Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Kenwood 72X TrueX was an unusually fast, quiet CD-ROM drive for its time, especially with pressed discs. But period testing also found trouble with some CD-R and CD-RW media and imperfect audio extraction. It is interesting vintage hardware, not a dependable all-purpose choice by modern standards; a surviving unit’s condition and your old PC’s IDE/ATAPI compatibility matter more than its 72X label.
What was the Kenwood 72X TrueX?
It was a late-1990s/early-2000s internal CD-ROM drive using an EIDE/ATAPI interface. PCSTATS listed support for CD-ROM Mode 1 and Mode 2, CD-R, CD-RW and CD-DA, and gave the drive an Editors Choice award after finding it exceptionally fast in that review’s tests. Those results describe a period test setup; they do not mean every disc, task or surviving drive will run at a constant 72X. PCSTATS review
TrueX was notable for delivering its performance while operating more quietly than many contemporary high-speed drives. Quietness is one of the strengths noted both in testing and in owner discussion.
How well did it read discs and extract audio?
Performance depended on the disc. CDRInfo found strong data-reading results on pressed CDs and gold-dye media, but some blue-dye recorded discs performed poorly or failed, and the drive had difficulty recognizing some CD-RW media. Its audio-extraction tests also produced inaccurate WAV results in tested cases. These are findings from particular media and test conditions, not proof that every unit will fail on those disc types. CDRInfo review and media tests
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Big Touchscreen - The 6.8" widescreen is capacitive a touchscreen LCD with LED backlighting. The capacitive touchscreen LCD provides a high contrast ratio, crystal clear display, and vivid text as well as highly responsive touchscreen operation.
- Apple CarPlay - Finally a safer way to use your iPhone in the car. Simply talk to Siri or touch the receiver’s display to get directions from Apple Maps, make phone calls, listen to voicemail, send and receive texts, and listen to music from Apple Music or your favorite 3rd party streaming services like Pandora and Spotify, all in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road.
- Android Auto - Designed with safety in mind, helping you to minimize distractions and stay focused on the road. KENWOOD's multimedia receivers combine an intuitive voice controlled interface with a large touch screen and superior sound quality, making it the perfect complement for your in-car life. With the latest ANDROID OS version (PIE and higher), Google Maps and Waze are also supported.
- Media Playback - Use the USB port to watch movies or listen to your favorite music. Tune into the AM/FM radio stations for up to date music/news/sports amd more. Plays High Resolution FLAC, Access additional music, sports and entertainment content on the go with SiriusXM Radio. (Optional SiriusXM tuner required, sold separately) Android USB Mirroring Solution for seamlessly displaying and controlling your smartphone apps on a screen via a USB connection on select Android devices
- Cameras and Audio - Rear View Camera Input with Parking Guide Lines An optional rear view camera enhances safety while backing up and monitoring behind your vehicle. Built-in, adjustable parking guidelines further add to its effectiveness. 13 Band Graphic EQ and Time Alignment - Use the graphic equalizer to tailor the sound quality to your unique tastes. Additional sound staging is available with the Time Alignment feature, designed to provide optimal sound performance
For someone asking in 2000 whether it could rip CDs quickly, the fair answer is that its data speed made it an impressive drive on suitable discs, but speed alone did not guarantee accurate digital audio extraction. If accurate ripping matters, test the particular drive with the discs and software you intend to use, and verify the resulting audio rather than assuming the advertised speed ensures a clean rip.
Was it reliable and compatible with all CDs?
No evidence supports a claim that the drive was compatible with every CD or that it had a predictable long-term failure rate. The contemporary owner reports conflict: some users praised their drives, while others reported poor reading or early failure. Those anecdotes show variation, but they cannot establish how often failures occurred. AnandTech owner discussion from 2000
Rank #2
- Talk to Amazon Alexa on your KENWOOD Receivers. With Alexa Built-in, you can ask to play music, place calls, listen to audiobooks, hear the news, check the weather, control smart home devices, get directions, find parking, and more - all while you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Connect your iPhone or Android device to access and control the most popular music application sources. Simply install the Spotify and/or Pandora apps on your device, then connect iPhone (USB or Bluetooth) or Android (Bluetooth only) to enjoy music playback.
