About the JVC Arsenal KD-AR555
Step it up
Step it up
If mediocre performance is OK with you, stick with your factory stereo. But if you're into music, JVC's Arsenal Series KD-AR555 CD receiver can ramp your car's audio performance up to a much higher level. Its built-in amp generates some pretty serious power, and you'll enjoy some options you may not have now, including a USB port, an auxiliary input, and a 3-band parametric equalizer. And JVC protects this versatile receiver with its 2-year Arsenal warranty.
Sound tuning that goes way beyond factory stereos
To tune this receiver's powerful sound, JVC's Pro EQ offers three bands of equalization with adjustable center points so you can really zero in on problem spots in your car's acoustics. Digital Track Expander juices up the sound of compressed music files, and you can add more kick to any source with the loudness switch and bass boost.
Choose from a variety of colors for the KD-AR555's controls.
Bright display, variable color buttons
The bright white text display makes it easy to read song and system info in a variety of lighting conditions. You can choose from an almost unlimited variety of different colors for the buttons and controls, so this JVC will look right at home in your dash.
Want to keep your steering wheel controls?
In most vehicles you can use an adapter (not included) to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this JVC car stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and the JVC, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. Check the "Accessories" tab for compatible adapters.
Product highlights:
General features:
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- detachable face with variable color button illumination
- plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA files
- music file playback from select Android devices through USB with JVC Music Control app (see Details tab for more information)
- remote control
Audio features:
- Digital Track Expander enhances compressed music files
- Pro EQ 3-band parametric equalizer with twelve preset tone settings
- loudness and bass boost
- low-pass and high-pass filters
- subwoofer level control
Expandability:
- compatible with JVC Bluetooth adapter (not included)
- inputs: front USB port (no iPod/iPhone compatibility) and front aux input
- outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt rear/subwoofer)
Other info:
- compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
- warranty: 2 years
- MFR # KD-AR555
What's in the box:
JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 owner's manual
- CD receiver (w/ 10A fuse inserted into chassis)
- Face (attached)
- Sleeve (installed)
- Trim ring (installed)
- Wiring harness
- Wireless remote control (RM-RK52)
- CR2025 3V Lithium battery (installed)
- 2 Radio removal tools
- Face fixing screw
- Instruction Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
- Warrant Information
- "Caution!" note (attached to wiring harness)
- Face Fixing screw note
Featured video:
Customer reviews for JVC Arsenal KD-AR555
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More details on the JVC Arsenal KD-AR555
Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | Front | |
Audio/video Input | --- | |
USB Input | Front | |
USB Port Power | --- | |
Backup Camera Input | No | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | No | |
Alexa Voice Control | ||
Android Control | Yes | |
Memory Card Slot | USB memory | |
Bluetooth Compatible | Optional | |
Satellite Radio Ready | No | |
HD Radio | No | |
Navigation | --- | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | N/A | |
Nano | N/A | |
Touch | N/A | |
iPhone | N/A | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | N/A | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | --- | |
Peak Output | 50 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 2-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | No | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Video Screen | No | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | ||
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | ||
Preamp Voltage | 2.5 volts | |
Screen Size | --- | |
Screen Type | --- | |
Display Color | White | |
Key Button Color | Variable | |
EQ Bands | 3 | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | Adapter required | |
Parts Warranty | 2 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 2 Years | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 8.2 dBf | |
European Tuning | Yes | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | Yes | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | MP3, WMA, WAV | |
High-res Playback |
Product Research
Disc & USB Playback
Android/Aux Integration
Audio & Tuner Section
Display Features
Remote-Bluetooth Control
Disc & USB Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs. The unit also supports playback of MP3/WMA music files loaded onto CD-R/RW discs.
Front-Panel USB Port: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 features a front-panel USB 2.0 type-A port (behind a sliding cover) connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class (MSC) device; such as select Android smartphones (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only), portable digital audio players, or USB thumbdrives. The USB port enables audio playback and control of MP3, WMA, & WAV audio files stored on portable USB mass-storage class devices. USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (5V/1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.
MP3/WMA/WAV Playback: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 supports the following types of MP3, WMA, WAV files recorded onto CD-R/RW disc or loaded onto a USB mass storage class device.
