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Overview: The Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X493 AM/FM CD receiver features a detachable
face, front auxiliary and USB input, three pairs of 4-volt preamp outputs, CD
changer and Satellite radio controls and built-in iPod operation, as well as
MP3/WMA playback. The unit also supports Bluetooth via an optional adapter
sold separately. In addition, the CD player comes with an IR wireless remote
control. The unit's amplifier is rated at 22 watts x 4 channel RMS and 50 watts
x 4 channel peak.
Display Features
Audio Section
AM/FM Tuner
CD Playback
External Device Connection
Remote Control
Display Features
Detachable Face: The unit features a single front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis
to deter theft. The CD player comes supplied with a soft black fabric, draw
string face case to protect the detachable face when you have it off the
chassis.
Security Code: You can enter a
4-digit security code which must be used when the unit is removed from the
vehicle, or the constant power source is disconnected from the unit. When
constant power is restored to the unit, the security code must be entered before
the unit becomes operational.
Display Illumination/Clock
Display: When the unit is in Standby mode, the face/button illumination
is "keyed." In addition, while the unit is in Standby mode, you can turn the
clock display on or off. When the Clock Display is turned on and the unit is in
Standby mode, the Clock Display is also "keyed." Pressing and holding the source
button turns the unit off completely.
Display Illumination Control: This function turns off the display when have not performed an operation for 5
seconds. This is effective for when you are driving at night.
Dimmer: The dimmer function
will dim this unit's display automatically when the vehicle light switch is
turned On when you connect orange/white Illumination wire of this player.
Audio Section
24 Bit D/A Converter: The
Kenwood KDC-X493 utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior CD
sound quality.
Rotary Volume Control: The CD
receiver uses a 7-way rotary volume control that increases and decreases the volume of
the stereo from 0 to 35. The rotary knob also controls other audio settings such
as Bass, Treble and preset EQ settings. In addition, the rotary knob allows you
to scroll through and select your music tracks when the Music Search function is
activated.
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 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).
System Q Sound Control: Seven EQ curves are preset into
memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of
music. Each preset has its own level settings for bass (100Hz), midrange (1kHz),
and treble (10kHz). You can choose from the following preset EQ curves - Rock,
Pops, Easy, Top 40, Jazz, Natural, and Game.
Detail Audio Control: The
KDC-X493 features independent Bass, Treble and Midrange control when the System
Q Sound Control is in User mode. The Detail
Audio Control allows you to adjust the following settings for the Bass, Treble
and Mid frequency levels.
- Bass:
- Frequency: 40/50/60/70/80/100/120/150 Hz
- Q-Factor: 1.00/1.25/1.50/2.00
- Bass Extend: On/Off
(when this feature is set to "On", the low frequency response is
extended by 20%)
- Level: -8 to +8
- Mid:
- Frequency: 0.5/1.0/1.5/2.0 kHz
- Q-Factor: 1.0/2.0
- Level: - 8 to +8
- Treble:
- Frequency:
10/12.5/15.0/17.5 kHz
- Level: -8 to +8
Bass Boost: The Kenwood CD receiver also features a Bass
Boost control that can be set to the following levels - BB1, BB2 or Off.
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.
Source Tone Memory:
This feature allows you to store System Q bass, middle and treble tone settings
for each source (CD, Tuner, Aux, and USB).
3-Sets of 4V Preamp Outputs: The KDC-X493 features front, rear and
subwoofer 4V preamp outputs. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are
balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The
front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs are fixed to the rear chassis of the
headunit.
Front and Rear High-Pass Filter:
The KDC-X493 features an independent High-Pass Crossover for the front and rear
channels when your front and rear speakers are connected by the unit's
speaker-outputs or preamp-outputs. You can adjust the high-pass crossover from
"Through", 40, 60, 80, 100, 120,
150, or 180, 220Hz. The "Through" selection is a full-range setting. This feature is
very helpful when you have smaller-type speakers in the front and larger-type
speakers installed in the rear of the vehicle.
