Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P, a component speaker system that's been making waves in the car audio world. If you're serious about sound quality and want to upgrade your car's audio system, you've probably heard of Kenwood's Excelon line. The XR-1701P is part of their Reference series, which means it's designed to deliver top-notch performance and accuracy. We're going to break down everything you need to know about these speakers, from their features and specifications to their sound quality and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so the first thing you'll notice when you get your hands on the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P is the packaging. It's clean, professional, and gives you the impression that you're dealing with a high-end product. Inside the box, you'll find:

• Two 6.75" woofers
• Two 1" tweeters
• Two external crossovers
• Mounting hardware
• Speaker grilles
• Owner's manual

The components feel solid and well-built. The woofers have a nice weight to them, and the tweeters look sleek and modern. The external crossovers are a welcome addition, as they allow for more precise control over the sound. Overall, the initial impression is very positive. You can tell that Kenwood has put a lot of thought and effort into the design and construction of these speakers. Holding these components, the build quality immediately stands out. The materials used feel premium, and everything seems meticulously assembled. The woofers have a substantial heft, indicating robust construction, while the tweeters exude a sense of refined engineering. Even the external crossovers feel like they're built to last. This attention to detail extends to the included accessories as well. The mounting hardware is comprehensive, ensuring a secure and stable installation. The speaker grilles are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of elegance to your car's interior. And of course, the owner's manual is clear, concise, and provides all the information you need to get the most out of your new speakers. The packaging itself is also noteworthy. It's not just a box; it's a statement. The clean design and professional presentation convey a sense of quality and attention to detail. It's the kind of packaging that makes you feel like you've invested in a premium product. So, from the moment you unbox the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P, you know you're in for a treat. The attention to detail, the quality of the materials, and the overall presentation all point to a product that's designed to deliver exceptional performance. It's a great first impression that sets the stage for what's to come.

Features and Specifications

Let's dive into the technical side of things. Here are some of the key features and specifications of the XR-1701P:

• Speaker Size: 6.75" woofer, 1" tweeter
• Speaker Type: Component
• Peak Power Handling: 180 Watts
• RMS Power Handling: 45 Watts
• Frequency Response: 63 Hz - 22 kHz
• Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 83 dB
• Woofer Material: Polypropylene
• Tweeter Material: Silk Dome
• Crossover: External, 2-way

These specs tell us a few important things. First, the XR-1701P is designed for clarity and detail, with a wide frequency response that covers the entire audible range. The silk dome tweeters are known for their smooth and natural sound, while the polypropylene woofers provide a good balance of stiffness and damping. The external crossovers allow for precise control over the frequency response, ensuring that each speaker is only playing the frequencies it's designed to handle. The power handling is also worth noting. With a peak power handling of 180 watts and an RMS power handling of 45 watts, these speakers can handle a decent amount of power without distortion. However, it's important to remember that you'll need a good quality amplifier to get the most out of them. The frequency response of 63 Hz to 22 kHz is impressive, indicating that these speakers can reproduce a wide range of sounds, from deep bass to sparkling highs. This is crucial for creating a balanced and immersive listening experience. The impedance of 4 ohms is standard for car audio speakers, making them compatible with most aftermarket amplifiers. The sensitivity rating of 83 dB is relatively low, which means that these speakers will require more power to reach a given volume level. This further emphasizes the need for a good quality amplifier. The woofer material, polypropylene, is a popular choice for car audio speakers due to its durability and resistance to moisture. It also provides a good balance of stiffness and damping, which helps to reduce distortion. The tweeter material, silk dome, is known for its smooth and natural sound. Silk dome tweeters are generally considered to be more accurate and less harsh than other types of tweeters, such as metal dome tweeters. The external crossover is a key feature of the XR-1701P. It allows for precise control over the frequency response, ensuring that each speaker is only playing the frequencies it's designed to handle. This results in a cleaner, more accurate sound.

Sound Quality

Now, let's get to the most important part: how do these speakers sound? In a word, fantastic. The Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P delivers a clean, detailed, and balanced sound that will impress even the most discerning audiophiles. The highs are crisp and clear without being harsh, the mids are smooth and natural, and the bass is tight and punchy. These speakers excel at reproducing vocals and acoustic instruments, but they also handle electronic music and hip-hop with aplomb. The soundstage is wide and well-defined, creating a truly immersive listening experience. One of the things that really stands out about the XR-1701P is its ability to reproduce subtle details in the music. You'll hear things you've never heard before in your favorite songs, from the gentle strumming of a guitar string to the subtle breath of a vocalist. This level of detail is what separates these speakers from the competition. The high frequencies are handled with grace and precision by the silk dome tweeters. They deliver a smooth, airy sound that's free of harshness or sibilance. This is especially important for listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies. The midrange is equally impressive. The XR-1701P reproduces vocals and instruments with remarkable accuracy and clarity. The midrange is smooth, natural, and free of coloration. This is crucial for creating a realistic and immersive listening experience. The bass response is tight, punchy, and well-defined. The polypropylene woofers provide a solid foundation for the music, without being boomy or muddy. The bass is also surprisingly deep for a 6.75" woofer. The soundstage is wide and well-defined, creating a sense of space and depth in the music. You'll feel like you're sitting in the middle of the recording, surrounded by the musicians. This is a hallmark of high-quality component speakers. Overall, the sound quality of the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P is exceptional. These speakers deliver a clean, detailed, and balanced sound that will impress even the most discerning audiophiles. They're a great choice for anyone who's serious about sound quality.

