At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere.
That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box,
verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs.
We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.
Features
Changer Controls
Minimum Computer Requirements
Warranty Note
Features
USB
Port: The rear-panel USB cable allows you to
play USB mass storage devices loaded with AAC,
MP3, and WMA files. MP3
files with a bit rate from 8-320 kbps and WMA files with a bit rate from 48-192
kbps are supported.
Note: The 39" USB cable
is terminated with a USB Type A port.
Display Modes: The Kenwood
KDC-X890 features a large, bright, 64-color fluorescent display with 5
selectable display modes:
- Graphic Display (Display Type
A): You can choose between 3 "movies" or a slideshow of 6 still images.
Text information is displayed briefly for tuner and CD functions before
graphic reappears.
- Graphic + Text Display
(Display Type B): The same Graphic Display is shown, plus one line of
text is displayed. Selectable text information is available for each source.
- 3-line, 2-column Text Display
(Display Type C):
Three lines of text information are displayed, each with a text label icon
and the text display. You can choose what information to display for each
line (clock, frequency, playback time, CD text, ID3 tags, etc.), plus choose
a text display color between white, red, or blue.
- Text + Source Icon Display
(Display Type D):
Two lines of text information are displayed (selectable information and
colors). On the right end of the display is an icon to indicate the
currently selected source. The bottom line features function labels for the
multi-function keys located directly below.
- G-Analyzer Display (Display
Type E): Measurements of G-forces (gravity) on the vehicle are
displayed. You can select between "G-Graphic," G-Meter (Graphic), G-Meter
(Text), or G-Counter display.
Picture Downloading: You can
download one movie, one wallpaper image, and one G-Graphic from a special
Kenwood website for use in the above Graphic Displays. New images can be
recorded onto a CD-R or CD-RW disc, and loaded into the receiver.
G-Analyzer: This unit is
equipped with a sensor that measures the forces of gravity on the vehicle. This
sensor enables the receiver to calculate G-forces during acceleration, braking,
and cornering. The G-Analyzer has a stop watch that can be automatically started
when forward or reverse G-forces are detected. The G-Analyzer also has a
horsepower analysis tool that measures your vehicle's horsepower and displays a
graph with max power. Setup and calibration for acceleration and braking must be
performed before using the G-Analyzer.
Note: Features like the
horsepower analysis tool should not be used on public roads.
AAC/MP3/WMA Playback:
The receiver can play AAC, 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, 100 folders, and 4096 files per folder.
During MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information. AAC
ID3 tags cannot be displayed.
Kenwood Advanced CODEC Drive:
The KDC-X890 features Advanced CODEC Drive (ACDrive) to help you organize your
digital music files and burn CDs with advanced features. With the PhatNoise
Media Manager (on the supplied CD-ROM software), you can browse compressed audio
files by playlists, artists, albums or genres. The receiver's built-in Voice
Index will "announce" artist, album, and genre names when an ACDrive disc is
played. The software will also help you rip music from CDs and encode them as
AAC files. To help you keep up-to-date, the Media Manager software allows you to
download new CODECs and features and download them to a CD for upgrading the
receiver. (See Minimum Computer Requirements below for installing the software
on your computer).
Motorized Angled Faceplate:
When inserting or ejecting a disc, the motorized faceplate automatically slides
down and out to expose the disc slot. Furthermore, you can set the faceplate at
one of three angles for best visibility of the display, in addition to the fully
closed position.
24-Bit Wolfson
D-A Converter:
The KDC-X890 features an audiophile-quality 24-bit
Wolfson
digital-to-analog
converter for superb CD sound.
Satellite Radio Ready: The head
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).
Note: In addition to
the optional satellite tuner, you will also need the proper antenna and
a subscription to SIRIUS or XM Satellite Radio.
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).
Note: The Speaker
Setting affects the bass, midrange, and treble values of the System Q EX
presets. The speaker setting should be selected first.
System Q-EX Sound Control:
Six EQ
curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve
for different types of music: Rock, Pops, Easy, Top 40, Jazz, and Natural. In
addition, you may store your own settings under the "User Memory" EQ curve. Each
preset has its own bass center frequency, bass level, bass Q factor, bass
extension, middle center frequency, middle level, middle Q factor, treble center
frequency, and treble level settings. You may adjust the bass center frequency
(40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120 or 150Hz), bass level (-8 to +8), bass Q factor
(1.00, 1.25, 1.50 or 2.00), bass extension (On or Off), middle center frequency
(0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0kHz), middle level (-8 to +8), middle Q factor (1.0 or
2.0), treble center frequency (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 or 17.5kHz), and treble level
(-8 to +8). The System Q EX can be turned off in the menu, still allowing you to
adjust the bass, middle and treble levels only.
Subwoofer Preamp Output: The
KDC-X890 is equipped with a pair of subwoofer preamp outputs. The subwoofer
outputs can easily be turned on/off. When the subwoofer output is turned on, you
can adjust the volume (-15 to +15 in increments of 2), set the low pass filter
cutoff (50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Through), and the phase (normal,
reverse).
