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Kenwood KDC-125U CD receiver

Item # 113KDC125U

Kenwood's KDC-125U CD receiver exemplifies what you'd expect from a "good bang for the buck" receiver...

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Kenwood's KDC-125U CD receiver exemplifies what you'd expect from a "good bang for the buck" receiver...

6 questions - 7 answers

Item # 113KDC125U

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About the Kenwood KDC-125U

Dave Delamere

A lot for a little

Kenwood's KDC-125U CD receiver exemplifies what you'd expect from a "good bang for the buck" receiver – a solid, no-frills car stereo that gives you several music choices. You can go old school by playing your CDs or tuning into your favorite AM or FM stations. You can also plug in your digital music collection using the front-panel USB or auxiliary input inputs. Kenwood's Music Control app enables you to play and control your connected Android™ phone's playlists. Simple front-panel controls let you run the whole show without diverting your attention.

A lot for a little

Kenwood's KDC-125U CD receiver exemplifies what you'd expect from a "good bang for the buck" receiver – a solid, no-frills car stereo that gives you several music choices. You can go old school by playing your CDs or tuning into your favorite AM or FM stations. You can also plug in your digital music collection using the front-panel USB or auxiliary input inputs. Kenwood's Music Control app enables you to play and control your connected Android™ phone's playlists. Simple front-panel controls let you run the whole show without diverting your attention.

A step up from a factory radio

The typical factory radio doesn't have the power needed to deliver clean sound when you get up to highway speeds, but this Kenwood's built-in amplifier offers impressive power for a big bump in performance. The KDC-125U also gives you a 3-band EQ and a bass boost, along with a sound reconstruction feature that improves the sound of your compressed music. When you connect a powered sub to the Kenwood's set of preamp outputs, you can turn it up and down with the receiver's sub level control, a great feature if you listen to a wide variety of music.

Want to keep your car's steering wheel audio controls?

In most cars, you'll need an adapter to retain those controls with this car stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and radio, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. You'll see the adapters that work with your vehicle when you add this receiver to your cart.

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Product highlights:

    General Features:
    • CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
    • built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
    • plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA music files
    • detachable face with 13-digit LCD display and red button illumination
    Audio Features:
    • 3-band equalizer with DriveEQ
    • USB port compatible with flash drives containing MP3, WMA, WAV, and FLAC files
    • Kenwood sound reconstruction improves the sound of files encoded at low bit rates
    • compatible with Kenwood's Music Control app using a connected Android™
    • Drive Change lets you select audio from multiple flash drives or memory cards in a connected USB hub, memory card reader, or Android device
    • bass boost and loudness controls
    • low-pass filter and subwoofer level control
    Expandability:
    • inputs: front-panel auxiliary input, front USB port (no iPod/iPhone controls)
    • outputs: 2-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt, switchable rear/sub)
    Other Features and Specs:
    • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
    • warranty: 1 year
    • MFR # KDC-125U

    What's in the box:

    • CD receiver (10A fuse)
    • Face (attached)
    • Trim ring (attached)
    • Sleeve (installed)
    • Wiring harness
    • 2 Removal tools
    • Face-fixing screw
    • Instruction Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
    • Warranty Card

    Customer reviews for Kenwood KDC-125U

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    4.5 out of 5 stars
    36 reviews

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    More details on the Kenwood KDC-125U

    Stacey B.

    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
    Bluetooth Compatible No
    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 Red
    EQ Bands 3
    Wireless Remote No
    Steering Wheel Control Compatible Adapter required
    Parts Warranty 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 1 Year
    Tuner
    FM Sensitivity 8.2 dBf
    European Tuning Yes
    Seek/Scan Seek
    Radio Data System No
    File Playback
    Music File Playback MP3,WMA,WAV,FLAC
    High-res Playback N
    The Kenwood KDC-125U replaces these items:

    Product Research

    Android & Aux Integration
    Disc & USB Playback
    Audio & Tuner Section
    Display & Remote Features

