About the Kenwood EZ-500
Kenwood's user-friendly EZ-500 CD receiver starts with a full feature package and caps it off with an exciting faceplate design. The fold-down, detachable face sports two large rotary knobs, simple controls, and a highly visible white LED display. The roomy button layout makes it easy to access all receiver functions, and you can select red or green button illumination to complement the dash lighting in nearly any car.
The extras are on board in spades. MP3/WMA playback allows you to listen to up to 10 hours of your favorite music on a single disc in your car. Sound adjustments come in the form of System Q Sound Controls a 3-band equalizer and six preset tone curves. You'll get clear and efficient sound when you use the high- and low-pass filters to route the signal to the appropriate speakers.
Two sets of preamp outputs let you add additional power, and you can turn off the internal amp to improve the performance of your outboard amps. Use the EZ-500's auxiliary input to play your portable music player in the car (or a SIRIUS or XM satellite radio tuner). Kenwood includes a wireless remote for convenient control, but you'll probably prefer the feel of the oversized, rubber-grip knobs.
Product highlights:
- fold-down, detachable face
- white, dot-matrix display
- plays CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3 and WMA files on disc
- CR-2 tuner
- 18 FM/6 AM presets
- HD Radio-ready (requires Kenwood HD Radio tuner)
- System Q Sound Control
- 6 preset EQ curves ("Rock," "Top 40," "Jazz," "Easy," "Pops," and "Flat")
- bass, treble, and midrange controls
- Speaker Setting function adjusts output with three settings (factory speakers, larger aftermarket speakers, smaller aftermarket speakers)
- source tone memory
- satellite radio controls (SIRIUS or XM subscription, tuner, and antenna required to receive the satellite radio signal) service is available only in the lower 48 states, not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories
- CD changer controls
- rear auxiliary input
- 2 sets of preamp outputs (rear outputs can be switched to subwoofer mode)
- high-pass and low-pass crossovers
- wireless remote
- clock
- 22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels
- CD frequency response 10-20,000 Hz
- CD signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB
- FM sensitivity 9.3 dBf
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # EZ-500
What's in the box:
- AM/FM/CD receiver with 10-amp fuse inserted into chassis
- Sleeve
- Face
- Hard plastic face case
- Trim ring
- Wiring harness
- Wireless remote control (RC-505)
- 2 "AA" batteries
- 2 Removal tools
- 4 Panhead ISO-mount screws
- 4 Countersunk ISO-mount screws
- 1 Face fixing screw (2mm dia. x 4mm--black)
- 1 Face fixing screw (2.6mm dia. x 12mm--black)
- 2 Face fixing screws (2mm dia. x 6mm--brass)
- Instruction Manual (English/French/Spanish)
- Warranty Card
- Kenwood Car Audio Passport
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More details on the Kenwood EZ-500
Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | Rear | |
Audio/video Input | --- | |
USB Input | No | |
USB Port Power | --- | |
Backup Camera Input | No | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | No | |
Alexa Voice Control | ||
Android Control | No | |
Memory Card Slot | No | |
Bluetooth Compatible | No | |
Satellite Radio Ready | Both | |
HD Radio | Optional | |
Navigation | --- | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | --- | |
Nano | --- | |
Touch | --- | |
iPhone | --- | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | N/A | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | --- | |
Peak Output | 50 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 30-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 4-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | No | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Video Screen | No | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | ||
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | ||
Preamp Voltage | 2 volts | |
Screen Size | --- | |
Screen Type | --- | |
Display Color | White | |
Key Button Color | Red or Green | |
EQ Bands | 3 | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | --- | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 9.3 dBf | |
European Tuning | Yes | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | No | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | ||
High-res Playback |
Product Research
Features
CD Changer Controls
Note
Satellite Radio Ready: You can connect a satellite radio tuner to the KDC-MP5028 in a number of ways. The unit is directly compatible with the Sirius SIR-KEN1 Satellite Tuner for Kenwood (item # 607SIRKEN1). The Terk XMDirect universal XM Satellite Radio tuner (209XMD1000) can be connected to and controlled by the head unit when used with the XMDirect Smart Adapter for Kenwood (209XMDKEN1). In addition, you can connect an independently controlled "plug 'n play" system, such as the Delphi SKYFi or Kenwood Here2Everywhere systems, to the auxiliary audio input connections on this unit.