Media Type | CD-R/RW | USB MCS Device |
---|---|---|
File System | ISO9660 Level 1 or 2, Romeo, Joliet, or Windows long file name | FAT 12/16/32 |
Playable File Types | MP3: bit rate of 8-320kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz WMA: bit rate of 32-192kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz WAV (USB only): bit rate of 8- or 16-bit | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 999 folders/20,480 files | |
Tags | ID3 tag (version 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4), WMA tag |
Track/Folder List: The Track/Folder List displays a list of MP3/WMA/WAV folders and tracks on a loaded CD or USB device, so you can easily access your music.
Random/Repeat Modes: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 offers the following Repeat and Random playback modes.
- Repeat: Track Repeat (plays the current track repeatedly), Folder Repeat (plays all tracks of the current folder repeatedly), Off (cancels repeat function)
- Random: Folder Random (plays all tracks of the current folder, then the tracks of the next folder in random), All Random (plays all tracks of the current disc at random), Off (cancels random function)
Resume: If you change the source, playback also stops (without ejecting the disc or USB device). Next time you select CD or USB for the playback source, the player will start from where it has been stopped previously.
JVC Playlist Creator Compatible: JVC Playlist Creator is a free Windows-based desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer MP3/WMA music files to your USB (MSC) device from your PC. When you playback audio files that have been stored on your USB (MSC) device using JVC Playlist Creator through the KD-AR555, you can search a file by song title, album name, artist name, or genre using the head unit's Quick Search function. The JVC Playlist Creator is a Windows-based software that can be downloaded for free from JVC's website to your PC. The JVC Playlist Creator is compatible with the following Windows Microsoft Operating Systems.
- Windows XP Professional, Home Edition SP2 or later (32-bit)
- Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
- Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
Off Insert/Eject + Disc Protection: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. When a disc is inserted with the power off, the unit will automatically power up and begin playback. If the ejected disc is not removed within 15 seconds, the disc is automatically inserted again into the loading slot to protect it from dust. The source will change to CD, and the disc will begin playback, even if you have another source selected at the time.
Mounting: For proper disc playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.
Android/Aux Integration
Android Compatible: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 supports USB-connection and playback of Android smartphones with Froyo or Gingerbread operating systems installed.
- JVC Music Control: By connecting the JVC CD receiver via USB to an Android smartphone (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only) that has the free JVC Music Control app installed, it allows you to list and search your MP3 music stored on the smartphone from the receiver by artist name or album name. The JVC Music Control app also analyzes all of your songs that are in your Android smartphone, and creates a playlist according to your mood. Once the application has completed the analysis of the songs, simply select your current mood, and this application will generate a list of songs that best fits your mood. Your compatible Android smartphone must be recognized as a USB mass storage class device; not compatible with MTP protocol.
- Drive Change Mode: When an Android smartphone (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only) is connected to the USB input terminal, you can select its internal memory or external memory (such as an microSD card) to playback the songs stored on the phone or on the memory card. This feature is also compatible with other USB mass storage class compliant smartphones, such as Blackberry.
Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front-panel stereo minijack is provided to allow the connection of almost any portable audio source with a 3.5mm headphone output (great for those non-Apple/Android devices. Simply connect your portable digital music player to the unit's front-panel auxiliary input, and you can listen to the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio system. The unit's front-panel auxiliary input can be turned On or Off.
Audio & Tuner Section
16 Bit D/A Converter: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 utilizes a 16-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The JVC KD-AR555 is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the KD-AR555 are as follows:
- Full Bandwidth Power: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
- Maximum Output Power: 50 watts x 4 channels (200 total watts)
Switchable 2ch/2.5V Preamp Outputs: The KD-AR555 is equipped with one pair of 2.5V preamp outputs. You can set the Rear/SW preamp outputs for connecting rear speakers (through an external amplifier) or for connecting a subwoofer (through an external amplifier). When set for rear speakers, the rear outputs operate with the unit's fader control. When set for subwoofer, the outputs are non-fading.
Subwoofer Controls: When the unit's Rear/SW preamp output is set to Subwoofer, you can set the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter at 55Hz, 85Hz, or 120Hz. You can also adjust the head unit's subwoofer level between -8 and +8 (separate from the main volume level).Pro EQ: The KD-AR555 is equipped with JVC's Pro EQ. The integrated equalizer offers 12 preset sound modes (Flat, Hard Rock, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Talk, vocal Boost, Bass Boost, Classical, Dance, User 1, or User 2) suitable for the music genre of your choice. The User modes allow you to manually adjust the head unit's 3-band parametric EQ (Frequency, Level, and Q-Factor).
