Overview: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U AM/FM CD receiver features a detachable
face, front-panel auxiliary and USB input, three pairs of 2.0-volt preamp outputs,
and built-in HD AM/FM radio. The KDC-HD548U offers MP3/WMA/AAC playback via
CD-R/RW audio discs, as well as connected USB flash memory devices. The Kenwood
CD receiver's USB port also supports direct connection of your compatible iPod
or iPhone. In addition, the Kenwood KDC-HD548U comes with an IR remote control for
wireless operation of the headunit and supports OEM steering wheel controls (via
optional adapter). The CD receiver's amplifier is rated at 22
watts x 4 channel RMS and 50 watts x 4 channel peak.
Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
Remote Control
Optional Software
Display Features
Detachable Face: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U features a single
front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis to deter theft. The
headunit includes a cloth pouch for storing the face-plate when detached. A
face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.
Note: An optional soft face case (142DFC1X,
sold separately) can also be purchased for this unit.
Fluorescent Display: The Kenwood headunit features a
14-segement, 13-character bluish white backlit fluorescent display with blue & white button illumination.
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 Dimmer: The display has two brightness settings to
adjust the brightness of the display according to the surrounding illumination.
You can change this setting within the menu from On or Off.
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 KDC-HD548U utilizes a
24-bit digital to analog converter for superior CD sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U 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-HD548U 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
Rotary Volume Control: The CD receiver uses a 3-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 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), "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.
Bass/Treble/Mid Control: The System Q's User Mode features
independent Bass (100 Hz), Treble (10 kHz), and Midrange (1 kHz) control from -
8 to +8 dB.
Bass Boost: The Kenwood CD receiver also features a Bass
Boost control that can be set to the following levels - LV11, 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, Aux, and
USB).
Supreme Setting: When MP3, WMA, and 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.
6ch/2.0V Preamp Outputs: The KDC-HD548U features front,
rear and subwoofer 2.0-volt 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 all fixed to the rear chassis of
the headunit. The subwoofer preamp output offers the following controls:
- Low Pass Filter: The receiver features a built-in Low
Pass Filter control for the preamp-output when the output is set to Sub. You
can select from 85Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz or Through (Off).
- Subwoofer Phase: You can also adjust the phase of the
subwoofer output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).
- Subwoofer Level: Once you have switched the preamp
output to "subwoofer" you can independently control the subwoofer preamp
output level from the CD receiver. You select levels between -15 to +15.
Tel Mute: The KDC-HD548U 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 headunit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Radio Functions
Built-In HD Tuner: With its built-in HD Radio tuner, you can receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from
local stations where available. HD Radio significantly improves AM/FM audio
quality and reception, as well as includes information such as artist name and
song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display. HD Radio
Technology will deliver high-quality digital sound. AM digital will have FM-like
quality in stereo (70dB SN @ 40-15kHz), while FM digital will have CD-like quality
(70 dB SN @ 20-20kHz) with static free
and clear reception. The unit's built-in HD Radio tuner allows analog AM/FM
tuning as well.
Note: HD Radio is the system for digital AM and FM
broadcasting in the U.S. More than 2,000 radio stations are broadcasting
their primary signals in digital HD Radio technology, as a free service. Go
to HDRadio.com to check for HD Radio stations in your area.
Station Text: AM/FM digital stations can offer text and data
such as artist names and song titles.
Multicasting: Many HD Radio stations also offer more than one channel
of programming. This service is called multicasting.
Tuner Presets: The KDC-HD548U's tuner features 3 FM banks
(1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank for storing presets. The Kenwood KDC-HD548U 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 of 6 stations can be assigned to a total of 6 preset buttons, regardless of
AM/FM band and connected Satellite Radio tuner. 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.
Tuning Modes: 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.
Note: You can
also setup the KDC-HD548U to search only HD Radio
stations.
Direct Tuning: You can tune in a desired AM/FM radio station directly
by entering the frequency number using the included remote control.
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 KDC-HD548U can play MP3 (8-320
kbps), WMA (32-192 kbps), and AAC (8-320 kbps) 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 headunit will display up to 60 characters.
Text Scroll: The KDC-HD548U 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 headunit'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 KDC-HD548U 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, 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.
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U 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 headunit
will display up to 60 characters. When your USB device is connected to this
unit, it can be charged up provided that the KDC-HD548U is powered on.
Note: You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or
Multi-Card Reader to this unit.
iPod/iPhone Direct Connection: The KDC-HD548U'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 KDC-HD548U.
iPod/iPhone Audio Playback: The USB connection allows your
iPod/iPhone'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 to 105dB. The Kenwood headunit 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 headunit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or
touchscreen.
- Music Browsing: The Kenwood headunit 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 headunit.
- Repeat & Random: The headunit supports Repeat (file) &
Random (folder) playback functions of your connected iPod/iPhone.
iPod/iPhone Display: The KDC-HD548U will display your
iPod/iPhone's music file information when you are controlling your iPod or
iPhone from the Kenwood headunit. The headunit 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 KDC-HD548U will not display your iPod/iPhone's music information (the headunit
will instead display iPod MODE).
iTunes Tagging: Using the headunit's iTunes Tagging enabled HD
Radio, you can tag your HD music while listening to the radio with your iPod/iPhone
connected. When you hear a song you enjoy on your local HD Radio station, you
only have to press the headunit's "HD" button" and the song's information will
be saved to your connected iPod/iPhone. The saved songs will then show up in a playlist
called "Tagged" in iTunes the very next time you sync your iPod to your PC. Then
you just need to click, buy, and download the song you tagged directly from the
Apple iTunes Music Store. This unit can store up to 50 Tags.
iPod/iPhone Charging: While connected and the ignition
switch is set to ACC or ON, the headunit'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 KDC-HD548U is
"Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of January 2011):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
iTunes Tagging |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Headunit |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
mini |
1st |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.0 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
4.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
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 headunit and your iPod/iPhone to
regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert
to the older software version or 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 unit has 3 auxiliary input modes.
- On1: Outputs the sound of the external unit connected
to the Aux terminal when switched to the Aux source.
- On2: Activates the attenuator function when turning on
the power with the auxiliary source selected. This prevents the noise when
no external unit is connected to the Aux terminal. Turn off the attenuator
function when listening to output from an external unit.
- Off: Disables the selection of the Aux source.
Auxiliary Display: The KDC-HD548U 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 KDC-HD548U comes with an IR
remote control (RC-405) for wireless operation of the headunit. 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.
Optional Software
Music Editor Compatible: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U supports the
PC application, Kenwood Music Editor Lite (ver.1.1). Kenwood Music
Editor Lite is a Windows-based desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer
MP3 and WMA music files to your USB devices from your PC. When you playback audio
files that have been stored on your USB device using Kenwood Music Editor Lite through this unit, you can search a file by title, album, or artist name using the headunit's Music Search function.
System Requirements: The Kenwood Music Editor Light
(ver.1.1) Windows-based software
can be downloaded for free from Kenwood.com to your PC. The Kenwood Music Editor Light 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)
