Kenwood KDC-V7017 Receiver

Price & Contact: $330; 310-639-9000, www.kenwoodusa.com
Max output level: 2.7 volts @ 17.8% THD+N
Max undistorted output: 2.3 volts @ 1% THD+N
Relative loudness: -10.6 dBu
Usable Dynamic Range: -92.1 dB
THD+N @ full output: 17.8%
Output impedance: 573 ohms
L-R channel error: 0.3 dB
Frequency response: +0 dB, -0.4 dB

Internal Amps
Max Output: 32 watts x 4 @ 38.5% THD+N
Max Undistorted Output: 15 watts x 4 @ 1% THD+N
Signal-to-Noise: -96.4 dB
Channel Error: 0.3 dB
Frequency Response: +0 dB, -0.5 dB

		Kenwood KDC-V7017 Receiver www.kenwoodusa.com
		Kenwood offers a “head unit of a different color” with the KDC-V7017.		Kenwood KDC-V7017 Specs Price & Contact: $330; 310-639-9000, www.kenwoodusa.com Max output level: 2.7 volts @ 17.8% THD+N Max undistorted output: 2.3 volts @ 1% THD+N Relative loudness: -10.6 dBu Usable Dynamic Range: -92.1 dB THD+N @ full output: 17.8% Output impedance: 573 ohms L-R channel error: 0.3 dB Frequency response: +0 dB, -0.4 dB Internal Amps Max Output: 32 watts x 4 @ 38.5% THD+N Max Undistorted Output: 15 watts x 4 @ 1% THD+N Signal-to-Noise: -96.4 dB Channel Error: 0.3 dB Frequency Response: +0 dB, -0.5 dB
		by Brian Smith

		The KDC-V7017 is a single-DIN head unit with AM/FM tuner, CD player, and CD/MC changer control capabilities. Features include four preamp outputs, IR remote control, removable faceplate with variable color display, numerous tone pre-sets plus user adjustable bass mid and treble controls and internal amps rated at 22 watts x 4 into 4 ohms. Performance With this unit, Kenwood becomes the second manufacturer that I’ve seen who is willing to put a reasonable spec on their internal amps. You have to dig in the manual, but it clearly says “Full Bandwidth Power (at less than 1% THD)...22 watts x 4”. Our tests indicate that this rating may still be just a touch optimistic, but I’m more than willing to dole out an ‘A’ for the effort, especially considering that the KDC-V7017’s preamp outputs are under-rated by a very similar margin. We measured about 15 watts per channel from the amps and 2.3 volts from the preouts, which were rated for 1.8 volts. Let’s hope that this trend sticks around. Another trend that we’d like to see more of can be found at the rear of this unit and takes the form of a small cast aluminum heat sink with lots of surface area. The inclusion of this heat sink is even more impressive considering that this head unit isn’t among the ultra-high powered models currently available. Heat is the best way to kill amplifier output devices, regardless of their size. Therefore, removing heat from those devices is the best way to keep them alive for an extended period of time. By including a sensible heat sink on a moderately powered unit, Kenwood increases the unit’s chances for long-term survival. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a selling feature that makes some damn sense. User Evaluation If you have a strong fashion sense, and the way that a head unit meshes with your automotive interior décor is a consideration, then this may be the unit for you. The background color of the KDC-V7017’s display can be altered over a very wide range. There are four basic colors available: white, red, blue, and blue green, but it’s not really limited to those four colors. Holding down the track advance button scrolls through the colors as well as the shades in between, creating something like a continuously variable color control. Pretty neat. The display itself is large but busy, although, there is an option to turn much of the information off. The KDC-V7017’s interface isn’t among my favorites, but I don’t expect that’s too much of a surprise. Every operation on the unit is button driven and there are many, many operations to choose from. The unit does provide a user adjustable tone control section with the unusual but welcome addition of a midrange control. The IR remote included with the KDC-V7017 is also a welcome addition; it’s well laid out and only controls the unit’s major functions, which makes it quite easy to use.