KAC-8401 - KENWOOD

KAC-8401

© B64-2575-00/00 (MV)

4-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

KAC-8401(M) 1English 02.11.14 10:38 AM Page 1

2 English

Safety precautions

To prevent injury or fire, take the followingprecautions:• When extending the ignition, battery, or

ground wires, make sure to use automotive-grade wires or other wires with a 5 mm2

(AWG 10) or more to prevent wiredeterioration and damage to the wire coating.

• To prevent a short circuit, never put or leaveany metallic objects (such as coins or metaltools) inside the unit.

• If the unit starts to emit smoke or strangesmells, turn off the power immediately andconsult your Kenwood dealer.

• Do not touch the unit during use because thesurface of the unit becomes hot and maycause burns if touched.

To prevent damage to the machine, take thefollowing precautions:• Be sure the unit is connected to a 12V DC

power supply with a negative groundconnection.

• Do not open the top or bottom covers of theunit.

• Do not install the unit in a spot exposed todirect sunlight or excessive heat or humidity.Also avoid places with too much dust or thepossibility of water splashing.

• When replacing a fuse, only use a new onewith the prescribed rating. Using a fuse withthe wrong rating may cause your unit tomalfunction.

• To prevent a short circuit when replacing afuse, first disconnect the wiring harness.

• If you experience problems duringinstallation, consult your Kenwood dealer.

• If the unit does not seem to be working right,consult your Kenwood dealer.

Cleaning the unitIf the front panel gets dirty, turn off the powerand wipe the panel with a dry silicon cloth orsoft cloth.

Do not wipe the panel with a hard cloth or acloth dampened by volatile solvents such aspaint thinner and alcohol. They can scratch thesurface of the panel and/or cause the indicatorletters to peel off.

To prevent battery riseWhen the unit is used in the ACC ON positionwithout turning the engine ON, it depletes thebattery. Use it after starting the engine.

Protection functionThere is a Protection function installed in theunit to protect the unit and speakers fromvarious problems. When Protection operates,the indicator informs you of the condition.(Refer to page 5)

Accessories

2CAUTION

NOTE

2CAUTION

2WARNING

Part nameNumber of

ItemsExternal

View

Self-tapping screws(ø4 × 16 mm) 4

Terminal cover(Power terminal) 1

Speaker level inputcable 1


English 3

Installation

• Do not install in the below locations;(Unstable location, In a location that interferes with driving, In a location that gets wet, In adusty location, In a place that gets hot, In a place that gets direct sunlight, In a location thatgets hit by hot air)

• Do not install the unit under the carpet. Otherwise heat build-up occurs and the unit may bedamaged.

• Install this unit in a location which allows heat to easily dissipate.Once installed, do not place any object on top of the unit.

• The surface temperature of the amplifier will become hot during use. Install the amplifier in aplace where people, resins, and other substances that are sensitive to heat will not come intocontact with it.

• This unit has cooling fans to decrease the internal temperature. Be careful not to block thecooling fan openings when installing the unit. Blocking these openings will inhibit the cooling ofthe internal temperature and result in malfunction.

• When making a hole under a seat, inside the trunk, or somewhere else in the vehicle, checkthat there is nothing hazardous on the opposite side such as a gasoline tank, brake pipe, orwiring harness, and be careful not to cause scratches or other damage.

• Do not install near the dashboard, rear tray, or air bag safety parts.• The installation to the vehicle should securely fasten the unit to a place in which it will not

obstruct driving. If the unit comes off due to a shock and hits a person or safety part, it maycause injury or an accident.

• After installing the unit, check to make sure that electrical equipment such as the brake lamps,turn signal lamps and windshield wipers operate normally.

2CAUTION

Installation board, etc.(thickness : 15 mm or more)

Self-tapping screw(ø4 × 16 mm)

Cooling fan


4 English

Controls / Indicator

2 3 51

(W)

2040

10

4 6

This is a 4 channel amplifier including 2stereo amplifiers in a body. One amplifier isreferred to as amplifier A and the other isamplifier B. This unit is compatible with alarge variety of systems by combining theswitches and functions described in thefollowing.

1 INPUT SENSITIVITY control Set this control according to the pre-outputlevel of the center unit connected with thisunit, or to the maximum power output ofthe genuine-accessory car stereo.The sensitivities of amplifiers A and B canbe adjusted independently regardless of theposition of the input selector switch.Use the diagram on the right as a guide.

