Troubleshooting Guide
What might appear to be a malfunction in your unit may just be the result of slight
misoperation or miswiring. Before calling service, first check the following table for possible
problems.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
No sound.
(No sound from one side.)
(Blown fuse.)
The output level is too
small (or too large).
The sound quality is bad.
(The sound is distorted.)
• Input (or output) cables are
disconnected.
• Protection circuit may be
activated.
• Volume is too high.
• The speaker cord is shorted.
The input sensitivity adjusting
control is not set to the correct
position.
• The speakers wire are
connected with wrong + / polarity.
•A speaker wire is pinched by a
screw in the car body.
• The switches may be set
improperly.
• Connect the input (or output)
cables.
• Check connections by referring
to "Power indicator".
• Replace the fuse and use lower
volume.
• After check the speaker cord and
fixing the cause of the short,
replace the fuse.
Adjust the control correctly
referring to "Controls".
• Connect them properly checking
the + / - of the terminals and
wires well.
• Connect the speaker wire again
so that it is not pinched by
anything.
• Set switches properly by
referring to "System examples".
Specifications
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Audio Section ..........................................KAC-829/729S ....KAC-629S ......KAC-529S
Max Power Output (4 Ω)
Normal ........................................................................200 W × 2 ................120 W × 2 ..............80 W × 2
Bridge..........................................................................600 W × 1 ................350 W × 1 ..............250 W × 1
Rated Power Output (4 Ω)
Normal (20 Hz ~ 20 kHz, 0.08 % THD) ......................100 W × 2 ................60 W × 2 ................40 W × 2
Normal (DIN45324, +B=14.4 V)..................................100 W × 2 ................60 W × 2 ................40 W × 2
Bridge (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD)..........................................300 W × 1 ................150 W × 1 ..............120 W × 1
Rated Power Output (2 Ω)
Normal (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ........................................150 W × 2 ................75 W × 2 ................60 W × 2
Frequency Response (+0, –1 dB) ....................................5 Hz ~ 50 kHz ..........10 Hz ~ 45 kHz ......5 Hz ~ 50 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio ......................................................100 dB......................100 dB ....................100 dB
Sensitivity (MAX) (rated output) ......................................0.2 V ........................0.2 V ......................0.2 V
Sensitivity (MIN) (rated output) ......................................5.0 V ........................5.0 V ......................5.0 V
Input Impedance ............................................................10 kΩ ......................10 kΩ ......................10 kΩ
Low Pass Filter (12 dB/oct.) ............................................80 Hz........................80 Hz ......................80 Hz
High Pass Filter (12 dB/oct.) (KAC-629S only) ..................................................150 Hz ....................
General ......................................................KAC-829/729S ....KAC-629S ......KAC-529S
Operating Voltage (11 ~ 16 V allowable) ........................14.4 V ......................14.4 V ....................14.4 V
Current Consumption (1 kHz, 10% THD) ........................28 A..........................19 A ........................16 A
Dimensions (W × H × D)[mm] ........................................221×57×300 ............221×57×228............221×57×160
Dimensions (W × H × D)[inch] ........................................
Weight ............................................................................3.7 kg (8.1 lbs) ..........2.8 kg (6.1 lbs) ........2.0 kg (4.4 lbs)
....................................................................................(KAC-829)
Weight ............................................................................3.8 kg (8.3 lbs) (KAC-729S)
8-11/16×2-1/4×11-13/16..8-11/16×2-1/4×9
..........
8-11/16×2-1/4×6-5/16
KAC-829
KAC-729S
KAC-629S
KAC-529S
POWER AMPLIFIER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Take the time to read through this instruction manual.
Familiarity with installation and operation procedures will help
you obtain the best performance from your new power amplifier.
For your records
Record the serial number, found on the back of the unit, in the spaces
designated on the warranty card, and in the space provided below.
Refer to the model and serial numbers whenever you call upon your
KENWOOD dealer for information or service on the product.
Model KAC-829/729S/629S/529S Serial number
Safety precautions
2WARNING
To prevent injury or fire, take the following
precautions:
• When extending the ignition, battery, or ground
wires, make sure to use automotive-grade wires or
other wires with a 5mm2(AWG10) or more to
prevent wire deterioration and damage to the wire
coating.
• To prevent a short circuit, never put or leave any
metallic objects (such as coins or metal tools) inside
the unit.
• If the unit starts to emit smoke or strange smells,
turn off the power immediately and consult your
Kenwood dealer.
