Archive for February, 2010
Alpine has built on the success of its Digital Media Receivers with another breakthrough model. Introducing the iXA-W404R Digital Media Station featuring a new touch control interface with Scrollview. You just move your finger up and down the 4.3″ screen to make selections. The customisable display is new, too: you can add elements to create just the kind of display you want. Alternatively keep the screen standard and use the control stick, Both ways offer excellent navigation through headunits menu’s and fast selection to the music or videos you want to play.
You get a new operation feel for quicker, smooth access to music and videos. It’s the best way yet to expand your system with an iPod and many other sources. The iXA-W404R offers iPod connectivity as standard via the built in USB input, this allows you to get the maximum out of your iPod and play all your favourite Music or Videos you have stored away.
This system is also based on the iXA-W404R, is also available with the following optional upgrades; Satellite Navigation System (NVE-M300P) and the KCE-400BT Bluetooth Phone kit. It’s ideal for anyone who will benefit from these devices from businessman to Car Enthusiasts. Naturally, you also gets the benefits of enhanced navigation performance and visibility, and easier operation from the Digital Media Station. This stereo is as close to perfect as your likely to get!
Stats & Features
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Radio
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4.3″ TFT Colour Screen with artwork for IPOD
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USB Connection for IPod and IPhone Alphabet/ % Search.
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USB, Blue/Red Illumination.
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Bluetooth Ready (via KCE 400BT),
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Changer Control.
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AV input and AV output.
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3 x Preout, 4 x 50 Watts, 24 Bit DAC, SWRC, Vehicle Display Ready, Imprint Ready (via PXA H100)
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NO99 RGB Input.
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Camera input
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The Alpine CDE-103BT is a single DIN sized headunit. You get a full featured AM/FM/CD/MP3 player which also provides full speed connectivity of an iPod or iPhone with the optional KCE-433iV cable. The CDE-103BT meets Apple’s specifications for “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility. And if you’re like me and have thousands of songs on your iPod, you’ll especially appreciate Alpine’s “Quick Search” file search mode. This clever system splits your songs into six groups accessed via the preset buttons on the faceplate. This allows you to quickly jump to a section, rather than scroll through the entire alphabet to get to where you want to be. Another search mode is also handy, this one allows you to scroll through the various hierarchies such as Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre etc. Either way, it’s fairly painless to find the track you’re looking for.
The Alpine unit has a removable faceplate, and an easy to read, single line display with large white characters. Button colors can be set to red, orange, green or blue to match almost any interior lighting. Also on the front panel is a USB connection for those who prefer to carry their music on a USB drive, and for users of personal music players other than the iPod, there is also a 3.5mm Auxiliary input jack.
But what really sets this new model apart from last year’s Alpine head units is the CDE-103BT now comes with Parrot-powered Bluetooth functionality integrated right into the unit. And of course Alpine also includes the remote mount microphone, so there really is nothing else to buy. The setup of the Bluetooth system is pretty straightforward, and the CDE-103BT is compatible with most current Bluetooth enabled cell phones. You can import up to 1,000 numbers from your cell’s phone book, and even use voice dialing if your phone supports it.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
The most often used control on any head unit is the volume control, and I’m pleased to report that Alpine continues to use the best possible method for this frequently used function, the rotary encoder, or “a knob”, as my buddy Jeff calls it. The next most often used buttons are usually track up and down, and the CDE-103BT gets high marks there too, with easy to locate large buttons for these functions. In fact, all of the controls are thoughtfully placed, and the ergonomics of the Alpine CDE-103BT lend themselves to being easy to use without looking or only needing a quick glance.
As with most modern headunits, the Alpine CDE-103BT is equipped with a DSP based processor. This provides all sorts of control capability when it comes to getting your sound adjusted how you’d like it. Built into the innards of this model is a processor that provides a selection of tone control choices, as well as a defeatable, variable frequency high pass crossover. The rear RCA outputs can be converted to subwoofer outputs, and the level of those outputs can be varied either equally with the front outputs, or separately via a subwoofer volume control. And if you’re not planning to use the built-in four channel amplification, there is even a setting that allows you to turn the amplifier off, which reduces current consumption and chassis heat. Nice!
To get your system tuned to suit your needs, the bass and treble controls each offer a selection of four frequencies; 60, 80, 100, and 200Hz for the bass section, and 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5kHz for the treble section. In addition to that adjustability, you can also select the “Q” or the width of effect that the bass control provides, in 4 increments. Adjustability like this really allows to you to tone down or accentuate a specific region, and is much more useful than a simple bass or treble control. Another nice feature, the DSP processor will not allow excessive boost to be applied that would cause distortion at high volumes, so that’s simply another tuning detail that’s already taken care of for you. If you are using the internal high pass filter, you can set it to 60, 80, or 100Hz.
