Kenwood KAC-X520 Instruction Manual

KAC-X520 KAC-PS520

POWER AMPLIFIER 7 page 2-13

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

AMPLIFICATEUR DE PUISSANCE 7 page 14-25

MODE D’EMPLOI

AMPLIFICADOR DE POTENCIA 7 página 26-37

MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

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-X520/PS520 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 automotivegrade wires or other wires with a 8 mm (AWG 8) 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.

NOTE

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

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.

To prevent batter rise

When the unit is used in the ACC ON position without turning the engine ON, it depletes the battery. Use it after starting the engine.

Protection function

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

Accessories

Part name

Self-tapping screws

(ø5 × 18 mm)

Terminal cover 2

Mounting Hardware 4

Hexagon socket head

cap screw (M3 × 8 mm)

Self-tapping screws

(ø3 × 8 mm)

Hexagon Wrench 1

External

View

Number of

Items

2 English

Installation

Self-tapping screw (ø5 × 18 mm)

Hexagon socket head cap screw (M3 × 8 mm)

Terminal cover

Hexagon Wrench

Cooling fan : Air inlet

Exhaust outlet

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

1.Install the installation fittings in the unit.

2.Attach the unit.

3.Install the terminal cover.

2CAUTION

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

• 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.

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

• 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 screws (ø3 × 8 mm)

Mounting Hardware

English 3

Controls / Indicator

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

GND

LINE OUT EXT.AMP.CONT.LINE IN

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

1 2 3 4

5 INPUT SENSITIVITY control

Adjust this control according to the pre-out level of the center unit connected to this amplifier.

NOTE

Refer to "Specifications" on the center unit’s instruction manual about the pre-out level.

4 OPERATION switch

This switch is used to select the operation mode of the amplifier.

• STEREO position:

The amplifier can be used as a stereo amplifier.

• 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.)

3 FILTER switch

This switch allows to apply high-pass or low-pass filtering to the speaker outputs.

• HPF (High-Pass Filter) position:

The filter outputs the band of higher frequencies than the frequency set with the HPF FREQUENCY control.

•OFF position:

The entire bandwidth is output without filtering.

• LPF (Low-Pass Filter) position:

The filter outputs the band of lower frequencies than the frequency set with the LPF FREQUENCY control. The speaker output is automatically turned monaural (L+R) and the bass boost function is activated.

9 HPF FREQUENCY control

Sets the cutoff frequency when the FILTER switch is set to HPF.

8 LPF FREQUENCY control

Sets the cutoff frequency when the FILTER switch is set to LPF.

1 INFRASONIC FILTER switch

When this switch is ON, the frequencies which are below the audible range and therefore inaudible are cut off so that the quality of the audible frequencies can be improved.

2 B.M.S.(Bass management system)

switch

Bass boost centered on the frequency set by the B.M.S. FREQUENCY control.

• +12 position:

Bass boost +12 dB

•OFF position:

Bass boost OFF

•REMOTE position:

Controls the B.M.S. from the Kenwood center unit. (Refer to page 5)

6 B.M.S. FREQUENCY control

When the B.M.S. switch is set on "+12dB"/ "REMOTE" the emphasized center frequency is adjusted.

7 V-COLOR (Variable color) button

Select the ON color for the indicator. Every time the button is pressed, 7 fixed colors and the variable color change. The color can’t be set when the indicator is blinking.

4 English

Removing the cover

Hexagon Wrench

Tighten

Loosen

■ Controlling the B.M.S. from the Kenwood center unit

(B.M.S. : Bass management system)

When the B.M.S. switch is set in the remote position, the bass boost amount and frequency offset can be controlled from the center unit.

• Bass boost

Center unit display

"Flat"/"OFF"/"1" Bass boost OFF (Flat)

"+6"/ "1"/"2" Bass boost +6 dB "+12"/ "2"/"3" Bass boost +12 dB "+18"/ "3"/"4" Bass boost +18 dB

Setting

• Frequency offset

Center unit display

"Normal" It is the B.M.S.

"Low" The central frequency is 20-

NOTE

For the center unit control method and setting display, refer to the Instruction Manual for the center unit. There may be cases when the center unit can’t set the "Bass boost +18dB" or "Frequency Offset".

Setting

FREQUENCY control adjustment value.

30% low.

■ Indicator 0

You are notified of the unit’s condition and malfunction (Protection function) by the indicator.

• ON or color change in order.

When operation is normal

NOTE

The color you want can be selected with the variable color button.

• The color blinks blue

– When during operation – When the center unit/B.M.S. switch

controls the B.M.S.

• The color blinks yellow

When the power voltage is less than 11V.

NOTE

The cause may be one of the below times.

– When the vehicle battery is weak. – When the battery capacity is low. – When the battery cord is worn. – When the battery wire is too small or too

long and can’t supply enough current.

• The color blinks purple

When the unit has failed and direct current voltage is generated to the speaker’s output.

NOTE

Turn the power OFF and release the protection. If the indicator doesn’t quit blinking, contact your Kenwood dealer.

• The color blinks red

When the inside of the unit is overheating.

• The color blinks green

– When the speaker cord is shorted. – When the speaker output is in contact

with the vehicle ground.

English 5

Connection

LEFT

BRIDGED SPEAKER OUTPUT

RIGHT

POWER IN

P.CON

BATT.

GND

30A

)

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

GND

LINE OUT EXT.AMP.CONT.LINE IN

! @ # $ %

^ (&*

■ Terminal names

! Fuse (30 A × 2) @ Battery terminal # Ground terminal % Speaker output terminals

• Stereo Connections:

When you wish to use the unit as a stereo amplifier, stereo connections are used. The speakers to be connected should have an impedance of 2Ω or greater. When multiple speakers are to be connected, ensure that the combined impedance is 2Ω or greater for each channel.

