Kenwood Car CD Receiver Box DPX300U Introduction

The Kenwood is a versatile car CD receiver designed to enhance your in-car audio experience. It features a sleek double-DIN design, variable illumination colors, and compatibility with various media formats including CDs, MP3s, and WMA files. The receiver also supports USB and AUX inputs, making it easy to connect your devices. With a price point around $134, it offers excellent value for those seeking quality sound and user-friendly controls in their vehicle's audio system.

Specifications

• FM Tuner Section
  • Frequency range (200 kHz step): 87.9 MHz – 107.9 MHz
  • Usable sensitivity (S/N = 30dB): 9.3dBf (0.8 μV/75 Ω)
  • Quieting Sensitivity (S/N = 46dB): 10.2 dBf (1.13 μV/75 Ω)
  • Frequency response (±3 dB): 30 Hz – 15 kHz
  • Signal to Noise ratio (MONO): 75 dB
  • Stereo separation: 45 dB (1 kHz)
• AM Tuner Section
  • Frequency range (10 kHz step): 530 kHz – 1700 kHz
  • Usable sensitivity (S/N = 20dB): 28 dBμ (25 μV)
• CD Player Section
   
  • Laser diode: GaAlAs
  • Digital filter (D/A): 8 Times Over Sampling
  • D/A Converter: 24 Bit
  • Spindle speed (Audio files): 500 – 200 rpm (CLV)
  • Wow & Flutter: Below Measurable Limit
  • Frequency response (±1 dB): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Total harmonic distortion (1 kHz): 0.01 %
  • Signal to Noise ratio (1 kHz): 105 dB
  • Dynamic range: 90 dB
  • MP3 decode: Compliant with MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer-3
  • WMA decode: Compliant with Windows Media Audio
  • AAC decode: AAC-LC ".m4a" files
• USB Interface
  • USB Standard: USB1.1/2.0 (Full speed)
  • File System: FAT12/16/32
  • Maximum Supply current: DC 5 V 1 A
  • MP3 decode: Compliant with MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer-3
  • WMA decode: Compliant with Windows Media Audio
  • AAC decode: AAC-LC ".m4a" files
  • WAV decode: Linear-PCM
• Audio Section
  • Maximum output power: 50 W x 4
  • Full Bandwidth Power (at less than 1% THD): 22 W x 4
  • Speaker Impedance: 4 – 8 Ω
  • Tone action:
    • Bass: 100 Hz ±8 dB
    • Middle: 1 kHz ±8 dB
    • Treble: 12.5 kHz ±8 dB
    • Preout level/ Load (CD): 2500 mV/10 kΩ
    • Preout impedance: ≤ 600 Ω
• Bluetooth Section (DPX500BT)
  • Version: Bluetooth Ver.2.1+EDR Certified
  • Frequency range: 2.402 – 2.480 GHz
  • Output Power: +4dBm (MAX), 0dBm (AVE) Power Class 2
  • Maximum Communication range: Line of sight approx. 10m (32.8 ft)
  • Profiles:
    • HFP (Hands Free Profile)
    • SPP (Serial Port Profile)
    • PBAP (Phonebook Access Profile)
    • OPP (Object Push Profile)
    • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
    • AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile)
• Auxiliary Input
   
  • Frequency response (±3 dB): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Input Maximum Voltage: 1200 mV
  • Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
• General
  • Operating voltage
    • DPX500BT: 14.4 V (10.5 – 16V allowable)
    • DPX300U: 14.4 V (11 – 16V allowable)
  • Maximum Current Consumption: 10 A
  • Installation Size (W x H x D): 182 x 111 x 157 mm / 7-3/16 x 4-3/8 x 6-1/16 inch
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs (1.5 kg)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Component names

