Kenwood's KDC-MP438U CD receiver offers enhanced connections along
with MP3, WMA, and AAC file playback, so you get plenty of listening
options right out of the box. The front-panel USB input lets you
play files from your USB-equipped MP3 player or thumb drive, and you
can plug your iPod® directly into the USB port too. In addition to
the USB connection, the stereo offers a convenient front auxiliary
input for your non-USB sources.
If you have children, you've probably wished for two stereos in
your car. The KDC-MP438U's dual zone feature grants that request
with its ability to play two different music sources at the same
time. You can play your kids' iPod over the car's rear speakers,
while you and your spouse listen to a CD on the front speakers.
Kenwood's Supreme audio processor enhances the clarity and depth
of your music, particularly with MP3 files, tunes from your iPod, or
other compressed music. A strong, onboard amp provides plenty of
power to drive your speakers, while the 3-band equalizer lets you
tweak the highs, mids, and lows to create the perfect sound curve
for your car.
If you'd like to expand your system, you can add a Kenwood CD
changer or satellite radio. Enjoy hands-free cell phone use in your
car with Kenwood's optional Bluetooth® adapter. Three sets of preamp
outputs make it easier to connect a full setup of external amps and
subs.
Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be
sure to check "Hands-on Research" for specific iPod model
compatibility with this receiver or its optional iPod adapter.
Details: 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, WMA, and AAC files
(will not play Digital Rights-protected music files on disc)
detachable face 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" audio
processing for better sound from your compressed music files speaker
settings that allow you to tailor the sound to the size and type of
speakers in your car 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 and satellite radio (tuner, service subscription, and
antenna required), HD Radio™ tuner ready inputs: front auxiliary and
USB inputs outputs: three sets of preamp outputs compatible with
most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
Features Overview: The Kenwood KDC-MP438U 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/AAC
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.
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.
AAC/MP3/WMA Playback: The KDC-MP438U can play MP3, WMA and AAC
files with ID3 tag information recorded on 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 any recorded ID3 Tag
(Ver.1 or 2) information. The headunit will display up to 30
characters.
Supreme Setting: When MP3, WMA or 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.
AUX Input: The KDC-MP438U is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm
minijack auxiliary input for connecting external portable audio
devices such as an MP3 player or Tape walkman.
Auxiliary Display: The KDC-MP438U allows you to select the source
type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from
AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or TV.
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.
3-Sets of Preamp Outputs: The KDC-MP438U features front, rear and
subwoofer preamp outputs. The Subwoofer preamp output can be turned
On or Off and adjusted independently. 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.
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.
Front and Rear High-Pass Filter: The KDC-MP438U features an
independent High-Pass Crossover for the front and rear channels. 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 the preamp-output when the Subwoofer Output is "on". 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: Once you have switched the Subwoofer Output to
"on" 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).
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.
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 presets. The speaker setting should be
selected first.
System Q Sound Control: Six 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). The 6 preset curves with their
respective bass, mid, and treble levels are as follows:
Rock: Bass +6, Mid +1, Treble +2 Pops: Bass +3, Mid +2, Treble +6
Easy: Bass +6, Mid 0, Treble -2 Top 40: Bass +3, Mid +1, Treble +8
Jazz: Bass +5, Mid +2, Treble +2 Natural (Flat): Bass 0, Mid 0,
Treble 0 Note: The above values reflect the System Q settings when
the Speaker Setting function is turned off. When the Speaker
Settings are selected, the System Q level settings are different.
Bass/Treble/Mid Control: The KDC-MP438U features 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.
Loudness: The Loudness feature compensates for low and high tones
during low volume. You can turn this feature either on or off. Only
the low tone is compensated for when the tuner is selected as a
source.
Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System Q
bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (CD, FM, AM,
and Aux).
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.
Text/Title Scroll: The KDC-MP438U 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.
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.
Off Eject: The KDC-MP438U 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.
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.
Tel Mute: The KDC-MP438U 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.
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.
FL Display: The unit features a large 14-segment Fluorescent
display that uses a black background and blue characters that are
easy to read.
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.
Remote Control: The KDC-MP438U 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. 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-MP438U has a
"steering remote control" lead on the back panel. When used with the
optional SWI-JACK interface (item number 127SWIJACK), 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.
External Device Controls USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-MP438U
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. 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-MP438U 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-MP438U'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 came with your iPod. Using
either cable allows you to connect, control, and charge the
following iPod models with the KDC-MP438U: iPod nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd
generation), iPod video (5th generation), iPod classic and iPod
touch. You should update your iPod with the latest software version
from Apple's website before connecting it to the KDC-MP438U. When
your iPod is connected to the KDC-MP438U, the iPod's controls will
be disabled and you will need to operate your iPod through the
KDC-MP438U's controls.
Note: All other iPod models not mentioned above are not
compatible with this unit.
Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for connecting
an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver to this receiver:
XM Satellite Radio: To receive XM Satellite Radio, you can
connect the optional CNP2000UC XM Mini Tuner and the CNP-KEN1
Kenwood adapter cable (package item number 700XMKEN1). SIRIUS
Satellite Radio: To receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can connect
the optional SIRIUS Universal Vehicle Tuner (607SCC1) and the
optional Kenwood Sirius Satellite Radio Interface (113KCASR50).
Auxiliary Input: A portable satellite radio receiver, such as the
Delphi SkyFi3 or SIRIUS Sportster, can be connected to the head unit
via the auxiliary input or a Kenwood Auxiliary Input Adapter, such
as the CA-C1AX, CA-C2AX, or KCA-S220A. 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 (item #
113KTCHR20), 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. 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 http://www.kenwood.com/bt/information/ 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 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.
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 (item 113CAC1AX) 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 (item 113KCAS220) 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 Ext, TV, DVD, Video, Game, or
Portable.
