About the JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS
Eye-catching and customizable
Eye-catching and customizable
Think of it as a mood ring for your car. JVC's KD-AR959BS CD receiver lets you customize the illumination color in three different areas of the faceplate for any combinations you can think of. Combine that with super-clean CD playback, a USB input for charging devices and playing your music files, and Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and you've got a complete entertainment console for your car. And since this receiver is part of their Arsenal Series, JVC backs it up with a 2-year warranty.
You can use the Separate Variable color adjustments to match your interior lighting and illuminate your controls.
Smartphone integration
Bluetooth serves as a wireless bridge between your smartphone and your dash, enabling music streaming and hands-free phone calls with any compatible phone. But pair up this JVC and an Android™ smartphone, and you can use JVC's Smart Music Control App to harness Bluetooth's full potential — you'll be able to use your phone to change settings, EQ, and sources on your receiver with a simple gesture or a voice command.
If you enjoy Internet radio on your iPhone or Android, you'll really enjoy playing music from Pandora® and iHeartRadio® on this great-sounding receiver. You can scroll through your stations, bookmark songs, and give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down right from the receiver's face.
Added cool stuff
JVC upped the power in their USB port, which lets you keep your smartphone charged, even when it's doing several tasks at once. Drive Change allows you to connect a memory card reader or USB hub to the receiver's USB input and select music from up to five memory cards or USB flash drives. Connect just about any portable audio player using the KD-AR959BS's front aux input. Once you've got the music going, you can shape your sound with the onboard 5-band parametric equalizer.
If you're adding amplifiers or a powered subwoofer, the six 4.8-volt preamp outputs provide you the clean signal you need. You also get a subwoofer level control and low-pass filter to help you match the sub's output with the rest of your system.
Want to keep your steering wheel controls?
In most vehicles, you can use an adapter (not included) to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this JVC stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and the JVC, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. Check the "Accessories" tab for compatible adapters.
Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.
App Note: iHeart Radio playback and control requires the "iHeart Link for JVC" app on your smartphone.
iPod/smartphone note: If you're going to use your iPod or smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for compatibility information.
Product highlights:
General features:
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- built-in Bluetooth for hands-free and audio streaming
- built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- AM/FM tuner includes Radio Data System (RDS)
- plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA music files
- detachable face with Separate Variable color adjustments for 3 display zones
- front USB port compatible with MP3, WMA, and WAV audio files
- USB 1A connection provides extra power for charging devices
- Drive Change lets you select audio from multiple flash drives or memory cards in a connected USB hub or memory card reader
- remote control
Audio features:
- 5-band parametric equalizer
- low-pass filter and subwoofer level controls
- loudness control
- Digital Track Expander enhances compressed audio files
Expandability:
- built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control (see Details tab for model compatibility)
- Pandora and iHeart Radio control with iPhone and Android
- JVC Smart Music Control app (gesture control and voice command with Android phones)
- Siri "Eyes Free" support with compatible iPhones
- compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner
- inputs: front-panel auxiliary input and USB port
- outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4.8-volt front, rear, subwoofer)
Other features and specs:
- compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
- warranty: 2 years
- MFR # KD-AR959BS
What's in the box:
JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS owner's manual
- CD receiver (w/ 10A fuse inserted into chassis)
- Face (attached)
- Sleeve (installed)
- Trim ring (installed)
- Wiring harness
- Microphone with integrated bracket (attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle male 3.5mm connector)
- Wireless remote control (RM-RK52)
- CR2025 3V Lithium battery (installed)
- 2 Radio removal tools
- Instruction Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
- Warrant Information
- "Caution!" note (attached to wiring harness)
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More details on the JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS
Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | Front | |
Audio/video Input | --- | |
USB Input | Front | |
USB Port Power | --- | |
Backup Camera Input | No | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | Bluetooth | |
Alexa Voice Control | ||
Android Control | Yes | |
Memory Card Slot | USB memory | |
Bluetooth Compatible | Built-in | |
Satellite Radio Ready | SiriusXM | |
HD Radio | No | |
Navigation | --- | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | Classic/5Gen | |
Nano | 7/6/5/4/3/2/1 | |
Touch | 5/4/3/2/1 | |
iPhone | 6+/6/5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS/3G/2G | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | N/A | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | --- | |
Peak Output | 50 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 6-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | No | |
Video Screen | No | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | ||
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | ||
Preamp Voltage | 4.8 volts | |
Screen Size | --- | |
Screen Type | --- | |
Display Color | Variable | |
Key Button Color | Variable | |
EQ Bands | 5 | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | Adapter required | |
Parts Warranty | 2 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 2 Years | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 8.2 dBf | |
European Tuning | Yes | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | Yes | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | MP3, WMA, WAV | |
High-res Playback | N |
Product Research
Built-in Bluetooth
Disc & USB Playback
Smartphone Integration
AM/FM+Internet+SiriusXM Radio
Audio Section
Display Features
Remote Control
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS is equipped with built-in Bluetooth (version 2.1+EDR), allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit. In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:
- Hands-Free Communication: HFP 1.5 (Hands Free Profile), OPP 1.1 (Object Push Profile), PBAB 1.0 (Phone Book Access Profile).
