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HEAD UNITS
New companies have the advantage of no history. No history means no baggage to carry with you. It also means no one knows who you are. Formerly from Jensen Audio, Jim Braun, Clyde Podraza, and Matt Vinson are the brain trust behind a new car audio company called Dual Audio. Dual Audio offers a full product line that includes the XD6200 head unit being reviewed here. The Dual Audio XD6200 is an interesting example of what good things could come from this company.
First Look
The Dual Audio XD6200 is an AM/FM/CD Receiver with remote control. The XD6200 has 18 FM and 12 AM preset station capability. Its speaker outputs are rated to deliver 50 watts into four channels. The XD6200 also has a single pair of low-level RCA outputs for connection to an external amplifier. Its silver finish with chrome looking accents combined with its red illuminated display gives the XD6200 a simple, but distinctive, flashy look. Removing the faceplate is a relatively simple affair and the remote is a small device that controls the basic functions.
A Closer Look
The Dual Audio XD6200 has some quite interesting, useful features. The XD6200 has an AUX input which is a great for future upgrades like Satellite Radio or a stand-alone DVD player. The tone controls have separate memories for AM, FM, CD, and AUX modes. This helps you fine-tune each source type to get the best sound out of your system. The remote is simple, with easy-to-press buttons that controls the basic functions of the XD6200.
One of the more unique features of this head unit is the ability to preset your starting volume. After you set a level in your system, simply hold down the power button for 3 seconds and this will be the default volume level when you turn on the source unit. Why you ask? Ever get in your vehicle on Sunday morning and scare the living daylights out of yourself? Obviously, the guys at Dual Audio are looking out for you.
Ease Of Use
One of the most important aspects of a head unit is ease of use. This is especially important where women are concerned. Long fingernails (ok, some guys have long fingernails too) prevent accessing any controls where the buttons are too close together — here, the Dual Audio head units does well. The controls are intuitive, well laid out, and easy to use. All of the controls can be operated with the pad of your finger. The volume and track controls, which are most often used, are logically located at either end on the faceplate.
Installation
The XD6200’s installation is straightforward and uncomplicated. Its single DIN chassis is iso-mountable. With no large pigtails, installation into tight spaces can be done with relative ease. With today’s vehicles, installing a head unit can get quite tricky. Unless you have the proper test equipment, I would suggest that you have your nearest Authorized Dual Audio Dealer perform the installation.
Manuals/Web Support
At the time of the article, Dual Audio’s Web site has not been launched. (As we went to print, Dual Audio announced that it had launched its site at www.dualav.com — ed.). The owner’s manual was simple, to the point, and easy to understand. The controls and functions are explained well. The only thing lacking in the manual was clear defined performance specifications. The wiring information was also located on the bottom of the unit’s chassis. This is a nice touch when the owner’s manual isn’t quite handy. The warranty is listed as one year from date of original purchase.
Sound Q & Performance
The sound quality of the XD6200 was quite good given the price point of the unit. The speaker outputs generated a very respectable 20 watts per channel at 0.08% THD. Usable maximum power out of the speaker leads is 22.5 watts where it measured 1.32% THD on my Xmeter from TerraSonde. On the low-level signal side, the XD6200 generated nearly 2 volts of output (1.99 at 0.04% THD). While the XD6200 does not come with an anti-skip memory feature, the suspension of the unit was able to soak up all but the most offensive of bumps and jolts. The only performance glitch I could find with the XD6200 was the remote control. On a few occasions, I would get different functions accessed via the remote control than I expected. This only occurred when the remote was further away from the source unit (like the back seat of a mini van) and might not occur in a regular size five-passenger vehicle.
Summary
The Dual Audio XD6200 is an excellent example of an affordable CD Player. While doing Web research on this unit, I found the going street price from several reputable authorized dealers to be around $120. This was quite a bit less expensive then the suggested retail price of $229.95. So, for about the price of seven CDs, you can treat yourself to a great start of a sound system in your vehicle.
Lies, Damn Lies And Head Unit Power Ratings
The Dual Audio XD6200 did, in fact, meet all of its
performance specifications. The XD6200 made it’s peak 50 watts per channel rating at 35% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). Its RCA level output made its peak 3-volt rms at 41% THD. The reality is the head unit produced a very respectable 22.5 watts per channel and 2 volts rms. This is great performance for a head unit in its price range.
The Dual Audio XD6200 On The Sonoda Scale
Strengths: Intuitive, easy to use. RCA output remains unclipped at full volume, AUX input for future upgrades.
Weakness: Display hard to see off angle. Remote sometimes did different things.
Best use: Great value entry-level head unit.
Performance Value:
****
Ease of Use:
****
Capability to Play CD, CDR, CDRW, MP3, & DVD:
Manuals, Online Support:
***
Dual Audio Xd6200 SPECS
Price & Contact: $229.95; Web: www.dualav.com
Operating Voltage:
14.4 volts (11-16 volts allowable)
4-ohm Power Output:
Max Power 50 watts (Peak) x 4 at 35% THD
RMS Power 20 watts x 4 at 0.08% THD
RCA output:
3 volts rms at 41%THD (Peak)
2 volts rms at 0.04% THD
CD Player:
Signal-to-noise ratio: Greater than 86 dB
Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz (3 dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz: Greater than 65 dB
D/A converter: 1-Bit
Media capability: CD, CDR
FM Tuner:
Tuning Range: 87.5 MHz-107.9 MHz
FM mono sensitivity: 12 dBf
50 dB quieting sensitivity (stereo): 16 dBf
Frequency Response: 30 Hz-20 kHz (3 dB
AM Tuner:
Tuning Range: 530 kHz-1710 kHz
AM sensitivity: 30uV
Frequency Response: 80Hz-2kHz (3dB
Dimensions:
7 inches x 7 inches x 2 inches (178 mm x 178 mm x 51 mm)
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