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KAC-X542
4/3/2 CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
7 page 2-9
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AMPLIFICATEUR DE PUISSANCE 4/3/2 CANAUX
7 page 10-17
MODE D'EMPLOI
AMPLIFICADOR DE POTENCIA DE 4/3/2 CANALES
7 página 18-25
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
© B64-3395-00/00 (KV)
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-X542 Serial number
US Residence Only
Register Online
Register your Kenwood product at
w w w.kenwoodusa.com


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2 English
Safety precautions
2 WARNING
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 8 mm² (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.
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.
2 CAUTION
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.
Available Control Units:
A Kenwood's LX-Bus supporting Center Unit released in 2004 or later can control
this unit. The operations of the (LX) AMP Control are explained in the Operation
Manual of the Center Unit.
NOTE
· The LX AMP and the sensor unit cannot be connected simultaneously. You
must connect any of them at a time.
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.
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.
2 CAUTION
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 battery 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 display informs
you of the condition.
Display
Informations
"E-01"
When the inside of the unit is overheating.
"E-02"
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 "E-02" code does not disappear,
contact your Kenwood dealer.
"E-03"
When the speaker cord is shorted.
When the speaker output is in contact with the vehicle ground.
"VOLT" display is
blinked.
When voltage gets out of operation range.
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 mm² (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.
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 2
or greater (for stereo connections), or 4 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.
8
2
4
4
4
4
Combined impedance


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English
3
Bch
A ch
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)
HPF
FREQUENCY(Hz)
HPF
FREQUENCY(Hz)
LPF
FREQUENCY(Hz)
4
0.2(MAX)
(MIN)5
3
2
1
0.5
0.3
4
0.2(MAX)
(MIN)5
3
2
1
0.5
0.3
50
200
50
200
150
100
70
50
200
150
100
70
150
100
70
FILTER
HPF
LPF
OFF
AMP CONT
ON
OFF
ISF
ON
OFF
HPF
ON
OFF
OPERATION
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
OPERATION
MONO(Lch)
STEREO
HPFOPERATION
LPFOPERATION
50 Hz
70 Hz
100 Hz
150 Hz
200 Hz
30
-20
-16
-12
-8
-4
0
50 100 200 400
1K (Hz)
30
-20
-16
-12
-8
-4
0
50 100 200 400
1K (Hz)
4/3/2channel Power Amplifier
VOLT
FAN
CURR
TEMP
446 mm
432 mm
Ø6
157
m
m
252
m
m
265
m
m
Installation
Accessories
Part name
External View
Number of Items
Self-tapping screws
(ø5 × 18 mm)
4
Hexagon socket head cap screw
(M4 × 8 mm)
4
Cover
1
Terminal cover (Power terminal)
1
Hexagon Wrench
1
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 installation fittings in the unit.
7. Attach the unit.
8. Install the terminal cover.
9. Connect the negative
- terminal of the battery.
2 CAUTION
· 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. Do not
mount the unit in a place where the cooling fan and ducts of the unit are
blocked. 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.
Installation board, etc.
(thickness : 15 mm or more)
Self-tapping screw
(ø5 × 18 mm)
Cooling fan
Hexagon socket
head cap screw
(M4 × 8 mm)
Hexagon Wrench
Cover
Cooling fan
Duct