And the adjustability doesn’t end there. For the Bluetooth settings, of course the system allows you to adjust the volume of the incoming call, as well as select which speakers are used for playback. You can choose to have the incoming call played back on all the speakers, or either of the front speakers, or both front speakers. Additionally, the volume of the microphone can be adjusted as well, to optimize call clarity and minimize feedback.
LISTENING and USE
The Alpine CDE-103BT is very straightforward to install and connect. As with most CD headunits, it is suggested that the horizontal mounting angle be kept under 35° to prevent CD mistracking problems. The main harness plugs in, and has the usual selection of wires, but if just got your first pair of wire strippers, or you’re a newbie to head unit installation, be careful to choose the correct blue output wire for your amp trigger and power antenna. There are two blue output wires, and both provide a 12 volt source, but under different conditions. The solid blue wire is for the power antenna, and it only provides 12 volts when the unit is in tuner mode. This prevents the antenna from being up when you are listening to a CD or iPod, for example. The blue/black wire is the correct wire to use to turn on an external amplifier, as it will provide power whenever the unit is turned on regardless of mode. The RCA connections are chassis mounted, and recessed about 0.75” so the cable shells don’t require additional in-dash clearance, which is helpful when things get tight behind the dash. I got the unit connected in my listening room, and began playing with the connections and controls.
The CD transport loads and plays CD’s or CD-R’s with a hundred or so MP3 tracks quite quickly, and using the USB input or hooking up my iPod worked great! I happened to have the optional cable for my iPod, and the connection is indeed fast and seamless. In terms of sonics, the Alpine CDE-103BT doesn’t leave much to be desired. Radio reception and the sound quality of the radio in both AM and FM modes was fine, as is generally the case with the Alpine tuners.
The unit has a natural, neutral sound to it, without adding any unwanted noise. Highs were detailed and articulate, and in general, the Alpine unit sounded excellent, regardless of the source. The controls were easy to find and use, and didn’t require endless referencing of the owner’s manual. If you are familiar with typical Alpine operational nomenclature, you may not even need the manual. I appreciated the functionality provided by the subwoofer level control, and the various tone settings should be adequate for all but the most serious tweakers.
ON THE BENCH
As usual, after my listening was completed, I moved the unit to the electronics lab and connected it to my Audio Precision analyzer. The Alpine CDE-103BT either easily met or exceeded all of it’s published specifications! Frequency response was virtually ruler flat on both the RCA outputs as well as the amplified section. Signal to noise was very good too, as was stereo separation, and distortion levels. The RCA outputs are good for about 2.3V, which is what you expect at this price point. The only specification that could have been a bit better was output impedance, but at just over 300 ohms, it’s still better than many units in this price range.
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
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Product Description: Alpine CDE 103BT – radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player
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Product Type: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player
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Dimensions (WxDxH) 17.8 cm x 16.1 cm x 5 cm
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Weight 1.5kg
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Form Factor Full-DIN – in-dash unit
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Audio Output Mode Stereo
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Equalizer Parametric – 2 bands
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Channel Qty / Max Output Power 50 Watts x 4
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Radio Radio – FM / MW / LW – 30 preset stations
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CD System CD / MP3 player – 5 – 20000 Hz
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Digital Player (Recorder) Digital player
Radio
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Kind Radio – FM / MW / LW
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Tuner Display Liquid Crystal Display
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Preset Station Qty 30 preset stations
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AM Preset Station Qty 12 preset stations
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FM Preset Station Qty 18
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RDS Yes
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Supported RDS Functions TP, RT, TA
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Additional Features DX / LO switch
CD System
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Kind CD / MP3
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Load Type Slot-load
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Playback Modes Shuffle, Repeat all tracks, one track repeat
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Supported Digital Audio Standards WMA, AAC, MP3
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Frequency response 5 – 20000 Hz
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Signal to Noise 105dB
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THD 0.008%
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Dynamic Range 95dB
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CD-R compatible Yes
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Compatible CD-RW Yes
Connections
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Connector Type 1 x audio input (mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) | 1 x USB (USB Type A 4-pin) | 2 x audio line-out (RCA phono x 2)
Miscellaneous
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Included Accessories Microphone
CONCLUSION
Others may have been selling units with built-in Bluetooth for the last year or so. But, if you wanted an Alpine you used to have shell out big bucks for their Bluetooth adapter. Well those days are over, as Alpine has entered the integrated Bluetooth game with this great piece. Offering the safety and convenience of true hands-free telephone operation, easy to use controls, plus great sounding audio and features with enough flexibility to satisfy most users, the Alpine CDE-103BT should become a very popular choice.
