I am going to do a comparison between the Kenwood KDC-MP242 and DEH-2100IB.

First off Price.

The KDC-MP242 sells for around $130.

The DEH-2100IB also sells for around $130

Here is the Specs for the DEH-2100IB

General features:

• CD receiver with built-in MOSFET amplifier (14 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
• plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA files
• remote control

Audio features:

• 3-band equalizer with six preset tone settings
• loudness
• source level adjustment

Expandability:

• iPod control built-in (cable included)
• inputs: front panel auxiliary input
• outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs (rear)

Other info:

• CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
• warranty: 1 year

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the specs for KDC-MP242

General features:

• CD player with built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
• plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA music files
• detachable face with front auxiliary input
• remote control
• Audio features:
• System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band equalizer)
• low-pass filter and sub level control
• Expandability:
• compatible with Kenwood's iPod adapter, Bluetooth adapter, HD Radio tuner, satellite radio, CD changer
• inputs: front-panel auxiliary input, optional rear aux in
• outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (front, rear/sub)
• Other features and specs:
• warranty: 1 year
• --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The KDC-MP242 had amore redefined look, than from the previous KDC-138. The once square joystick pad has been removed, leaving the Aux Input on the right hand side. The new channel and track forward buttons now have been moved closer to the Volume knob. Along with the FM/AM buttons. The display shows only track, or frequenty or time, but not both. Although if the clock button is pressed it will show up after a few seconds, leaving just the clock on the display.

The DEH-2100IB still retains the sleek look from the previous DEH-1100MP, it does have a chromier, if that is such a word, look to it. Giving it a shine. The buttons are in the same order also, although some have different functions now. The DEH-2100IB has buttons mounted around the volume knob. If you have big fingers like me, you could accidentally push the buttons, as you turn the volume knob. I think they are alittle close. With my fingers there almost is no way to change the channel without my finger also touching the volume knob or vise versa.

The KDC-MP242 now includes a remote control and plays MP3, WMA cds, just like the DEH-2100IB.

The DEH-2100IB adds a new feature, which is iPod Control, and includes an iPod cable in the box with the radio. The KDC-MP242 does have iPod control but you have to purchase an additional accessory, the KCA-iP500, which usually runs around $100 or so.

The KDC-MP242 now includes readiness for HD radio, and Satellite radio, both sirius and xm. Although you have to purchase modules for that. The DEH-2100IB does not support those.

They both have a front AUX input. The KDC-MP242 actually has that turned off by default. But a quick jump in the menu you can turn it back on as well as changing the time, or turning on subwoofer output.

The DEH-2100IB has 1 (2volt) rear preout. The KDC-MP242 has 2 (2volt) front/rear preouts w/ switchable subwoofer output.

On the KDC-MP242, to change to bass, mids and treble, all you have to do is push in the volume knob, and you can cycle through bass, mids, treble, balance, and fader. To make a change all you have to do is turn the knob.

On the DEH-2100IB,the arrangement of button pushing has changed since the DEH-1100MP. It almost resembles the way the Kenwood KDC-MP242 does its bass/mid/treble setup. You push the Multi-Control (volume Knob) in and you will get a choice between Audio and Function, make sure Audio is on the screen and then turn the knob until you see Tone Contrl. If you choose Equalizer, like most people might, you will get the presets, ie: vocal, superbass, etc. When you see Tone Contrl push in the volume knob, to get to the bass/mid/treble setup. If you push in the button repeatedly it will cycle through, and then you just turn the knob to make changes. Alot better than the DEH-1100MP I think, but still on the "you need a learning curve" side. Especially in traffic, it could easily fustrate some users.

Both the Kenwood KDC-MP242 and Pioneer DEH-2100IB both have a AME (Kenwood) and BSM (Pioneer) to automatically set the next six strong FM stations to your presets.

For cosmetic appearance:

The KDC-MP242 has improved the look with a much more organized face with nice bright blue illumination and white lettering on display. The DEH-2100IB have a sleek, more on the chromish side face, with green illumination and a white lettered display.

Overall Recommendations:

KDC-MP242

Ease of Use: 8

Appearance: 7

Performance and Features: 6

Pros:

Easy menu setup and the ability to change eq settings. Add Modules for more performance and features is a big plus.

Cons:

You have to add a module for the ipod controls

DEH-2100IB

Ease of Use: 7

Appearance: 7

Performance and Features: 7

Pros:

Very nice face, sleek appearance. Having a remote and play mp3s is a plus. Has an included iPod cable for iPhone and iPod users. Improved accessibility to the Bass/Mid/Treble controls.

Cons:

Buttons still surround the volume, making it difficult, with some features, for big fingered people, especially during traffic.

My Thoughts:

The KDC-MP242 radio has lots of room to grow. Unfornuately you would have to get modules and interface boxes, to make it grow. The DEH-2100IB radio while almost the same as the DEH-1100MP, except for more stylish look, and included iPod Cable, does not provide any support for upgradeability like satellite radio, or HD radio. So out of the two, I would have to go with the Kenwood, unless all I was going to be using was an iPod. Then the DEH-2100IB would be my choice.