX129BT to conduct hands-free calling and stream music, podcasts, and more from your favorite services. Kenwood includes a wired microphone so your contacts will hear you loud and clear during phone calls.
Backup cam input and HD video capability
These days, vehicle cameras are a must for safer driving, and Kenwood gives you a dedicated input for adding a backup cam. It'll even show parking guidelines for compatible cameras. And if you have high-def video files loaded onto a flash drive, this Kenwood will play them in bright and clear detail when you're parked. When you're on the road, you can entertain your passengers by sending a movie from the receiver to a rear-seat screen while you enjoy your music up front.
Shape your sound from your dash
This receiver's suite of sound-crafting tools include a 13-band equalizer, deep crossover settings, and built-in digital time alignment to ensure your seat is the sweet spot. Bring back the depth and detail for all your digital music sources with this receiver's processing power. The DMX129BT also includes five 2-volt RCA preamp outputs so you'll have plenty of flexibility when it's time to add amplifiers to your system.
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.
You'll need a wired connection to your parking brake to access settings and other features on this receiver. Your parking brake must be connected and set in order to view video on its screen.
Product highlights:
General features:
- digital multimedia player with AM/FM tuner (does not play CDs)
- plays media loaded with MP3, WMA, AAC , and hi-res FLAC and WAV music files
- 6.75" capacitive touchscreen display
- fits double-DIN (4" tall) dash openings
- white button illumination
Smartphone features:
- Android screen-mirroring via USB
- built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming
- built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control and rapid Android charging via USB port
Audio/video features:
- plays USB memory devices (see Details for full capabilities)
- 13-band graphic EQ with digital time alignment
Expandability:
- inputs: rear USB input; backup camera input; rear A/V input (RCA)
- outputs: rear video output; 5-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front, rear, mono sub)
Other information:
- wired connection to parking brake required to access settings and other features on this receiver (the brake must be connected and set for video display)
- built-in amplifier (16 watts RMS/45 peak x 4 channels)
- compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # DMX129BT
What's in the box:
Kenwood DMX129BT owner's manual
- Digital media receiver w/ fixed 6.75" touchscreen monitor (15A fuse)
- Sleeve (attached)
- Trim ring
- Power harness
- Speaker harness
- 6.5' Light-green parking brake wire (pre-installed)
- Microphone w/ bracket (attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle mono 3.5mm connector)
- 2 Radio removal tools
- Trim-ring removal tool
- Six M5x6mm pan-head ISO-mount screws
- Six M5x8mm flat-head ISO-mount screws
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty card
Customer reviews for Kenwood DMX129BT
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More details on the Kenwood DMX129BT
Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | RCA (rear) | |
Audio/video Input | RCA (rear) | |
USB Input | Rear | |
USB Port Power | 1.5A | |
Backup Camera Input | Yes | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | No | |
Alexa Voice Control | N | |
Android Control | Yes | |
Memory Card Slot | USB Memory | |
Bluetooth Compatible | Built-in | |
Satellite Radio Ready | No | |
HD Radio | No | |
Navigation | No | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | No | |
Nano | No | |
Touch | No | |
iPhone | 6S and newer | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | N/A | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | 16 watts | |
Peak Output | 45 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 5-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | No | |
Video Screen | Yes | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | N/A | |
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | N/A | |
Preamp Voltage | 2 volts | |
Screen Size | 6.75 | |
Screen Type | Swipeable (Capacitive) | |
Display Color | ||
Key Button Color | Blue | |
EQ Bands | 13 | |
Wireless Remote | No | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | Adapter required | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 16.2 dBf | |
European Tuning | No | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | Yes | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | MP3,WMA,AAC,FLAC,WAV | |
High-res Playback | FLAC/WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) |
Product Research
Android & iPhone Integration
Built-in Bluetooth
USB & Radio Playback
Audio & DSP Section
Audio/Video Connectivity
Touchscreen & Remote Control
Android & iPhone Integration
Android Smartphone Mirroring: Using the Mirroring OB for Kenwood app, you can mirror the content from your Android (OS 7.0+) smartphone onto the touchscreen monitor of the Kenwood DMX129BT; you'll be able to enjoy video and audio playback. Your compatible Android smartphone must be connected to the DMX129BT via USB and Bluetooth. The Kenwood receiver's light green wire (attached to rear chassis) must also be attached to your vehicle parking brake circuit and your vehicle's parking brake must be engaged in order to mirror content from your Android smartphone to the DMX129BT. In addition to mirroring content from your Android smartphone, you'll also be able to control your Android device from the in-dash receiver's touchscreen (some content may not support touchscreen control from the receiver). Mirrored content may or may not display in a portrait or landscape orientation.