- Audio Streaming: A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).
Secure Simple Pairing (SSP): With Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), you can easily pair a Bluetooth enabled phone to the JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS without having to enter pin codes or go through complicated settings. When a paired Bluetooth device is in close proximity to the receiver, the auto connection function automatically pairs the two units. You can pair up to five Bluetooth-enabled devices to the JVC head unit with a maximum of two Bluetooth phones and one Bluetooth audio player connected at one time (but only one can be used at a time).
Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication: The head unit supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The controls of the KD-AR959BS can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also includes an external microphone (with mounting bracket) featuring adjustable gain, so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode.
- Answering A Call: When a call comes in, a ring-tone will be heard through your vehicle's speaker and the caller's name or phone number will be displayed. You can also set the head unit's LCD to change colors when a phone call is received. You can answer the call from the head unit's front-panel controls, or setup the head unit to automatically answer the incoming call immediately or after 1-30 seconds. The KD-AR959BS also supports the Call Waiting function, so you can answer another incoming call while suspending the current call you are on. Your compatible cell-phone must also support this feature.
- Dialing A Number: Using the KD-AR959BS, you can dial a
phone number in one of the following ways:
- Entering a Phone Number: Allows you to directly dial a phone number up to 32 digits from the head unit's front-panel rotary dial.
- Speed Dialing: You can store up to 6 contacts in the memory of this unit for speed dialing.
- Phone Book: You can dial by using the downloaded phone book. You can download phone book data from your cell phone to the KD-AR959BS.You can search through your contacts alphabetically (A-Z) or numerically (0-9). Up to 400 numbers can be stored for each registered cell phone.
- Call Log: The Call Log is a list of calls that have originated from and were received by this unit that you can dial. You can select Outgoing, Incoming, or Missed calls (up to 50 each).
- Voice Dialing: If your mobile phone supports voice recognition, then you can dial out by voice command. Simply speak into the included microphone.
SMS: If your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone is compatible with SMS (Short Message Service), the JVC head unit will notify you when a message has been received. You must then use your phone to check the message. You cannot read, edit, or send a message through this unit.
Wireless Audio Streaming (w/ Metadata Display): The JVC KD-AR959BS also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone. The KD-AR959BS will be able to control basic playback functions of your Bluetooth device's stored music; such as Play/Pause, Skip Next/Previous, Fast Forward/Rewind and Random/Repeat. The head unit will also display your stored music's song information; such as Artist name and Song/Album title. The KD-AR959BS also supports audio streaming of music apps downloaded on your smartphone with metadata display and limited control. Advanced music control of your music apps will still need be done via your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. When an incoming call or outgoing call is in progress from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, audio streaming will be paused so you can take your call. Once the call is finished, your streaming music will resume.
Siri Eyes Free Control: When paired and connected to an iPhone with Siri via Bluetooth (not USB), the JVC KD-AR959BS has the ability to access Siri through its front-panel control and external microphone. Simply press the "phone command" button on theKD-AR959BS to engage Siri and use the included microphone to communicate with Siri. Siri's voice will heard through your vehicle's speakers. All Siri functions including hands-free calling, music search, setting reminders, text-messaging, audible navigation, and more can be done through the head unit and its microphone. The head unit will only display hands-free calling and Bluetooth audio information (all other functions of Siri are only audible through the KD-AR959BS; visual data will still need to be viewed from your iPhone device).
