Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
Remote Control
Optional Software
Display Features
2-DIN Chassis: The DPX308 has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as
"Double DIN"), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. The unit
can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets, or Euro-mounted using the supplied
mounting sleeve.
Note: As always, please consult the
Crutchfield Car Selector to verify fit with your vehicle.
1-Line, 13-Digit FL Display:
The Kenwood DPX308U is equipped with a 1-line,
13-digit fluorescent display.
Variable Color Illumination: The Kenwood DPX308U features
variable color display and button illumination. You can choose from one of 24
preset colors, have the unit scan through all 24 preset colors continuously, or
customize your own color (RGB: 0-9). The display and button illumination can be
set to the same color or set independently.
Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim this unit's display and button illumination automatically when you connect the orange/white Illumination wire of this player and the vehicle light switch is turned On. You can also choose to dim the display manually.
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.
Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be
turned "on" or "off" within the menu.
Audio Section
24 Bit D/A Converter: The Kenwood DPX308U utilizes a
24-bit digital to analog converter for superior CD sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood DPX308U 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
DPX308U 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)
Rotary Volume Control: The CD receiver uses a 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 Balance, Fader, Bass,
Mid, 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.
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).
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/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).
System Q Sound Control: Eight 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, Game, and User.
Detail Audio Control: The Kenwood DPX308U 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.
| 3-Band EQ |
Detailed
Audio Settings |
| Center Frequency |
Q-Factor |
Bass Extension |
Level |
| Bass |
40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, or 150 Hz |
1.00, 1.25, 1.50, or 2.00 |
On/Off |
-8 to +8 |
| Midrange |
0.5k, 1.0k, 1.5k, or 2.0k Hz |
1.00 or 2.00 |
N/A |
| Treble |
10.0k, 12.5k, 15.0k, or17.5k Hz |
N/A |
N/A |
Bass Boost: In addition, The Kenwood CD receiver features a Bass Boost control that can be set
to the following levels - LV1, LV2 or Off.
Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System
Q bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (CD, Tuner, USB/iPod, and Aux).
Supreme Setting: When MP3/WMA/AAC 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.
Selectable 2V Preamp Outputs: The DPX308U features Front and
Rear/SW preamp outputs. The Rear/SW preamp output allows you to adjust from a
full-range rear speaker preamp output to a low-pass, non-fading subwoofer preamp
output.
Subwoofer Controls: The Kenwood DPX308U offers the following subwoofer controls, when you have the
unit's subwoofer preamp output activated.
- 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.
Tel Mute: The DPX308U 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.
Key Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Radio Functions
AM/FM Tuner: The Kenwood DPX308U features a built-in AM/FM
tuner. 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.
Tuner Presets: The DPX308U's tuner features 3 FM banks (1,
2, 3) and 1 AM bank for storing presets. The Kenwood DPX308U 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 stations can be assigned to
a total of 6 preset buttons, regardless of AM/FM band. You can recall a preset station without switching between
bands.
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.
Direct Access Tuning: Using the included remote control, you can
directly enter a station's frequency from the remote's numeric keypad.
Forced Mono: This function reduces the noise when stereo broadcasts
are received as monaural.
Disc 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.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The DPX308U can play MP3 (8-320 kbps),
WMA (32-192 kbps), and AAC (8-320 kbps) audio 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/AAC playback, the unit displays recorded ID3 Tag (ver. 1.x/2.x)
information. The head unit will display up to 60 characters.
Text Scroll: The DPX308U will display CD text or Audio file
text. You can set the text scrolling feature to two different modes (Auto or
Manual) 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/AAC music
folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks using
the head unit's rotary knob.
Direct Music Search: The supplied IR wireless remote control
(RC-405) allows you to search for music directly by entering the track number.
Playback Modes: The Kenwood DPX308U features the following Repeat,
Random, and Scan playback modes.
- Repeat Play: Track, File, or Folder
- Random Play: Disc or Folder
- Scan Play: Track or File (plays the first 10-seconds of each
music track on a disc or music file in a folder)
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.
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.
- 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: The CD player will automatically reinsert the disc if
it's ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
USB Port: The Kenwood DPX308U features a front-panel USB
(1.1/2.0) 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), WMA (32-192 kbps), and AAC (8-320 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. During MP3/WMA/AAC playback, the unit displays recorded ID3
Tag (ver. 1.x/2.x) information. The head unit will display up to 60 characters.
The DPX308U will also charge your connected USB device's battery, when the
head unit is powered up.
Note: You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or
Multi-Card Reader to this unit.
iPod/iPhone Direct Connection: The DPX308U's front-panel USB port also acts as an iPod/iPhone high-speed direct
connection when used with the optional Kenwood USB Direct Connection Cable (113KCIP102,
sold separately) or the USB/iPod cable that comes with your iPod/iPhone. Using
either cable allows audio playback, music navigation, information display, and
charging of select iPod/iPhone models from the DPX308U.
iPod/iPhone Audio Playback: The USB
connection allows your iPod/iPhone's large music libraries 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
110dB. The Kenwood head unit supports audio playback of music files and podcasts
stored on your iPod or iPhone.
iPod/iPhone Control: You can choose
to control the iPod/iPhone from the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's
clickwheel or touchscreen.
- Music Browsing: The Kenwood
head unit allows you to navigate your iPod's music by Playlist, Artists,
Album, Genre, Composer, Song, or Podcast. You can search these categories
alphabetically or using a percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%).
- Playlists: You
can create your own custom iPod/iPhone playlist (up to 10 songs) from the head unit.
- Related Search: You can browse for music of the same
artist or genre as the one being currently played. You can select between
the following Related Search modes.
- Search Artist: displays albums of the same artist
- Search Album: display music in the album in which
the one being played is included
- Search Genre: displays artists of the same genre
- Search Composter: displays albums including music
created by the same composer
- Repeat & Random: The head unit supports Repeat (file) &
Random (folder/all) playback functions of your connected iPod/iPhone.
iPod/iPhone Display: The DPX308U
will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information when you are
controlling your iPod or iPhone from the Kenwood head unit. The head unit will
display Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, and Album
label. If you choose to
operate your connected iPod/iPhone via its clickwheel or touchscreen controls,
the DPX308U will not display your iPod/iPhone's music information (the head unit will
instead display iPod MODE).
iPod/iPhone Charging: While
connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB
connection will power and charge your iPod/iPhone.
Note: If your iPod/iPhone has
no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Kenwood DPX308U is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the
following iPod/iPhone model features (as of November 2011):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Head Unit |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
mini |
1st |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.1 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
5.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
5.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
4.3.5 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
5.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4S |
5.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.
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 DPX308U allows you to select the
source type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX,
DVD, Portable, Game, Video, or TV.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote Control: The DPX308U comes with an IR
remote control (RC-405) for wireless operation of the head unit. The remote will
control Audio, CD, USB, and Tuner functions. It is powered by a single CR2025 3V
lithium-cell battery (supplied).
- Numeric Keypad: The wireless remote control features a
numeric keypad (0-9) which allows direct track access of your music tracks &
files (from CD or USB), as well as AM/FM presets.
- 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 head unit also
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 the optional PAC SWI-RC Steering
Wheel Control Interface Adapter (541SWIRC,
sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface
Adapter (120ASWC,
sold separately).
Note: Please consult Crutchfield's
Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.