I bought this as a Christmas present for my daughter. Very nice piece of equipment for the price. My daughter loves it. Excellent sound quality. As advertised.
Kenwood KDC-258U
Single Din Car Stereo w/ USB/Aux Input
General Features:
- Kenwood KDC-258U In-Dash Receiver
- Detachable face plate
- 1-year Sonic Electronix Warranty
Playback and Audio Features:
- Playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA
- AM/FM tuner
- iPod and iPhone Ready: Standard USB-to-iPod Cable compatible
- Front Auxiliary Input: 3.5mm headphone jack allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players
- Front USB Input: USB port allows connection to digital devices such as flash drives, portable media players, etc.
- CD text information display
- MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
Expandability Options:
- 1 Set of 2V preamp outputs (rear / subwoofer)
- CD changer controls
In-Dash Receiver Specifications
Single DIN: 1 DIN dimensions will work with all single DIN installation kits we have to offer. Single DIN radios are the most common size for after-market stereos.
Single DIN slot with flip-out screen: The DIN stereo includes a retractable, flip-out screen. Before purchasing, make measurements to be sure there is no interference with dash accessories such as A/C vents or shift levers.
Single DIN slot with a larger face: Standard single DIN size, but the display is larger then the standard single DIN size. Due to the nature of the larger face, problems may arise when installing in particular vehicles. These stereos are great for single DIN slots where you want a larger screen.
1.5 DIN: This size is very uncommon in vehicles, however this size opening is most commonly found in Chrysler and Chevrolet vehicles.
Double DIN: Approximately 4-inches in height, this size is becoming more common every year. Prior to 2000, this size was typically only found in Japanese vehicles such as those made by Honda or Toyota. Now, it is becoming more popular for many vehicles to be fit with a Double DIN opening.
Detachable / Removable faceplate security: The most common anti-theft feature. It allows you to take the faceplate with you, thus disallowing operation, which deters theft.
Security Codes: Mainly a feature in high end video units which do not have a detachable face / screen. Once the unit is uninstalled (or stolen), a security code (or PIN) is required upon reinstallation. Though you no longer have your unit after the theft, the thief also does not have your security code, which makes the unit useless. The hope is the thief knows which units have security codes and he/she chooses not to steal your unit because of the security code.
Ghost technology: This is not commonly used, but can be found primarily in a select number of 2004-2005 head units. It creates an illusion that no unit is installed by appearing completely black when turned off. Potential thieves may steer clear because it appears as though no head unit is installed.
Anti-theft covers: Similar to ghost and hiding faces because they only create an illusion that the face/unit is not in place.
ESN: Stands for Electronic Serial Number. Allows the disabling of the radio and allows tracking if it is stolen.
Dot-Matrix Text Display: A simple display which uses dots in specific illuminated color(s) to light up and form letters or numbers that are displayed on the receiver.
Graphic or Motion Display: Typically found in mid to high-end receivers and give your text information and receiver more life by adding motion, backgrounds, or multiple colors to your display. There are types of graphic displays such as 3D Graphic, Motion, and OEL (Organic Electroluminescent) displays. They can range from one color to full color displays and typically allow you to select from one of many built-in animations, background images, screensavers or other graphics to enhance your experience and add an extra bit of personality to your system. Some units also come with software that allow you to load your own customizable pictures or animations.
LCD Monitor Display: Can be as small as 2" or as large as 10". Some LCD displays are motorized for angle adjustment. LCD monitors display full motion video playback as well as your standard text such as track status, radio station information and more depending on the receiver's features.
Multi-Color: When more than one color is on the display, for example one part of the text is white, while the other part is blue.
Variable-Color: The display colors can be changed by the user. If the default color of text/display is blue for example, the user can change the settings to where the color turns to red. Variable color displays are typically described in detail in the item's description.
TFT-LCD Display: In-dash receivers with a video screen that display multiple colors and often times video such as DVD, navigation or other video sources.
Playback Features
Audio / Video Inputs
RCA Composite Inputs
These are your typical red, white, and yellow RCA composite cables that are common among devices with audio and video inputs. The red and white cables are dedicated for audio. The red cable is for the right channel and the white is for the left channel. The yellow cable is specifically for the video signal. Because this type of auxiliary cable contains 2 channels of audio, it will support stereo sound.
3.5mm
This is commonly referred to as a mini-jack or a headphone jack. It is a 3.5mm plug that transfers audio only. There is a right and left audio channel on the plug which allows for stereo sound playback.
