A couple of months ago, I purchased a new CD receiver for the handsome Focus. The OEM radio and CD unit died out after five plus years of service thus the new receiver. I was not looking for a reference system, so I purchased an entry-level unit.

The make is Kenwood and the model is KDC-MP238. The unit plus hardware and installation was approximately $200, so I went ahead and purchased it. Originally, I wanted a Sony but the salesperson commented (read bullshit) it was not a good unit.

Whatever moron, I just want a CD receiver so I can blow this taco stand. Well, after months of using the Kenwood receiver I can honestly state the unit is a piece of crap. The display is useless during the day and the multi-function volume knob sucks.

The multi-function knob is too short to grip by the edge, so I and others frequently push the knob in and select a different function. All I want to do is turn up the volume, simple enough right? Thanks to the moron Kenwood designers, this function is flawed.

I hate the LED display, because it is virtually useless during the day and too bright at night (feels like I have a neon kit inside the car). During the day, I find that I have to cover the display with my hand so I can see the text. WTF!

The annoyances just keep stacking up, but I will cut this post short. I do want to note that the unit has a stupid standby mode, which is useless if you ask me. Also, the preset buttons and function buttons are too small.

I do not have fat sausage fingers and I find it difficult to change the stations or other basic functions. Arrgh! Now that I commute, I need a solid receiver to play the tunes. Do not buy this unit unless you enjoy buying crap.

Kenwood KDC-MP238 CD Receiver