Low-Pass Filter: The receiver
features a built-in Low Pass Filter control for the unit's subwoofer preamp
output. You can select from 50, 60, 80, 100,120Hz or "Through".
The "Through" setting allows your external amplifier's crossover network to do
all the filtering for your subwoofer.
Subwoofer Level:
You can independently control the
subwoofer preamp output level from the CD receiver. You select levels between
-15 to +15.
Subwoofer Phase: You can adjust the phase of the subwoofer
output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).
Dual Zone: The Dual Zone mode
allows you to output the Main source and the Auxiliary input separately for the
front and rear channels. You can select whether the auxiliary input will play in
the front or the rear.
Tel Mute: The KDC-X493
features a cell-phone mute wire (brown) in its harness that when hooked up to
your car's phone system mute wire will automatically mute the receiver's audio
signal when a call comes in.
AM/FM Tuner
CR-2 Advanced Tuner: This unit
uses Kenwood's CR-2 Advanced tuner for clear radio reception. 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.
Auto Memory Tuning: 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
tuner features 3 FM banks (1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank. You can store 6 presets for
each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets.
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 circuit can be turned on or off.
CD Playback
MP3/WMA Playback: The KDCX-493 can play MP3 and WMA files
recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet,
Romeo, and Long file name formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8
directory levels, 50 folders, and 255 files per folder with a maximum of 512
files and folders. During MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3
Tag (Ver.1) information. The headunit will display up to 30 characters.
Supreme Setting: When MP3 or WMA files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are
played, the Supreme Setting 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 the Supreme
Setting is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.
Text/Title Scroll: The KDC-X493 will display CD text, Audio file text and Satellite and HD radio
text. You can turn the
scrolling feature "on" to scroll longer titles across the screen.
Music Search: The Kenwood AM/FM CD receiver features a Music
Search feature which allows you to scroll through and select your MP3/WMA music
folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks using
the headunit's rotary knob.
Last Position Memory: If the unit is shut off or switched to the tuner mode while a CD is playing, the
next time CD is selected as the source, playback will resume from the point
where it left off.
Favorite Memory Control: The headunit's Favorite Control
feature allows you to save six "Favorites" for easy access. You can select a
"Favorite" playlist from your connected iPod, your favorite radio station from
the unit's built-in AM/FM tuner or connected Satellite Radio or HD tuner (both
sold separately), or a favorite telephone number from your mobile-phone using
the optional Bluetooth hands-free kit (sold separately). This allows you to
have instant access your favorite Radio station, telephone number, or iPod
playlist from one list on the headunit's display.
Off Eject: The KDC-X493 allows you to eject your disc for 10
minutes after switching off the vehicles engine.
CD Force: When there is a
problem with playing a CD with a special format, this setting plays the CD by
force. Some CDs still may not play in the CD Force mode.
External Device Connection
USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-X493 features a front panel 2.0
USB type-A port that is hidden behind a sliding cover. The USB port enables
connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class device with MP3
(8-320 kbps) and WMA (48-192 kbps) music files. The USB port is compatible with
all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system.
Your USB device should only have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 255 folders,
and 255 files per folder with a maximum of 65,025 files and folders. When your
USB device is connected to this unit, it can be charged up provided that the
KDC-X493 is powered on.
Note: You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or
Multi-Card Reader to this unit.
iPod High-Speed Connection: The KDC-X493's front-panel USB
port also acts as an iPod high-speed direct connection when used with the
optional Kenwood USB Direct Connection Cable (113iP101,
sold separately) or the
USB/iPod cable that comes with your iPod. Using either cable allows you to
connect, control, and charge select iPod models with the KDC-X493. The USB
connection allows your iPod's large music libraries to be loaded instantly to
the headunit and sound quality to be maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A
converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to105dB.When your iPod is
connected to the KDC-X493, you can choose to operate your iPod via the Kenwood
headunit's controls or your iPod's click-wheel/touch-screen. If you select to
control your iPod from the KDC-X493, the Kenwood headunit will allow you to
navigate your iPod's music by Playlist, Artists, Album, Genre, Composer, Song,
or Podcast (your iPod's click-wheel/touch-screen will be locked in this mode).