• Do not touch the unit during use because the surface
of the unit becomes hot and may cause burns if
touched.
2CAUTION
To prevent damage to the machine, take the
following precautions:
• Be sure the unit is connected to a 12V DC power
supply with a negative ground connection.
• Do not open the top or bottom covers of the unit.
• Do not install the unit in a spot exposed to direct
sunlight or excessive heat or humidity. Also avoid
places with too much dust or the possibility of water
splashing.
• When replacing a fuse, only use a new one with the
prescribed rating. Using a fuse with the wrong rating
may cause your unit to malfunction.
• To prevent a short circuit when replacing a fuse, first
disconnect the wiring harness.
NOTE
• If you experience problems during installation,
consult your Kenwood dealer.
• If the unit does not seem to be working right, consult
your Kenwood dealer.
FCC WARNING
This equipment may generate or use radio frequency
energy. Changes or modifications to this equipment
may cause harmful interference unless the
modifications are expressly approved in the instruction
manual. The user could lose the authority to operate
this equipment if an unauthorized change or
modification is made.
■ Cleaning the unit
If the front panel gets dirty, turn off the power and
wipe the panel with a dry silicon cloth or soft cloth.
2CAUTION
Do not wipe the panel with a hard cloth or a cloth
dampened by volatile solvents such as paint thinner
and alcohol. They can scratch the surface of the panel
and/or cause the indicator letters to peel off.
■ Wiring
• If a buzzing noise is heard from the speakers
when the engine is running, connect a line noise
filter (optional) to each of the battery wire.
• Do not allow the wire to directly contact the edge
of the iron plate by using Grommets.
• Connect the ground wire to a metal part of the
car chassis that acts as an electrical ground
passing electricity to the battery‘s negative terminal. Do not turn the power on if the ground
wire is not connected.
• Be sure to attach a protective fuse into the
battery wire close to the battery. Use a
protective fuse having a capacity that is about 10
A higher than the maximum current drawn by the
amplifier.
• Use vehicle-type (fire-resistant) power supply
wiring wire for the battery wire and the ground
wire. The current capacity of the power supply
wiring wire should be about 10 A higher than that
of the protective fuse capacity (which means
about 20 A higher than the maximum current
drawn by the amplifier).
• When more than one power amplifier are going
to be used, use a power supply wiring wire and
protective fuse of greater current-handling
capacity than the total maximum current drawn
by each amplifier.
Example: One Power Amplifier Is Used (KAC-
Maximum Current Drawn
829/729S)
Protective Fuse
Cross-sectional Area of
Wiring Wire (AWG)
28 A
50 A × 1 [25 A × 2]
2
(AWG 10) or
5 mm
greater × 1
■ Speaker Selection
• The rated input power of the speakers that are
going to be connected should be greater than
the maximum output power (in Watts) of the
amplifier. Use of speakers having input power
ratings that are less than the output power of
the amplifier will cause smoke to be emitted as
well as damage.
• The impedance of the speakers that are going to
be connected should be 2Ω or greater (for
stereo connections), or 4Ω or greater (for
bridged connections). When more than one set
of speakers are going to be used, calculate the
combined impedance of the speakers and then
connect suitable speakers to the amplifier.
© PRINTED IN USA B64-1949-10 (KM/EM)
Installation procedure
1. Remove the ignition key and disconnect the
negative - terminal of the battery to prevent
short circuits.
2. Set the unit according to the intended usage.
3. Connect the input and output cables 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.
2WARNING
To prevent fire caused by a short in the wiring,
connect a fusible link or breaker nearby the
battery’s positive terminal.
2CAUTION
• Be sure to turn the power off before changing the
setting of any switch.
• If the fuse blows, check wires for shorts, then
replace the fuse with one of the same rating.
• Check that no unconnected cables or connectors
are touching the car body. Do not remove caps from
unconnected cables or connectors to prevent short
circuits.
• Connect the speaker wires to appropriate speaker
connectors separately. Sharing the negative wire of
the speaker or grounding speaker wires to the metal
body of the car can cause this unit to fail.
• After installation, check that the brake lamps,
winkers, and wipers work properly.
■ Speaker level input terminals (!)
• The genuine-accessory car stereo shall have a
maximum power output of no more than 40 W.
• Do not connect the speaker output leads from
a power amplifier (Optional) to the speaker
level input terminals of this unit, for this may
cause malfunction or damage.
• Do not connect cables and leads to both RCA
cable input jacks and the speaker level input
terminals simultaneously, for this may cause
malfunction or damage.
