Kenwood gives us a sneak peek of three new CD receivers and five new Performance Series speaker models
Now available, these Kenwood offerings will be on display at the SEMA show.The KDC-138 CD Receiver features a front panel AUX input with a new sensitivity control to adjust the level of the incoming audio signal. For easy operation, the receiver has a four-direction function selector with a center push or enter key, similar to controls found on most DVD players. Power output is 50 watts x 4 channels and one 2-volt pre-out connector with a low-pass filter for addition of a subwoofer. Kenwood's System Q, a 3-band sound control with preset tone curves and Bass Boost are included for tone adjustment, as well as a 7-segment FL display for easy viewing. The KDC-138 is now available and has a suggested retail price of $80.00.
The upgraded KDC-MP208 CD Receiver is outfitted with the new front panel AUX input with sensitivity control, preamp output and a wireless remote control for simpler operation. Like the KDC-138, the new receiver is also compatible with WMA and MP3 files on disc in addition to CDs. Visibility is improved with the 14-segment FL display and the receiver is controlled with a four-direction function selector with center push key. System Q and Bass Boost are included for fine-tuning the sound, complemented by 50 watts x 4 channels of amplified power. The KDC-MP208 will have a suggested retail price of $100.00 and is now available.
The KDC-MP238 CD Receiver includes all of the features listed above, plus two preamp-output connectors with a switchable low-pass filter for addition of a subwoofer amplifier. The receiver can also play MP3 and WMA files on disc. The receiver is Satellite Radio and HD Radio Ready when used with outboard tuners, and is iPod Ready and Bluetooth Ready. The Bluetooth feature can be used with the optional Kenwood KCT-BT100 Adapter, which permits hands-free cell phone operation with any Bluetooth enabled cell phone. Incoming calls can be answered from the receiver and the user's phonebook can be downloaded and displayed on the receiver's front panel. The KDC-MP238, now available, has a suggested retail price of $120.00.
The new Performance Series speakers feature Fiber Texture Polypropylene cones, which are stronger and lighter than conventional diaphragms and designed to produce smoother and more natural-sounding mid-bass response. The Performance Series speakers include the company's third-generation Image Enhancer tweeter technology (IE-3) with wider mid- and high-frequency dispersion for improved imaging and soundstage as well as greater midrange clarity and presence.
The new Performance Series speakers, the KFC-1682ie, KFC-1382ie and KFC-1082ie models are all 3-way designs, ranging in size from 6.5", 5.25" and 4" respectively and will carry a suggested retail price of $70 each. The KFC-6972 and KFC-6982ie models are 4-way and 5-way, 6 x 9 speakers with suggested retail prices of $90 and $100 each.