- The unit does not support audio playback from Android devices using MTP (Media Transport Protocol) or AOA (Android Open Accessory.
- The Kenwood DMX129BT does not support Apple iOS device mirroring.
iPhone Music Playback: You can connect an Apple iPhone 6S or newer (running iOS 12.0+) to the DMX129BT for music playback & control via USB. Simply plug your compatible Apple device into the receiver's rear-panel USB port. The Kenwood receiver supports playback of stored music and music apps, along music browsing and playback control, plus song/artist information and album art.
- Head Unit Control: The Kenwood head unit allows you to navigate your iPod/iPhone's music library by category (Playlist/Artist/Song/Album/Genre) from its touchscreen controls. The head unit also supports basic playback functions like Play/Pause, Fast Forward/Rewind, Previous/Next Track and Repeat/Random of your connected iPod/iPhone. You'll still be able to control your connected iPhone from its own touchscreen so you can access other music applications.
- Song/Artist Info & Album Art: The DMX129BT will display your iPhone's stored music information including Track number, Elapsed playing time, Song/Album title, Artist name, and Album art. The unit will also display song/artist info and album art from select music apps.
Notes:
- Compatible iPhone models include the iPhone 6S and newer (running iOS 12.0+). Not compatible with older iPhones featuring a 30-pin connector. Not compatible with iPod touch, nano, classic, or other older iPod devices.
- Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.
Smartphone Charging: The Kenwood DMX129BT will also charge (5V/1.5A) your Android or Apple iOS device while connected via USB with the vehicle's ignition switch set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position.
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0: The Kenwood DMX129BT is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.0 allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit. The DMX129BT offers a wireless Bluetooth range of approximately 32.8'. In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:
- Hands-Free Communication: HFP 1.6 (Hands Free Profile), PBAB 1.2 (Phone Book Access Profile)
- Audio Streaming: A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP 1.5 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).
Secure Simple Pairing (SSP): With Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), you can easily pair a Bluetooth enabled phone to the Kenwood DMX129BT without having to enter pin codes or go through complicated settings. You can pair multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices (up to 8) to the Kenwood head unit, but only one can be active at a time. When an already paired Bluetooth device is in close proximity to the receiver, the auto connection function automatically pairs the two units.
Hands-Free Communication: The head unit supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled smartphone. Thanks to the Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.6) with wideband speech capability, the Kenwood DMX129BT provides more natural sound quality and details during wireless calls. The touchscreen controls of the DMX129BT can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also includes an external microphone (featuring adjustable gain), so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers (All or Front only). During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your phone) and the Hands Free Mode.
- Answering a Call: When a call comes in, a ring-tone will be heard through your vehicle's speaker and the caller's name or phone number will be displayed. You can answer the call from the head unit's touchscreen, or setup the head unit to automatically answer the incoming call immediately (within 5 seconds).
- Dialing a Number: From the receiver's touchscreen keypad you can directly dial a phone number. You can also download phonebook data from your phone to the DMX129BT and dial out by simply selecting a contact on the receiver's touchscreen (up to 1000 phonebook entries can be entered). In addition, there is call history log which consists of dialed calls, received calls, and missed calls (up to 50 total) that you can dial from the receiver's touchscreen. If your mobile phone supports voice recognition, then you can dial out by voice command; simply press the "voice control" icon on the head unit's touchscreen and speak into the included microphone.