    Android & Aux Integration
    Android Open Accessory 2.0 (AOA 2.0) Connectivity: The Kenwood KDC-125U's front-panel USB port lets you connect select Android smartphones that support AOA 2.0 for music playback. Kenwood does not guarantee operation with all Android devices. Click here for the most current list of compatible Android smartphones. There are two Android AOA 2.0 modes to choose from based on what content you want to listen to and how you want to control it.
    • Hand Mode: The Kenwood KDC-125U supports Android Open Accessory 2.0 (AOA 2.0), which lets  you connect your Android smartphone (OS 4.1+) to the KDC-125U's front-panel USB port and listen to stored music and music apps from your Android device through the Kenwood head unit. You'll be able to control basic playback functions such as Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track. Other advanced music navigation will still be done from your Android smartphone's touchscreen. In this mode, the head unit will not display song/artist information; only "Hand Mode" will show up on display. You'll continue to view song/artist information from the Android device's touchscreen. You'll also still be able to access other functions and applications from your Android smartphone's touchscreen, while listening to music through the head unit. If you make a call or answer a call from your smartphone while listening to music in this mode, the music will pause until you are finished with the call and then start back up again.
    • Kenwood Music Play: Downloading the Kenwood Music Play app onto your Android (OS 4.1+) smartphone with AOA 2.0 support not only allows you to listen to stored music from your Android device through the Kenwood CD receiver connected via USB, but it also lets you browse your Android smartphone's music library from the head unit's front-panel controls. You can browse your store music library by Playlist, Artist, Song, Album, or Genre. You can also control Play/Pause and Previous/Next track from the head unit. In addition, the head unit will display song/artist information. You can exit the Kenwood Music Play app to access other functions and applications of your Android smartphone, while your stored music library is still playing through your head unit. If you make a call or answer a call from your smartphone while listening to music in this mode, the music will pause until you are finished with the call and then start back up again.
    Note: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected Android smartphone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position (if your Android device has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it).

    Aux In: The unit is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input that can be used to input audio from a portable audio source, such as a portable MP3 player. The Aux input must be turned on to function. The KDC-125U allows you to select the source type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video, or TV.

    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.

    • CD Read: This function sets the method for reading a CD disc. You can choose between two modes - CD1 (automatically distinguishes between audio file disc and music CD when playing a CD or CD-R/RW disc) or CD2 (when unable to play a special formatted CD, set this function to CD2 to force playing; some music CD  discs may be unplayable even when set to this mode).
    • 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.
    • Auto Reload: 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.
    Note: For proper disc playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.

    USB Mass Storage Devices: The Kenwood KDC-125U features a front-panel USB (type-A) port that is hidden behind a flip-out cover. The USB port enables connection of USB mass storage class (MSC) devices like USB thumbdrives, USB hubs, and USB card readers; as well as select Android smartphones (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only). You can insert a compatible USB MSC device into the head unit's USB port for playback, control, and song/artist display of a variety of music files.

    • Music Drive: The Music Drive feature lets you switch between multiple memory cards (up to 5) in a USB multi-card reader or multiple USB thumbdrives (up to 5) connected to a USB hub. When a mass storage class (MSC) compatible smartphone (like Android with Froyo/Gingerbread OS) is connected to the head unit's USB input, the unit's Music Drive features lets you select its internal memory or external memory (such as an SD card) for stored music playback.
    • USB Charging: USB devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

    Note: This unit's USB port is not compatible with Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad.

    Compatible Music Files: The Kenwood KDC-125U supports the following types of music files recorded onto CD-R/RW discs or loaded onto USB mass storage class devices.

    Media Type CD (-R/RW) USB  (MSC)
    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
     
     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: bit depth of 16-bit w/ sampling frequency of 48kHz
    FLAC:  bit depth of 16-bit w/ sampling frequency of 48kHz
    Maximum # of Folders/Files 999 folders/20,480 files (999 files per folder)
    Tags ID3 tag (version 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4), WMA tag, FLAC tag

    Playback & Search Functions: The Kenwood KDC-125U offers a variety of playback and search functions to help you find and enjoy your music on disc and USB.

    • Music Search: The Kenwood AM/FM CD receiver features a Music Search feature which allows you to scroll through and select your music folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks using the head unit's rotary knob.
    • Repeat & Random: You can repeat the playback of a music file or folder on a CD or USB device. You can also randomly play back all files on al disc or within in a folder of a USB device.
    • Last Position Memory: If the unit is shut off or switched to the tuner mode while a CD or USB is playing, the next time CD or USB is selected as the source, playback will resume from the point where it left off.
    Audio & Tuner Section

    16 Bit D/A Converter: The Kenwood KDC-125U utilizes a 16-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.

    MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood KDC-125U 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 KDC-125U 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

    2Ch/2.5V Pre-Outs + Sub Control: The KDC-125U features a 2.5-volt stereo preamp output that can be adjusted from a full-range rear speaker preamp output to a low-pass subwoofer preamp output (non-fading). The Kenwood KDC-125U offers the following subwoofer controls, when you have the unit's preamp output configured as a sub out.

    • Low Pass Filter: The receiver features a built-in Low Pass Filter control for the preamp-output, when the output is set to Subwoofer. You can select from 85 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, or off.
    • Subwoofer Phase: You can adjust the phase of the subwoofer output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).
    • Subwoofer Level: Once the Subwoofer preamp output is activated, you can independently control the subwoofer preamp output level (-15 to +15) from the CD receiver.

    Speaker Settings: The Speaker Setting function tailors the head unit's audio settings according to the type of speakers in your vehicle. You may select a Speaker Setting of 'SP-Off' (flat/off), 'SP-OEM' (for OEM factory speaker systems), 'SP-6x9/6' (for systems with 6" and 6"x9" speakers), or 'SP-5/4' (for systems with 4" and 5" speakers).

