does anyone own on of these head units or have had an opportunity to play with one yet?
wanting to know if you can plug a HDD in a USB caddy or an iRiVER into them and on what level it recognises the file structure - have asked a few shops and have kinda received shrugged shoulder response - and can't find anything on the net.

thanks in advance
andy

Found this much on Kenwood website (www.kenwood.com.au) -

AAC/WMA/MP3/CD Receiver with External Media Control
# Flip-down Detachable Faceplate
# 14 Segment FL Display (8 Digits, Scroll on/off possible)
# Rotary Encoder & Jog Control Knob for Easy Operation
# Supplied with Remote Control Unit (with Audio Control & 10-key)
# Display Off mode function
# Tel Mute
# Maximum Output Power : 50W x 4 (MOSFET Power IC)
# 2 Preouts
# System Q
# MP3/WMA/AAC Files Playback with ID-3 Tag Display
# Supreme
# Dual External Media Control Capability (with Optional KCA-S210A)
# Optional Apple iPod Interface Ready (KCA-iP500)


You could always ring JB Hifi or Autobarn or the like and ask them, or contact Kenwood themselves through the website. Hope this helps at least a little! :D

I have a Kenwood MP7533U which is very very similar to the 5033. It works flawlessly with my Creative ZEN mp3 player. From the HU, using the USB interface I can access the file structure as it is on the MP3 player, including subfolders etc etc. It's extremly easy to use, fast and keeps my mp3 player charged.

From the owners manual:


Available USB devices

- USB devices belong to the USB mass storage device class
- USB devices whose maximum current consumption is 500mA or less
For the supported formats and USB device types, refer to http://www.kenwood.com/usb/english.html

I think the current draw on a HDD would be to high as some need two USB connections to a PC in order to draw enough power.

Hope this helps

Matt

i have the latest kenwood trade catalogue (06) im not at home at the moment but as soon as i am ill have a look and get the price for you. Also if you give me a list of all the features you want in a Head Unit i can direct you in another direction whilst sticking to the kenwood brand. Sprint Autos also deal with Kenwood and Blaupunkt as well as DNA AUDIO high quality stuff there so if you looking for kenwood/blaupunkt stuff pop into gawler sprints, ill give you a hand.

I have a Kenwood MP7533U which is very very similar to the 5033. It works flawlessly with my Creative ZEN mp3 player. From the HU, using the USB interface I can access the file structure as it is on the MP3 player, including subfolders etc etc. It's extremly easy to use, fast and keeps my mp3 player charged.

From the owners manual:



I think the current draw on a HDD would be to high as some need two USB connections to a PC in order to draw enough power.

Hope this helps

Matt
thanks heaps mate that was exactly the feedback I was looking for (someone who had a unit up and running) :D .

I think with the HDD as long as it is a current gen laptop HDD (2.5") and under 40 GB is will power up with no dramas, but as you say there are power issues but these should only present with units that are larger than 40GB



i have the latest kenwood trade catalogue (06) im not at home at the moment but as soon as i am ill have a look and get the price for you. Also if you give me a list of all the features you want in a Head Unit i can direct you in another direction whilst sticking to the kenwood brand. Sprint Autos also deal with Kenwood and Blaupunkt as well as DNA AUDIO high quality stuff there so if you looking for kenwood/blaupunkt stuff pop into gawler sprints, ill give you a hand.

Cheers matre but i'm in Vic :cool:

Will post any further results, things I learn once I get the unit purchase and installed.

cheers
Andy

Go JVC and Blaupunkt over Kenwood any day ..

Go JVC and Blaupunkt over Kenwood any day ..

of these brands which models have the feature(s) that I'm after?

- rear USB 2.0 port
- file structure recognition on mass storage device

cheers
Andy

New JVC Decks have USB input on the face of the Deck..

So all you need is a USB Flash Drive and Plug it in , they also have I pod adaptors aswell

http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1499