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Kenwood KDC-MP342U

In-Dash CD/MP3/WMA Car Receiver with Remote and Front Panel USB and Aux Inputs

4.5

(20 reviews)

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The product on this page is discontinued, but there is a newer model available:
Newer Model: Kenwood KDC-352U
kdc352u thumbnail
$109.99In Stock

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Kenwood KDC-MP342U

Versatility shouldn’t complicate things. The Kenwood KDC-MP342U shows us that extra features do not mean a more confusing experience. Built in iPod connectivity allows for an easy to interface with iPod listening experience and will also charge your iPod, this will be interfaced through the USB port on the front of the radio. Also featured is a 3.5mm auxiliary port so you can stream audio from other MP3 players or a mobile phone.

Playing any music through the Kenwood KDC-MP342U is sure to be a pleasant experience. No matter the source, the receiver has exceptional sound processing to make sure you’re getting the best possible reproduction from your music. With simple music searching functions, finding your next song has never been easier. This unit is ready to be expanded with Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and even HD Radio. Exceptional audio playback is indeed affordable, and the Kenwood MP342U will allow you to start hearing better music now!

General Features:

  • In-dash AM/FM, CD, MP3, WMA player with Remote
  • iPod USB direct connectivity via your standard iPod-to-USB connection cable allows you to charge, control, and playback your iPod through the receiver and stereo system
  • Detachable face
  • 14 Segment/8 Digit Fluorescent display
  • Wireless remote control included
  • Blue and red button lighting
  • Power Output:
    • Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
    • RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
  • MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
  • Authorized Internet Dealer
  • 1-year Manufacturer's warranty

Playback and Audio Features:

  • Playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and WMA
  • Tuner with 18FM/6AM presets
  • Attenuator (-20dB) with smooth volume return
  • System Q sound control with pre-programmed tone curves
  • Subwoofer level and low pass filter adjustable
  • Bass boost
  • Separate bass, mid range, and treble control
  • Source tone memory

Expandability Options:

  • 2 Sets of 2V preamp outputs (front, rear/subwoofer)
  • Bluetooth Ready: KCA-BT200 required and sold separately
  • HD Radio Ready: KTC-HR200 required and sold separately
  • SIRIUS or XM Satellite Radio Ready: XM Radio Package or SIRIUS Radio Package required and sold separately
  • iPod Ready: Apple USB-to-iPod Cable will work for most iPods, however some older iPods will require the KCA-iP500
  • Front-panel auxiliary input: 3.5mm (headphone jack) allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players, etc.
  • Front-panel auxiliary input: USB Port allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players, etc.
Product History:
Kenwood KDC-352U thumbnail
(newest, current model)
Kenwood KDC-348U thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-352U)
Kenwood KDC-MP345U thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-348U)
Kenwood KDC-MP342U thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-MP345U)
Kenwood KDC-MP338 thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-MP342U)
Kenwood KDC-MP335 thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-MP338)
Kenwood KDC-MP332 thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-MP335)
In-Dash Receiver Specifications
Receiver SizeSingle DIN
Faceplate SecurityDetachable
Motorized FaceplateNo
Remote ControlYes
Peak Power Output50 watts x 4 channels
RMS Power Output22 watts x 4 channels
Preamp RCA Outputs2 Pairs (Front and Switchable Rear/Subwoofer)
Sub Preamp RCA OutputYes
Preamp Voltage2 volts
Built-In EqualizerSystem Q Sound Control with Pre-programmed Tone Curves
Display Type14 Segment/8 Digit Fluorescent Display
Display ColorWhite
Button ColorBlue and Red
CD Signal-to-NoiseN/A
CEA-2006 CompliantNo
Playback Features
AM/FM TunerYes
FM Presets18
AM Presets6
CD-R/RW PlaybackYes
MP3 PlaybackYes
WMA PlaybackYes
DVD / Video PlaybackNo
Expandability Features
NavigationNo
Audio/Video InputsFront 3.5mm
Audio/Video OutputsNo
USB InputFront
iPod Audio ConnectionYes (via iPod USB Cable or Accessory Cable Below)
Satellite RadioOptional - SIRIUS (Accessory required and sold separately)
HD RadioOptional (Accessory required and sold separately)
Bluetooth ConnectivityOptional (Accessory required and sold separately)
Steering Wheel Control CompatibleNo
CD Changer ControlsNo
Rear View Camera InputNo
Memory Card ReaderNo
iPod Information
Compatible Apple Devices5G iPod Video (30, 60, & 80GB)
iPod Classic (120GB)
iPod Classic (80 &160GB)
iPod Nano 1st Generation (1, 2, & 4GB)
iPod Nano 2nd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 3rd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 4th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod Touch 1st Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod Touch 2nd Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPhone
iPhone 3G
Warranty and Return Policy
Return Policy Standard Return Policy
Parts Warranty Duration1 year
Labor Warranty Duration1 year
Warranty ProviderManufacturer
Customer Review Summary for Kenwood KDC-MP342U
Average Customer Rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars:
4.5
based on 20 Reviews
Share your thoughts with others:
Rating Distribution:
5 star:
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.
50%
4 star:
.
.
50%
3 star:
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0%
2 star:
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0%
1 star:
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0%
what's this?
Average Attributes Rating:
Durability
4.5
Value
4.8
Features
4.5
Design
4.5
Usability
4.4
what's this?
Most Helpful Customer Reviews:
December 27, 2010 Awesome headunit
Review by
Corey from LindenLinden, MI
Overall
Durability
Value
Features
Design
Usability
Great headunit, sound quality is awesome. Nice aux and usb input. Simple to use, looks nice. Have had it for almost 2 years and it works just like the day I got it. My system started shorting and it went straight in to protect mode to prevent damage so that is also a nice feature.
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April 6, 2010 Typical excellent Kenwood quality
Review by
David from Oak View, CA
Overall
Durability
Value
Features
Design
Usability
Everything was as expected with this unit, very user friendly, excellent tone, and installation was a snap. I have 2 of these units, the performance of the first motivated me to purchase a second for my truck.
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February 11, 2010 Excellent Radio Priced Right
Review by
John from Newington, CT
Overall
Durability
Value
Features
Design
Usability
This Kenwood radio had features i wanted and the detachable face was a must since this is in a convertible vehicle Sounds great has remote control all the features i wanted and a great price
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February 9, 2010 decent
Review by
ryan from campbell river, Canada
Overall
Durability
Value
Features
Design
Usability
great head unit for the price, sound quality is decent and its pretty easy to use. wish i could use my ipod to choose songs though instead of using the search option, it takes forever to scroll through songs.
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January 23, 2010 Good for the price
Review by
Rick from Converse, TX
Overall
Durability
Value
Features
Design
Usability
Pros:
USB Aux input works with Ipod (not the Shuffle, though) & thumb drive
FM & AM are separate buttons
Volume knob instead of buttons/rocker switch
Six preset buttons off to themselves, though I wish they were bigger
Price!!