Wireless Audio Streaming: The Kenwood DMX129BT supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled audio source. You'll be able to wirelessly stream your stored music library, music apps and other content on your Bluetooth source device to the Kenwood DMX129BT.
- Audio Codecs: In addition to support for the standard SBC Bluetooth audio codec, the DMX129BT offers support of AAC. By supporting AAC, the DMX129BT provides better audio performance of the music streamed from your Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
- Advanced Music Playback: In addition to basic playback functions (Play/Pause, FF/RW, Skip, Random/Repeat), the DMX129BT lets you browse your stored music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, etc. (AVRCP 1.4-up phones only; which includes Android 4.0+ and iPhone 5.0+). Advanced music playback functions can vary by phone.
- Song/Artist Information: The head unit will also display your stored music and music app's song information; such as Artist name, Song title, and Album label (no album art).
Note: When an incoming call or outgoing call is in progress from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, audio streaming will be paused so you can take your call. Once the call is finished, your streaming music will resume.
USB & Radio Playback
USB MSC Playback: The Kenwood DMX129BT features a rear-panel USB (type-A) port attached to the rear-chassis by a 39" cable. This USB port can be used for connection and control of a USB mass-storage class (MSC) device, such as a USB thumbdrive. The USB port enables playback of a variety of audio and video files stored on a compatible USB memory device (see chart below). USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the receiver's USB port (5V/1.5A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.
- Hi-Res Audio: The Kenwood digital media receiver supports playback of high-resolution FLAC & WAV music files (up to 24-bit/192kHz) via USB. High-Resolution Audio is high-quality sound that exceeds CD standard. High-resolution audio captures and beautifully expresses all the details of your favorite music.
- Head Unit Control: The Folder/Track List allows you to search folders and audio/video/picture files stored on a USB device. You can also control playback functions such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast Forward/Rewind, and Repeat/Random.
- Song/Artist Info with Album Art: The Kenwood DMX129BT will display song/artist information (as well as album art) for MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC music tracks.
Note: The USB port does not support USB hubs or card-readers.
File Compatibility: The Kenwood DMX129BT supports the following types of audio and video files loaded onto a USB mass storage class device.
Media Type | USB (MSC) | |
---|---|---|
File System | FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT | |
Playable File Types | Audio | MP3/WMA/AAC: bit rate of 16-320kbps; sampling frequency of 16-48kHz WAV/FLAC/OGG: bit depth of 16/24-bit; sampling frequency of 16-192kHz |
Video | MPEG-1/2/4, MKV, H.264 (up to 1920 x 1080) | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 320 folders/9,999 files (999 files per folder) | |
Tags | Folder and File names (up to 70 characters) |
Note: To prevent the display of video content while the vehicle is in motion, the light green wire (attached to rear-chassis) must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit. You cannot view video content unless your vehicle's parking brake is engaged. If you attempt to view video without the parking brake engaged, the unit's touchscreen monitor will simply display a black screen and "Parking Off".
AM/FM Tuner with RDS: The Kenwood DMX129BT offers manual, seek, and preset tuning. You can store up to 18 FM presets and 12 AM presets for a total of 30 station presets. The radio allows you to set your AM/FM stations manually or automatically. You can activate Local Seek to only tune in radio stations with sufficient signal strength. RDS (Radio Data System) is a service used by some radio stations to transmit data outside of normal radio broadcast signals. When an RDS station is received, you can immediately find out what kind of data is being transmitted by looking at the program service name which appears in the display after the frequency.