Installation

Installing the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P is a bit more involved than installing a pair of coaxial speakers, but it's still a manageable project for the average DIYer. Because these are component speakers, you'll need to mount the woofers and tweeters separately. You'll also need to find a suitable location for the external crossovers. Here are a few tips for a smooth installation:

• Plan ahead: Before you start, take some time to plan out your installation. Decide where you're going to mount the woofers, tweeters, and crossovers. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand.
• Use the right tools: You'll need a variety of tools for this project, including a drill, screwdriver, wire stripper, and crimper. Make sure you have the right tools for the job before you start.
• Take your time: Don't rush the installation process. Take your time and do things right the first time. This will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
• Consult the owner's manual: The owner's manual contains a wealth of information about the XR-1701P, including detailed installation instructions. Be sure to read it carefully before you start.

When installing the woofers, make sure they are securely mounted to a solid surface. This will help to improve the bass response. When installing the tweeters, consider their placement carefully. The ideal location for the tweeters will depend on your car's interior and your personal preferences. Experiment with different locations to find the one that sounds best. The external crossovers should be mounted in a location that is easily accessible for adjustments. This will allow you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. When wiring the speakers, be sure to use high-quality speaker wire. This will help to ensure that you're getting the best possible sound quality. And finally, don't forget to test the speakers after you've completed the installation. Make sure everything is working properly before you button everything up. If you're not comfortable with any aspect of the installation process, it's always best to consult with a professional. A professional installer will have the experience and expertise to ensure that your speakers are installed correctly and safely.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P:

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Clean, detailed, and balanced sound
• Wide frequency response
• Smooth and natural highs
• Tight and punchy bass
• External crossovers for precise control
• High-quality components
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Relatively low sensitivity
• Requires a good quality amplifier
• More involved installation than coaxial speakers
• Can be expensive compared to other options

While the low sensitivity might be a drawback for some, it's important to remember that these speakers are designed for sound quality, not sheer volume. If you're looking for speakers that can play extremely loud without distortion, you might want to consider a different option. However, if you're willing to invest in a good quality amplifier, the XR-1701P will reward you with exceptional sound quality. The more involved installation is another potential drawback, but it's a necessary trade-off for the improved sound quality that component speakers offer. If you're not comfortable with the installation process, you can always hire a professional installer. The price of the XR-1701P can be a barrier for some buyers. These speakers are definitely an investment, but they're well worth the money if you're serious about sound quality. Compared to other high-end component speakers, the XR-1701P offers excellent value for the money. Overall, the pros of the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P far outweigh the cons. These speakers are a great choice for anyone who's looking for exceptional sound quality and is willing to invest the time and money to get the most out of them.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few other component speaker systems to consider:

• Focal PS 165 FE: These speakers are known for their exceptional clarity and detail, with a slightly brighter sound than the XR-1701P.
• Morel Tempo Ultra 602: These speakers offer a warm and natural sound, with excellent midrange performance.
• Hertz Mille Pro MPK 165.3: These speakers are a good all-around performer, with a balanced sound and good power handling.

Each of these alternatives offers a different sonic signature and feature set, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best meets your needs. The Focal PS 165 FE speakers are a great choice for listeners who prefer a brighter, more detailed sound. They're known for their exceptional clarity and imaging, making them a popular choice among audiophiles. The Morel Tempo Ultra 602 speakers are a good option for listeners who prefer a warmer, more natural sound. They're known for their excellent midrange performance, making them a great choice for vocals and acoustic instruments. The Hertz Mille Pro MPK 165.3 speakers are a good all-around performer. They offer a balanced sound, good power handling, and a durable construction. They're a great choice for listeners who want a versatile speaker system that can handle a variety of musical genres. When choosing a component speaker system, it's important to consider your personal preferences, your budget, and the specific requirements of your car. Be sure to listen to several different systems before making a decision.

Final Verdict

The Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P is an excellent component speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality. If you're serious about upgrading your car's audio system, these speakers are definitely worth considering. They offer a clean, detailed, and balanced sound that will impress even the most discerning audiophiles. While they may require a bit more investment and installation effort than other options, the results are well worth it. These are a fantastic upgrade. The sound quality alone makes them worth the investment, but the high-quality components and durable construction also ensure that they'll last for years to come. If you're looking for a component speaker system that will take your car audio to the next level, the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P is an excellent choice. You won't be disappointed.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive review of the Kenwood Excelon Reference XR-1701P. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just getting started with car audio, I hope this article has been helpful. Happy listening!