- While you are connected through Bluetooth, with a touch of a button you can switch between two phones.
- Easy front panel connection for your compatible USB- enabled devices. These include Mass Storage Class devices like iPods, smartphones, and USB flash drives. The USB input will allow you to charge and control the music playback of your select devices.
- HD Radio has the best selection of local radio with amazing features and no monthly fees. HD Radio provides CD sound quality from digital FM stations and FM sound quality from digital AM stations. You can even access additional HD multicasting stations that are not available on traditional analog radio.
Compatibility also depends on the media. The period tests are encouraging for pressed discs, but provide clear reasons not to assume equally good results with every CD-R or CD-RW. A used drive may have additional wear or faults that the original reviews cannot speak to.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you use one in a vintage PC?
It can make sense as a restoration part or collector’s hardware if you want an authentic period drive and have a compatible machine. The quick-install guide specifies an available half-height 5.25-inch bay and describes cable and master/slave jumper setup. Check that the host system has compatible IDE/ATAPI support, cabling and mounting before buying or installing one. Kenwood quick-install guide
Rank #3
- 720W Peak Power with Superior Efficiency These passive 6"x9" car speakers handle up to 720W peak power and 150W RMS, delivering robust, distortion-free sound with excellent efficiency, making them ideal for both factory and aftermarket head units
- Enhanced Sound Quality Features a polypropylene woofer cone with a diamond array pattern and rubber surround, minimizing distortion and ensuring durability for superior sound reproduction.
- Crisp High Frequencies Equipped with a 1-3/4" balanced dome tweeter and additional super tweeters, providing clear and detailed highs to complement the rich mid and low frequencies.
- Acoustic Sound Harmonizer Incorporates an Acoustic Sound Harmonizer to improve response in the 3000 to 4000 Hz range, resulting in a smoother and more natural sound experience
- Easy Installation Designed with a new frame that offers an enlarged open area, providing more bass and cleaner sound, and facilitating straightforward installation in various vehicle models
For a particular used unit, prioritize demonstrated function over reputation: test pressed discs, the CD-R or CD-RW media you actually use, and audio extraction if that is important to you. When comparing it with another old drive, consider read performance on your own discs, noise, extraction accuracy, the condition of the individual unit and whether it fits and connects to your system. The historical reviews do not establish a current best choice or a modern-PC upgrade recommendation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Coaxial speak pair with 4 ohms of impedance
- 250 watts max power; 30 watts RMS power
- Woofer features 6 x 8 inch paper cone construction
- Features a 1-inch pei balanced dome tweeter
- Includes 2 Speakers, tapping screws, and speaker cord
Rank #4
- SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY: Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and streaming music, as well as the ability to use your smartphone like a wireless remote control with the KENWOOD Remote app. Alexa works just like the Alexa products you have at home
- AUDIO QUALITY: Sound quality enthusiasts will love the playback support of various types of music formats including FLAC files. Simple on-screen or app-assisted sound customization is also available for the EQ & Digital Time Alignment. HD Radio Amazing Sound with no fees
- EXPANDABILITY: Inputs include front-panel USB port and aux input and Six 5-volt RCA Preouts (Front, Rear, Subwoofer) Includes high quality external microphone. Compatible with SiriusXM Tuner
- DETAILS: Premium 2-year warranty, 13-Band EQ, Pair two phones for simultaneous hands-free calling and up to five for music streaming. Match your interior perfectly with variable-color display. Drive EQ improves sound to compensate for exterior road noise
- EASY INSTALL: This Car Stereo is shorter in depth than standard models, installation is made easier in a wider range of cars and applications than ever before.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