Apple Music Radio (iPhone Only): You can playback Apple Music Radio on a Bluetooth or USB connected Apple iPhone 6S and newer (iOS 12.0+) through the Kenwood DMX129BT. With a cellular connection on your iPhone, you can listen to Beats 1 and other live radio stations through the Kenwood receiver. Apple Music subscribers can also listen to on-demand stations for almost any genre or create their own stations. You can use the head unit's touchscreen to select between your Apple Music Radio stations. The touchscreen will also display song/artist/album information.
Firmware Updates (via USB): The unit's operating system is updateable via free downloadable software from Kenwood's support site. Firmware downloads assist in maintaining system performance when using external devices and emerging technologies. Firmware/software updates can be downloaded onto a USB thumbdrive from your computer and then inserted into the head unit's USB port and uploaded. Go to Kenwood's Support Site for the latest firmware/software updates.
Audio & DSP Section
MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood DMX129BT is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the DMX129BT are as follows:
- Full Bandwidth Power: 16 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
- Maximum Output Power: 45 watts x 4 channels (180 watts total)
5ch/2V Pre-Outs + Sub Control: The DMX129BT features front, rear and mono-subwoofer 2V pre-outs. The front and rear speaker pre-outs are balance and fade adjustable, while mono-subwoofer pre-out is non-fading.
High Pass & Low Pass Crossovers: The receiver offers independent high pass filters for the front speakers and rear speakers, as well as a low pass crossover for the unit's mono-subwoofer output.
- Front & Rear: independently set a high pass filter (HPF) for your front & rear speakers
- Frequency: 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz, Off (Full-Range)
- Slope: -6dB, -12dB, -18dB, -24dB
- Gain: -8 to 0 dB
- Sub: set low pass filter (LPF) for unit sub out
- Frequency: 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz, Off (Full-Range)
- Slope: -6dB, -12dB, -18dB, -24dB
- Phase: Reverse (180°), Normal (0°)
- Gain: -8 to 0 dB
DTA (Digital Time Alignment): For a better sound-stage you can select your optimal listening position. You can choose from All, Front Left, Front Right or Front. You can also select to manually fine tune the sound stage, using Digital Time Alignment (DTA) by selecting the distance (0-20') for each individual speaker in the vehicle compared to your listening position. You'll also be able to adjust the output level (-8 to 0dB) of each speaker.
Equalizer: The Kenwood DMX129BT offers 8 EQ Presets for easy adjustment, plus a 13-band EQ for customized tuning. The EQ settings are applied to all sources.
- Preset EQ: The integrated equalizer offers 8 preset sound modes (Flat, Pops, Easy, Top40, Jazz, Powerful, Rock, or User 1-3) suitable for the music genre of your choice.
- 13-Band EQ: The User modes (1-3) allows you to manually adjust the head unit's 13-band EQ (62.5Hz, 100Hz, 160Hz, 250Hz, 400Hz, 630Hz, 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 6.3kHz, 10kHz, & 16kHz). Each frequency's gain level can be adjusted from -9dB to +9 dB.
Bass Boost & Loudness: The Kenwood DMX129BT features a four-step Bass Boost (Off/1/2/3) to enhance your music's lower frequencies. The Loudness function enhances low and high frequencies to make the sound clearer at lower volumes.
Source Beep: The in-dash receiver provides an audible beep to confirm source selection. This function can be turned On or Off.
Audio/Video Connectivity
AV Input: The Kenwood DMX129BT is outfitted with a rear-panel AV input which consists of a composite video jack and stereo RCA jacks for connection of an external audio/video device such as a DVD player, game console or TV tuner. To prevent the display of video content while the vehicle is in motion, the light green wire (attached to rear-chassis) must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit. You cannot view video content unless your vehicle's parking brake is engaged. If you attempt to view video without the parking brake engaged, the unit's touchscreen monitor will simply display a black screen and "Parking Off".
Video Output: A single RCA composite video-output jack allows you to an add external monitor such as rear headrest monitor (sold separately). The video output can display the AV-input or USB video signal when its selected as the receiver's source, regardless if the vehicle's parking brake is engaged or not. Android mirrored content is not supported by the receiver's video output.