1. Disc Slot
   Insert a disc (label side up) in this slot.
2. [1] - [6] Button
   When listening to the radio, press the button to call a registered station.
   When listening to the CD/USB/iPod, press the button to perform the following operations:
   • [1] [2]: Selecting an audio file folder.
   • [3] : Selecting Random Play.
   • [4] : Selecting Repeat Play.
   • DPX500BT [5]: Selecting App & iPod Control Mode.
3. [] Button
   Press the button to eject the disc.
4. [SRC] Button
   Press the button to switch among sources.
5. USB Terminal
   Connect the iPod or USB device to this terminal.
6. Auxiliary Input
   Connect the output of an external device using a stereo mini-jack.
7. [] Button
   When listening to the iPod, audio file, or CD, press the button to enter the search mode.
   When listening to the radio, press the button to select a band.
8. [DISP] Button
   Press the button to switch between display modes.
9. [] Button
   In each of the selected modes, press the button to return to the previous item.
10. [Control Knob] (Volume Knob)
    In normal mode, turn the knob to adjust the volume or press the knob to turn down the volume quickly.
    In Function mode, turn the knob to select an item or press the knob to determine the selection.
11. [] Button
    Press the button to select a song or station.
12. [L] Button
    Press the button to switch between play/pause.
13. DPX500BT [7] Button
    Press the button to select the Phone Book.
14. DPX300U [A~Z] Button
    Press the button to enter the alphabet search mode.
15. DPX500BT [] Button
    Press the button to make, answer, or disconnect a hands-free call.
16. DPX300U [iPod] Button
    Press the button to switch to the iPod source.
17. [AUDIO] Button
    Press the button to enter the Audio Control mode.

Basic operations

Preparations

Exiting the Demonstration mode
Turn off the Demonstration mode when you use the unit for the first time after installation.

1. Press the [Control knob] to quit the Demonstration mode when the message "CANCEL DEMO PRESS VOLUME KNOB" appears (approx. 15 seconds).
2. Turn the [Control knob] to select the "YES" and then press the [Control knob]. The Demonstration mode can also be canceled in the Function Setting mode. Refer to <13-3. Demonstration mode setting>.

How to select the item

For how to select setting items such as a function setting item, see the following example:
Example: Adjusting the text scroll of the display

1. Press and hold the [AUDIO] button. "Function" appears and enters the Function setting mode.
2. Select the Text scroll function item
   • Turn the [Control knob] to select "SETTINGS", and then press the [Control knob].
   • Next, turn the [Control knob] to select "DISP & KEY", and then press the [Control knob].
   • Finally, turn the [Control knob] to select "TEXT SCROLL, and then press the [Control knob].
   • Press the [] button to return to the previous item.
3. Turn the [Control knob] to select a value (AUTO, ONCE, OFF), and then press the [Control knob].
   The previous item appears.
4. Press and hold the [] button.
   Exit the Function setting mode.

About the description in this manual
"Function" appears and enters the Function setting mode.

1. Use the [Control knob] to select "SETTINGS" > "DISP & KEY" > "TEXT SCROLL".
2. Use the [Control knob] to select a value (AUTO, ONCE, OFF).

Adjusting the clock

1. Press and hold the [Control knob]. The hour display blinks.
2. Turn the [Control knob] to adjust the hour, and then press the [Control knob]. The minute display blinks.
3. Turn the [Control knob] to adjust the minute, and then press the [Control knob].

General operations

Power

• Turn the power on by pressing the [SRC] button.
• Press and hold the [SRC] button to turn the power off.

Source Selection

• Press the [SRC] button.
• Pressing the button switches among sources.

Source Switching Setting

• "PANDORA", "IHEARTRADIO", "AHA", and "AUX" sources are not selectable when not in use. For more details, see <13-4. Initial settings>.

Volume

• Turn the [Control knob] to adjust the volume.

USB Terminal

• A USB device or iPod can be connected.
• CA-U1EX (optional accessory) or KCA-iP102 (optional accessory) is recommended to connect a USB device or iPod.

Auxiliary Input

• A portable audio device can be connected using a stereo mini-plug (3.5 mm ø).

Description

The Kenwood DPX300U features a sleek and modern design that fits seamlessly into most car dashboards. The high-resolution display screen provides clear visibility of song titles, artist names, and other information. The intuitive controls include large buttons and a multi-function dial, making it easy to navigate through menus and select your favorite tracks.

