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The Kenwood KDC-HD942U is a car audio player released by Kenwood in 2009 retailing at $250. It has a built-in HD Radio tuner giving crystal-clear digital AM/FM broadcasts from participating stations — FM sounds almost like CD quality, and AM sounds like traditional FM. Plus, HD Radio stations can broadcast more than one channel on the same frequency, giving users more listening choices. Built-in iPod controls allow users to connect and control their iPod or iPhone™ from the receiver. No adapter's needed, but there is an optional Kenwood's iPod cable as well. It is also the first Kenwood CD-receiver with built in HD Radio and iTunes tagging. There is also blue-tooth connectivity allowing users to talk on the phone hands free. This piece competes with the 4 channel 52 watt Sony CDX-GT920U that has the same price.
MSRP $250.00
Release date March, 2009
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Pros & Cons14
Reviews6
Details
Buy It8
Competitors5
Related
Gallery1
Pros & Cons
5 positive
0 mixed
0 negative
How is the ProSCORE calculated?
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The ProSCORE is calculated based on the ratio of Pros & Cons about this product as voted by
approved reviewers from the ProductWiki community.
ProSCORE = 100 x (Pro votes) / [(Pro votes) + (Con votes)]
Numbers used for this ProSCORE:
Pro votes = 34
Con votes = 11
Total votes = 45
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Details
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 music files
- 4-line display with detachable face
- built-in HD Radio tuner
- remote control
- System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band parametric equalizer)
- Supreme Setting function enhances music files
- Digital E's crossover system and time alignment capability
- subwoofer level controls
- built-in iPod controls — no iPod adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional connecting cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home
- compatible with Kenwood Bluetooth adapter, satellite radio, CD changer
- inputs: rear USB slot and auxiliary input
- outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt front, rear, subwoofer)
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This report was started
March 28, 2009 at 11:19 am by
abbood
with the last edit occurring
August 4, 2009 at 9:16 pm by
Yale
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Buy It
Kenwood KDC-HD942U
• Kenwood KDC-HD942U USB/AAC/WMA/MP3 CD Receiver with Built-In HD Radio
• KDC-942U In Dash CD/MP3 Player
UPC: 019048183255
EAN: 019048183255
MPN: KDC-HD942U
Competitors
MSRP $279.95
Released April, 2008
Pros
- front USB and AUX inputs
- faceplate dims when headlights are on
- Bluetooth compatible for hands-free calling
Cons
- controls aren't very intuitive
- faceplate is non-removable
- display is noisy with gaudy lights
Kenwood KDC-HD942U
vs.
JVC KW-XG700
MSRP $239.95
Released February, 2009
The JVC KD-A805 is an ultra-powerful and multifunctional in-dash car-audio receiver that features a built-in MOSFET amplifier with a 200w max power output. The third of five JVC KD A/V head units, the JVC KD-A805 is a massive upgrade from the KD-A605 and KD-A305 models in that it features two Full-Speed USB 2.0 ports...
Kenwood KDC-HD942U
vs.
JVC KD-A805
MSRP $260.00
Released April, 2009
Pros
- front USB and aux input
- built-in iPod control
- built-in Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calling
Cons
- Small text display, should have more than 13 characters
- no usb on the back
- iPod cable sold separately
Kenwood KDC-HD942U
vs.
Pioneer DEH-P6100BT
MSRP $260.00
Released March, 2009
The Pioneer DEH-P6000UB is a well-priced, car-audio CD receiver with a 200w (peak) and 4-channel MOSFET amplifier. The seventh of seven Pioneer DEH receivers, the Pioneer DEH-P6000UB is an upgrade from the Pioneer 5100UB in that instead of just being Bluetooth compatible, the DEH-P6000UB in fact features built-in Bluetooth so that a user can...
Kenwood KDC-HD942U
vs.
Pioneer DEH-P6000UB
MSRP $250.00
Released February, 2009
The Alpine iDA-X303 is an in-dash head unit that is designed to provide seamless control of your iPod, iPhone and other digital devices over your car stereo. The three color, two line LCD display clearly shows track information and the large double-action rotary encoder knob gives maximum control over music search functions like QuickSearch,...
Kenwood KDC-HD942U
vs.
Alpine iDA-X303
Reviews
May 20, 2009
approved
reviewer
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Pros
- iPod control and charge - iPhone 3G compatible
- USB and aux inputs
- includes remote control
- Good 'bang for the buck'
- 3 4v pre-amp outputs
- HD & satellite radio ready
- Bluetooth capable (requires add-on module sold seperately) for hands-free calling and music streaming
- Advanced user EQ controls for getting that "Perfect" sound
Cons
- Right 'knob' difficult to use/control
- USB and aux inputs are on the rear of the unit
- Frequent disconnects / reconnects from HD radio stations
- Display can be difficult to read depending on the lighting.
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April 20, 2009
approved
reviewer

have it
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Pros
- iPod control and charge - iPhone 3G compatible
- USB and aux inputs
- includes remote control
- Good 'bang for the buck'
- 3 4v pre-amp outputs
- HD & satellite radio ready
- Bluetooth capable (requires add-on module sold seperately) for hands-free calling and music streaming
Cons
- Right 'knob' difficult to use/control
- Bluetooth add-on module expensive and callers report poor quality on their end
- Frequent disconnects / reconnects from HD radio stations
- Several times my iPhone has gone to a 'Reading' status while securely connected.
Comments
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
/
No
April 14, 2009
approved
reviewer
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Pros
- iPod control and charge - iPhone 3G compatible
- USB and aux inputs
- includes remote control
- HD & satellite radio ready
- Bluetooth capable (requires add-on module sold seperately) for hands-free calling and music streaming
Cons
- Bluetooth add-on module expensive and callers report poor quality on their end
- USB and aux inputs are on the rear of the unit
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
/
No
May 11, 2009
approved
reviewer

love it
Pros
- iPod control and charge - iPhone 3G compatible
- USB and aux inputs
- includes remote control
- Good 'bang for the buck'
- 3 4v pre-amp outputs
- HD & satellite radio ready
- Bluetooth capable (requires add-on module sold seperately) for hands-free calling and music streaming
- Advanced user EQ controls for getting that "Perfect" sound
Cons
Did not agree with any cons
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
/
No
June 1, 2009
approved
reviewer
Pros
- iPod control and charge - iPhone 3G compatible
- USB and aux inputs
- includes remote control
- Good 'bang for the buck'
- 3 4v pre-amp outputs
- Advanced user EQ controls for getting that "Perfect" sound
Cons
- Right 'knob' difficult to use/control
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
/
No
Price comparison information by:
This product is also known as:
KDC, HD, 942, U, KDCHD, HD942, 942U, KDCHD942, HD942U, KDCHD942U