System E's+: In addition to
System Q Sound Control, the KDC-X890 features the System E's+ crossover system
for the speaker and preamp outputs. You can make the following adjustments:
- Front High Pass Filter:
40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, or Through (no filter)
- Rear High Pass Filter:
40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz,
150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz or Through (no filter)
- Low Pass Filter: 50Hz,
60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz or Through (no filter)
Source Tone Memory:
This feature allows you to store System Q bass, middle and treble tone settings
for each source (CD, FM, AM, Satellite, and CD changer).
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.
Built-in Amp Switch: If the
audio signals are output to external amplifiers, you can turn off the internal
amplifier to improve audio quality.
Dual Zone System: The
KDC-X890's Dual Zone System allows you to output one source to the front
channels and another source to the rear channels. The main source can be the
internal disc player, tuner, or a source connected via the 13-pin CD changer
input. The sub source is a device connected to the rear RCA auxiliary input. You
can assign the sub source to either the front or rear channels. When the Dual
Zone System is activated, the volume of the front channels is controlled by the
volume knob, while the volume of the rear channels is controlled in the Audio
Control menu.
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.
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.
Radio Data System (RDS):
The unit's tuner
features RDS (Radio Data System). RDS is a service used by some radio stations
to transmit data outside of normal radio broadcast signals. When an RDS station
is received, you can immediately find out what kind of data is being transmitted
by looking at the program service name. RDS features an emergency transmission
function that interrupts regular programming to broadcast an emergency
announcement (such as a tornado or severe storm). There is also a switchable
Traffic Information function, which will automatically tune a traffic bulletin
when it is broadcast, even when you're not listening to the radio.
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.
Disc/Station Naming: You can
enter and store names of up to 12 characters for CDs and radio stations.
Characters can include upper case letters, numbers, symbols, and special accent
characters. The memory can store names for up to 30 stations and 10 discs in the
internal CD player. The number of disc names you can store for an external CD
changer depends upon the capability of the changer.
Disabled System Indicator: A
red indicator will blink on the unit after the faceplate is removed, warning
potential thieves. This feature can be turned On or Off.
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. The security code may be disabled if desired.
Bass Management System (B.M.S.):
You can remotely adjust the bass boost of a compatible Kenwood amplifier with
the Bass Management System (B.M.S.). When properly connected, you can set the
bass boost to Flat, +6dB, +12dB, and if the amplifier is capable, +18dB. In
addition, you can set the B.M.S. frequency offset to "Normal" or "Low." The
"Low" setting drops the bass boost normal center frequency by 20%.
Note: The pink/black
lead on the receiver's wiring harness should be connected to the amp's
B.M.S. terminal.
Remote Control: The KDC-X890
comes with the RC-527 wireless remote control with a full numeric keypad. The
remote includes volume control for the rear channels when the unit is operating
in the Dual Zone mode. It is powered by 2 "AA" batteries (supplied). The
dimensions of the remote are: L=5.369", W=1.968", D=1.198".
Steering Wheel Remote
Compatibility: The KDC-X890 has a "steering remote control" lead on the back
panel. When used with the optional SWI-ALP interface (item #127SWIALP), 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-ALP 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.
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:
When this function is active, the display turns off after 5 seconds if no
operation is performed. This reduces the glare during night driving.
Display Dimmer: When the dimmer
control is set to "on," the display automatically dims when the vehicle lights
are turned on. When set to "off," the display doesn't dim.
Note: In order for the
display dimmer feature to operate, the orange/white wire in the supplied
wiring harness must be connected to the vehicle's headlight circuit.
Auxiliary Input: The
KDC-X890 is equipped with a built-in auxiliary input. There is a set of stereo
RCA jacks on a 10" 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.
Optional iPod Adapter: This
receiver is compatible with the optional Kenwood KCA-iP500 iPod control
interface (item # 113IP500). When an iPod is connected to the interface, all of
the iPod's controls will be disabled and it will be controlled from the
receiver. With this interface, you'll be able to play your iPod music files
through your Kenwood receiver and in most cases have all the titling information
appear on the receiver's display.
Changer Controls
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.
Changer Controls: 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 all disc random.
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.
Minimum Computer Requirements
PhatNoise Media Manager Software: To use Media Manager software, the
following software and hardware are required:
- Software: Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, or XP
- Hardware:
- Personal computer (main unit, display, and peripheral units)
incorporating a 500MHz or better Pentium II processor (or the
equivalent) on which the above OS can run normally
- 128MB RAM or more
- Hard disc with 200MB free space
- CD-R/CD-RW drive
- Others: Internet connection environment
- Note: Administrator authority is required when installing Media
Manager in Windows 2000 or XP
Warranty Note
Warranty Note: The unit comes
packed with a warranty card that offers a 1-year parts and labor warranty. Per
Kenwood, this unit has a 2-year parts and labor warranty.