Rear Camera Input: The unit features a composite video input for connecting an optional rear view camera, such as the Kenwood CMOS-230 (113CMOS230, sold separately). By connecting a rear view camera, you can use the in-dash receiver's touchscreen monitor to see what's behind you when backing up.
- Parking Guide Lines: When a rear-view camera is connected and you are viewing a rear view image, parking guide lines appear on-screen making parking easy and safer. There are three color-coded horizontal guidelines and two vertical guidelines.
- Rear-View Auto Switching: The rear view camera video automatically displays when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse gear. The purple/white wire (attached to rear-chassis) must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching. Automatic video switching takes approximately 0.8 seconds.
- Reverse with ATT: When your vehicle's gear is shifted to Reverse, the head unit's volume level is automatically adjusted to -20dB (ATT). You can choose to have this feature turned off.
Touchscreen & Remote Control
6.75" Capacitive Touchscreen: The Kenwood DMX129BT features a fixed 6.75" widescreen (16:9) capacitive touchscreen LCD with LED backlighting. The LCD touchscreen has a resolution of 800 (H) x 480 (V) x RGB with 1,152,000 total pixels. The capacitive touchscreen LCD provides a high contrast ratio, crystal clear display, and vivid text; as well as highly responsive touchscreen operation. Touchscreen operations include tap, touch & hold, flick left or right, and swipe up or down.
- Dimmer: You can manually adjust the brightness level of LCD touchscreen monitor. It can be set to High, mid, or Low.
- Clock & Date: The digital media receiver offers a 12-hour clock & day/month/year display. The clock is visible from any source or menu screen. With your vehicle's key in the accessory or run position, the head unit will continue to display the LCD background image, clock, and button illumination during "Standby" mode. Pressing and holding the Power/Menu button turns the unit off completely.
- Languages: You can choose between English, French, or Spanish text for the receiver's on-screen menu display.
Quick Start Up:Â With its Quick Wake-up feature, the Kenwood DMX129BT is almost ready to go immediately right after turning on the ignition. It only takes a few seconds for the digital multimedia receiver to turn on (time measured approximately until "Warning" pop-up is displayed).
Touch-Sensitive, Push Button Controls: In addition to the capacitive touchscreen monitor, the Kenwood DMX129BT offers five touch-sensitive buttons along the left edge of the screen. The button illumination is a fixed blue color.
Parking Brake Interlock: To prevent the display of video and mirrored content while the vehicle is in motion, the light green wire (attached to rear-chassis) must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit. You cannot view video or mirrored content unless your vehicle's parking brake is engaged. If you attempt to view video without the parking brake engaged, the unit's touchscreen monitor will simply display a black screen and "Parking Off". While your vehicle is in motion (parking brake off), you can still view all of the head unit's menu screens/settings, source information, metadata, and album artwork.
Note: The parking brake wire must also be connected and the parking brake engaged for certain setup functions, menu options, and Android mirroring.
Steering Wheel Controls: The head unit features a factory steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately).
Optional Remote Control: The optional Kenwood KCA-RCDV340 wireless remote control (sold separately - not available at Crutchfield) is designed to operate this Kenwood head unit. The wireless remote controller operates off of two supplied "AAA" batteries. The remote operates off of IR transmission so the KCA-RCDV340 must be pointed at the front-panel of the Kenwood head unit within direct line of sight.
The Kenwood DMX129BT replaces these items
Kenwood DMX125BT
- 6.75" capacitive touchscreen display
- Android screen-mirroring via USB
- built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control and rapid Android charging via USB port
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Total game changer for the Wrangler! The stock stereo was a joke and you couldn't hear much with top down, but with this upgrade I can now hear the music with the top down cruising at hwy speeds. The easy instructions and plug & play harness made install a breeze!
Joseph from Murray, KY