Both the MP5010K and the MP3510 bring full MP3 playback capability plus an extensive array of convenience features to JENSEN's FM/AM/CD receivers. In addition to playing tracks recorded in the MP3 format, these head units utilizes a bright, multi-color, dot matrix LCD to present up to 30 characters of ID3 embedded information such as artist, song title, album, etc., over a 12-character alphanumeric scrolling display. Furthermore, the user can customize the specific information that is relayed when MP3 tracks are played.

"More than any other development, MP3 provides a bridge between the computer and the car," says Robb Groner, product manager, Mobile Electronics, Recoton Audio Corporation. "The emergence of MP3 has reinvigorated consumer interest in listening to music by making so much of it available over the Internet. Now it's possible to bring the same, sometimes immense catalogs of MP3 files into the car for the greatest possible variety of sounds when behind the wheel."

MP5010K

The flagship MP3 model MP5010K (SRP: $279.95), which is the most powerful head unit in the JENSEN stable (60W x 4), makes playing MP3 tracks as easy and straightforward a process as listening to a standard CD, but with the added advantage of ID3 display that details artist, album, and track information in the order of the user's preference. By incorporating the latest DSP processing, the MP5010K allows quick file/folder access, and a memory buffer provides virtually skip-free performance.

Along with its advanced MP3 functions, the single-DIN MP5010K plays both CD-R and CD-RW software, automatically differentiating between the formats. Also, there is a Last Position Memory feature that, when activated, returns to the precise point on a disc, even if it is in the middle of a song.

Additional CD section features include track programming up to 24 selections, anti-shock mechanism for smooth operation through the bumpiest of rides, direct track access, and 8x oversampling.

Music lovers who prefer the choice of six or 10 discs will appreciate the advanced CDC (CD Changer) control that makes it easy to hop from one disc to the next, track by track, by managing most of JENSEN's six- or ten-disc changers. The IR handheld remote helps ensure driver safety by negating the need to lean over to change selections.

Switching to radio, JENSEN's InstallocIII tuner, acclaimed for its pinpoint accuracy, includes a 30-station (20 FM/10 AM) preset scan, making it easy to sample only those stations the user selects.

The MP5010K is designed with power users in mind. Three preamp outputs - front, rear, & subwoofer - give audiophiles the ability to pump up and tailor the sound to their respective environments, and the subwoofer hot-key on the front panel provides instant access to bottom-end adjustments. Furthermore, the MP5010K comes equipped with rear RCA inputs for auxiliary inputs for add-on devices. A swing-down detachable faceplate provides the utmost in convenience and security. (A hard carry case is included.)

MP3510

Similar to its sibling, the single-DIN MP3510 (SRP: $229.95) renders MP3 playback as basic as that of any CD. Moving from track to track with the bare minimum of delay, the three-beam laser pick-up provides unmatched clarity and reliability, especially at the price point. Default preferences are defined by the user's preference, and the IR handheld remote manages all major functions, including those of the CDC control.

In addition to MP3 tracks, discs made with both CD-R and CD-RW recorders can be played through JENSEN's MP3510. And, like the MP5010K, the new MP3510 features 8x oversampling, and an anti-shock mechanism to further enhance stability.

The JENSEN PlusTM tuner offers 30 presets (20 FM/10 AM), plus a host of convenience features such as preset scan, one touch memory, auto local/distance, and more. Overall power output is rated at 45W x 4, and a front panel 3.5mm input jack allows for easy hook-up of a portable listening device. A detachable faceplate is included, along with a hard carry case.

The MP5010K is shipping as of this month, and the MP3510 is scheduled to ship in July.

In other JENSEN news, JENSEN Mobile Electronics' KS series of high-performance speakers are designed specifically for end-users whose autosound systems serve as their primary listening environments.

"The majority of autosound devotees spend more time listening to music in their cars and trucks than they do at home," says Steve Waddell, senior product manager for JENSEN Mobile Electronics' line of autosound speakers. "Imaging, bass response, and overall detail are scrutinized in a confined environment, making it critical for our KS products to reproduce every nuance exactly as the artists intended."