Disc & USB Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs. The unit also supports playback of MP3/WMA music files loaded onto CD-R/RW discs.
Front-Panel USB Port: The JVC KD-AR959BS features a front-panel USB 2.0 type-A port (behind a sliding cover) connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class (MSC) device; such as select Android smartphones (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only), portable digital audio players, or USB thumbdrives. The USB port enables audio playback and control of MP3, WMA, & WAV audio files stored on portable USB mass-storage class devices. USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (5V/1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.
Note: The Drive Change feature lets you switch between multiple memory cards (up to 5) in a USB multi-card reader or multiple USB thumbdrives (up to 5) connected to a USB hub.
MP3/WMA/WAV Playback: The JVC KD-AR959BS supports the following types of MP3, WMA, WAV files recorded onto CD-R/RW disc or loaded onto a USB mass storage class device.
Media Type | CD-R/RW | USB MCS Device |
---|---|---|
File System | ISO9660 Level 1 or 2, Romeo, Joliet, or Windows long file name | FAT 12/16/32 |
Playable File Types | MP3: bit rate of 8-320kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz WMA: bit rate of 32-192kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz WAV (USB only): bit rate of 8- or 16-bit | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 999 folders/20,480 files (999 files per folder) | |
Tags | ID3 tag (version 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4), WMA tag |
Track/Folder List: The Track/Folder List displays a list of MP3/WMA/WAV folders and tracks on a loaded CD or USB device, so you can easily access your music.
Random/Repeat Modes: The JVC KD-AR959BS offers the following Repeat and Random playback modes.
- Repeat: Track Repeat (plays the current track repeatedly), Folder Repeat (plays all tracks of the current folder repeatedly), Off (cancels repeat function)
- Random: Folder Random (plays all tracks of the current folder, then the tracks of the next folder in random), All Random (plays all tracks of the current disc at random), Off (cancels random function)
Resume: If you change the source, playback also stops (without ejecting the disc or USB device). Next time you select CD or USB for the playback source, the player will start from where it has been stopped previously.
JVC Playlist Creator Compatible: JVC Playlist Creator is a free Windows-based desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer MP3/WMA music files to your USB (MSC) device from your PC. When you playback audio files that have been stored on your USB (MSC) device using JVC Playlist Creator through the KD-AR959BS, you can search a file by song title, album name, artist name, or genre using the head unit's Quick Search function. The JVC Playlist Creator is a Windows-based software that can be downloaded for free from JVC's website to your PC. The JVC Playlist Creator is compatible with the following Windows Microsoft Operating Systems.
- Windows XP Professional, Home Edition SP2 or later (32-bit)
- Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
- Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
Off Insert/Eject + Disc Protection: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. When a disc is inserted with the power off, the unit will automatically power up and begin playback. If the ejected disc is not removed within 15 seconds, the disc is automatically inserted again into the loading slot to protect it from dust. The source will change to CD, and the disc will begin playback, even if you have another source selected at the time.
Mounting: For proper disc playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.
Smartphone Integration
Android Compatible: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS supports USB-connection and playback of Android smartphones with Froyo or Gingerbread operating systems installed.
- JVC Music Control: By connecting the JVC CD receiver via USB to an Android smartphone (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only) that has the free JVC Music Control app installed, it allows you to list and search your MP3 music stored on the smartphone from the receiver by artist name or album name. The JVC Music Control app also analyzes all of your songs that are in your Android smartphone, and creates a playlist according to your mood. Once the application has completed the analysis of the songs, simply select your current mood, and this application will generate a list of songs that best fits your mood. Your compatible Android smartphone must be recognized as a USB mass storage class device; not compatible with MTP protocol.
- Drive Change Mode: When an Android smartphone is connected to the USB input terminal, you can select its internal memory or external memory (such as an microSD card) to playback the songs stored on the phone or on the memory card. This feature is also compatible with other USB mass storage class compliant smartphones, such as Blackberry.
iPod/iPhone Connectivity w/ DAC Bypass: The JVC KD-AR959BS's front-panel USB port can acts as an iPod/iPhone high-speed direct connection when used with the Lightning or Dock cable that came with your iPod/iPhone. The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music and music apps to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 16-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 105dB. The KD-AR959BS's USB connection also offers music navigation, information display, and charging of select iPod/iPhone models from the JVC in-dash head unit. You can choose to operate your iPod/iPhone through the JVC head unit's front-panel controls or from your Apple device's clickwheel/touchscreen.