The receiver supports Bluetooth 4.0 technology, allowing for stable connections to smartphones and other devices. It also includes a built-in microphone for clear hands-free phone calls. Additionally, the DPX300U offers USB charging and playback capabilities for iPhone and Android devices.

Audio adjustments

Audio control

You can adjust the audio control items.

1. Select the source.
   Refer to <Source selection>.
2. Press the [AUDIO] button.
   Enter the Audio control mode.

3. Use the [Control knob] to select an audio item.
   For how to use the [Control knob], refer to <3-3. How to select the item>.

   Item	Range
   "SUB-W LEVEL"[2]	Subwoofer level –15 — +15 (dB) (0)
   "BASS LEVEL"	Bass level –8 — +8 (dB) (0)
   "MID LEVEL"	Middle level –8 — +8 (dB) (0)
   "TRE LEVEL"	Treble level –8 — +8 (dB) (0)
   "EQ PRO"
   "BASS ADJUST"
   "BASS CTR FRQ"	Bass Center Frequency 60/ 80/ 100/ 200 (Hz)
   "BASS LEVEL"	Bass level –8 — +8 (dB) (0)
   "BASS Q FACTOR"	Bass Q Factor 1.00/ 1.25/ 1.50/ 2.00
   "BASS EXTEND"	Bass Extend OFF/ ON
   "MID ADJUST"
   "MID CTR FRQ"	Middle Center Frequency 0.5/ 1.0/ 1.5/ 2.5 (kHz)
   "MID LEVEL"	Middle level –8 — +8 (dB) (0)
   "MID Q FACTOR"	Middle Q Factor 0.75/ 1.00/ 1.25
   "TRE ADJUST"
   "TRE CTR FRQ"	Treble Center Frequency 10.0/ 12.5/ 15.0/ 17.5 (kHz)
   "TRE LEVEL"	Treble level –8 — +8 (dB) (0)
   "PRESET EQ"	Preset Equalizer curve: "ROCK"/ "POPS"/ "EASY"/ "TOP40"/ "JAZZ"/ "POWERFUL"/ "NATURAL"/ "USER"[1]
   "BASS BOOST"	Bass Boost "OFF"/ "LV1"/ "LV2"/ "LV3"
   "LOUDNESS"	Loudness "OFF"/ "LV1"/ "LV2"
   "BALANCE"	Balance Left 15 — Right 15 (0)
   "FADER"	Fader Rear 15 — Front 15 (0)
   "SUBWOOFER SET"	Subwoofer output OFF/ ON
   "DETAILED SET"
   "HPF"	High Pass Filter Through/ 100/ 120/ 150 (Hz)
   "LPF SUBWOOFER"[2]	Low Pass Filter 85/ 120/ 160/ Through (Hz)
   "SUB-W PHASE"[2][3]	Subwoofer Phase Reverse (180°)/ Normal (0°)
   "SUPREME SET"[4]	Supreme setting ON/ OFF
   "VOLUME OFFSET"	Volume offset –8 — ±0 (dB) (AUX: -8 — +8) (0)

   (Colored text: Factory setting)

   • "USER": The customized Bass, Middle, and Treble settings are effective.
   • "SUB-W LEVEL"/ "LPF SUBWOOFER"/ "SUB-W PHASE" is selectable only if "SUBWOOFER SET" is set to "ON".
   • "SUB-W PHASE" is selectable only if a setting other than "THROUGH" is selected for "LPF SUB-W".
   • "SUPREME SET" is selectable only when playing back an MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV disc, USB device or iPod.
4. Use the [Control knob] to select a value.
   The previous item appears.

Exit the Audio control mode.
Press and hold the [] button.

Adjusting Bass, Middle, and Treble levels
You can set Bass, Middle, and Treble levels for each source.

About Supreme
Technology to extrapolate and supplement with a proprietary algorithm, the high-frequency range that is cut off when encoding at a low bit rate.
Supplementing is optimized by compression format (AAC, MP3, WMA, or WAV) and processed according to bit rate.
The effect is negligible with music that is encoded at a high bit rate, variable bit rate or has a minimal high-frequency range.