KS speakers reproduce music and video soundtracks with a natural, flat response that stays true to the source material. In particular, the midrange offers smoother response than similarly priced products, removing much of the "hiss" that is sometimes heard when vocalists or announcers pronounce the letter S.

Unique to the KS line is a proprietary nickel-plated basket and aperiodic venting for maximum accuracy in the midrange. Also, titanium-laminated polypropylene cones are utilized to improve bass response and smooth-out the midrange, while maintaining the low mass required for outstanding transient response.

Additional elements found throughout the series include a 1-inch voice coil with Copper Clad Aluminum Wire (CCAW) and Santoprene surrounds for maximum power and cone dispersion.

All five of the following KS speakers are currently shipping:

KS4200 (SRP: $32/pair) - this 4-inch coaxial speaker is designed for easy, immediately noticeable upgrades, thanks in part to a 13mm Mylar dome tweeter that provides distinct voicing in the upper frequency range. Usable frequency response is 60Hz-24kHz, sensitivity is rated at 89dB SPL (1 Watt at 1 Meter), and impedance is measured at 4 ohms. Total power handling is 90 Watts peak, 30 Watts RMS. Additional features include a .110/.187 terminal strip and low-profile ABS grille.

KS5420 (SRP: $39/pair) - the 5-inch coaxial KS5420 utilizes a 13mm Mylar dome tweeter and an 8 oz. Strontium magnet for maximum accuracy, and a decorative rubber magnet boot adds to the model's overall aesthetic value. Power handling is measured at 120 Watts peak, 40 Watts RMS, and frequency response measures 50Hz-24kHz. Sensitivity is rated at 91dB, and impedance is measured at 4 ohms.

KS6520 (SRP: $49/pair) - JENSEN's 6-inch KS6520 is a coax that handles a hefty 135 Watts peak power, 45 Watts RMS. Housed under the low-profile ABS grille is a 25mm Mylar dome tweeter, and the whole package is supported by a decorative rubber magnet boot. Frequency response is 40Hz-25kHz, sensitivity is measured at 92dB, and impedance is measured at 4 ohms.

KS6920 (SRP: $49/pair) - this 6 x 9-inch coax features a 2-inch Mylar dome tweeter/midrange and 20 oz. Strontium magnet for exceptional accuracy, handling up to 165 Watts peak, 55 Watts RMS. Frequency response is 30Hz-25kHz, sensitivity is measured at 93dB, and impedance is measured at 4 ohms.

KS6930 (SRP: $59/pair) - from the brand that first introduced the Triax comes the KS6930, a three-way speaker that manages up to 195 Watts peak, 65 Watts RMS. The 1-inch Piezo tweeter combines with the 2.5-inch Mylar dome midrange driver for the most natural sound on the road. Frequency response is 30Hz-26kHz, sensitivity is measured at 93dB, and impedance is measured at 4 ohms.

KS210 (SRP: $59) - bring on the bass with a subwoofer that is worthy of the KS designation. The KS210 is a 10-inch sub with a 30 oz. magnet and 2-inch aluminum dual voice coil for clean, tight bass that is accurate, not muddy. The low "Q" design makes it adaptable to nearly all automotive interiors, and five-way gold binding posts offer maximum connectivity with no signal loss. Frequency response is 22Hz-2.8kHz, and power handling 525 Watts peak, 175 Watts RMS.

KS212 (SRP: $69) - the KS series' step-up sub is a 12-inch driver with a 40 oz. magnet and 2-inch aluminum dual voice coil. Similar to the KS210, the KS212 features five-way gold binding posts and low "Q" design. Frequency response is 20Hz-2.5kHz, and power handling is rated at 600 Watts peak/200 Watts RMS.

In still more JENSEN related news, JENSEN Mobile Electronics is shipping its first mobile multimedia entertainment system, called Intellicar. This new modular system utilizes the full-featured IC8010 controller/receiver and a series of pick-n-choose add-ons to provide users with a personally customized multimedia experience. The new Intellicar system is designed for either D-I-Y or professional installation, and provides excellent results in either instance.