• Connect the power control lead to a power
supply which can be turned ON/OFF by the
ignition key switch (ACC line). With this
connection, shock noise may be generated
when the power of the genuine-accessory car
stereo is switched ON/OFF.
■ Power terminal (234)
Connect to their respective terminals the power
supply wire, and ground wire, all of which pass
through the associated terminal cover. Once the
connections are complete, place the cover on
the terminal section.
■ Accessories
Part name
Terminal cover
(Power terminal)
Self-tapping screws
(ø4 × 16 mm)
External
View
Number of
Items
1
4
Installation
Since the power amplifier has no parts which require
operation, it can be installed at a position away from
the driver’s seat without any hindrances.
As generally accepted positions for its installation,
places such as inside the trunk, etc. can be
considered.
2CAUTION
• Do not install the unit under the carpet. Otherwise
heat build-up occurs and the unit may be damaged.
• 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 a
place where people, resins, and other substances
that are sensitive to heat will not come into contact
with it.
• When making a hole under a seat, inside the trunk,
or somewhere else in the vehicle, check that there
is nothing hazardous on the opposite side such as a
gasoline tank, brake pipe, or wiring 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 may cause 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.
Self-tapping screw
(ø4 × 16 mm)
Installation board, etc.
(thickness : 15 mm or more)
L
R
L
R
L
R
LRL
R
LRL
R
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
L+R
OPERATION
KAC-829/729S/529S KAC-629S
LPF
FILTER
OFF
LPF
FILTER
HPF
OFF
LRL
R
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
L+R
OPERATION
KAC-829/729S/529S KAC-629S
LPF
FILTER
OFF
LPF
FILTER
HPF
OFF
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
L+R
OPERATION
KAC-829/729S/529S KAC-629S
LPF
FILTER
OFF
LPF
FILTER
HPF
OFF
7
8
7
8
7
8
7
8
7
8
7
8
POWER IN
BATT. P.CON(REMOTE)
GND
LEFT
BRIDGED
RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
POWER AMPLIFIER
432
Controls
40
FUSE(40A)
POWER IN
BATT. P.CON(REMOTE)
GND
LEFT
BRIDGED
RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
POWER AMPLIFIER
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
LPF
OFF
FILTER
L R
LINE IN
LEFT RIGHT
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
GND
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
MAXMIN
0.30.5
1.0
25
FUSE(25A)
POWER IN
BATT. P.CON(REMOTE)
GND
LEFT
BRIDGED
RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
POWER AMPLIFIER
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
LPF
HPF
FILTER
L R
LINE IN
LEFT RIGHT
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
GND
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
MAXMIN
0.30.5
1.0
OFF L+R
STEREO/BRIDGEABLE
AMPLIFIER
KAC-829
MAXIMUM POWER
STEREO/BRIDGEABLE
AMPLIFIER
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
MAXMIN
0.30.5
1.0
(W)
20
15
10
9
1 0234 895 !6
1 234 5
7
089 !6 7
POWER IN
BATT. P.CON(REMOTE)
GND
LEFT
BRIDGED
RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
POWER AMPLIFIER
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
LPF
OFF
FILTER
L R
LINE IN
LEFT RIGHT
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
GND
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
MAXMIN
0.30.5
1.0
POWER IN
BATT. P.CON(REMOTE)
GND
LEFT
BRIDGED
RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT
POWER AMPLIFIER
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
LPF
OFF
FILTER
L R
LINE IN
LEFT RIGHT
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
GND
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
MAXMIN
0.30.5
1.0
GND
LEFT
B
RID
GED
RIGHT
LEFT
BRIDG
ED
RIGHT
L
E
F
T
R
IG
H
T
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
4
6!
5
5
4
KAC-829
KAC-729S
KAC-829
KAC-729S
KAC-529S
KAC-629S
KAC-529S
Operations of the following control and switches
are required in accordance with the center unit
and speakers connected with this unit.
1 Fuse
40 A × 1 : KAC-829/729S
25 A × 1 : KAC-629S
15 A × 1 : KAC-529S
NOTE
If you can’t find the specified capacity fuse at your
store etc., consult your Kenwood dealer.
2 Battery terminal
3 Ground terminal
4 Power control (REMOTE) terminal
5 SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals
• Stereo Connections:
When you wish to use the unit as a stereo
amplifier, stereo connections are used.
• Bridged Connections:
When you wish to use the unit as a high-output
monaural amplifier, bridged connections are
used. (Make connections to the LEFT channel (+)
and the RIGHT channel (–) SPEAKER OUTPUT
terminals.)
