Entered CNET Catalog: 09/24/2004
SKU: EZ500
Manufacturer: Kenwood USA
Manufacturer description
Kenwood has created an innovative CD/MP3/WMA receiver that combines simple-to-use operation with advanced features and technologies. The EZ500 has a flip-down, removable faceplate, and large rubber-grip knobs that let users select options quickly and easily - great for folks who dislike fiddling with the tiny buttons found on most modern receivers. Other features include memory presets, built-in amplifier mute option, a 10-key remote control, selectable key illumination and CD/MP3/WMA playback. Elegant cosmetics and simple interface make the EZ500 truly easy use.User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5
User Rating: 
8/10
Plain yet sophisticated
Pros: Good tuner, nice built in amp, easy to use, satellite ready, HD ready
Cons: I may be trippin... but I can't fast foward or rewind a CD ??
There are updated models of this unit that will allow either XM or Sirius... but this is great unit.
User Rating: 
9/10
I Love this Deck!
Pros: Easy to use the basic features without looking. Excellent Sound and Reception quality. Plays everything with no problems. Highly customizable.
Cons: Not very many
Really Easy to use the basic functions. A quick read of the manual and you'll have it set up just the way you want it. It's highly customizable, has adjustable high/low pass crossovers, non-fading Sub-woofer output, Sub Level adjustment in the tone control menu, and amazing FM reception. This is in our truck and 100 miles from civilization, it pulls in the radio stations crystal clear. We also haven't had it skip once on bad washboard roads. Sound quality is phenomenal and plays CBR/VBR mp3's and wma's on CD-R's and CD-RW's with no problem. One of my favorite features is the folder select function. The [<<] and [>>] buttons control the folder tree depth, while the right knob scrolls through the folders. This makes it really easy to navigate through organized CD's. The AUX input is great also. I use it to hook up my iPAQ for GPS directions through the stereo, and also use it for tailgate movies when camping with the laptop. Display is easy to read and the big knobs make it a piece of cake to navigate while driving. You can mute it by just "slapping" the left one. Supports red and green button illumination and has several contrast settings for different viewing angles. Supports radio station naming for ones that don't broadcast it. Saves EQ and volume settings for each source independently. Coming off of mute gradually ramps up the volume.
Con's:
These are just minor annoyances. If you spin the volume up or down too fast, it won't register it which is pretty common with all detachable face decks. When you press the right knob to get into the tone/sub-woofer controls, you have to push and hold it in for 2 seconds to get out of them.
Tips:
Setting of the advanced features is best done while reading the manual because the menus are different based on whether you're in Radio, CD, or Standby mode. Most of the crossover and fade/non-fade settings are accessed while in standby mode.
User Rating: 
7/10
Great reception am-fm
Pros: Big knobs are great when you're in traffic; reception surpasses any unit I've heard. We're 60 miles from any station--and they're crystal clear. Amazing!
Cons: Strange symbols for everything. Whatever happened to "bass and treble?" Guess you have to read the skimpy manual. A little pricey--but if you thrive on sports talk radio and then pop in a John Fogerty CD--the combo is great!
User Rating: 
5/10
This little unit does it all!
Pros: MP3 player, CD player, Sirius Satellite tuner, iPod connection. This receiver does it all!
Cons: Some of the menu options are hard to understand and the manual isn't much help.
User Rating: 8/10
This deck rocks!
Pros: I love this deck, i just got one and its very very easy to use, the larger knobs are easy to contrl and they have rubber on the outside of them. The deck also has an auxillary input in the back which i personally have my ipod connected to so for ipod use
Cons: Just a tad bit pricey but i think it's worth the money.
