Using a receiver that is made for digital music from the computer has several benefits. You can store 100+ MP3’s on one CD (music CD’s store only around 18-20). You can also organize your songs into folders on your computer and use those folders in your car. Whether by artist, year, or type of music, all you have to do is move the folders you want from your PC onto a CD. Using the controls on the receiver makes it easy to browse through different folders on the CD and select which group of songs you’d like to play. A Random function is also available so you can play songs from a particular folder at random.

With a built-in 50 watt x 4 amplifier, your music will sound much clearer than most factory installed receivers. The preset sound settings such as Jazz, Rock and Pop help you adjust the sounds to just the right tonal combination. The Kenwood receiver also sports a large LCD display for easy viewing and a button configuration. The buttons are easy to use, but you must first figure what function each button serves. (You might even have to read the manual for this one!)

Music enthusiasts will be glad to know that the KDC-KP522 comes with two pre-amp outputs for connecting additional amplifiers. It also has the controls necessary to add a 6 or 10-disk CD changer. If you’ve heard of satellite radio then you’ve probably heard of Sirius. Unlike the unit I reviewed, the KDC-MP522 comes with Sirius controls built-in so if you subscribe to the Sirius satellite radio system ($12.95 a month) with this receiver you can have satellite radio as easily as FM and AM stations.

If you happen to have hundreds of songs that you would like to play in the car, there’s also the option to add Kenwood’s Music Keg. Similar to a CD-changer in the fact that it mounts in your trunk, this device allows you to use a portable 10   or 20 Gigabyte cartridge as a source for selecting your audio. If you do the math, you’ll find that 10 Gigabytes will hold approximately 2,500 songs, so this option will give you plenty of great music. Using Kenwood’s Music Manager software (included when you purchase the Music Keg), you just plug the cartridge into your PC’s USB port, download the songs you would like to hear in your car and then just plug the cartridge back into the trunk mounted Music Keg. The Music Manager software also lets you create custom play lists that you can select to play the songs in a specific order.  Although pricey at about $700 for the 20 Gigabyte keg, the keg does offer a lot of portable music.

Two years ago dedicated MP3 players for the car were quite pricey (well over $800), so for $250, this Kenwood CD player, MP3 player and Sirius satellite-ready player is very attractive. If you want to listen to the MP3s you store on your computer in your car then the KDC-KP522 is a great place to start looking.