Kenwood is shipping early a number of new audio decks for 2014, all of which include a new feature called Drive EQ.
Drive EQ compensates for road noise when the radio is playing at lower volumes. It boosts frequencies in the music that are generally affected by road noise, without distortion, it said.
The feature is found on three new CD/radio models, a CD-less receiver and a marine receiver that ship this month.
The trio of new CD radios with Drive EQ includes the KDC-258U with iPod/iPhone connectivity and Pandora and iHeart Radio control over an iPhone at $120 suggested retail price. It also has a front-mounted USB port and a 2.5 volt selectable preamp-output for rear speakers or subwoofer with low pass filter. Step down models include the KDC-158U and the KDC-118U, each at $110.
The new CD-less receiver is the KMM-108U, which connects to an iPod/iPhone and supports Pandora and iHeart Radio apps for iPhone. It also has an “AppMode” for listening to iPhone apps such as TuneIn Radio and Aupeo. For audiophiles, the KMM-108U supports FLAC (free lossless audio codec) audio files. The head unit has a front USB, 2.5 volt selectable preamp output and a remote control at $100 suggested retail price.
Kenwood’s new marine receiver is SiriusXM ready, iPod/iPhone compatible and supports Pandora and iHeart Radio for iPhone. It also has AppMode for listening to additional iPhone apps and it has a CD door cover and front USB plus a coated circuit board to protect from the elements and pre-amp output. It works with a up to 6 remote controls. The KMR-D358 is now available at a suggested retail price of $140. It is joined by a marine receiver/speaker package that includes the receiver and two-way 6.5 inch speakers with 100 watt (Max) power handling at $240.
A KCA-RC35MR remote control for the marine deck is available at $90.
Source: Kenwood