Note: In addition to the optional satellite tuner, you will also need the proper antenna and a subscription to Sirius or XM Satellite Radio.
MP3/WMA Playback: This unit can play MP3 and WMA files recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, and Romeo formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 50 folders, and 255 files per folder. A total of up to 512 MP3/WMA files and folders can be played back by this unit. During MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information.
Quad 1-Bit D-A Converters: The Ez500 features Integrated Quad 1-Bit Digital-to-Analog converters for superb CD sound. Four D-A converters, two for each channel, improve playback sound quality, including musical detail and resolution. Using 2 converters for each channel reduces distortion by half.
Zero-Bit Mute: This unit features independent left and right channel zero-bit mute circuits. During silent passages, the digital-to-analog converter is shut off, yielding absolute silence between songs.
Bass Management System (B.M.S.): This unit is equipped with an interface which controls certain special features of B.M.S.-equipped Kenwood amplifiers. This unit, when properly connected, can remotely activate and adjust the amount of bass boost in the amplifier. You can choose between +6dB, +12dB, or +18dB bass boost, or flat (no boost). In addition, you can lower the bass boost center frequency by 20%, switching between "Normal" and "Low".
Built-in Amplifier Mute: If this unit's internal amplifier is not being used, it can be switched off to enhance the quality of the preamp output signal quality.
System Q Sound Control: Six EQ curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of music. The preset curves are named "Flat", "Rock", "Pops", "Easy", "Top 40", and "Jazz". In addition, you may store your own settings under the "User Memory" EQ curve. Each preset has its own bass, middle, and treble level settings.
Speaker Settings: The Speaker Setting function tailors the System Q Sound Control settings according to the type of speakers in your vehicle. You may select a Speaker Setting of "SP OFF" (flat), "SP O.E.M." (for OEM factory speaker systems), "SP 6*9/6" (for systems with 6" and 6"x9" speakers), or "SP 5/4inch" (for systems with 4" and 5" speakers).
Dual Zone Audio Control: When an external audio source is connected (CD changer, Sirius Radio, or Auxiliary Input source), the Ez500, with its Dual Zone Audio Control, allows you to play the external audio source in one zone, while at the same time play an internal audio source (CD or tuner) in another zone. When Zone 2 is switched on, the output of the front channels becomes different than the rear channel output. You can choose whether you want the external audio source to play through the front channels (sending the internal source to the rear channels), or through the rear channels (sending the internal source to the front channels). When operating in Dual Zone mode, audio adjustments can only be made to the internal source.
Note: If the rear preamp outputs are set to "non-fading", there will be no audio from that output in the dual zone mode.
High-pass Filter: The Ez500 has an adjustable 12dB/octave high-pass filter for the front and rear channels. You can select a cutoff frequency of 100Hz, 125Hz, 170Hz, or Thru (no filter).
Note: The high pass filter only affects the rear preamp outputs when they are switched to "rear", not "non-fading".
Switchable Rear/Non-Fading Preamp Outputs: You can switch the rear preamp output to a non-fading output for use with subwoofer amps. Once in the non-fading mode, you can adjust the level of that output from -15 to +15 in 2dB steps. In addition, you can choose the cutoff frequency of the NF output's 12dB/octave low-pass filter from 50Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz, or Thru (no filter).
3-Band Equalizer: You can independently adjust the level of three audio bands from -10dB to +10dB: Bass (100Hz), Midrange (1kHz) and Treble (10kHz).
Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (CD, FM, AM).
CR-2 Tuner: This unit uses Kenwood's CR-2 tuner provides high signal strength for clear radio reception. The tuner incorporates an Automatic Noise Reduction Circuit (ANRC), along with the Clean Reception System Circuit (CRSC), for improved rejection of distortion due to multi-path. You can choose one of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual.
