About the JVC KD-R540
Pandora® Internet radio control
Pandora® Internet radio control
Pandora is one of the most popular streaming music sources around, and JVC's KD-R540 CD receiver makes it easy to tune in. Connect your iPhone® to this JVC's USB input, and you'll be able to access your favorite stations through the receiver's controls. You'll enjoy quick access to all your stations and you'll be able to check out song, artist, and album information on the receiver's screen while you're listening.
The KD-R540's clean lines will complement your car's interior.
Control for Android smartphones
JVC's Music Control app provides a level of support for Android devices you won't find with many other brands. For instance, you can create playlists with the Mood Blender, and use the smartphone's touchscreen to control what you're listening to. Just tap the screen to play and pause, or search through your music by artist, album, or genre. Pop your Android phone into a mount in a convenient spot, and you can reach down for simple commands like skipping a track without fumbling for a button.
Radio timer for your favorite programs
JVC's radio timer feature automatically switches on the radio and tunes in the correct station, so you'll never miss the news, sports, or other radio programs you love. You can set the timer to work one time or daily, so it's always ready to go.
Great sound
The USB connection ensures better sound than a simple aux input, as the 24-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) does a great job of turning digital tunes into full, detailed sound. Plus, you'll get more power than your factory stereo can deliver, which makes a huge difference in sound — not just louder, but more well-defined, too. You can adjust the sound to your taste using sophisticated 3-band equalizer, while high- and low-pass filters let you send your speakers the frequencies they were designed to handle.
iPod note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility.
Product highlights:
General features:
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- built-in MOSFET amplifier (20 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
- plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA music files
- Pandora control with iPhone
- detachable face
- remote control
Audio features:
- iEQ 3-band parametric equalizer
- 24-bit digital-to-analog converter
- high- and low-pass filters
Expandability:
- compatible with JVC's KS-BTA100 Bluetooth adapter
- built-in iPod control and USB connection to Android phones
- inputs: front USB and auxiliary inputs
- outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt rear/subwoofer)
Other features and specs:
- CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # KDR540
What's in the box:
- CD receiver (with 10-amp ATC 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)
- US Warranty Sheet
- Canadian Warranty Card
- "Caution!" note (attached to wiring harness)
- Face Fixing screw note
Featured video:
Customer reviews for JVC KD-R540
Loading...
Loading reviews...
Average review:
4.5 out of 5 starsThanks for submitting your review
Customer photos
This review was collected as part of a promotion
Pros:
Cons:
More details on the JVC KD-R540
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 | Classic/5Gen | |
Nano | 7/6/5/4/3/2/1 | |
Touch | 5/4/3/2/1 | |
iPhone | 5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS/3G/2G | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | 20 watts | |
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 | Red | |
EQ Bands | 3 | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | No | |
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 | MP3, WMA | |
High-res Playback |
Product Research
Disc and USB Playback
iPod/Android/AUX Integration
AM/FM + Pandora Internet Radio
Audio Section
Display Features
Remote/Bluetooth Control
Disc and USB Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, 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 KD-R540 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, and 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. You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or Multi-Card Reader to this unit.
MP3/WMA Playback: The JVC KD-R540 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 Storage 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, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48kHz WMA: bit rate of 32-192kbps w/ sampling rate of 32, 44.1, 48kHz | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 255 folders/65,025 files (255 files per folder) | |
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 folders and tracks on a loaded CD or USB device, so you can easily access your music. The Track/Folder List will also display the list of track titles on a CD Text disc.
Random/Repeat Modes: The JVC KD-R540 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-R540, 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: 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.
Disc Protection: 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.
iPod/Android/AUX Integration
iPod/iPhone Direct: The JVC KD-R540's front-panel USB port can acts as an iPod/iPhone high-speed direct connection when used with the USB/iPod cable that came with your iPod/iPhone. The head unit supports audio playback, music navigation, information display, and charging of select iPod/iPhone models. The head unit supports audio playback from music stored on your iPod/iPhone or music apps (such as iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Last.fm, Rhapsody, and Slacker) streamed to your iPhone (not all music apps will be compatible).
- DAC Bypass: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music and music apps to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 98dB. The JVC head unit supports audio playback of music, podcasts, audiobooks, and music apps stored on your iPod or iPhone.
- Music Control: You can choose to operate your
iPod/iPhone through the JVC head unit's front-panel controls, from its
clickwheel/touchscreen, or via a streamed app from your iPhone.
- Head Unit Mode: From the head unit's front-panel controls you can search for music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, and Composer. The contents of a Playlist or Category are listed alphabetically (A-Z) or numerically (0-9). The KD-R540 also supports Repeat (file/all) and Random (album/all) playback functions of your iPod/iPhone. Your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen remains accessible in this mode. You can also control basic playback functions (such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track) from select music apps streamed to your iPhone.
- iPod Mode: You can choose to navigate your iPod or iPhone's stored music from its clickwheel or touchscreen, like you are accustomed to during normal usage. Basic playback control (such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track) can still be done through head unit for stored music and music apps.
