Kenwood KMR-D382BT Single Din Car/Marine Stereo Head Unit

Curated from 82 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 14, 2025

Kenwood KMR-D382BT Single Din Car/Marine Stereo Head Unit

Brand: Kenwood
Price: $149
Snoop Score:
4.5
Sentiment
1.7
Popularity
1.2
Technical
6.7

Snoop's Take

The KENWOOD KMR-D382BT is a rugged marine and car stereo head unit that delivers versatile audio performance for both land and watercraft applications. Designed for an array of vehicles, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, CD, USB, and SiriusXM capabilities in a single, compact unit. User sentiment is polarized; while one reviewer exulted, 'I love my Kenwood digital BT head unit!', others lambasted its intermittent Bluetooth pairing and wiring sensitivities. Consumers appreciate the cost-effective marine-grade construction but remain wary of design shortcomings and internal wiring errors. Several users reported frustrations with connectivity, with advice to reset devices frequently adding to the debate. Overall, the feedback reflects robustness in performance but significant issues in reliability. In conclusion, the KMR-D382BT is recommended for buyers prioritizing marine durability and audio quality, provided they can overlook the recurring connectivity and wiring glitches.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Marine Stereos

All polk speakers are marine grade, and are great for the money, if you're not planning on amping that's what I'd go with.

Positive Feedback

It's a little janky up does work sometimes.

Negative Feedback
Product
4.5
Kenwood KMR-D382BT Single Din Car/Marine Stereo Head Unit
Recreational Boating
6 / 10
Fishing Expeditions
7 / 10
Sport and Speed Boats
6 / 10
Watercraft Entertainment
6 / 10
See how this compares to all Marine Stereos

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Cost-effective marine-grade design
All polk speakers are marine grade, and are great for the money, if you're not planning on amping that's what I'd go with.
Reliable Kenwood digital BT head unit
I love my Kenwood digital BT head unit!

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Bluetooth connectivity issues
It's a little janky up does work sometimes.
First advise as everybody else. Delete the pairing on both the stereo and the phone.
Sometimes I'll have to turn my whole phone off and back on, which hasn't failed yet.
Unattractive design compared to competitors
I wish I had gotten a VDO (sometimes branded as Continental). They make some that look like old euro head units with no chrome or lights.
Miswired error issues likely due to internal wiring/corrosion
it's detection is way too sensitive, pretty unfortunate.
Bad wiring, either with the plug, or internally seems to be the most likely culprit.
Pretty disappointing for a 'marine' grade head unit.
I should have never trusted the sticky back. Thats on me.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Kenwood KMR-D382BT Single Din Car/Marine Stereo Head UnitKenwood KMR-D382BT Single Din Car/Marine Stereo Head Unit$149
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Concerns about Kenwood's ham radio division
Apparently they have not recovered from the loss.
I believe that of all the products they make and all the markets they compete in, ham radio is Kenwood's last and lowest priority.
Very small quantities on Kenwood HF.
Waterproof durability is crucial for marine head units
If you are planning on making it, there are a couple of things to consider.
If you dig into the review on these, you will find the same feedback. Little wet- kaboom!

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Kenwood recognized as a reliable option in budget head units
I’ve always had success with pioneer or kenwood.
General marine audio recommendations and installation insights
I am getting ready to do a cart was also looking for water proof systems.
Honestly I'd say a portable boom box that you bring with you and keep a stash of D batteries on hand for.
If you just want to hang out at anchor or on the dock and listen to music, almost any marine stereo would work.
My vote is for fusion. They never last more than a few seasons on a boat that open.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Remote control compatibility challenges with aftermarket remotes
Step one throw away the kenwood. Step two buy JBL headunit.
It might be possible if the head unit supports general steering wheel controls.
If this remote is mounted on your dash I would recommend swapping it to a JBL round gauge style headunit.
Whats the model of the remote

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