Listen to the iPod

Models of iPods/iPhones that can be connected to this unit

Made for:

• iPod nano (6th generation)
• iPod nano (5th generation)
• iPod nano (4th generation)
• iPod nano (3rd generation)
• iPod nano (2nd generation)
• iPod nano (1st generation)
• iPod with video
• iPod classic
• iPod touch (4th generation)
• iPod touch (3rd generation)
• iPod touch (2nd generation)
• iPod touch (1st generation)
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 3G
• iPhone

For information on the compatibility with iPod/iPhone software, visit https://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod/ 
Types of available control vary depending on the type of connected iPod. Visit https://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod/  for further details.
The word "iPod" appearing in this manual indicates the iPod or the iPhone connected with the iPod connection cable (optional accessory).
Refer to the website for connectable iPods and iPod connection cables: http://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod/ 

Notes:

• If you start playback after connecting the iPod, the music that was playing on the iPod is played first. In this case, "RESUMING" appears without displaying a folder name, etc. Changing the browse item will display a correct title, etc.
• You cannot operate the iPod if "KENWOOD" orappears on the iPod.

Playing music

Playing an iPod

• Connect the iPod to the USB terminal using the KCA-iP102 connector (optional accessory).

  

• When connected, the source switches automatically, and playback starts.

When playback of iPod touch or iPhone does not start

• If an unsupported application has started when connecting an iPod touch or iPhone, "APP&iPod MODE" appears, and sometimes playback does not start.
• Press the [5] button (DPX500BT) or press and hold the [iPod] button (DPX300U).

Selecting a Song

• Press the [] button.

Fast-forwarding or Fast-backward a Song

• Press and hold the [] button.

Pause and Play a Song

• Press the [] button.

Removing iPod

• Press the [SRC] button to switch the source to a device other than iPod, Pandora, Aha Radio, or iHeartRadio, and then remove the iPod.
• Data contained in the iPod may be damaged if you remove it when it is being used as the active source.

Music Search

You can search for the song you want to play.

1. Press the [] button.
   "SEARCH" appears, and you enter the Music search mode.
2. Search for a song

Operation Type	Operation
Selecting items	Turn the [Control knob].
Determining selection	Press the [Control knob].
Skip Search	Press the []. / Press and hold the [].
Returning to previous item	Press the [] button.
Returning to Top menu	Push the [5] button.

Indicators:

• Audio file: _
• Artist: `
• Album: `
• Folder:

Canceling the Music search mode

• Press and hold the [] button.

Undisplayable Titles

• If a song name cannot be displayed for some reason, the browse item name and digits are displayed (e.g., PLIST***).

Alphabet search

You can select an alphabetic character from the list in the browse item (artist, album, etc.) currently selected.

When DPX300U is used:
The DPX300U allows you to enter the Alphabet search mode by pressing the [A to Z] buttons instead of executing the following steps 1 and 2.

1. Press the [] button.
   "SEARCH" appears, and you enter the Music search mode.
2. Press the [] button.
   Enter the Alphabet search mode, and "SEARCH <_ >" appears.
3. Select a character.

Operation Type	Operation
Entry of character	Turn the [Control knob].
Movement of character entry position	Press the [].
Determination of entered character	Press the [Control knob].
Returning to the Music search mode	Press the [ ] button.

Canceling the Alphabet search mode

• Press and hold the [] button.

Alphabet Search Notes

• Turning the [Control knob] fast in the Music search mode allows you to enter the alphabet search mode.
• The time for Alphabet search may become long depending on the number of items (songs) in the iPod.
• To search for a character other than A to Z and 1, enter "*".
• If the first character string begins with an article "a," "an," or "the" in the alphabet search mode, it is searched for in defiance of the article.

Skip search ratio setting

You can change the ratio of skip performed as mentioned in <Skip Search>.

1. Select the iPod source.
   Refer to <Source selection>.
2. Press and hold the [AUDIO] button.
   Enter the Function setting mode.
3. Use the [Control knob] to select "SETTINGS" > "SKIP SEARCH".
   For how to use the [Control knob], refer to <3-3. How to select the item>.
4. Use the [Control knob] to select a ratio (0.5, 1, 5, 10).
   The previous item appears.

