KAC-8401
4-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
© B64-2575-00/00 (MV)
Installation
Self-tapping screw
(ø4 × 16 mm)
Cooling fan
Installation board, etc.
(thickness : 15 mm or more)
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.
English 3
Controls / Indicator
(W)
40
20
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
This is a 4 channel amplifier including 2
stereo amplifiers in a body. One amplifier is
referred to as amplifier A and the other is
amplifier B. This unit is compatible with a
large variety of systems by combining the
switches and functions described in the
following.
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
FILTER FREQUENCY control.
• OFF position:
1 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.
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
FILTER FREQUENCY control.
The sensitivities of amplifiers A and B can
be adjusted independently regardless of the
position of the input selector switch.
Use the diagram on the right as a guide.
4 OPERATION switch
The amplification methods of the signals
input to amplifiers A and B can be selected
independently according to the setting of
this switch.
NOTE
For the pre-output level or the maximum
power output, refer to the “Specifications”
in the instruction manual of the center unit.
• STEREO position:
The amplifier can be used as a stereo
amplifier.
2 Bch BASS BOOST switch
Setting this switch to "ON" emphasizes the
bass.
• 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.)
You can use the BASS BOOST for amplifier
B only.
• ON position:
BASS BOOST is +6 dB.
• OFF position:
BASS BOOST is OFF.
5 INPUT SELECTOR switch
This switch selects the input method of the
signals to be amplified by amplifiers A and
B.
• A B position:
Amplifies both of the signals input to
amplifiers A and B.
• A position:
Amplifies only signal input amplifier A with
both amplifiers A and B.
4 English
7
■ The protection function is
activated in the following
situations:
6 FILTER FREQUENCY control
When the FILTER switch is set to the HPF
(High-Pass Filter) or LPF (Low-Pass Filter)
position, the threshold frequency can be
adjusted with this control.
This unit is equipped with a protection
function for protecting this unit and your
speakers from various accidents or
problems that can occur.
7 Power indicator
When the power is turned on, the Power
indicator lights.
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.
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.
• 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.
English 5
Connection
■ Terminal names
8
9
0 !
@
#
$
%
^
amplifier. Otherwise malfunction may
result.
8 Fuse (40 A)
NOTE
# RCA cable ground lead terminal
When using an RCA cable with a ground
lead attached, connect the ground lead to
this terminal.
If you can’t find the specified capacity fuse at
your store etc., consult your Kenwood dealer.
9 Battery terminal
0 Ground terminal
$ LINE IN terminal
! Power control terminal
% LINE OUT terminal
Controls the unit ON/OFF.
These jacks output respectively the signals
input to amplifiers A and B. They always
output the stereo signals regardless of the
position of the OPERATION switch.
NOTE
Controls the unit power. Be sure to connect
it with all the systems.
^ Speaker level input terminals
@ Speaker output terminals
NOTE
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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
6 English
■ 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.
■ 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.
2.Set the unit according to the intended usage.
3.Connect the input and output wires of the
units.
• 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
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
• 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.
2
diameter of 5 mm (AWG 10) 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.
• 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.
■ 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.
• After installation, check that the brake
lamps, winkers, and wipers work properly.
2Ω
8Ω
8Ω
2Ω
4 Ω
4 Ω
Combined impedance
English 7
Connection
■ RCA cable or Speaker level input connection
(RCA cable Connections)
RCA cable ground terminal
RCA cable*
#
GND
#
$
CENTER UNIT
(CD receiver, etc.)
B channel
Left input
A channel
Left input
Power control wire
(Blue/ White)
A channel
Right input
B channel
Right input
(Speaker level input Connections)
Cable Color of the connector
White
A channel
Left
White/Black
Gray
Genuine-accessory car
stereo (No line output
center unit etc.)
A channel
Right
Gray/Black
Green
B channel
Left
Green/Black
Purple
Car fuse box
B channel
Right
Purple/Black
^
Battery
ACC
8 English
* Commercially available parts
■ Speaker wire connection
(Stereo Connections)
@
A channel
Left speaker
@
Lead terminal*
A channel
Right speaker
B channel
Right speaker
B channel
Left speaker
(Bridged Connections)
A channel
Speaker (Bridged)
@
B channel
Speaker (Bridged)
■ Power wire connection
9
0
!
Lead terminal*
Terminal cover
Extension wire*
Battery wire*
Ground wire*
Battery
Protective Fuse*
English 9
System examples
■ 4-channel system
Front Left speaker
Front Right speaker
L
L
A
B
A
B
(1)
R
R
CENTER UNIT
Rear Left speaker
Rear Right speaker
L
L
R
R
5
4
4
2
3
L
(2)
A
B
6
R
CENTER UNIT
L
R
5
■ 3-channel system
Left speaker (High pass)
Right speaker (High pass)
L
L
A
(1)
A
B
R
R
CENTER UNIT
Subwoofer (L + R)
(Bridged)
L
L
B
R
R
5
4
4
2
3
L
(2)
A
B
6
R
CENTER UNIT
L
R
5
■ 2-channel system
L
L
Left speaker (Bridged)
Right speaker (Bridged)
A
A
B
R
R
CENTER UNIT
L
L
B
R
R
5
4
2
3
6
10 English
■ Tri-mode
C
L
L
L
L
Subwoofer
(High pass)
(High pass)
A
B
R
R
(L + R) (Bridged)
CENTER UNIT
C
C
5
L
L
4
Subwoofer
(L + R) (Bridged)
R
R
C
2
3
●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
Crossover Frequency
frequencies. (Low pass)
0 dB
Capacitor (C): Passes high frequencies and blocks low
-3 dB
frequencies. (High pass)
L
C
159000
fc x R
159 x R
fc
C=
L=
(µF)
fc=Cut of Frequency (Hz)
R=Speaker Impedance (Ω)
Frequency
(mH)
●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.)
• Input (or output) cables are
disconnected.
• Connect the input (or output)
cables.
• Protection circuit may be
activated.
• 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.
(Blown fuse.)
• Volume is too high.
• The speaker cord is shorted.
The output level is too
small (or too large).
The input sensitivity adjusting
control is not set to the correct
position.
Adjust the control correctly
referring to “Controls”.
The sound quality is bad.
(The sound is distorted.)
• The speakers wire are
connected with wrong + / -
polarity.
• Connect them properly checking
the + / - of the terminals and
wires well.
• A speaker wire is pinched by a
screw in the car body.
• Connect the speaker wire again
so that it is not pinched by
anything.
• The switches may be set
improperly.
• Set switches properly by
referring to "System examples".
Specifications
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Audio Section
Max Power Output ............................................................................................................320 W × 2
Rated Power Output
Normal (4 Ω) (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08 % THD)......................................................................60 W × 4
Normal (2 Ω) (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ......................................................................................90 W × 4
Bridged (4 Ω) (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ....................................................................................180 W × 2
Frequency Response (+0, –3 dB)..................................................................................5 Hz – 50 kHz
Sensitivity (rated output) (MAX.) ................................................................................................0.2 V
Sensitivity (rated output) (MIN.) ................................................................................................5.0 V
Signal to Noise Ratio................................................................................................................100 dB
Input Impedance........................................................................................................................10 kΩ
Low 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
General
Operating Voltage ..................................................................................14.4 V (11 – 16 V allowable)
Current Consumption (4 Ω, 10 % THD) ......................................................................................39 A
Dimensions (W × H × D) ......................................................................................285 × 57 × 268 mm
............................................................................................................11-1/4 × 2-1/4 × 10-9/16 inch
Weight ......................................................................................................................2.96 kg (6.5 lbs)
12 English
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