- External Mode: External Mode allows you to solely navigate your connected iPod/iPhone device through its clickwheel or touchscreen. Playback of your iPod/iPhone's stored music and streamed music apps is supported. The head unit's iPod/iPhone controls will be locked.
- iPod Display: The KD-R540 will display your Apple device's stored music and streamed music app song/artist information, when in Head Unit and iPod mode (not in External mode), or listening to Pandora Internet Radio. The head unit can display Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song/Artist title, and Station identification.
- iPod Charging: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected iPod/iPhone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position. This unit does not charge the iPad. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it.
iPod Compatibility Chart: The JVC KD-R540 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 9/19/2013):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Charge | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video | Head Unit | iPod/iPhone | External mode | Pandora app | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | ||||
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
4 | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
4S | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5 | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5C | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5S | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4th | 6.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
5th | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
nano | 1st | 1.3.1 | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
2nd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
7th | 1.02 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
video | 5th | 1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
iPad | 1 | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N |
2 | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | |
3 | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | |
4 | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | |
mini | 7.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
JVC Music Control (for Android): By connecting the JVC CD receiver via USB to an Android smartphone (OS 2.2+) that has the free JVC Music Control app installed, it allows you to list and search all of the songs stored inside the smartphone from the receiver by artist name or album name. The JVC Smart 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 move the on-screen "mood ball" to your current mood, and this application will generate a list of songs that most fits your mood. Your compatible Android smartphone must be recognized as a USB mass storage class device; not compatible with MTP protocol.
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.
AM/FM + Pandora Internet Radio
RDS AM/FM Tuner: The JVC KD-R540 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.
Pandora Internet Radio: Pandora is the leading Internet Radio music service in the United States, giving people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations. The JVC KD-R540 provides complete access to your Pandora account using your iPhone, via the head unit's front-panel USB port. To access Pandora you must have an Apple iPhone (iOS5 or later) with the latest version of the Pandora App from Apple's iTunes App Store. Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. In addition, you will need an active Pandora music service account. The JVC KD-R540 will display Artist, Album, and Song information provided by the Pandora app on your iPhone. The JVC KD-R540 will also provide control over the Pandora music service streamed to your USB-connected iPhone.
- Station List: You can select Pandora stations from your Station List by date or alphabetically (A-Z).
- Create New Station: New stations can be created based on the current songs or artists playing on Pandora.
- Skip Songs: You can skip song tracks within a station. You cannot skip back to a previous song. Pandora limits the number of skips allowed.
- Thumbs Up/Down: You can give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down to help Pandora personalize stations to suit your preferences.
- Bookmarking: The song or artist currently being played can be bookmarked and stored in your Pandora account.
Note: Access to the Pandora service will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone or smartphone to connect to the Internet. Pandora is not supported in Canada and only available in the United States.
Audio Section
24 Bit D/A Converter: The JVC KD-R540 utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The KD-R540 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.
CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the KD-R540 are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the KD-R540 are as follows:
- CEA2006 Specs: 20 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Maximum Power Output: 50 watts x 4 channels (200 total watts)
Amplifier Gain Control: When you are using the KD-R540 with factory speakers (or those rated to less than 50 watts peak), the Amplifier Gain Control can limit the amount of power being sent to those speakers. When the Amp Gain Control is set to "low," the volume control ranges from 0 (minimum) to 30 (maximum). When using speakers rated higher than 50 watts peak, you can set the Amp Gain Control to "high," and the volume control will range from 0 to 50.
2.5V/2CH Preamp Output: The KD-R540 is equipped with two 2.5V preamp outputs (Rear/SW). You can set the Rear/SW preamp outputs for connecting a pair of full-range 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 adjust the head unit's subwoofer level between -8 and +8 (separate from the main volume level).
Pro EQ: The KD-R540 is equipped with JVC's Pro EQ. The integrated equalizer offers 7 preset sound modes (Flat, Natural, Dynamic, Vocal Boost, Bass Boost, and User) suitable for the music genre of your choice. The User mode allows 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 |
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.
Display Features
Detachable Face: The JVC KD-R540 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.
LCD: The head unit features a 14-segment, one-line LCD with adjustable brightness and dimmer settings.
Brightness: The unit offers an adjustable display and button illumination brightness level (0-31) for day and nighttime driving.
Display/Button Illumination Dimmer: The display/button illumination dimmer can be set to Off (normal brightness at all times), On (display/button illumination is always dimmed), or Auto (display dims when 12-volts is applied to the orange/white illumination lead).
Remote/Bluetooth Control
Wireless Remote Control: The KD-R540 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).
Optional Bluetooth: The JVC KS-BTA100 Bluetooth Adapter (105KSTBA10, sold separately) provides Bluetooth hands-free communication and digital audio streaming functions for the JVC KD-R540. 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 KD-R540 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.
Loading...
Loading accessories...
Customer Q&A
4 questions already asked
Loading...
Loading articles...
I was a little reluctant at installing this stereo in my 2001 VW New Beetle, scary with new electronics & all. Once I got started all went well. I contacted tech support & I had 3 questions & he answered them all. Thanks. The harness adapters work great! Very happy.
Chach007 from Midwest, Il