Cons:
Bass/treble adjustments in with too many other adjustments
Sound quality is good, but my older Aiwa sounded better
Bass boost adjustment not fine enough, either too much or not enough
Too many tiny little buttons grouped around the volume knob
Display disappears in sunlight

Despite having a few little issues, this is a good radio, especially for the price. I'm fairly happy with it. If you're bass happy, you'll love it. If you're looking for a head unit that'll play songs from your Ipod or thumb drive, and on a tight budget, this is a great choice...
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View All 20 Reviews for Kenwood KDC-MP342U
iPod Adapters and Cables
An iPod adapter/connection cable will allow you to listen to music through your car in-dash stereo from your iPod, charge the iPod, and usually control the playback and playlists through the in-dash head unit too.
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Kenwood KCA-iP500Kenwood KCA-iP500
This iPod cable is made specifically for the audio playback of this in-dash receiver.
$44.99
Satellite Radio Tuners
Add an XM or SIRIUS satellite radio tuner to your new stereo with one of the following available accessories.
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Kenwood SC-C1+KCA-SR50Kenwood SC-C1+KCA-SR50$99.99
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Expandable Storage Accessories
Get more out of your new in-dash car stereo with these storage accessories.
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Transcend TS4GJF500Transcend TS4GJF500
4 GB JetFlash 500 USB 2.0 Flash Thumb Drive
$19.99
Installation, Tools & Accessories
Get your car stereo receiver installed by an expert, or do it yourself with install tools and accessories found below.
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Monster Cable MPC CLNKIT-SM CNMonster Cable MPC CLNKIT-SM CN
2 Bottles of LCD Screen Clean with Cleaning Cloth
$5.99
Scosche TK12 Car Stereo Installation KitScosche TK12 Car Stereo Installation Kit
Includes panel removal tool, wire cutter/stripper, test light, RCA cable runner, screwdriver, and more!
$16.99
18 Butt Connectors, 2 Ring Terminals, and Zip Ties18 Butt Connectors, 2 Ring Terminals, and Zip Ties
Great for connecting your car stereo wires to the harness.
$4.99
SoundKase DFC1XSoundKase DFC1X
Soft-Sided Nylon Receiver Faceplate Case
$5.99
System Optimization and Tuning
Use these accessories to test and tune the sound your new audio system!
 ProductPriceAdd?
AutoSound 2000 CD-103AutoSound 2000 CD-103
Audiophile reference series test disc for evaluation of all audio components.
$12.99
AutoSound 2000 CD-102AutoSound 2000 CD-102
High frequency test CD specifically designed for the set-up and evaluation of sound system imaging and placement.
$12.99
AutoSound 2000 CD-105AutoSound 2000 CD-105
Demonstrates different characteristics and specifications of an audio system.
$12.99
Sonic Electronix Stickers
Show off your Sonic Electronix pride with a decal for your car! Choose the size that is best you!
 ProductPriceAdd?
Sonic Electronix StickerSonic Electronix Sticker
4-1/2" Vinyl SonicElectronix.com Sticker (Blue)
$0.25
Medium Sonic Electronix StickerMedium Sonic Electronix Sticker
6-1/2" Vinyl SonicElectronix.com Sticker (Blue)
$0.50
Large Sonic Electronix StickerLarge Sonic Electronix Sticker
13" Vinyl SonicElectronix.com Sticker (Blue)
$0.99
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Product Summary

Manufacturer: Kenwood
Model number: KDC-MP342U
UPC: 019048181169
Weight: 4.00 lbs
Internal SKU: kdcmp342u
Internal product ID: 17269
X-Factor Dance Contest - over $2,800 in prizes.

Customer Testimonial

Never a disappointment when shopping with these guys. Always fast shipping, items arrive as promised, & their pricing is incredible. I even ordered a wrong item one time and they were very fast to correct my mistake. I may look at other websites for comparison but I always purchase from these guys!

- CK from Kirkland, Wa

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