Exit the Function setting mode

• Press and hold the [] button.

Play function

Repeat Play

• Press the [4] button.
  Switches between Repeat ("FILE REPEAT") and off ("REPEAT OFF") when pressed.

Random Play

• Press the [3] button.
  Randomly plays the music. Pressing the button toggles the setting between Random play on ("FOLDER RANDOM") and off ("RANDOM OFF").
  Press this button again to cancel the Random play.

All Random Play

• Press and hold the [3] button.
  All songs in the iPod are played at random. Pressing the button toggles the setting between All random play on ("ALL RANDOM") and off ("RANDOM OFF").
  Press this button again to cancel the All Random play.

Notes

• The time required to turn on the All Random function may become longer depending on the number of songs in the iPod.
• Turning on the All Random function changes the iPod browse item to "Songs." This browse item will not change even if the All Random function is turned off.
• If the browse item is changed to search for music while the All Random function is on, the All Random function is turned off, and the songs in the browse item are played at random.

APP & iPod Mode

Allowing you to operate iPod with the control on the iPod.

• DPX500BT
  Press the [5] button.
• DPX300U
  Press and hold the [iPod] button.
  When the APP & iPod mode is selected, "MODE ON" appears.

Canceling the APP & iPod mode

• DPX500BT
  Press the [5] button.
• DPX300U
  Press the [iPod] button.

Operation when "APP&iPod MODE" is "ON"
When "APP&iPod MODE" is set to "ON", this unit can control only the following functions:

• Pause and play
• Selecting a song
• Fast Forward or Fast Backward of the Song

Setup Guide

To set up the Kenwood DPX300U, 

1. Start by carefully removing the old car stereo from your dashboard. 
2. Connect the wiring harness of the DPX300U to your car's electrical system, ensuring all connections are secure. 
3. Mount the receiver into the dashboard slot, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
4. Once installed, turn on the receiver and navigate through the menu to set your preferences. 
5. Pair your Bluetooth devices and connect your USB or auxiliary inputs as needed. 

You can also configure equalizer settings to optimize sound quality according to your preferences.

Display settings

Illumination Color Selection
You can select the illumination color of the panel.

1. Press and hold the [AUDIO] button.
   Enter the Function setting mode.
2. Use the [Control knob] to select:
   "SETTINGS" > "DISP & KEY" > "COLOR SELECT".
   For how to use the [Control knob], refer to <3-3. How to select the item>.
3. Use the [Control knob] to select an illumination part:
   • "ALL": All
   • "DISP": Display
   • "KEY": Button
4. Use the [Control knob] to select a color:
   ("VARIABLE SCAN"/ "COLOR01" — "COLOR24").

Exit the Function setting mode.
Press and hold the [] button.

Adjusting the Illumination color

Illumination Color Adjustment
You can adjust the illumination color of the panel.

1. Select the illumination color you want to adjust.
   Select from among "COLOR01" to "COLOR24" with reference to <12-1. Illumination Color Selection>.
2. Press and hold the [Control knob].
   The RGB value of the selected illumination color appears, entering the Detail Color Adjustment mode.

3. Set the color.

   • To select the color to adjust (Red, Green, or Blue):
     Press the [].
   • To adjust the color (Range: 0 – 9):
     Turn the [Control knob].
   • To determine the adjusted color:
     Press the [Control knob].

   The color you created can be called by selecting "USER".

Exit the Function setting mode.
Press and hold the [] button.

Display & Illumination setting

You can set the display and illumination.

1. Press and hold the [AUDIO] button.
   Enter the Function setting mode.
2. Use the [Control knob] to select "SETTINGS" > "DISP & KEY."
   For instructions on using the [Control knob], refer to <3-3. How to Select the Item>.