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This CD-BTB200 is designed to work only with Pioneer “”Bluetooth Adapter Ready”" Navigation systems, AV Receivers and CD Players. Bluetooth Wireless Technology allows these Pioneer headunits to communicate automatically with and treat most compatible cellular phones as source devices within a given range. Simply set up a user ID, and you can make and take calls, use call waiting, talk, and hang up- all while your phone remains in your bag, purse or pocket.
Product Specifications
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Technical Details
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Bluetooth wireless adapter for Pioneer “Bluetooth ready” CD and DVD receivers
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Plugs directly into the stereo for an easy installation
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Places/accepts calls via the wireless connection
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Bluetooth digital technology ensures crisp, static-free performance in the car
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Downloads your phonebook into the stereo
Product Details
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Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 10.8 x 7.2 inches ; 2.4 pounds
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Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
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Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
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ASIN: B000NMB1GC
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Item model number: CDBTB200
Some Customer Review
1. Excelent bluetooth handsfree
This unit is excellent. I purchased this adapter, to be used with my premier DEH-P690UB, and it works great, feels like a factory equipment. It comes with the microphone and installation wires, very long ones, so yo can put it almost wherever you like (I did my own instalation).
Once connected, all you have to do is pair your bluetooth mobile to the unit, and register it as a phone. you can register 5 mobile phones, 3 main registration, and 2 guest phones (it only auto-connect with registered phones). The difference between the main phones, and the guest ones, is that the main ones, can handle phone book entries. Phonebook entries are 500 (total), 300 for phone #1, 150 for phone #2, and 50 for phone #3. Phonebook entries, refers to names, and each name can have many numbers assigned. I have 260 entries, some with 5 numbers assigned, and are working fine. Reading the phonebook in my unit, is a little slow I think, as it takes bout 2 seconds for the 1st name name to appear, an then they begin to appear progressively.
Transferring the phonebook is easy, as far as YOUR MOBILE phone supports it. Some phones, allow you to transfer all contacts (one example is almost any SonyEricsson) others, allows you to transfer contacts one by one, and in some, it simply not posible, but that depends on the phone, not this unit.
As for the sound quality, is excellent. Almost anyone that I have called, noticed no difference between using the handsfree or using my mobile directly. You can adjust the volume, and it stays the same for phone mode, independently of other modes. Other audio ajustments are fixed.
When I receive a call, the radio automatically switch to phone mode (even if the unit is off), and the caller id is displayed on the screen, even with the name (if it is in the radio phonebook), and also gets back to the previous mode after you hangup (or reject) the call. With my head unit, is very difficult to dial a number, since it has no number keys on the front. You have to scroll number by number, although you can dial easily using the remote control (of the main unit) since it have all the numbers. I suppose it is easier on avic units.
I have read that this unit has some problems with Windows Mobile Smartphones, because some bluetooth limitations on the WM bluetooth, but it can be fixed with some 30 USD software I can’t remember. I haven’t tested this limitations since I don’t have one available yet, but I advise WM Smartphone users to research a little.
PROS:
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Excellent sound quality.
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Integrates well with bluetooth compatible Pioneer and Premier units.
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Can register 5 Mobile phones
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Separate phonebook for the 3 main ones.
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Each phonebook entry can have many numbers (I have tested a max. of 5)
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Can play (and control in some cases) Bluetooth compatible music players, as long as they support the A2DP profile
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Works on stand by, even if the main unit is off (as long as the car switch is on ACC or ON position)
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Lot of options.
CONS:
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Phonebook a little slow to read the entries.
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Difficult to ‘direct dial’ a phone number on some units.
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Compatibility issues with some smartphones
I highly recomend this product, to anyone who has a Pioneer bluetooth compablible head unit and a bluetooth phone.
2. GREAT
This adapter works almost so well you think it is factory equipment. Works great wih my cell phone and even lets me transfer my phonebook into the head unit(Pioneer Avic-d3). I love it!
3. This Bluetooth Device is Golden !!
Great service and quick delivery. This Bluetooth device works like a charm. Had it Professionally installed and everyone states the sound quality is as if was right next to them. Thanks Amazon and 6th Ave Electronics. Keep up the good service. A+++
Just note: The trick to getting your Cell phone working to the Pioneer CD-BTB200, is to have the Pioneer CD-BTB200 search and configure your cell phone. The manual will walk you through this. The phone not stay connected via Bluetooth, if you use your Cell phone to attach \ configure itself to the Pioneer CD-BTB200.