    EQ Pro: The KDC-125U is equipped with Kenwood's EQ Pro. The integrated equalizer offers 8 preset sound modes (Rock, Pops, Easy, Top 40, Jazz, Natural, Drive EQ, or User) suitable for the music genre of your choice. The Drive EQ mode is an EQ preset that helps reduce road noise. The User mode allows you to manually adjust the head unit's 3-band parametric EQ (Frequency, Level, and Q-Factor).

    EQ Pro
    Frequency Level Q
    Bass 60, 80, 100, 200 Hz -8 to +8 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0
    Midrange 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 kHz -8 to +8 0.75, 1.0, 1.25
    Treble 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 kHz -8 to +8 Fixed
    Note: You can store EQ Pro bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source.

    Sound Enhancements: The head unit provides further sound enhancements for your car audio system.

    • Bass Boost & Bass Extend: The Kenwood CD receiver features a Bass Boost control that can be set to the following levels (1-3 or off). Bass Extend further enhances the unit's bass output.
    • Loudness: This function enhances low and high frequencies to make the sound clearer lower volumes. There are 3 levels (1-2 or Off).
    • Sound Reconstruction: When MP3 or WMA files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Sound Reconstruction function restores their high frequencies so the sound quality is closer to files encoded at a high bit rate. The processing is optimized for the compression format and the bit rate used. When Sound Reconstruction is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.
    • Volume Offset: 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 (-8 to +8 for Aux source).

    Key Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

    AM/FM Tuner: The Kenwood KDC-125U features a built-in AM/FM tuner. You can choose one of three tuning methods: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual Tune. The KDC-125U's tuner features 3 FM banks (1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank for storing presets. Not only does the CD receiver's tuner allow you manually enter your desired presets you can choose to have the unit automatically put stations with good reception in the memory banks automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling. The Kenwood KDC-125U offers two preset modes.

    • Normal: You can store 6 presets for each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets (total of 24).
    • Mix: A total of 6 preset stations can be assigned to the head unit's 6 preset buttons, regardless of AM/FM band. This lets you recall a preset station without switching between bands.
    Display & Remote Features

    Detachable Face: The Kenwood KDC-125U features a single front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis to deter theft. There is no protective face case included. 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 Display + Button Illumination: The Kenwood head unit features a single-line, 13-character, white backlit LCD with red button illumination. You can select between English or Spanish text.

    Text Scroll: The KDC-162 will display song/artist information text from CD, USB, and Android. You can set the text scrolling feature to three different modes (Auto, Once, or Off) to scroll longer titles across the screen.

    Brightness & Dimmer: You can adjust the brightness of the LCD from 0-31. You can also dim (on or off) the display. You can even set a specific time for the "Off" and "On" dimmer setting to be activated. These setting only affect the LCD and do not affect the button illumination.

    12Hr/24Hr Clock: The head unit can be set to display a 12hr or 24hr clock. The unit also displays the day (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, or Sat). The clock is only displayed when selected and does not displayed simultaneously with song/artist or station information. 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.

    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.

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    Customer Q&A

    6 questions already asked

    Q
    How many watts is it?
    fred  Nov 10, 2016
    1 answer
    A
    MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood KDC-125U 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 KDC-125U 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
    chris  Nov 11, 2016
    Q
    I can't find the subwoofer control on this kdc-125U stereo. The specs clearly says it has subwoofer control. The manual shows there should be a subwoofer on and off in the menu in the audio controls but there is not. So does this stero only have basic bass boost and level and can't really control he subwoofer?
    larry  Apr 02, 2016
    2 answers
    A
    the only thing i have found on this model is a bass level and bass boost adjustment . also there is a loudness adjustment . i m not sure about the sub adjustment but this is in my wifes car and i dont get in it much . she is only concerned whether the radio comes on and if it tells the time
    bryan  Apr 03, 2016
    A
    I think it's in the general set up menu ,hit the volume button and scroll
    tommy  Apr 03, 2016
    Q
    Does this fully work with a Mercedes ML320 car with Bose speakers with the amp wire? Or is it impossible to hook up?
    nick  Mar 23, 2016
    1 answer
    A
    You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.
    kenneth  Mar 25, 2016 (Staff)
    Q
    My 1999 Ford Ranger factory CD Receiver has a taller face plate than this and others offered. How do I install this without having a gap in the face of it?
    jerry  Feb 25, 2016
    1 answer
    A
    You can check to see if this will fit your vehicle by using our Outfit My Car tool: http://www.crutchfield.com/car/carselector.aspx For additional details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your vehicle.
    kristina  Feb 26, 2016 (Staff)
    Q
    Does it have remote?
    larry  Jan 29, 2016
    1 answer
    A
    Hi, Thanks for your question. No this model does not include a remote control.
    kenneth  Jan 29, 2016 (Staff)
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