3. Use the [Control knob] to select a Display & Illumination setting item.
   (Colored text: Factory setting)Display Description

   Display Setting	Description
   "DISP DIMMER"	Dims the display part in conjunction with the Light switch of the vehicle.
   	"DIM OFF": Does not dim the display.
   	"DIM AUTO": Dims the display in conjunction with the Light switch of the vehicle.
   	"DIM MANUAL1": Dims the display constantly.
   	"DIM MANUAL2": Dims the display darker than that in the Manual1 mode.
   "TEXT SCROLL"	Sets the method of scrolling to view hidden texts.
   	"SCROLL AUTO": Scrolls.
   	"SCROLL ONCE": Scrolls once.
   	"SCROLL OFF": Does not scroll.
   "DISP OFF MODE"	Sets the clock and button illumination when "DISP OFF MODE" is selected.
   	"CLOCK" "CLOCK ON": Displays the clock.
   	"CLOCK OFF": Dims the clock.
   "KEY ILLUMI"
   	"KEY ON": Turns on the button illumination.
   	"KEY OFF": Dims the button illumination.
   "ILLUMI DIMMER"	Reduces the key illumination brightness.
   	"DIM OFF": Does not dim the illumination.
   	"DIM AUTO": Dims the illumination in conjunction with the Light switch of the vehicle.
   	"DIM MANUAL1": Dims the illumination constantly.
   	"DIM MANUAL2": Dims the illumination darker than that in the Manual1 mode.
   "BT DVC STATUS"	You can display the connection status, signal strength, and battery level.
   	HF-CON: Connection status for cell-phone. (1/: One cell-phone is connected, 1/2: Two cell-phones are connected, NO: No cell-phone is connected.)
   	AD-CON: Connection status for BT Audio. (YES: Connected, NO: Not connected)
   	BATT: Battery level of cell-phone.
   	SIGNAL: Signal strength of cell-phone.

4. Use the [Control knob] to select a setting.
   The previous item appears.

Exit the Function setting mode.
Press and hold the [] button.

Text Display Selection

Information Display Settings
You can change the information displayed on each of the following sources:

Press the [DISP] button.

On Audio File/iPod Source

On Pandora Source

On Aha Radio Source

On iHeartRadio Source

On CD Source

On Tuner Source

On Bluetooth Audio Source

On Standby/Auxiliary Input Source

On SiriusXM (Optional Accessory) Source

Text Display Notes

• When you select the Display off mode, the display setting of each source will be changed to the Display off.
• If the selected display item does not have any information, alternative information appears.
• If you select "FOLDER NAME" while playing music on the iPod, names will be displayed depending on the currently selected browsing items.
• If you select the APP & iPod Control mode while playing music on the iPod, "APP&iPod MODE" appears.
• If all characters cannot be displayed while music is played on the iPod, the file number in the list appears.

  • Information Display:

    Information	Display
    Music title	"TITLE***"
    Folder name	"FOLDER***"
    File name	"FILE***"

Text Scroll

• Press and hold the [DISP] button.
  The displayed text scrolls.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Kenwood DPX300U, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot common problems.

• No sound output: Check all connections to ensure they are secure. Verify that the volume is turned up and that the correct input is selected.
• Bluetooth connectivity issues: Restart both the receiver and your Bluetooth device. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and that they are paired correctly.
• Display not working: Check the power supply and ensure that the receiver is properly installed. If the issue persists, consult the user manual or contact Kenwood support.

Always refer to the user manual for detailed troubleshooting instructions. It's also important to follow safety guidelines when working with electrical components in your vehicle.

Kenwood Car CD Receiver Box DPX300U Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality sound performance with clear audio reproduction.
• Easy-to-use interface with large buttons and multi-function dial.
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and music streaming.
• Supports multiple audio formats including CDs, MP3s, and USB playback.
• Affordable price point compared to other high-feature car stereos.

Cons

• No built-in GPS navigation feature.
• No support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Some users report minor issues with Bluetooth connectivity stability.
• Limited customization options for the display screen.

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the Kenwood DPX300U for its ease of use, good sound quality, and robust feature set. Many reviewers appreciate the affordable price without compromising on key features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB playback.

However, some users have noted minor issues with Bluetooth stability and the lack of advanced features like GPS navigation or smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.