HD Radio Ready: The Ez500 is HD Radio ready. With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (item # 113HR100TR), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local stations where available. This new technology will significantly improve audio quality and reception, as well as include information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display.
Clean Reception System Circuit (CRSC): This circuit controls multi-path distortion by reducing stereo separation. As stereo separation is reduced, multi-path has less effect on the radio signal, improving reception in areas with tall buildings and mountains. The CRSC feature can be turned on or off.
Direct Access Tuning: When using the remote, you can directly access any radio station by entering the frequency on the numeric keypad.
Station Name Preset (SNPS): This feature allows you to assign names to radio stations. Up to 48 stations can be named. Each name can be up to 8 characters in length.
Disc Name Preset (DNPS): You may assign names to discs played in the internal CD player. Each disc name can be up to 8 characters long, and the receiver has a memory capacity for up to 30 discs. (See below for further DNPS features with CD changers.)
Volume Offset Control: The level of each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range from -8 to 0.
Attenuator With Smooth Volume Return: The attenuator immediately lowers the volume by a preset level. Smooth Volume Return gradually increases the volume to the original level when the ATT button is pressed a second time, eliminating a jarring change in volume.
CD Read Setting: If there is a problem with the CD player reading a disc with a special format, you can switch to a second CD Read setting which "forces" the player to read the disc. CD Read setting 1 is for normal CDs and MP3 discs, while CD Read setting 2 cannot read MP3/WMA discs.
Disabled System Indicator: A red indicator will blink on the unit after the control panel is removed, warning potential thieves. This feature can be turned On or Off.
Security Code: You may program the unit with a 4-digit security code. Once the unit has been programmed with a security code, the code must be entered to use the unit after it has been disconnected from power.
Display Dimming: This unit is equipped with an orange/white wire that Kenwood calls an illumination lead, however, it acts as a dimmer lead. When the illumination wire of this unit is connected to the headlamp circuit of your vehicle, and you turn your lights on, the display will dim to a preset level. The display brightness is not affected by the vehicle's dimmer control.
Remote Control: The Ez500 comes with the RC-505 wireless remote control, a 22-button full-function remote with a 10-key number pad. It is powered by 2 "AA" batteries (supplied). The dimensions of the remote are: L=5.488", W=1.75", D=1.115".
Auxiliary Input: The Ez500 is equipped with a built-in auxiliary input. There is a set of stereo RCA jacks on a 6" pigtail on the back of the receiver for connecting an external audio source. The Auxiliary input can be activated/deactivated through the menu. When it's activated, you can select one of six names for the source: Aux, TV, Video, Game, Portable or DVD. When deactivated, Auxiliary does not appear as a source. With an optional adapter (item 113CAC1AX or 113KCAS220), you can also turn the unit's CD changer input into a second auxiliary input.
Compatibility: This unit is directly compatible with Kenwood changers manufactured in 1998 or later. If the changer has an O-N switch, the switch will need to be set to the "N" position.
Disc Name Preset (DNPS): When used with a compatible CD changer, this feature allows you to assign names to discs in the changer. Each name can be up to 8 characters in length. The number of names you can store depends on the CD changer that is connected to the head unit.
Disc Name Preset Play (DNPP): Once a disc has been named, you may press the DNPP button on the remote to display the name of each disc for 5 seconds. When the name of the desired disc appears, you can press the OK button on the remote to select the disc for playback.
CD Text/MD Display: When connected to a CD Text capable CD changer or an MD changer, this unit can display disc and track titles for discs encoded with disc and track title information. The text information can be scrolled manually or automatically.
Music Keg Compatible: This unit is fully compatible with the Kenwood Music Keg Digital Music System (models KHD-C710 and KHD-CX910).
Display Illumination/Clock Display: When the unit is in Standby mode, the face/button illumination and clock are "keyed". Pressing and holding the Source (SRC) button turns the unit off completely.
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Customer Q&A
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I've always owned a Kenwood head unit and have never been unhappy and it didn't end with this unit either. Very customizeable with it's eq features. A little difficult to navigate through (even for a technology savvy person as myself) but well worth the effort. Awesome!
Bobby from Tampa, FL