Kenwood is bringing new features to a pair of entry-level in-dash CD receivers — models KDC-125U and $110 KDC-165U —including 44.1kHz/16-bit FLAC playback and switching among USB drives connected to a multiport USB adapter.
The two dingle-DIN detachable-face head units are the $100-suggested KDC-125U and $110 KDC-165U. They are the first 2016 models to ship in the company’s 2016 CD-receiver lineup.
Both feature motorized CD slot, flip-open cover, USB port, and eighth-inch audio input. Via the USB port, consumers plug in USB drives to play MP3, WMA, WAV and FLAC music files. The new Drive Change feature lets users select from multiple.
The USB input is also works with Kenwood’s Music Play App for Android, which enables the head unit to manage the onboard music library of select Android-based smartphones.
The KDC-165U steps up to an iPod/iPhone-certified USB port, enabling the head to select iPhone/iPod-stored music by title, artist and album. The heads also control the Pandora and iHeartRadio apps on a USB-connected iPhone.
Both heads feature 4×50-watt amp, a single set of low-level RCA-type connectors, three-band equalizer, subwoofer level control, loudness switch, bass boost and low-pass filter. Proprietary Drive EQ adjusts equalization to compensate for road noise. A music-restore feature improves the sound quality of compressed music files.