• Bridged Connections:

When you wish to use the unit as a highoutput monaural amplifier, bridged connections are used. (Make connections to the LEFT channel 9 and the RIGHT channel · SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals.) The speakers to be connected should have an impedance of 4Ω or greater. When multiple speakers are to be connected, ensure that the combined impedance is 4Ω or greater.

2CAUTION

The rated input of the speakers should be no less than the maximum output of the amplifier. Otherwise malfunction may result.

^ RCA cable ground lead terminal

When using an RCA cable with a ground lead attached, connect the ground lead to this terminal.

& LINE IN terminal * LINE OUT terminal

The signal that’s input from the line input terminal is output.

6 English

$ Power control terminal

Controls the unit ON/OFF.

NOTE

Controls the unit power. Be sure to connect it with all the systems.

( EXT.AMP.CONT. (external

amplifier control) terminal

Controls the B.M.S. Only Kenwood center unit models sold in 1999 or later with a "EXT.CONT."/"EXT.AMP.CONT." wire attached can be used. Also, a maximum of 3 power amplifiers can be operated at the same time.

NOTE

There are cases when operation may not be possible due to wiring wire type and length.

■ Installation procedure

Since there are large variety of settings and connections possible according to applications, read the instruction manual well to select the proper setting and connection.

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 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.

2CAUTION

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

• 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 wires or connectors are touching the car body. Do not remove caps from unconnected wires 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.

English 7

Connection

LEFT

BRIDGED SPEAKER OUTPUT

RIGHT

POWER IN

P.CON

BATT.

GND

(

30A

)

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

GND

LINE OUT EXT.AMP.CONT.LINE IN

11 mm

P.CONT.

@#$

(

EXT.CONT.

■ Power wire connection

The connecting wire diameter*

• If solid wire: Ø0.4 (AWG 26) – Ø1.2 (AWG 16)

• If multi strand wire: Ø0.4 (AWG 26) – Ø1.2 (AWG 16)

External amplifier control wire (Pink / Black) (Refer to page 6)

CENTER UNIT

(CD receiver, etc.)

Lead terminal*

Battery wire*

Protective Fuse*

Ground wire*

Battery

Extension wire*

Power control wire (Blue/ White)

* : Commercially available parts

2WARNING

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

Wiring

•Take the battery wire for this unit directly from the battery. If it's connected to the vehicle’s wiring harness, it can cause blown fuses etc.

• 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 install a protective fuse in the power cord near the battery. The protective fuse should be the same capacity as the unit’s fuse capacity or somewhat larger.

• For the power cord and ground, use a vehicle type (fireproof) power wring cord with a current capacity greater than the unit’s fuse capacity. (Use a power wiring cord with a diameter of 8

(AWG 8) or greater.)

•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.

EXT.AMP.CONT. (external amplifier control) terminal (

1. Peel the cladding of wire for a length of 11mm from the end.

2. While pressing the lock release button with a slotted screwdriver, insert the wire.

8 English

LEFT

BRIDGED SPEAKER OUTPUT

RIGHT

POWER IN

P.CON

BATT.

GND

(

30A

)

LEFT

BRIDGED SPEAKER OUTPUT

RIGHT

POWER IN

P.CON

BATT.

GND

(

)

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

GND

LINE OUT EXT.AMP.CONT.LINE IN

■ RCA cable and speaker wire connection

RCA cable ground terminal

Lead terminal*

(Stereo Connections)

* : Commercially available parts

Left input

Right input

RCA cable*

CENTER UNIT

(CD receiver, etc.)

Right speaker

Left speaker

(Bridged Connections)

Speaker (Bridged)

■ 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.

4 Ω

2Ω

Combined impedance

4 Ω

8Ω 8Ω

4Ω

4Ω4Ω4Ω

4 Ω

English 9

System examples

LRL

LINE OUT

™

¡ ™

12 34

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

12 34

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

12 34

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

12 34

OFF

INFRASONIC

FILTER

LPF

OFF

HPF

B.M.S.

+12dB

OFF

REMOTE

OPERATION

MONO(L ch)

STEREO

■ 2-channel system

CENTER UNIT

Left speaker Right speaker

■ High-power 1-channel system

CENTER UNIT

■ 2-channel + Subwoofer system

CENTER UNIT

Left speaker (Bridged)

Right speaker (Bridged)

Left speaker (High pass) Right speaker (High pass)

Subwoofer (L + R) (Bridged)

10 English

■ Tri-mode

CENTER UNIT

LRL

(High pass)

Subwoofer (L + R) (Bridged)

INFRASONIC

12 34

OFF

REMOTE

B.M.S.

OFF

+12dB

FILTER

OFF

HPF

LPF

OPERATION

STEREO

MONO(L ch)

●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)

159000

C= (µF)

fc x R

159 x R

L= (mH)

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

0 dB

-3 dB

Crossover Frequency

Frequency

●Example:

When it is required to set a crossover frequency of 120 Hz using speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms.

Prepare commercially-available coil and capacitor with the closest ratings to the results calculated 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).

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 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.

English 11

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.)

• Input (or output) cables are disconnected.

• Protection circuit may be activated.

• Volume is too high.

• The speaker cord is shorted.

• Connect the input (or output) cables.

• Check connections by referring to "Indicator".

• Replace the fuse and use lower volume.

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

The output level is too small (or too large).

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

The external amplifier controller (B.M.S.) will not work.

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.

• The B.M.S. switch setting is incorrect.

• The external amplifier control wire has come loose.

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".

• The B.M.S. switch is set to "REMOTE".

• Check that the external amplifier control wire is properly connected.

12 English

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