Even though one cannot tell from the user interface of the new Z-N328, the system is Android based. It is a closed version, so it is not possible to install additional apps. However, that does not matter since the infotainer already brings ex works everything that you need in a car.

SmartLinkA key feature of the Z-N328 is the SmartLink Direct function that fetches the applications from Android phones

or iPhones to the touchscreen of the Zenec device. With the aid of the Drive Mode app you can display a naviga-tion app of your choice, such as Goog-le Maps, on the Z-N328. In the case of Android phones control can then even be made directly from the Zenec unit. In addition, the Zenec offers direct ac-cess to the popular streaming service Spotify.

Offline-NavigationThose who need to use the navigation

frequently and want to access it with-out a data connection, are advised to purchase the optional microSD card with Europe-wide iGo navigation (120 euros). This allows direct access to the detailed map material of 47 European countries, including numerous points of special interest. The route guidance is clear and explicit with 3D rendering, lane guidance and the display of free-way traffic signs. Free map updates are included in the first year. The Zenec navigation software also makes it pos-sible to use audio sources such as ra-dio and USB sticks during active route guidance.

Digital radioA wide range of other features and func-tionality is also offered by the Z-N328. Beside analog FM reception, the Zenec can also control modern DAB+ digital radio, which is becoming established

◗ In the Z-N328 Zenec has brought out an attractively priced 2-DIN moniceiver with a superb range of features. We tested it in combination with the navigation software available as an option.

ZENEC NAVICEIVER 2-DIN • TEST REPORT CAR&HIFI 5/2019

Zenec Z-N328

Smart infotainerHIGHLIGHT

5/2019

Upper-Class

Universal for all vehicles with 2-DIN radio slot

Real Dash application Spotify direct access

as the European broadcasting stand-ard. As a result the Zenec tracks the selected station automatically as far as possible, and when there is a change of reception area it changes over to whatever type of reception is available (Service Following). Two USB inputs are provided at the rear for playing music stored on sticks, Android smart-phones and iPhones. Naturally there is also a Bluetooth wireless connection for smartphones. Comfort telephony is then just as possible as wireless audio streaming. Compatible smartphones can be coupled via HDMI.

Real DashA further highlight of the Z-N328 is the Real Dash app. By using the optional OBD dongle to connect the Zenec to the vehicle electronics system, vehicle parameters can be displayed on the capacitive 6.2-in touchscreen in a se-lectable dashboard design. The app has a really nice appearance. For ex-ample, in a virtual garage you can set the display to show vehicle data such as engine specification, tire size, trans-mission ratio, and the like.

AudioFor sound adjustment, the Zenec of-fers comprehensive audio functions. In the Expert mode crossovers and a 10-band graphic equalizer are some of the other controls available. At the back there are separate Front, Rear and Subwoofer outputs for the connec-tion of external power amps. In addi-tion to the usual AV inputs and outputs the Z-N328 provides connectivity for both a front and a rear-view camera.

Test resultsControl of the Zenec is both fast and smooth from the capacitive touchscreen and the five soft keys on the left side.

There is no need to worry about any annoying delayed response time. The menus are very clear and nicely de-signed, and operation of all the main functions is self-explanatory. A practi-cal touch is the Favorite button at the top left and the Alt button in the Info line at the top right. Diverse functions can be assigned to these so that fre-quently used applications such as the camera can be called up with a just a finger tap.The Z-N328 shows no weaknesses ei-ther in our test lab or in practice. All the test readings are well in the green zone. Navigation, analog and digital tuners perform faultlessly, just like the Bluetooth and audio functions.

Digital radio DAB+ Media player High and low pass filters are available

ZENEC NAVICEIVER 2-DIN • TEST REPORT CAR&HIFI 5/2019

Technical dataAmplifier output / W 15Output Voltage / V 4,2Output impedance / ohms 1610

USB THD+N (%) 0,015SNR (A) 84

Tuner THD+N (%) 0,045Signal/Noise Ratio (A) 60Crosstalk (dB) 45

Monitor size 6,2 inchTouchscreen •EQ/DSP •Crossover HP / LPPre-outs 6AV-in •AV-out •Camera connectors •MP3/WMA/AAC •/•/•USB / iPod 2/1Bluetooth HFP/A2DP •/•Maps EuropeTMC/TMC Pro –/–IR-remote –Other DAB+

Here the Zenec fits:In all cars having a double DIN slot. For many other models installation and connector adapt-ers are available as accessories.

Zenec Z-N956 + Z-EMAP56-MHDistributor ACR, CH-ZurzachHotline info@acr.euInternet www.acr.eu

◗ Sound quality 15 % 1,2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Bass 3 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Neutrality 3 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Transparency 3 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Soundstaging 3 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Dynamics 3 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

◗ Picture quality 15 % 1,1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Sharpness 2,5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Brightness 2,5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Contrast 2,5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Color rendering 2,5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Viewing angle 2,5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Reflection 2,5 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

◗ Navigation 15 % 1,2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Guidance 5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Route calculation 5 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Features 5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

◗ Lab 15 % 1,6 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■• USB 7,5 % 1,8 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Distortion 3,75 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Signal/Noise Ratio 3,75 % 2,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■• Tuner 7,5 % 1,1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Frequency response 1,88 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Crosstalk 1,88 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Distortion 1,88 % 0,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Signal/Noise Ratio 1,88 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

◗ Practice 40 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Operation 10 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Reception test 5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Workmanship 5 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Features 20 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Summary

Zenec Z-N328 + Z-E328-SDFEU

Price about 400 + 120 Euro

Sound quality 15 % 1,2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Picture quality 15 % 1,1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Navigation 15 % 1,2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Lab 15 % 1,5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Practice 40 % 1,0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

„Successful infotainment-central with outstan-ding price/performance ratio“

edition 5/2019

1,1Price/performance:

excellent

Top-Class

Middle-ClassUpper-Class

Ultimate-Class

Entry-Class