For the pre-output level or the maximumpower output, refer to the “Specifications”in the instruction manual of the center unit.

2 Bch BASS BOOST switchSetting this switch to "ON" emphasizes thebass.You can use the BASS BOOST for amplifierB only.• ON position:

BASS BOOST is +6 dB.• OFF position:

BASS BOOST is OFF.

3 FILTER switchThis switch allows to apply high-pass orlow-pass filtering to the speaker outputs.• HPF (High-Pass Filter) position:

The filter outputs the band of higherfrequencies than the frequency set with theFILTER FREQUENCY control.

• OFF position:The entire bandwidth is output withoutfiltering.

• LPF (Low-Pass Filter) position:The filter outputs the band of lowerfrequencies than the frequency set with theFILTER FREQUENCY control.

4 OPERATION switchThe amplification methods of the signalsinput to amplifiers A and B can be selectedindependently according to the setting ofthis switch.• STEREO position:

The amplifier can be used as a stereoamplifier.

• MONO (Lch) position:Amplifies the signal input from the left sideonly. Set to this position and make bridgedconnections to use as a high-powermonaural amplifier. (The input right signal isnot output.)

5 INPUT SELECTOR switchThis switch selects the input method of thesignals to be amplified by amplifiers A andB.• A B position:

Amplifies both of the signals input toamplifiers A and B.

• A position:Amplifies only signal input amplifier A withboth amplifiers A and B.

NOTE


English 5

6 FILTER FREQUENCY controlWhen the FILTER switch is set to the HPF(High-Pass Filter) or LPF (Low-Pass Filter)position, the threshold frequency can beadjusted with this control.

7 Power indicator When the power is turned on, the Powerindicator lights.If the Power indicator does not light whenthe power is turned on, the protectionfunction may be activated. Check whetherthere is any indication of trouble.

The protection function isactivated in the followingsituations:This unit is equipped with a protectionfunction for protecting this unit and yourspeakers from various accidents orproblems that can occur.When the protection function is triggered, thePower indicator goes off and the amplifierstops operating.• When a speaker wire may be short-

circuited.• When a speaker output contacts ground.• When the unit malfunctions and a DC

signal is sent to the speaker output.• When the internal temperature is high and

unit won’t operate.• When a ground wire of the center unit

(cassette receiver, CD receiver, etc.) orthis unit is not connected to a metal partserving as an electrical ground passingelectricity to the battery's negative -terminal.

7


6 English

Connection

40

8 9 0 ! @

^$ %#

8 Fuse (40 A)

If you can’t find the specified capacity fuse atyour store etc., consult your Kenwood dealer.

9 Battery terminal0 Ground terminal! Power control terminal

Controls the unit ON/OFF.

Controls the unit power. Be sure to connectit with all the systems.

@ Speaker output terminals• Stereo Connections:

When you wish to use the unit as a stereoamplifier, stereo connections are used.The speakers to be connected shouldhave an impedance of 2Ω or greater.When multiple speakers are to beconnected, ensure that the combinedimpedance is 2Ω or greater for eachchannel.

• Bridged Connections:When you wish to use the unit as a high-output monaural amplifier, bridgedconnections are used. (Make connectionsto the LEFT channel 9 and the RIGHTchannel · SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals.)The speakers to be connected shouldhave an impedance of 4Ω or greater.When multiple speakers are to beconnected, ensure that the combinedimpedance is 4Ω or greater.

The rated input of the speakers should beno less than the maximum output of the

amplifier. Otherwise malfunction mayresult.

# RCA cable ground lead terminalWhen using an RCA cable with a groundlead attached, connect the ground lead tothis terminal.

$ LINE IN terminal% LINE OUT terminal

These jacks output respectively the signalsinput to amplifiers A and B. They alwaysoutput the stereo signals regardless of theposition of the OPERATION switch.

^ Speaker level input terminals

• The genuine-accessory car stereo shallhave a maximum power output of nomore than 40 W.

• Do not connect the speaker output leadsfrom a power amplifier (Optional) to thespeaker level input terminals of this unit,for this may cause malfunction ordamage.

• Do not connect cables and leads to bothRCA cable input jacks and the speakerlevel input terminals simultaneously, forthis may cause malfunction or damage.

• Connect the power control lead to apower supply which can be turnedON/OFF by the ignition key switch (ACCline). With this connection, shock noisemay be generated when the power of thegenuine-accessory car stereo is switchedON/OFF.

