Heathrow, Fla. – Dual has begun
shipping its first mechless marine head unit and will follow up in six weeks
with shipments of two automotive CD-receivers that feature iPod-controlling USB
ports.
The single-DIN marine head unit
is part of the $149-suggested MXCP42 combo pack that includes two 6.5-inch
speakers. The 4×25-watt head unit features front-panel 3.5mm aux input, SD card
slot and USB port, which is designed to connect music-laden USB sticks. The
device decodes the MP3 and WMA music formats. Other features include 18 FM/12
AM presets and one pair of preamp outputs.
The package is targeted mainly to sporting
good stores, boating stores and other venues where serious boaters shop, said
commerce division president Clyde Podraza. A mechless marine head unit is ideal
for boaters, he added, because digital media are impervious to skipping on
rough waters, and it is inherently more resistant to the elements because it
lacks a CD slot.
The marine unit is made with UV-resistant plastic. Coated circuit boards
and a plated chassis resist corrosion.
The combo’s speakers are made of injection-molded polypropylene with
poly-coated cloth surround. Connection terminals are corrosion-resistant, and
mounting hardware and speaker grilles are rust-resistant, the company said.
The two new iPod-controlling CD-receivers are
the $159-suggested XHDR6435 and $179 XDMA6630, both featuring the company’s
second-generation front-panel USB input to connect, control and charge an iPod
or iPhone, Podraza said. They also support iTunes tagging when connected to an
optional $129-suggested outboard HD Radio tuner. Both also feature detachable
face.
The $159 model accepts a
Bluetooth module for hands-free calling and reproducing stereo music streamed
from a stereo Bluetooth-equipped source. The $179 model features built-in
stereo hands-free Bluetooth plus an external microphone to improve voice
quality during hands-free phone calls.
Both models display iPod-stored song and
artist information, and both come with wireless remote and a pair of RCA
preouts. The $179 model also interfaces with steering-wheel-mounted audio
controls when used with an optional adapter.
The iPod-controlling CD-receivers will join a pair of mechless
iPod-docking head units that feature flip-down front -panel iPod dock. Both
have been available since late last year.