Pro EQ | |||
---|---|---|---|
Frequency | Level | Q | |
Bass | 60, 80, 100, 200 Hz | +/- 12 dB (-6 to +6) | 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0 |
Midrange | 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 kHz | +/- 12 dB (-6 to +6) | 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 |
Treble | 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 kHz | +/- 12 dB (-6 to +6) | Fixed |
Sound Enhancements: The head unit provides further sound enhancements for your car audio system.
- Digital Track Expander: The digital Track Expander utomatically enhances compressed music files and restores the original richness of the recording.
- Bass Boost: The unit's Bass Boost enhances low bass frequencies.
- Loud (Loudness): This feature boosts low and high frequencies to produce a well-balanced sound at a low volume level. You can set this feature to High, Low, or Off.
- Volume Adjust: The input level of each source (other than FM) is adjustable relative to the FM radio volume, so there isn't a significant volume difference when changing sources. Each source is individually adjustable from -5 to +5.
Key Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
RDS AM/FM Tuner: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 features a built-in RDS AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning. The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. You can store a total of 18 FM stations presets and 6 AM station presets (manually or automatically). The head unit's Radio Timer features lets you tune into a preset station at a specific time regardless of the head unit's current source (you can activate the Radio Timer once, daily, or turn it completely off). If an analog FM stereo broadcast is hard to receive, you can manually switch the tuner to Mono operation. You can also switch the tuner's IF filter to Wide or Auto to increase/decrease the sensitivity.
Display Features
Detachable Face: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 features a detachable face to deter theft. No face-case is provided. An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.
Single-Line LCD: The head unit features a 11-segment, one-line LCD with white back-lit text, plus adjustable brightness and dimmer settings.
- Brightness: The unit offers a daytime and nighttime brightness settings for the LCD and button illumination. You can adjust the brightness level of each manually from 0-31.
- Dimmer: The unit's dimmer control can be set automatically or manually; select "Off" for daytime brightness setting, "On" for nighttime brightness setting, or "Auto" which switches between day and nighttime brightness setting automatically when you turn off/on the headlights (orange/white wire of harness must be connected to headlamp circuit).
Variable Button Illumination: The JVC KD-AR555 features variable button illumination, so you can better match your vehicle's interior lightning. You can choose one of 29 color presets or select the ColorFlow mode which scrolls through all 29 color presets. Additionally, there is a User preset, allowing you to individually adjust the intensity of Red, Green, and Blue from 0 to 31; resulting in approximately 30,000 custom color options. You can also select a different color for daytime and nighttime in regards to the unit's button illumination.
Day & Time: The unit displays a 12-or 24-hour clock, as well as the day (Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat). The day & time can be selected to remain on, even if the head unit is switched off (as long as the vehicle's key is in the accessory or start position).
Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be turned On or Off within the menu.
Remote-Bluetooth Control
Wireless Remote Control: The KD-AR555 comes supplied with a wireless remote control (RM-RK52). The remote contains Attenuator, Sound, Source, Tracking, and Volume functions. The remote operates off of a single CR2025 3V Lithium-cell battery (included).
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.
Optional Bluetooth: The JVC KS-BTA100 Bluetooth Adapter (105KSBTA10, sold separately) provides Bluetooth hands-free communication and digital audio streaming functions for the JVC Arsenal KD-AR555. The JVC KS-BTA100 gives you hands-free communication from your compatible Bluetooth mobile phone and wireless streaming audio from a Bluetooth enabled digital audio player, when connected to the JVC in-dash head unit. The JVC Bluetooth Adapter includes a super-sensitive microphone, an Answer/End button, and playback controls. The JVC Arsenal KD-AR555 can be set to automatically mute any music audio to your vehicle's speakers so you can listen to your telephone call using your car speakers.
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Customer Q&A
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I've bought about 7 receivers and JVC and especially this one has been the best. Easy to use, worth the money, just great quality all over! Very recommended.
JSlave from Indianapolis, IN