- Head Unit Mode: From the head unit's front-panel controls you can search for stored music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, and Composer. The contents of a Playlist or Category can be searched alphabetically (A-Z) or numerically (0-9). The KD-AR959BS also supports Repeat (file/all) and Random (album/all) playback functions of your iPod/iPhone. You'll also be able to control basic playback functions (such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track) from select music apps streamed to your iPhone. During Head Unit Mode, the KD-AR959BS will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information; such as Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, and Album label. Newer iPod/iPhones with iOS 6.0+ allow you to continue to access your Apple device's touchscreen in this mode in order to access other applications; older iPod/iPhone devices will be locked during connection.
- iPod/iPhone Mode: The iPod/iPhone Mode lets you control your older iPod/iPhone (iOS 5.1.1 and earlier) from its clickwheel or touchscreen. You'll still have access to basic playback controls (like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the head unit, but advanced navigation functions will be locked. No song/artist information is displayed in this mode. The unit will simply display "iPhone Mode".
iPod Compatibility Chart: The JVC KD-AR959BS is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 10/6/2014):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Specific Apps | Display Type | Bluetooth | Charge | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video | Head Unit | iPod/App | Pandora app | iHeart Link | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | Phone | Audio | Siri | ||||
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | |
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | |
4 | 7.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | |
4S | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5/5C/5S | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
6/6+ | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
4th | 6.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
5th | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
nano | 1st | 1.3.1 | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
2nd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
7th | 1.02 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y | |
video | 5th | 1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | Y |
iPad | 1 | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N |
2 | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | |
3 | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | |
4/air | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | |
mini | 8.0 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front-panel stereo minijack is provided to allow the connection of almost any portable audio source with a 3.5mm headphone output (great for those non-Apple/Android devices. Simply connect your portable digital music player to the unit's front-panel auxiliary input, and you can listen to the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio system. The unit's front-panel auxiliary input can be turned On or Off.
AM/FM+Internet+SiriusXM Radio
RDS AM/FM Tuner: The JVC KD-AR959BS features a built-in RDS AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning. The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. You can store a total of 18 FM stations presets and 6 AM station presets (manually or automatically). The head unit's Radio Timer features lets you tune into a preset station at a specific time regardless of the head unit's current source (you can activate the Radio Timer once, daily, or turn it completely off). If an analog FM stereo broadcast is hard to receive, you can manually switch the tuner to Mono operation. You can also switch the tuner's IF filter to Wide or Auto to increase/decrease the sensitivity.
Internet Radio Apps: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS allows you to access Pandora and iHeartRadio online music services through your USB-connected iPhone or Bluetooth-connected Android/Blackberry smartphone. Your Apple iPhone must be connected to the KD-AR959BS via the 30-pin or Lightning cable supplied with your iPhone. Your Android or Blackberry smartphone must support A2DP/ AVRCP/SPP Bluetooth profiles and be paired with the JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS. Your iPhone, Android smartphone, or Blackberry device will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi.
- Pandora App (for iPhone/Android/Blackberry): The free Pandora App (either from iTunes Apps, Google Play, or BlackBerry App World) lets you play music from the Pandora music service through the JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS using your USB-connected Apple iPhone (iOS 5.0+) or Bluetooth paired Android/Blackberry smartphone. The JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS provides control over the Pandora music service and displays Artist, Album, and Song information. You can select Pandora stations from your station list and sort them by date or alphabetically (A-Z). New stations can be created based on the current songs or artists playing. You can also skip song tracks within a station. You can even give songs a thumbs up/thumbs down and bookmark them on your Pandora account. An active Pandora account is required.