6 RCA cable ground lead terminal
When using an RCA cable with a ground lead
attached, connect the ground lead to this terminal.
2CAUTION
Do not use this terminal for power source
grounding. This unit will be damaged if the power
source grounding wire is connected to this
terminal.
7 FILTER switch
These switches allow filtering of the speaker
output signals.
• HPF (High Pass Filter) position (KAC629S only)
Only frequencies of 150 Hz or higher are output.
(Frequencies below 150 Hz are cut.)
• LPF (Low Pass Filter) position
Only frequencies of 80 Hz or lower are output.
(Frequencies above 80 Hz are cut.)
The Lch and Rch will be mixed before output
even if the operation switch is set to STEREO.
• OFF position
The original sound without filtering is output.
8 OPERATION switch
This switch allows selection of the amplification
method of input signals.
KAC-629S
25W or greater
KAC-829
• STEREO position
The amplifier can be used as a stereo amplifier.
• L+R position (KAC-629S only)
The input left and right signals are combined
before being amplified. Use this position when
the unit is used for subwoofer speakers or the
L+R (monaural) sound is required.
• MONO (Lch) position
Amplifies the signal input from the left side only.
Set to this position and make bridged
connections to use as a high-power monaural
amplifier. (The input right signal is not output.)
9 INPUT SENSITIVITY control
Set this control according to the pre-output level of
the center unit connected with this unit, or to the
maximum power output of the genuine-accessory
car stereo.
Use the diagram on the right as a guide.
NOTE
For the pre-output level or the maximum power
output, refer to the “Specifications” in the
instruction manual of the center unit.
0 LINE IN terminal
! Speaker level input terminals
Power indicator
KAC-729S
KAC-629S
KAC-529S
Power indicator
When the power is turned on, the Power indicator
lights.
If the Power indicator does not light when the power
is turned on, the protection function may be
activated. Check whether there is any indication of
trouble.
■ The protection function is activated
in the following situations:
This unit is equipped with a protection function for
protecting this unit and your speakers from various
accidents or problems that can occur.
When the protection function is triggered, the
Power indicator goes off and the amplifier stops
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.) or this unit is not
connected to a metal part serving as an electrical
ground passing electricity to the battery's
negative - terminal.
System examples
■ 2-channel system
CENTER
UNIT
■ Subwoofer system
CENTER
UNIT
■ 1-channel system
CENTER
UNIT
Left speaker
Right speaker
Left speaker
Right speaker
Subwoofer
Left speaker
Right speaker
Connection
NOTE
For safe installation, read "Installation procedure" before starting work.
*…Commercially available parts
■ RCA cable connection ■ Speaker level input connection
CENTER UNIT (Cassette receiver,
CD receiver, etc.)
RCA cable*
Power control wire*
Genuine-accessory car stereo (No
line output center unit etc.)
Speaker
Car fuse box
ACC
Battery
■ Speaker stereo connection ■ Speaker bridge connection
Lead terminal*
Lead terminal*
■ Tri-mode
CENTER
UNIT
KAC-829/729S/529S KAC-629S
7
LPF
OPERATION
STEREO
FILTER
OFF
Principle of Tri-mode
Method of frequency band division using a coil
and capacitor ... in case of 6dB/oct. slope
Coil (L): Passes low frequencies and blocks
high frequencies. (Low pass)
Capacitor (C): Passes high frequencies and
blocks low frequencies. (High pass)
Example:
When it is required to set a crossover
frequency of 120 Hz using speakers with an
impedance of 4 ohms.
fc=Cut of Frequency (Hz)
R=Speaker Impedance (Ω)
C
C
OPERATION
STEREO
L
8
L+R
MONO(Lch)
Subwoofer
(L + R)
159000
C= (µF)
fc x R
159 x R
L= (mH)
fc
2CAUTION
• 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
8
MONO(Lch)
High pass
LRL
HPF
R
7
FILTER
OFF
LPF
which high frequencies will be passed.
Failure to do 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) are sufficient.
Crossover Frequency
0 dB
-3 dB
L
159000
= = 331.25 µF
120Hz x 4Ω
159 x 4Ω
= = 5.3 mH
120Hz
Frequency
Left speaker
Right speaker
■ Power wire connection
C
Battery wire*
Protective Fuse*
Battery
Lead terminal*
Terminal cover
Power control wire*
Ground wire*
Subwoofer