2004 line of Kenwood Excelon in-dash CD receivers featuring four new models

Bringing the world’s most advanced, best sounding digital technology to car audio, Kenwood introduced its 2004 line of Kenwood Excelon in-dash CD receivers featuring four new models.

All are equipped with 24-bit digital to analog converters, an advanced interactive Bass Management SystemDual Zone audio circuitry, and the ability to play discs with MP3 and WMA files, in addition to conventional CDs.

All provide the new Amplifier Management System, a 2-way communication link for controlling and monitoring Kenwood Excelon amplifiers. For convenience, all feature automatic mute capability during cell phone calls.

For quality and reliability, MOSFET transistors have now been incorporated into all receivers to achieve amplifier power of 50 watts x 4 channels.For quality and reliability, all receivers use MOSFET transistors to achieve amplifier power of 50 watts x 4 channels Three receivers feature brilliant, eye-popping high resolutionhigh-resolution luminescent displays and fully-motorizedfully motorized aceplates, including one with a sleek new sliding panel design.

All models are also SIRIUS and HD Radio ready, and provide plug ‘n play compatibility with Kenwood digital radio tuners.These are the best sounding, best looking, and most configurable audio products ever introduced for mobile entertainment, said Rick Noetzli, Kenwood product manager for car electronics. “No detail has been overlooked to make these the most installer- and user-friendly, competition-grade source components.”

Flagship Receiver: Model KDC-X979 The flagship model, the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X979, is the world?s first car CD receiver equipped with a DSP chip for digital SRS WOW audio processing, Dolby Pro Logic II, and many other features that optimize performance in a premium mobile audio system, such as digital parametric equalization, digital time alignment, and separate programming modes for professional installers and everyday users.

The new chip employs a non-volatile memory that allows installer settings to be recalled for review or modification.SRS WOW, developed by SRS Labs, encompasses several technologies to improve audio playback, particularly for mobile applications. First, it elevates sound in the vehicle so that the perceived sound field center is at head level, rather than at waist or floor level, where car speakers are typically placed.

SRS WOW also increases listeners? perception of bass frequencies by increasing levels of bass harmonics, and it uses SRS 3D Surround technology to create a b center image and dimensional acoustics.

3D MASK Pro Motorized Dual-Panel Faceplate The KDC-X979 and KDC-X879 are equipped with Kenwood’s motorized, dual-panel 3D MASK Pro faceplate, which incorporates a large, fine-pitch, 8-tone fluorescent display and a separate backlit control panel.

The angle of the display and control panel can be preset to personal preference, and the KDC-X979’s display illumination may be blacked out if desired.

For retail display purposes, 3D MASK Pro offers a default 'demo' mode that ensures the display and control panels always open to their factory preset positions whenever the receiver is powered on.

New Motorized Slidedown Removable Faceplate The KDC-X679 is the only Kenwood Excelon CD receiver featuring the new motorized slidedown removable faceplate. The faceplate, which incorporates controls and a 4-tone fluorescent display, automatically slides to one of three preset positions when powered on, slides down and away to allow insertion of a disc, and glides back to its preset position after the disc is in the transport.

Dolby Pro Logic II ProcessingThe Kenwood Excelon KDC-X979 is Kenwood’s first mobile CD receiver with Dolby Pro Logic II processing. The technology, which has been well received by independent reviewers, enhances audio reproduction by creating a discrete 5.1 channel playback from any stereo source material. The KDC-X979, which provides powered signals for front left, front right, and left and right surround speakers, outputs the center channel signal at line level.

If the audio system is not equipped with a (powered) center channel speaker, Dolby Pro Logic II creates a 'phantom' center channel effect. New Interactive Amplifier Bass Management SystemAll 2004 Kenwood Excelon receivers feature the new interactive Amplifier Bass Management System, which works in conjunction with 2004 Kenwood Excelon amplifiers.

New BMS A.M.S. establishes a two-way communication link between the in-dash receiver and the amp, allowing an installer or listener to modify amp settings using controls on the receiver and to sample different settings as desired, all while remaining seated in the vehicle.

Connected to the amplifier via an accessory cable, the receiver can display the amp’s temperature, current, voltage, fan speed, and protection status. One Kenwood Excelon receiver can control up to eight daisy-chained Kenwood Excelon amps.

The KDC-X979, KDC-X879, and KDC-X679 are also equipped with Kenwood’s exclusive System E’s+ and System Q-EX, which provide installers with maximum flexibility in setting crossover frequencies and setting loudspeaker performance characteristics based on the type of speakers used, vehicle cabin size, and other parameters.

Exceptional Signal-to-Noise RatioAudio quality in 2004 Kenwood Excelon receivers is unprecedented in clarity and precision. All receivers are equipped with Burr-Brown With 24-bit DACs, all four receivers -- the KDC-X979, KDC-X879, KDC X679, and KDC-X579 – achievinge a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB, for clean, clear well-defined sound.As good as Kenwood Excelon receivers do sound, there are times when they need not be heard.

For 2004, all Kenwood Excelon Receivers have cellphone mute capability, so that calls automatically quiet the audio system, allowing incoming calls to be heard and all conversations to be conducted in normal tones.

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Max Meralli is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.booming-car-audio.com. Get the car audio system you want plus accessories and valuable advice.