Compare prices of Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter on Priceandoffer.co.uk
| SHOP | PRODUCT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
 | Cd-btb200 bluetooth adapter for deh-pxxx in-car stereo systems | £ 114.43 |
 | Cd-btb200 bluetooth adapter for deh-pxxx in-car stereo systems | £ 128.47 |
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If you have a Double-DIN sized dash opening in your car, fill it in style with the Kenwood DPX-503U CD/MP3 player. Designed to fit the double opening common in many newer cars, the stereo comes loaded with all of the performance features you’d expect from Kenwood.
Into digital music? The Kenwood DPX-503U plays back the MP3, WMA, and AAC music files that you’ve burned onto discs, and your song titles will appear on the four-line variable illumination full dot display. System Q-Ex EQ curves, along with sophisticated bass, treble, and midrange controls, let you shape the sound to your liking.
Kenwood DPX-503U also has a handy USB input allows you to connect an iPod or portable music player. Just plug your compatible iPod, pen drive, portable hard drive or other USB device into the front USB on the stereo. The radio will display artist names and track information right on the faceplate, and the USB socket will even supply power to your compatible player.
Key Features
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Double DIN Size Fixed Faceplate
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4 Line Mono Colour Full dot LCD Display
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50W x 4, 2 RCA Pre-outs
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System Q-Ex, System E’s+, Digital Time aligment
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MP3/WMA/AAC-Decoder, 24-Bit Digital Audio Converter
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Front AUX/USB input with slide protection cover
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1-Wire iPod USB-Direct control
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Ready for Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile / Audio Profile
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Variable Illumination + Emotional Illumination Effect
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Remote control included
General Features
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DIN Size 2 DIN
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Faceplate Mechanism Non (Fixed)
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Angle Adjustment No
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Security Code Function Yes
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Key Illumination Variable
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Rotary Encoder & Control Knob Yes
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Operation mode 4-Directions + Push + Rotary
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Attenuator with Smooth Volume Return Yes
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Touch Sensor Tone Yes
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IR Remote control Yes, RC-547
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Digital Clock (24H) Yes
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All-off Select (20/40/60 minutes) Yes
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ISO connector Yes
Display Features
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Display Type LCD Display
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Display Layout 4 line, Ful dot
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Display Illumination Variable
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Spectrum Analyzer Yes
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Dimmer Control 2 steps – Automatic
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Auto dimmer control function (on/off) Yes
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Positive/negative switchable Yes
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Display Off Mode Yes
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Demo Mode Yes
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Special Character Display No
Tuner Features
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RDS (PI, PS, AF, TI, Clock) Yes
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Radio Text (RDS) Yes
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Radio Text Plus Yes
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Program Type Function (PTY) Yes
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Enhanced Other Networks Function (EON) Yes
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K3I – Clean Reception Tuner Yes
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FM Reception Yes
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AM (MW/LW) Reception Yes
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Presets 24 Presets (18FM / 3LW / 3MW)
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Automatic Memory Entry (AME) Yes
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Up/Down Seek Tuning Yes
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Tuning mode (Auto1 / Auto2 / Manual) Yes
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FM Stereo / Mono Selector Yes
CD Features
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CD-R/RW Compatible Yes
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MP3 Playback with ID3 Tag Display Yes
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WMA (Windows Media Audio) Playback Yes
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AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) Playback Yes
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CD Text Support Yes
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Supreme Yes
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D.A.C. processing 24 bit (Burr Brown)
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0 bit Mute Yes
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Random Function (Track/Disc) Yes
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Repeat Function (Track/Disc) Yes
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Scan Function (Track/Disc) Yes
USB Features
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USB Interface port Yes
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USB Type USB1.1 / USB 2.0
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USB extension cable supplied no
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MTP (PlaysForSure) Yes
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iPod Digital Connection (1 Wire) Yes
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MP3 playback with ID3 Tag Display Yes
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WMA (Windows Media File) playback Yes
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AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) playback Yes
External Media Control Features
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Dual Changer Control (CH1, CH2 & AUX) Yes
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CD Text Ready with Compatible KENWOOD Units Yes
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Disc & Track Repeat Yes
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Disc & Track Scan Yes
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Disc & Track Random Play Yes
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Direct Access Yes
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Disc Name Preset Play (DNPS) Yes
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Bluetooth Handsfree Yes
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Bluetooth Audio Streaming Yes
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2004 B.M.S. Amplifier Control Yes
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iPod Control with KCA-iP500 Yes