- iHeartRadio Link (for iPhone/Android): The free iHeartRadio Link app for JVC (either from iTunes Apps or Google Play) lets you play music from the iHeartRadio music service through the JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS using your USB-connected Apple iPhone (iOS 5.0+), or Bluetooth paired Android smartphone (2.2+). The iHeartRadio music service provides access to more than 1,500 live radio stations from coast-to-coast (including pop, country, urban, rock, talk, and sports). The KD-AR959BS will provide control over the iHeartRadio Link app, as well as display station identification and song/artist information. From the head unit's front-panel controls, iHeartRadio stations can be searched by the following categories (Local, Genre, City, or My Stations). The Local selection provides a list of radio stations in your local listening area. The unit also provides over 22 Genres to choose from (including pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, etc.) to help you find the right radio station for you. In addition, you can search for radio stations by City. Cities can be searched alphabetically (A-Z). You can even store your favorite stations (My Stations) for easier, quicker access. An active iHeartRadio account is required.
SiriusXM Ready: The JVC CD receiver is SiriusXM Ready, so you can listen to commercial-free music, all your favorite sports, exclusive talk and entertainment, comedy, news, traffic, weather, and more. Simply connect the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (220SXV300, both sold separately) to the dedicated SiriusXM port on the rear of the head unit and enjoy satellite radio without additional translators or cables. With the SiriusXM Connect tuner you'll have access to more than 175 channels of exclusive programming directly from SiriusXM; check out the most popular SiriusXM subscription packages here. Additional features include:
- Channel List w/ Category Search: The Channel list displays a list of all available channels. You can also search and list channels in specific categories.
- Song/Artist Information: Displayed Information such as Channel Name, Artist Name, & Song Title can be viewed on the head unit's LCD.
- Presets & Direct Tuning: Up to 18 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets. You can tune to a station directly via the numeric keypad on the included remote.
- Replay w/ Smart Favorites: Supports the SiriusXM Instant Replay function, so you can pause, rewind, and replay up to 30 minutes of live content. You can store six of your favorite channels that will automatically be buffered in the background, so when you select one of the Smart Favorite channels, you'll be able to rewind and replay the last 30 minutes of content.
- Parental Control: Channels containing unsuitable content for children can be blocked.
Note: A separate SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription is required (operates on the XM Network). However, you can easily add this SiriusXM tuner to an existing Sirius or XM account for a Multi-Radio Discount Plan.
Audio Section
16 Bit D/A Converter: The JVC KD-AR959BS utilizes a 16-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the KD-AR959BS are as follows:
- Full Bandwidth Power: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
- Maximum Output Power: 50 watts x 4 channels (200 total watts)
6ch/4.8V Preamp Outputs with Sub Control: The KD-AR959BS is equipped with 6ch/4.8V preamp outputs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer). The front and rear preamp outputs allow fader control, while the subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The head unit's sub preamp output features a low pass crossover and independent volume control. You can set the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter at 55Hz, 85Hz, or 120Hz. You can adjust the head unit's subwoofer level between -8 and +8 (separate from the main volume level).
High-Pass Filter (for Front & Rear Speakers): You can activate a variable high-pass filter (100, 120, 150, Hz or Through) for the unit's front & rear channels (speaker- or preamp-level), so low frequency signals are cut off from your system's front & rear speakers.
Pro EQ: The KD-AR959BS is equipped with JVC's Pro EQ. The integrated equalizer offers 12 preset sound modes (Flat, Hard Rock, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Talk, vocal Boost, Bass Boost, Classical, Dance, User 1, or User 2) suitable for the music genre of your choice. The User modes allow you to manually adjust the head unit's 5-band parametric EQ (Frequency, Q-Factor, and Level).
Pro EQ | |||
---|---|---|---|
Frequency | Q | Level | |
Bass | 63, 80, 100, 125 Hz | 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0 | -10 to + 10 |
Mid Bass | 200, 250, 315, 400 Hz | 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0 | |
Midrange | 630, 800, 1.0k, 1.25k Hz | 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 2.0 | |
Mid High | 2.0, 2.5, 3.15, 4.0 kHz | 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 2.0 | |
High | 6.3, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5 kHz | 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 2.0 |
Sound Enhancements: The head unit provides further sound enhancements for your car audio system.
- Digital Track Expander: The digital Track Expander automatically enhances compressed music files and restores the original richness of the recording.
- Bass Boost: The unit's Bass Boost enhances low bass frequencies.
- Loud (Loudness): This feature boosts low and high frequencies to produce a well-balanced sound at a low volume level. You can set this feature to High, Low, or Off.
