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Kenwood KDC-MP442U CD receiver (New Stock)

Item # 113MP442U

Kenwood built their KDC-MP442U CD receiver for iPod® users everywhere.

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Kenwood built their KDC-MP442U CD receiver for iPod® users everywhere.

Item # 113MP442U

Shop all Kenwood Car Stereos

About the Kenwood KDC-MP442U

Loren Barstow
Kenwood built their KDC-MP442U CD receiver for iPod® users everywhere. Check out the front panel — you'll see a USB and auxiliary input, both illuminated so you can find them in the night. Plug in your iPod, then tuck it away in a safe place because you'll find everything you need on the Kenwood's control panel.

Kenwood built their KDC-MP442U CD receiver for iPod® users everywhere. Check out the front panel — you'll see a USB and auxiliary input, both illuminated so you can find them in the night. Plug in your iPod, then tuck it away in a safe place because you'll find everything you need on the Kenwood's control panel.

You can use the big jog dial to search through your music files alphabetically, or jump through your files in increments up to 10%. And you'll be able to view all your artist and song info on the easy-to-read 13-character fluorescent display. Into another brand of MP3 player? The front aux input offers a direct audio connection from your player to the Kenwood receiver.

More entertainment possibilities
You can play your storebought and recordable CDs, including discs full of MP3 and WMA files. If you'd like to expand your system, you can add a Kenwood CD changer or satellite radio. Kenwood's HD Radio™ tuner brings in enhanced fidelity and added programming from participating AM and FM stations. Enjoy hands-free cell phone use in your car with Kenwood's optional Bluetooth® adapter.

The "Short-cut" feature allows you to set up 6 short cuts that take you to different functions with a touch of a button. For instance, you could set up shortcuts to an important phone number, a favorite playlist, an EQ setting, a SIRIUS channel, an HD Radio station, and more. Great idea.

How's it sound?
A strong built-in amp provides plenty of power to drive your speakers, while the 24-bit digital-to-analog converter brings out every last detail in your music. Use the 3-band equalizer to tweak the highs, mids, and lows for the perfect sound curve for your car. The System E's crossover offers high- and low-pass filters that you can adjust for maximum efficiency from your speaker system.

If your aim is maximum sound quality, you'll appreciate the three sets of preamp outputs for connecting and controlling a full setup of external amps and subs. Your passengers can switch sources and make adjustments with the included remote control.

Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility with this receiver or its optional iPod adapter.

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Product highlights:

    General features:
    • CD player with 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 files
    • detachable face with with 13-character display
    • remote control
    Audio features:
    • dual-zone capability for playing different sources over the front & rear speakers
    • System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band equalizer)
    • Supreme Setting function restores high frequencies in music files
    • System E's high- and low-pass filters
    Expandability:
    • iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional connecting cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home
    • compatible with Kenwood's Bluetooth adapter, satellite radio, and HD Radio™ tuner
    • inputs: front auxiliary and USB inputs
    • outputs: three sets of 2.5-volt preamp outputs
    Other features and specs:
    • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
    • warranty: 1 year
    • MFR # KDC-MP442U

    What's in the box:

    • AM/FM/CD receiver with 10-amp fuse inserted into the chassis
    • Sleeve
    • Face
    • Trim ring
    • Wiring harness
    • RC-547 Wireless remote
    • 2 "AA" batteries
    • Soft fabric face case
    • 2 Removal tools
    • 4 Panhead ISO-mount screws
    • 4 Flathead ISO-mount screws
    • Back support screw
    • Instruction Manual (English/Spanish/French)
    • Warranty Card
    • "Attention" sheet (taped to unit)

    Customer reviews for Kenwood KDC-MP442U

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    More details on the Kenwood KDC-MP442U

    Stacey B.

    Features & specs

    Expandability
    AUX Input Front and Optional Rear
    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 No
    Memory Card Slot USB Memory
    Bluetooth Compatible Optional
    Satellite Radio Ready Sirius
    HD Radio Optional
    Navigation ---
    iPod Compatibility
    Full size Classic/5Gen
    Nano Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/Nano2/Nano1
    Touch Touch3/Touch2/Touch1
    iPhone Phone/Phone3G/Phone3GS
    General
    RMS Power (CTA-2006) N/A
    RMS Power (Manufacturer) ---
    Peak Output 50 watts
    RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
    Preamp Outputs 6-channel
    Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
    Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs No
    Video Screen No
    Navigation App Compatible (iOS)
    Navigation App Compatible (Android)
    Preamp Voltage 2.5 volts
    Screen Size ---
    Screen Type ---
    Display Color Blue
    Key Button Color Blue
    EQ Bands 3
    Wireless Remote Yes
    Steering Wheel Control Compatible Yes
    Parts Warranty 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 1 Year
    Tuner
    FM Sensitivity 9.3 dBf
    European Tuning No
    Seek/Scan Seek
    Radio Data System No
    File Playback
    Music File Playback
    High-res Playback

    Product Research

    Overview: The Kenwood KDC-MP442U AM/FM CD receiver features a detachable face, front auxiliary and USB input, three pairs of 2.5-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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Audio Section

    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 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.

    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.

    Bass/Treble/Mid Control: The KDC-MP442U also features a User System Q Sound mode which allows independent Bass, Treble and Midrange control. You can adjust each one from -8 to +8db. The bass frequency is adjusted at 100 Hz, the treble frequency is adjusted at 10 kHz and the midrange frequency is adjusted at 1 kHz.

    Bass Boost: The Kenwood CD receiver also features a Bass Boost control that can be set to the following levels - BB1, BB2 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). You can also select one audio tone preset so you can retrieve your favorite audio setting quickly if your System Q's bass/mid/treble settings get changed accidentally.

    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.

    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.

    Built-In Amp Setting: If you are using external amplifiers to power all of your vehicle's speakers you can turn the unit's built-in amplifier off to enhance the player's preamp output quality.

    3-Sets of Preamp Outputs: The KDC-MP442U features front, rear and subwoofer 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.

    Front and Rear High-Pass Filter: The KDC-MP442U features an independent High-Pass Crossover for the front and rear channels when using either the unit's speaker outputs or preamp outputs. You can adjust the high-pass crossover from "Through", 80, 100, 120, 150, or 180Hz. 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 its subwoofer preamp output. You can select from 60, 80, 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).

    Tel Mute: The KDC-MP442U 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 KDC-MP442U 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-MP442U will display CD text, Audio file text and Satellite 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-MP442U 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-MP442U 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-MP442U 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-MP442U'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-MP442U. 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-MP442U, 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-MP442U, 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-MP442 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-MP442U 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-MP442u 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: 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:

    • SIRIUS Satellite Radio: To receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can connect the optional SIRIUS Universal Vehicle Tuner  and the optional Kenwood Sirius Satellite Radio Interface (package # 700SIRKENW, sold separately); or you can connect the optional Kenwood Sirius Satellite Radio Interface and the SiriusConnect vehicle docking kit (package # 700SIRPKEN, sold separately), along with your compatible SIRIUS Dock & Play receiver.
    • Auxiliary Input: A portable satellite radio receiver, such as the XM Delphi SkyFi3 or SIRIUS Sportster, can also be connected to the head unit via the auxiliary input.

      Note: A subscription is also required to receive satellite radio programming from SIRIUS or XM.

    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-MP442U is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input for connecting external portable audio devices such as an MP3 player. The KDC-MP442U 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-MP442U 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-MP442U 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.

     

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