KDC-W8531 This opens a new range of handsets CD / Tuner Kenwood from above.Sleek, front tilt, nice features, serious scalability, this product has everything to satisfy lovers of music in the car.
Presentation
The collection opens with Kenwood 2005 arrival of the KDC-W8531 we have tested exclusively for caraudiovideo.com! The air time is to streamline orders. The car manufacturers have long understood, the facades are no longer spotty recipe. The KDC-W8531 has therefore essential commands. Everything else is going through multiple function keys as we will see in this article.
The Package
We received a preproduction version of this unit. Not at the level of design and features but at the box. It was devoid of any entry, which will certainly not be the case in the store. The interior is filled with the handset, the surrounding metal, the beam ISO, the box of the facade and an infrared remote control.
Two elements have been delivered separately: the user manual is being finalized and the Media Manager software which will be discussed. Elements that will join the original carton when marketed.
Connectors
The KDC-W8531 is equipped with a conventional beam with ISO proprietary jack on one side and ISO supply cards and speakers of the other. Side extensions, this handset is a pilot changer. It has three RCA outputs 5 volts and an auxiliary input on RCA as well.
This is a very useful addition to connect all kinds of current sources as a DVD player or MP3 player. Also note that the handsets will soon be compatible with Kenwood's iPod via the changer socket and with the help of an adapter housing. Which further multiplies the number of sources available from the KDC-W8531!
Media Manager
Like any high-end handset that meets this Kenwood MP3 and WMA. Great news, it also supports AAC files, that is to say those used in the Apple world: iPod and iTunes. You should know however that songs purchased online will not be readable because of their protection. However, you can create your own songs in AAC format with iTunes.
To effectively manage its collection of digital music files, Kenwood car stereo book with his application Media Manager. The latter can be classified on your PC all your songs, rename them, to make playlists etc.. It is a tool for reading and management for PCs. But it is also the best opportunity to prepare compilations of MP3, WMA and AAC that we wish to burn to a CD-R to play in its KDC-W8531.
One can of course do it all yourself. But when a brand of car audio offers its products directly and that this application is pretty nice (very similar to iTunes in mind), it seemed important to know.
Useful functions
The grip of the KDC-W8531 is extremely simple. The number of keys is limited and we ask first whether functions have not been forgotten. This is absolutely not the case.
The left side, found the volume knob that also makes multifunction controller for all settings related to sound. On the screen, the keys 1 to 6 and those around them provide access to key functions. The number buttons can acquire new functions according to what is written above it on the screen. This is the principle of contextual menus. The large right knob is a multifunction joystick that provides access to changing tracks, radio, etc.. and navigation through menus.
As such, the display is very informative. It can even be configured to display information that is needed only. We can put some value in changing their color display. A spectrum analyzer is present and for those who wish not to be bothered by all these little events, we may simply turn off the display entirely (depending Blackout).
Settings
The sound settings would be sufficient for most users. There is here no advanced audio processor, but a full three-band parametric equalizer and a two-way active crossover that will make already good service.
The equalizer operates on the bass, midrange and treble. There is a choice between eight different frequencies for action on the serious (40/50/60/70/80/100/120/150 Hz), four for the medium and as for the treble. The Q is adjustable to four levels to the grave and two levels for the medium. Els for three, the gain is adjustable to 16 levels.
The active low-pass filter has five frequencies while the high-pass filter in eight different offers.The subwoofer output has a phase control (0 / 180 °). All these settings are complete enough to settle more than a correct installation of an already high level.
ACDrive & Voice Index
Under names a little odd, these functions allow the unit to read just the type of music or artist name song by listening to his "tag". This only works on files compressed MP3, WMA or AAC. We regret that this function is very useful and innovative little documented in the manual. Having had hands a copy of preproduction, we hope this section will be developed upon availability of the KDC-W8531 for sale.
The KFC-W8531 also features dual zone function to send a different signal between the outputs front and rear of the car. One can for example listen to the tuner in front and behind the CD.This may sound like a cacophony, but the use can be useful in certain cases or certain types of vehicles. Not to be overlooked so when we try sometimes uses unusual.
Our opinion
This is a combined unit that attracted us. Much by its possibilities, its equipment by its sonic benefits. It must be said that today, few handsets unit disappointing in terms of sound. The KDC-W8531 is doing handily with a balanced sound reproduction. The sound is detailed, very fine. The soundstage is well reproduced and this high. It does not adhere to the speakers on each side.
The equipment offered by Kenwood is very interesting. We cite the support of the AAC format, big news in the world of radio. Active filtering and equalization are timely. Finally, the bundled software worth a visit for anyone who manages many music files on their computer and want to easily prepare compilations for their car.
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