I am going to do a comparison between the Kenwood KDC-X493 and Pioneer DEH-P410UB.

First off Price.

The KDC-X493 sells for around $180.

The DEH-P410UB sells for around $190

Here is the Specs for the DEH-P410UB

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, WMA, and AAC files)
• detachable face with 16-character Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) display
• remote controlAudio features:
• Easy EQ 3-band parametric equalizer with six preset tone settings
• Advanced Sound Retriever improves sound quality of your digital music files
• loudness
• high- and low-pass filtersExpandability:
• built in iPod control — no adapter necessary (Pioneer's connecting cable included — leave your iPod cable at home)
• compatible with optional Pioneer Bluetooth adapter, HD Radio tuner, satellite radio, CD changer
• inputs: front auxiliary input, rear USB input (for Windows Media devices, USB storage devices, and iPod)
• outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)Other info:
• compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
• CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
• warranty: 2 years

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Here are the specs for KDC-X493

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 files
• detachable face
• remote controlAudio features:
• System Q EX Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band parametric equalizer)
• high-pass filters (speaker and preamp outputs), low-pass filter (sub preamp output)
• speaker settings that let you tailor the sound to the size and type of speakers in your carExpandability:
• iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional connecting cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home
• compatible with Kenwood's satellite radio, CD changer, Bluetooth adapter and HD Radio™ tuner
• inputs: front USB and auxiliary inputs
• outputs: 6-channel 4-volt preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)Other features and specs:
• compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
• warranty: 2 years

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At First glance:

The KDC-X493 improves its face, from the KDC-MP442U's flat black finish, to a glossy finish. Its also an Excelon, which means, it ges a 2 year warranty and 4 volt preouts.

The DEH-P410UB continues its sleek, shiny gloss look, from the DEH-P4100UB, while carrying the Premier version, and also retaining the 4 Volt preouts.

Features:

The DEH-P410UB adds iPod Control, through use of a behind the radio USB. The radio includes the optional iPod cable in the box. The KDC-X493, does not have an iPod cable, but includes a USB on the front, which I think it pretty dog gone handy. You can purchase the optional KCA-i101 cable, to leave your white iPod cable at home, or you can save some money and use your white iPod cable in the car. The placement of the rear cable does give you the flexibiliy to route it to a location more secluded, i.e.; glove box, center console, giving the radio its good looks without having a cable poked in the front.

Both the KDC-X493 and DEH-P410UB have support for HD radio, and Satellite radio, both sirius and xm. Although you have to purchase modules for that. They also include support for MP3, WMA, and AAC, Apples version of compressed format. The DEH-P410UB employs the use of ASR, Advanced Sound Retreival, when this is turned on, the music coming from compressed files, is enchanced, to near CD quality.

The Kenwood KDC-X493 includes a Supreme Setting, which can be turned off/on, also provides higher quality music playback. This radio also features a Music Search feature which allows you to scroll through and select your MP3/WMA music folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks using the headunit's rotary knob. This radio also provides a new feature called Favorites. You can set your favorite iPod playlist, fm/am station, satellite channel, or even phone numbers when you use the optional Bluetooth module.

Both radios have a front AUX input. Great for anything other than an iPod, that provides sounds through headphone jacks.

The DEH-410UB has a 2 Year warranty and 3 (4 volt) front/rear/subwoofer preouts.

The KDC-X493 has a 2 Year warranty and 3 (4volt) front/rear/subwoofer preouts.

For cosmetic appearance:

The KDC-X493 has less buttons on the face with nice bright blue illumination and white lettering on display. The DEH-P410UB have a sleek, even more chrome, than the previous models, with blue illumination and a blue lettered display.

Overall Recommendations:

KDC-X493

Ease of Use: 7

Appearance: 7

Performance and Features: 8

Pros:

Easy menu setup and the ability to change eq settings. Big buttons on the face, make it easier, to scroll through your music. The Front USB and Front Aux makes it easy to hook up a iPod, 8 gig thumbdrive, or other audio source. 2 Year Warranty 4 Volt Preouts

Cons:

The loss of preset channel buttons make it alittle harder to set stations.

DEH-P410UB

Ease of Use: 7

Appearance: 7

Performance and Features: 8

Pros:

Very nice face, shinier, sleek appearance. Having a USB in the rear, makes it a neater installation, by routing the include iPod cord to another location. Improved accessibility to the Bass/Mid/Treble controls.

Cons:

Having the USB in the rear makes it harder to hook up other items, other than a iPod.

My Thoughts:

Both the Kenwood KDC-X493 and Pioneer DEH-P410UB are equal, in almost every feature. They both have USB/Aux Inputs. 2 Year warranties come with both, as well with hi-volt preouts, which is always good with people with amplifiers. They both look really nice, and have a superior feel about them. If I had to choose, it would be a difficult one. Me being a Kenwood man, I actually would choose the DEH-P410UB over the KDC-X493, mainly because of the included iPod cable, even for just the few dollars more.