Audio Features
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Maximum Output Power 50W x 4
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MOSFET Power IC Yes
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Auxiliary input 1 RCA
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Auxiliary input Yes, Front
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Auxiliary Type Mini-jack
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Pre-out 2 RCA
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Pre-out Output Level 2.5V
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Preout Rear / Subwoofer Switchable Yes
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Subwoofer Reference Level Adj. Yes
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Built-In Amplifier Cut-Off Yes
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Dual-Zone Source & Volume Control Yes
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Dual-Zone (FRONT / REAR Switchable) Yes
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Source Tone Control & Memory Bass / Mid / Treble
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Balance/Fader/Loudness Control Yes
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Att.(-20dB) with smooth Volume Return Yes
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System Q_EX (Preset & Manual Sound Control) Yes
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Time Aligment Yes
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System E’s+ (Built-in HPF & LPF) Yes
Connectivity
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External Media Control Bus (5L) Yes
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iPod I/F Control (5L-Bus) Yes
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Bluetooth Control (5L-Bus) Yes
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PS Amplifier Control System (5L-Bus) PS Amplifiers (’02 – ‘06)
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iPod Digital Connection (1 Wire) Yes
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B.M.S.Control (’99-’03 Amps) Yes
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Advanced B.M.S. Control (’02 Amps) Yes
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OEM Wired Remote Control Yes
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OEM Display Control Yes
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Power Control (P.CON) wire Yes
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External Amplifier Controle Wire Yes
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2-way (Tel/Navi) mute wire Yes
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Dimmer control wire Yes
Cosmetics features
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Front/edge Black Injection
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Dress plate Metalic Black
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Volume & operation knob or wheel Chrome Plated
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Preset key finish Black Injection
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Escution Black Injection
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Triangle Illumination Red
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Key illumination variable
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Illumination Effect Yes
Tuner Specifications
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FM Frequency Range 87.5MHz ~ 108MHz
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FM Frequency Step 50kHz
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FM Usable Sensitivity 0.7µV/75ohm (S/N 26dB)
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FM Quieting Sensitivity 1.6µV/75ohm (S/N 46dB)
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FM Frequency Response 30Hz ~ 15kHz (± 3dB)
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FM Sigal to Noise Ratio 65dB(MONO)
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FM Selectivity(DIN) over 80dB (±400kHz)
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FM Stereo Separation (1kHz) 35dB
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MW Frequency Range 531kHz ~ 1611kHz
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MW Frequency step 9kHz
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MW Usable Sensitivity 25µV (S/N 20dB)
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LW Frequency Range 153kHz ~ 281kHz
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LW Usable Sensitivity 45µV (S/N 20dB)
CD Specifications
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Laser Diode GaAIAs
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Digital Filter(D/A) 8 Times OverSampling
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Digital/Analogue Converter 24 Bit
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Spindle Speed 500 ~ 200rpm (CLV: 1 times)
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Wow & Flutter Below Measurable Limit
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Frequency Response 10Hz ~ 20kHz (±1dB)
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Total Harmonic Distortion 0.008% (1kHz)
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Sigal to Noise Ratio 105dB (1kHz)
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Dynamic Range 93dB
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MP3 Decoder Compliant with MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer-3
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WMA Decoder Compliant with Windows Media Audio
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AAC Decoder AAC-LC “.m4a” files
USB Specifications
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USB Version compatibility 1.1 / 2.0
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File System FAT 16/32
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Maximum Supply current 500mA
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MP3 Decode Compliant with MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer-3
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WMA Decode Compliant with Windows Media Audio
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AAC Decode AAC-LC “.m4a” Files
Audio Specifications
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Maximum Power 50W x 4
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Output Power (DIN45324,+B=14.4v) 30W x 4
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Preout Level 2500mV / 10kOhm,
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Preout Impedance 600Ohm
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Speaker Impedance 4Ohm ~ 8Ohm
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AUX Frequency Response 20Hz ~ 20kHz (±1dB)
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AUX Maximum Input Voltage 1200mV
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AUX Input Impedance 100kOhm
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Bass Tone Control 100Hz ±8dB
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Middle Tone Control 1kHz ±8dB
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Treble Tone Control 10kHz ±8dB
General Specifications
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Operating voltage 14.4V (11 ~ 16V Allowable)
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Current Consumption 10A
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Dimensions (WxHxD) 182 x 112 x 160mm
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Weight 1600gr
Compare prices of Kenwood DPX503U on Priceandoffer.co.uk
| SHOP | PRODUCT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
 | Kenwood dpx503u - mp3/wma/aac cd/usb-receiver | £ 249.99 |
Click here to check all offers for Kenwood DPX503U
Click here to check price of other Kenwood car radios
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