Heart and Mind

The new JENSEN IC8010 is the heart and mind of Intellicar. At first glance, it looks like a handsome in-dash head unit with a flip-down detachable face and provides an array of high performance features and functions such as AM/FM radio and CD/CD changer control. But the new Intellicar IC8010 is much more. It incorporates JENSEN's Intellicar data bus that allows external modules to be added in a daisy-chain fashion for integration of multimedia equipment into a vehicle. With a connection of the optional four-input A/V Source Selector, the display features the Source Window icon, which shows the status of each connected source, from AV1 to AV4. Selections are made by pressing the A/V button, and the logical button layout ensures total ease of use.

The single-DIN IC8010 incorporates a 240 watt (60 x 4) amplifier - placing it among the most powerful receivers the company offers - and utilizes JENSEN's Instaloc III tuner, providing 30 (18 FM and 12 AM) station presets. Other tuner features include: auto station store, preset scan, one touch memory, auto stereo/mono, auto local/distance, seek, and scan.

In addition, the IC8010 receiver features a versatile CD player with 8x oversampling circuitry, 1-bit D/A converter, and three-beam laser pick-up. Features include last position memory, random/repeat/intro, CD pause, 24-track programmability, and JENSEN's anti-shock mechanism for road stability. The new receiver can also control and operate all JENSEN 6-disc CD changers.

The IC8010 provides many other features including a back-panel set of auxiliary inputs so a VCR, MP3, or DVD player can be connected "out of the box." Also, the unit includes familiar JENSEN features, such as electronic volume, bass, treble, balance, and fader controls; rotary encoder control; multi-button power on; two pairs of pre-amp outputs with 6 volts RMS output voltage; multi-color LCD display; and level meter. The receiver is compatible with JENSEN's IR20 steering wheel remote and has a super-accurate clock function. JENSEN's Intellicar IC8010 receiver is available at a suggested retail price of $249.95. A wireless infrared remote control (IC10IR) and a 5-meter Intellicar Data Extension Cable (IC5MCABLE) are available as separate options and are priced $19.95 each.

A/V Interface Module

Modularity makes Intellicar a fully integrated multi-media system selector. The new JENSEN Intellicar IC20AV module is an easy-to-install four-source interface that allows up to four separate A/V source components to be selected. It can output a video signal to as many as three video monitors with no signal degradation. JENSEN's own mobile VCR, TV tuner, and monitors can be used as well as products from other manufacturers. In addition, the module is compatible with DVD players, MP3 players, and video games.

The JENSEN Intellicar IC20AV is available at a suggested retail price of $179.95.

Wireless Headphone Module

The second Intellicar module is the IC40HP wireless RF headphone, consisting of a 900MHz wireless headphone set and a user-friendly transmitter. The headphones are lightweight, and include neodymium magnets and mylar drivers. Additional features such as volume control, power and stereo indicators, detent tuning, soft-mute, and a self adjusting headband are included as well.

The transmitter plugs directly into the Intellicar bus and provides a 30-foot listening range.

JENSEN's Intellicar IC40HP wireless headphone module is available at a suggested retail price of 99.95.

Wireless RF Remote

The Intellicar remote control solution is the IC30RF. It is a sophisticated RF (radio frequency) remote control device providing control and operation of virtually all functions of the IC8010 receiver. The Intellicar interface is an easy-to-install module that connects directly to the Intellicar bus.

Similar to a TV remote control, the IC30RF keypad is five inches in length and has 17 buttons. Among the functions it controls are: power on/off, mode selection, CD play/pause, band selection, tuning up/down, bass/treble/balance/fader selection, audio mute, selectable beep tone, audio/video selection, disc up/down, track up/down, random/repeat/intro, and disc programming.

JENSEN's Intellicar wireless RF remote module is available at a suggested retail price of $59.95.

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