You can search these categories alphabetically or using a percentage search
(0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%). You can also choose to listen to all songs stored on your
iPod at random. The KDC-X493 will also display your iPod's music file
information when in this mode. If you choose to operate your
connected iPod via its click-wheel/touch-screen controls, the KDC-X493 will
not display your iPod's music information (the headunit will instead display "iPodMODE")
and the Kenwood headunit's controls will no longer operate your iPod. The
Kenwood KDC-X493 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the
following iPod/iPhone model features (as of Nov. 2009):
| iPod/iPhone
Model |
Generation |
Media Type |
Control |
Display |
Charge |
| Audio |
Video |
Unit |
iPod |
Song/Artist
|
Track |
|
dock-connector |
3rd |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
click-wheel/color-display |
4th |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| mini |
1st |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| video
|
5th |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 120GB |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 160GB |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| nano
|
1st |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 2nd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 3rd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 4th |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 5th |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Note: Not compatible with OS 4.0. Apple firmware updates may change
functionality results. You may need to reset your iPod if you
download a newer software version.
Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for
connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver to this receiver:
HD Radio Ready: With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (113KTCHR20
or
113HR300, sold separately), 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.
Bluetooth Ready: The unit is also Bluetooth compatible using
the optional Kenwood KCA-BT200 Bluetooth adapter (113BT200,
sold separately). Using this adapter you can make and answer phone calls from
the Kenwood headunit. You can even download your Phonebook information from your
compatible mobile phone into the headunit. You are able to register up to five
compatible Bluetooth cell phones when using the KCA-BT200 adapter. Visit
Kenwood.com for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled phones.
Changer Controls: 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. In addition to basic disc navigation features, this
unit has the following changer controls: direct disc access (using the remote),
direct track access (using the remote), track intro scan, track repeat, disc
repeat, disc random, and magazine disc random. When connected to a CD Text capable CD 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.
AUX Input: The
KDC-X493 is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input for
connecting external portable audio devices such as an MP3 player. The
KDC-X493 allows you to select the source type displayed when using the
auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or TV.
Rear Auxiliary Input "Ready": The unit already features a
front panel auxiliary input, but if you need a second auxiliary input, one can
be added to the rear of the unit. When used with an optional adapter, this unit
can accept a rear input from an auxiliary source. When the CA-C1AUX adapter (113CAC1AX,
sold separately) is used, you cannot connect a CD changer to the head unit
because the adapter plugs into the DIN changer control connection on the head
unit. When the KCA-S220A 2-changer switch (113KCAS220,
sold separately) is used, you can connect a CD changer and an auxiliary audio
source at the same time. When an auxiliary audio source is connected, you can
choose from one of six names for the source: AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or
TV.
Remote Control
IR Remote Control: The KDC-X493
comes with the RC-547 IR wireless remote control with a full numeric keypad. The
remote will control Audio, CD, Tuner, Satellite Radio, and Dual Zone functions.
The remote control allows direct access of your music tracks and direct access
to discs loaded in a connected CD-changer (sold separately). It is
powered by 2 "AA" batteries (supplied). The dimensions of the remote are: L =
5.362", W = 1.962", D = 1.115".
Attenuator: The CD receiver features an Attenuator button on
the supplied remote control that turns the volume down very quickly with one
touch of the button.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The KDC-X493 has a
"steering remote control" lead on the back panel. When used with the optional
SWI-JACK interface (127SWIJACK,
sold separately), you can retain the use of your
steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head
unit in select vehicles. The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the
vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura,
Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda,
Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda,
Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn,
Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please
consult "What Fits My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.