NOTE

2CAUTION

NOTE

NOTE

Terminal names


English 7

Installation procedureSince there are large variety of settings andconnections possible according to applications,read the instruction manual well to select theproper setting and connection.1. Remove the ignition key and disconnect the

negative - terminal of the battery toprevent short circuits.

2. Set the unit according to the intended usage.3. Connect the input and output wires of the

units.4. Connect the speaker wires.5. Connect the power wire, power control wire

and grounding wire following this order.6. Install the unit in the car.7. Connect the negative - terminal of the

battery.

To prevent fire caused by a short in the wiring,connect a fusible link or breaker nearby thebattery’s positive terminal.

• If sound is not output normally, immediatelyturn power off and check connections.

• Be sure to turn the power off beforechanging the setting of any switch.

• If the fuse blows, check wires for shorts,then replace the fuse with one of the samerating.

• Check that no unconnected wires orconnectors are touching the car body. Donot remove caps from unconnected wires orconnectors to prevent short circuits.

• Connect the speaker wires to appropriatespeaker connectors separately. Sharing thenegative wire of the speaker or groundingspeaker wires to the metal body of the carcan cause this unit to fail.

• After installation, check that the brakelamps, winkers, and wipers work properly.

Wiring• Take the battery wire for this unit directly

from the battery. If it's connected to thevehicle’s wiring harness, it can cause blownfuses etc.

• If a buzzing noise is heard from the speakerswhen the engine is running, connect a linenoise filter (optional) to each of the batterywire.

• Do not allow the wire to directly contact theedge of the iron plate by using Grommets.

• Connect the ground wire to a metal part ofthe car chassis that acts as an electricalground passing electricity to the battery‘snegative - terminal. Do not turn the poweron if the ground wire is not connected.

• Be sure to install a protective fuse in thepower cord near the battery. The protectivefuse should be the same capacity as theunit’s fuse capacity or somewhat larger.

• For the power cord and ground, use a vehicletype (fireproof) power wring cord with acurrent capacity greater than the unit’s fusecapacity. (Use a power wiring cord with adiameter of 5 mm2 (AWG 10) or greater.)

• When more than one power amplifier aregoing to be used, use a power supply wiringwire and protective fuse of greater current-handling capacity than the total maximumcurrent drawn by each amplifier.

Speaker Selection• The rated input power of the speakers that

are going to be connected should be greaterthan the maximum output power (in Watts) ofthe amplifier. Use of speakers having inputpower ratings that are less than the outputpower of the amplifier will cause smoke to beemitted as well as damage.

• The impedance of the speakers that aregoing to be connected should be 2Ω orgreater (for stereo connections), or 4Ω orgreater (for bridged connections). When morethan one set of speakers are going to beused, calculate the combined impedance ofthe speakers and then connect suitablespeakers to the amplifier.

2CAUTION

2WARNING

4 Ω 4 Ω

2Ω8Ω 8Ω

2Ω

Combined impedance


$

^

#

GND #

CENTER UNIT(CD receiver, etc.)

RCA cable ground terminal

8 English

RCA cable*

Connection

Power control wire(Blue/ White)

RCA cable or Speaker level input connection

Genuine-accessory carstereo (No line outputcenter unit etc.)

ACC

Battery

Car fuse box

WhiteWhite/BlackGrayGray/BlackGreenGreen/BlackPurplePurple/Black

A channelLeft

A channelRight

B channelLeft

B channelRight

Cable Color of the connector

(RCA cable Connections)

(Speaker level input Connections)

A channelLeft input

A channelRight input

B channelLeft input

B channelRight input


4040

@

@

@

English 9

Speaker wire connection

Lead terminal*

(Stereo Connections)A channelLeft speaker

A channelRight speaker

B channelRight speaker

B channelLeft speaker

(Bridged Connections) A channelSpeaker (Bridged)

B channelSpeaker (Bridged)

40

9 0 !