- Volume Adjust: The input level of each source (other than FM) is adjustable relative to the FM radio volume, so there isn't a significant volume difference when changing sources. Each source is individually adjustable from -5 to +5.
Key Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Display Features
Detachable Face: The JVC KD-AR959BS features a detachable face to deter theft. No face-case is provided. An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit.
3 Zone Variable Color: The head unit's variable color illumination is separated into 3 Zones (Zone 1, Display Zone, and Zone 2). The KD-AR959BS offers 29 color presets and custom colors for each of these zones. You can choose one of these color presets or select the ColorFlow mode which scrolls through all 29 color presets. Additionally, there is a User preset, allowing you to individually adjust the intensity of Red, Green, and Blue from 0 to 31; resulting in approximately 30,000 custom color options. You can choose to use the same color for all 3 Zones, or use a different color for each separate Zone.
- Zone 1: Zone 1 consists of the rotary knob and the following buttons (Power/Source, Answer/Voice, Menu, Back, and Previous/Next Track).
- Display Zone: The Display Zone consists of the LCD, preset buttons, and display button.
- Zone 2: Zone 2 consists of the USB port and Aux input.
Lighting Effects + Color Guide: You can select a preset color change pattern/speed for all 3 Zones (Zone 1, Display Zone, and Zone 2). Choose from Spectrum, Groove, Techno, Emotion, Relax, and Night Sweep. When activated, the Color Guide mode changes the display and all button illumination to white when menu settings or music list search are performed.
Brightness & Dimmer Control: The unit offers a daytime and nighttime brightness setting for the LCD, button, and USB input terminal. You can adjust the brightness level of each zone manually from 0-31. The unit's dimmer control can be set automatically or manually; select "Off" for daytime brightness setting, "On" for nighttime brightness setting, or "Auto" which switches between day and nighttime brightness setting automatically when you turn off/on the headlights (orange/white wire of harness must be connected to headlamp circuit).
Day & Time: The unit displays a 12-or 24-hour clock, as well as the day (Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat). The day & time can be selected to remain on, even if the head unit is switched off (as long as the vehicle's key is in the accessory or start position).
Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be turned On or Off within the menu.
Remote Control
Smart Music Control App (for Android): JVC's Smart Music Control App lets you view the current status and perform simple gesture or voice control of the JVC head unit from your Bluetooth-paired Android smartphone (2.3+). The Smart Music Control App uses Bluetooth to communicate between your Android smartphone and the CD receiver. The head unit will auto connect to the Smart Music Control app when your Smartphone is in range. The Smart Music Control app is specifically designed for easy gesture control or voice command operation while driving, so driver and passenger can access information with ease from the Android Smartphone. With the Smart Music Control App, passenger and driver can check current playing song details or other car stereo information.
- Information Display: The JVC Smart Music Control App will display the head unit's source information, such as song/artist information and station identification. In addition, it provides EQ info.
- Gesture Control: The JVC Smart Music Control App lets you use finger gesture commands on your Android smartphone to control the playback of the JVC head unit. This type of gesture control is designed to operate the JVC head unit from your smartphone without having to look at your smartphone. Gesture control operations include Finger tap, Finger hold, Finger click, Finger swipe (right/left/up/down), and Finger curve (right/left/up/down).
- Voice Command: The JVC Smart Music Control App also lets you operate certain head unit function by voice commands. Voice commands include - Change Source, Search for Song/Artist/Album, Previous/Next Track, Repeat/Random, or Preset Select.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.
Wireless Remote Control: The KD-AR959BS comes supplied with a wireless remote control (RM-RK52). The remote contains Attenuator, Sound, Source, Tracking, and Volume functions. The remote operates off of a single CR2025 3V Lithium-cell battery (included).
The JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS replaces these items
JVC Arsenal KD-A95BT
- included Bluetooth adapter for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Android app for gesture control over music playback
- Separated Variable Color display
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Customer Q&A
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Great Aftermarket Radio...Every feature I needed..Sounds a thousand times better than my factory radio. I placed in a Dodge Durango 2004 .I left the factory speakers and used a special harness to him to the factory amp. The sound was amazing. Did the install myself in 45mins.
Tyrone from Warner Robins