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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-355U
Kenwood KDC-355U thumbnail
$119.99 In Stock

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Up to $30 in free installation accessories included with this product. Click for details.

Specials with this product

  • Free Installation Accessories!details
  • Free Ground Shipping to the 48 statesdetails

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Customer Testimonial

I just recently purchased a pioneer 6300bt car stereo to install on a truck. This radio is one of the best radios for 2011. I ordered it and arrived within 3 days. So the shipping is like no other website. Their prices also are like no other site. Would recommend this site to anyone.

- jla from Eloy, AZ

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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-355U thumbnail
(newest, current model)
Kenwood KDC-352U thumbnail
(previous model, replaced by Kenwood KDC-355U)
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 Size Single DIN
Faceplate Security Detachable
Motorized Faceplate No
Remote Control Yes
Peak Power Output 50 watts x 4 channels
RMS Power Output 22 watts x 4 channels
Preamp RCA Outputs 2 Pairs (Front and Switchable Rear/Subwoofer)
Sub Preamp RCA Output Yes
Preamp Voltage 2 volts
Built-In Equalizer System Q Sound Control with Pre-programmed Tone Curves
Display Type 14 Segment/8 Digit Fluorescent Display
Display Color White
Button Color Blue and Red
CEA-2006 Compliant No
Playback Features
AM/FM Tuner Yes
FM Presets 18
AM Presets 6
CD-R/RW Playback Yes
MP3 Playback Yes
WMA Playback Yes
DVD / Video Playback No
Expandability Features
Navigation No
Audio/Video Inputs Front 3.5mm
Audio/Video Outputs No
USB Input Front
iPod Audio Connection Yes (via iPod USB Cable or Accessory Cable Below)
Satellite Radio Optional - SIRIUS (Accessory required and sold separately)
HD Radio Optional (Accessory required and sold separately)
Bluetooth Connectivity Optional (Accessory required and sold separately)
Steering Wheel Control Compatible No
CD Changer Controls No
Rear View Camera Input No
Memory Card Reader No
Portable Device Information
Compatible Apple Devices 5G 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 Duration 1 year
Labor Warranty Duration 1 year
Warranty Provider Manufacturer
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:
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50%
3 star:
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2 star:
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1 star:
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what's this?
Average Attributes Rating:
Durability
  • 4.5
4.5
Value
  • 4.8
4.8
Features
  • 4.5
4.5
Design
  • 4.5
4.5
Usability
  • 4.4
4.4
what's this?
Most Helpful Customer Reviews:
December 27, 2010 Awesome headunit
Review by
Corey from LindenLinden, MI
Overall
  • 5.0
Durability
  • 5.0
Value
  • 4.0
Features
  • 5.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 5.0
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
  • 4.0
Durability
  • 4.0
Value
  • 4.0
Features
  • 4.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 4.0
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
  • 5.0
Durability
  • 5.0
Value
  • 5.0
Features
  • 5.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 5.0
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
  • 4.0
Durability
  • 4.0
Value
  • 4.0
Features
  • 4.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 4.0
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
  • 4.0
Durability
  • 4.0
Value
  • 5.0
Features
  • 4.0
Design
  • 3.0
Usability
  • 3.0
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
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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