Kenwood XD-A81 Mini Audio System

Notice this is a review about the Kenwood Allura NV 500, I posted it here cause there is no section for it on Epinions. Here is the webpage where you can find a picture of the Allura. http://www.kenwoodusa.com/allura/.


For all of you who are looking for something a little more simpler when it comes to your stereo system, in this world, of dolby this, or hxy-bass that, or other terms manufacturers come up to differentiate their products. The Allura, by Kenwood is a relief from all this complexity.

Often we have heard the cliche that good things come in small packages, but the Allura offers all the punch that a component system has to offer in a little package. Offering 100 watts of power and an optional subwoofer to add that extra bass, the system is relatively simple in operation.

Setup is a breeze, for that all cables are label in the back of the unit, if you plan on adding on components, such as an MD Player, or a VCR or DVD player. And there is no other installation other than the speaker wires and antenna and power cord.

But what really separates the Allura, is the appearence of the unit itself. You have to see it up close to appreciate its beauty, for that is what happened to me when I first saw it, as a matter of fact I fell in love with the electronic blue glowing of the remote control.

The remote
At first glance the remote looks like just part of the unit itself, but it can be removed and used as a remote. The range of the remote is pretty good, for I live in a small apt and it works from afar and short alike. The cool thing about the remote is its glow that is reminds of us, the electro luminescent lighting of your average watch these days. However the Remote takes six batteries to power so you may want to leave it on the unit to save electricity.

The remote controls all aspects of the unit from sound to balance to control of the cd player and tape player to the optional MD player that you can add on.

The really neat thing about the remote is that you can program other remotes into this unit. So say that you have hooked up a DVD player to your unit then you can control the DVD player with the remote from the Allura and programming the unit is simple for this task. You can choose from a list of manufacturers on the unit itself and you just choose from there, how simple is that?

The unit
The unit itself is not that big as far as width and height, but it does have some depth and weight, so do not try to mount it on some dinky shelf. But the power that the unit has is amazing, it has 100 watts per channel and with an optional sub woofer sound quality is not its week point. However the weekpoint is the fact that it only has one cd player, and for the price of this unit (roughly 399.00) comparable models have three, but I guess the producers where aiming at minimizing the product. There is also a tape player that is full logic, however the eject button on the tape player isn't, which I never understood, if the cd player can have a motorized door, how come the tape player doesn't. (perhaps another cost cutting measure) The unit offers flexibilty for that you can hook up DVD, TV, MD, and VCR's (enough acronyms?) through the back of the unit, which is labeled for your convenience.

As far as sound you can control several aspects, including the standard BASS and TREBLE controls as well as Built-in Dolby* Virtual Surround Sound technology, which the Kenwood claims "brings new impact to your movies and videos ? without the need for additional rear speakers." Also there is the DSP, which I think is the digital sound processor feature that you can choose from Stadium, Arena, and Live effects to your music.
I personally think that this feature isn't that special, but the Dolby Virtual Surround Sound is pretty cool. There is also a BASS boost control that kind of helps with the BASS but I assume that this is for the subwoofer.

Conclusions
This system although bigger than your mini-system but smaller than your component system, offers style as well as power in a relatively cheap package. For roughly 399.00 you get 100 watts of power and the coolest looking stereo on the market today. Although lacking a multi-disk cd player is a negative, the unit is so stylish you won't mind getting up to change the cd.


Here is a the techinical specs for all you techies.
Power Output (FTC):
100 Watts RMS per channel, 6 ohms, 40Hz ? 20kHz, <0.9% THD
Signal-to-Noise Level (Video 1/Video 2 Inputs):
90dB (IHF?66)

Tone Control Characteristics:
Bass: +/- 7dB @65Hz
Treble: +/- 7dB @10kHz
Bass Boost: +5dB @65Hz
Input Sensitivity/Impedance (Video 1/Video 2 inputs): 300mV/47kohm
Output Level/Impedance
Video 1 Rec Out: 300mV/470ohms
Subwoofer Preout: 1.8V/3.3kohms

Video

Input Level/Impedance (Video 1/Video 2 inputs): 1V p-p/75ohms
Output Level/Impedance (Video 1 Rec Out/Monitor Out): 1V p-p/75ohms

Tuner

FM Sensitivity (Mono, 75kHz dev. SINAD 30dB): 2.0?V @75ohms, 17.2dBf
THD (1kHz, 75kHz dev., 65dBf input):

Mono: 0.6%
Stereo: 0.7%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (1kHz, 75kHz dev., 65dBf input)

Mono: 70dB
Stereo: 60dB
Stereo Separation (1kHz): 40dB
AM Useable Sensitivity (30% mod, 20dB S/N): 18?V (600?V/m, 1kHz


Dimensions (W x H x D, inches):
Amplifier: 11 x 8-7/8 x 10-3/4
Speakers: 8-7/8 x 13-3/4 x 13-3/8

Weight (net):
Amplifier: 18.5 lb
Speakers: 5.3 lb (ea)