Battery

Ground wire*Battery wire*

Protective Fuse*

Lead terminal*

Power wire connection

* Commercially available parts

Extension wire*

Terminal cover


10 English

System examples

4 5

6

2 3

6

2 3

6

2 3

LR

L

R

LR

A A

L

RB B

L

RA

L

RB

L

RA

L

RB

4 5

4 5

4 5

4 5

LR

LR

A

B

LR

LR

A

B

LR

LR

A

B

LR

LR

A

B

CENTER UNIT

CENTER UNIT

4-channel system

3-channel system

Right speaker (Bridged)

Left speaker (Bridged)

2-channel system

Subwoofer (L + R)(Bridged)

CENTER UNIT

CENTER UNIT

CENTER UNIT

Right speaker (High pass)

Left speaker (High pass)

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

Front Right speaker

Front Left speaker

Rear Right speaker

Rear Left speaker


English 11

LC

C

LC

C

LR

L

R

L

RLR

A

B4 5

2 3

Tri-mode

CENTER UNIT(High pass) Subwoofer

(L + R) (Bridged)

(High pass) Subwoofer (L + R) (Bridged)

Principle of Tri-modeMethod of frequency band division using a coil and capacitor…in case of 6dB/oct. slope

L C

0 dB

-3 dB

Coil (L): Passes low frequencies and blocks highfrequencies. (Low pass)

Capacitor (C): Passes high frequencies and blocks lowfrequencies. (High pass)

Crossover Frequency

Frequency

159000C= (µF)

fc x R159 x R

L= (mH)fc

fc=Cut of Frequency (Hz)R=Speaker Impedance (Ω)

Example: When it is required to set a crossover frequency of 120 Hz using speakers with animpedance of 4 ohms.Prepare commercially-available coil and capacitor with the closest ratings to the resultscalculated from the formula above. The capacitor rating should be as close as possible to 331.25(µF) and the coil rating should be as close as possible to 5.3 (mH).

• If you wish to bridge-connect a speaker, the speaker impedance must be no less than 4 ohms.Connecting a speaker with an impedance lower than 4 ohms may damage the unit.

• Be sure to connect capacitors to speakers to which high frequencies will be passed. Failure todo so will result in a drop of the combined impedance with the subwoofer.

• Ensure that the withstand voltage and current ratings of the capacitors (C) and coils (L) aresufficient.

2CAUTION


12 English

Troubleshooting Guide

What might appear to be a malfunction in your unit may just be the result of slightmisoperation or miswiring. Before calling service, first check the following table for possibleproblems.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTIONNo sound.(No sound from one side.)

(Blown fuse.)

The output level is toosmall (or too large).

The sound quality is bad.(The sound is distorted.)

• Input (or output) cables aredisconnected.

• Protection circuit may beactivated.

• Volume is too high.

• The speaker cord is shorted.

The input sensitivity adjustingcontrol is not set to the correctposition.

• The speakers wire areconnected with wrong + / -polarity.

• A speaker wire is pinched by ascrew in the car body.

• The switches may be setimproperly.

• Connect the input (or output)cables.

• Check connections by referringto "Indicator".

• Replace the fuse and use lowervolume.

• After check the speaker cord andfixing the cause of the short,replace the fuse.

Adjust the control correctlyreferring to “Controls”.

• Connect them properly checkingthe + / - of the terminals andwires well.

• Connect the speaker wire againso that it is not pinched byanything.

• Set switches properly byreferring to "System examples".

Specifications

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Audio SectionMax Power Output ............................................................................................................320 W × 2Rated Power Output

Normal (4 Ω) (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08 % THD) ......................................................................60 W × 4Normal (2 Ω) (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ......................................................................................90 W × 4Bridged (4 Ω) (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ....................................................................................180 W × 2

Frequency Response (+0, –3 dB) ..................................................................................5 Hz – 50 kHzSensitivity (rated output) (MAX.) ................................................................................................0.2 VSensitivity (rated output) (MIN.) ................................................................................................5.0 VSignal to Noise Ratio................................................................................................................100 dBInput Impedance........................................................................................................................10 kΩLow Pass Filter Frequency (12 dB/oct.) ............................................................50 – 200 Hz (variable)High Pass Filter Frequency (12 dB/oct.) ............................................................50 – 200 Hz (variable)Bass Boost Circuit (90 Hz) ..............................................................................................OFF / +6 dB

GeneralOperating Voltage ..................................................................................14.4 V (11 – 16 V allowable)Current Consumption (4 Ω, 10 % THD) ......................................................................................39 ADimensions (W × H × D) ......................................................................................285 × 57 × 268 mm

............................................................................................................11-1/4 × 2-1/4 × 10-9/16 inchWeight ......................................................................................................................2.96 kg (6.5 lbs)


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KAC-8401 - KENWOOD