3.5mm AV Input
These plugs look similar to the common 3.5mm mini-jack, however they carry a third channel dedicated for video.
Optional
This means that an auxiliary input is possible, but only with the use of an optional accessory. These optional adapters will sometimes use the CD Changer port or other port on the back of a unit that might restrict the use of other expandability features. These accessories are typically sold separately.
Monitor Screen Features
Backward:
This means that the unit is able to tilt backwards so that the proper viewing angle can be achieved. On single DIN flip out monitors, this type of pivot means that the bottom of the screen stays stationary while the top of the screen retracts. On Double DIN units this means that the bottom of the screen slides forward while the top of the screen moves down, resulting in a backwards angle tilt.
Forward:
This means that the unit is able to tilt forward so that the proper viewing angle can be achieved. On single DIN flip out monitors, a forward pivot keeps the bottom of the screen stationary while the top of the screen moves forward. On select Double DIN units, a forward tilt is sometimes referred to as a reverse tilt. The bottom of the screen remains in the same position while the top of the screen moves forward.
Left/Right Angle (Horizontal):
Some monitors allow the display to be rotated to the left or right in order to have the best viewing angle possible.
Slide In/Out:
A feature mainly found in select Kenwood units. It allows the entire screen to slide in and out. This is different from a forward/backward tilt in that the entire screen moves forward or backwards as opposed to just the top or bottom.
Navigation Features
Expandability Features
Some in-dash head units are built-in with the navigation features, while others require an add on navigation box. Other navigation options include portable navigation units that you can take with you or attach to the dash of your vehicle.
RCA Composite Outputs
These are your typical red, white, and yellow RCA composite cables that are common among devices with audio and video inputs. The red and white cables are dedicated for audio. The red cable is for the right channel and the white is for the left channel. The yellow cable is specifically for the video signal. Because this type of auxiliary cable contains 2 channels of audio, it will support stereo sound.
If "Yes", then the aftermarket stereo is compatible with steering wheel remote controls. If an additional accessory is required for the steering wheel controls to work properly, a compatible piece will be listed.
Smartphone Integration
Audio Playback
Some Car stereos are compatible with iPods and/or iPhones. If the headunit can connect to an iPod or iPhone via USB or iPod connection cable, these listed iPods are compatible. This list does not apply if the iPod is being connected through the 3.5mm mini-jack plug. Newer iPods are usually compatible if the appropriate adapters are purchased and used.
Any iPods/iPhones released after the release date of this product have not been checked by the manufacturer and/or Sonic Electronix for compatibility. We therefore cannot guarantee their compatibilities or incompatibilities, including, but not limited to: playback, video, charging, and response time.
iPhone 5C
iPhone 5
iPhone 4S
iPhone 4
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 3G
iPhone
iPad 4th Generation
iPad 3
iPad 2
iPad
iPad Air
iPad Mini
iPod Mini (4 & 6GB)
iPod Touch 5th Generation (16, 32 & 64GB)
iPod Touch 4th Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPod Touch 3nd Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPod Nano 6th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod Nano 3rd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 2nd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 1st Generation (1, 2, & 4GB)
iPod Classic (120GB)
iPod Video 5th Generation (30, 60, & 80GB)
iPod 4th Generation (20 & 40GB)
iPod 3rd Generation (10, 15, 20, 30 & 40GB)
iPod Shuffle 4th Generation
What is in the box?
Authorized Dealer
Key features
Warranty and Return Policy
Summary of Customer Ratings & Reviews
Rochester, MN
January 4, 2015
28 of 33 found this helpful
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Windham, ME
October 10, 2014
This head unit has BT, front USB and AUX inputs and has a pair of preouts for a subwoofer system. At this price, it's a great value and helped my Jeep Wrangler sound much better than the factory stereo!
26 of 33 found this helpful
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Illinois
October 16, 2014
I love this headunit. You are able to change the colors or let it cycle through. It charges my phone really fast! I would definitely recommend this headunit!
19 of 23 found this helpful
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Product Summary
Manufacturer
Model Number
KDC-258U
Weight
3.00lbs
Internal SKU
kdc258u
Internal Product ID
75677
Wiring Diagram Legend
Warning: The image depicted shows the resistance change when wiring multiple subwoofer terminals. Please refer to your subwoofer's owner's manual for the proper wiring of its terminals. Sonic Electronix, Inc. is not responsible for damage caused to your audio system or vehicle due to improper installation. Please call tech support at 1-877-289-7664 if you require additional assistance.