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4 English
01
2
3
4
5 6
7
8
9
30
30
FUSE(30A
×2)
POWER IN
RESET
REMOTE
TO H/U
ID NUMBER
GND
Connection
CENTER UNIT
(CD receiver, etc.)
RCA cable ground
terminal
RCA cable*
Lead terminal*
Bridged Connections
Battery
Ground wire*
Battery wire*
Protective Fuse*
* Commercially available parts
Power control wire
LX-Bus connection
01
2
3
4
5 6
7
8
9
30
30
FUSE(30A
×2)
POWER IN
RESET
REMOTE
TO H/U
ID NUMBER
01
2
3
4
5 6
7
8
9
30
30
FUSE(30A
×2)
POWER IN
RESET
REMOTE
TO H/U
ID NUMBER
01
2
3
4
5 6
7
8
9
30
30
FUSE(30A
×2)
POWER IN
RESET
REMOTE
TO H/U
ID NUMBER
ID NUMBER
01
2
3
4 5 6 7
8
9
ID NUMBER
01
2
3
4 5 6 7
8
9
ID NUMBER
01
2
3
4 5 6 7
8
9
"0"
"1" ­ "7"
"1" ­ "7"
S-video cable*
Master amplifier
Slave amplifier 1
CENTER UNIT
To Kenwood disc changer/
External optional accessory
2 WARNING
To prevent fire caused by a short in the wiring,
connect a fusible link or breaker nearby the
battery's positive terminal.
2 CAUTION
· 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.
RCA cable*
Slave amplifier 7
Extension wire*
Set the ID number of the Master amplifier to "0".
You can connect up to 7 Slave amplifiers. Assign them ID numbers "1"
to "7" and do not duplicate them.
2 CAUTION
· Do not connect 2 Master amplifiers to the Center Unit. If done, you
cannot control all amplifiers connected to the Center Unit.
· The LX AMP and the sensor unit cannot be connected
simultaneously. You must connect any of them at a time.
NOTE
· The total length of S-video cables you can connect is 14 meters
(46 ft) maximum. If the cable length exceeds this limit, you cannot
control amps from the Center Unit.
· If you assign the same ID number to multiple amplifiers, they
malfunction when you operate any of them from the Center Unit.
· If you assign ID number "8" or "9" to a Slave amplifier, it is not
recognized by the Center Unit.
Not more than
14m (46 ft)
Control cable
(option)
A channel
Left speaker
A channel
Right speaker
B channel
Right speaker
B channel
Left speaker
A channel
Speaker (Bridged)
B channel
Speaker (Bridged)
A channel
input
B channel
input
Terminal cover
Power control wire


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English
5
Controls
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.
1 Fuse (30 A × 2)
2 Battery terminal
3 Ground terminal
4 Power control terminal
Controls the unit ON/OFF.
NOTE
Controls the unit power. Be sure to connect it with all the systems.
5 Speaker output terminals (A.ch/B.ch)
· 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 2 or greater.
When multiple speakers are to be connected, ensure that the combined
impedance is 2 or greater for each channel.
· 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 4 or greater.
When multiple speakers are to be connected, ensure that the combined
impedance is 4 or greater.
2 CAUTION
The rated input of the speakers should be no less than the maximum output
of the amplifier. Otherwise malfunction may result.
6 RCA cable ground lead terminal
When using an RCA cable with a ground lead attached, connect the ground
lead to this terminal.
7 ID NUMBER switch
Sets an amp identification number (ID) to be used for amplifier control from
the Center Unit.
Assign ID Number "0" to an amplifier when you use it as the Master amplifier.
Assign ID Numbers "1" to "7" to amplifiers when you use them as Slave
amplifiers. Do not duplicate these numbers.
NOTE
After you have changed ID numbers of amplifiers, turn Off the POWER switch
of the Center Unit and turn it On again.
8 TO H/U terminal
After you have set the Master amplifier, connect it to the Center Unit.
9 REMOTE terminals
Used to connect to Slave amplifiers.
0 RESET button
Resets the microprocessor of the unit.
NOTE
The values you have set with the Amplifier Control are NOT reset.
! LINE IN terminal (A.ch/B.ch)
@ LINE OUT terminal
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.
# Power indicator
Lights when the POWER switch is turned On.
The indicator flashes several seconds when the POWER switch is turned On
or when the Protection function is activated.
$ HPF FREQUENCY control (A.ch/B.ch)
A: Sets the cutoff frequency when the "HPF" switch is set to "ON".
B: Sets the cutoff frequency when the "FILTER" switch is set to "HPF".
% LPF FREQUENCY control (B.ch)
Sets the cutoff frequency when the "FILTER" switch is set to "LPF".
^ FILTER switch (B.ch)
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 switched to monaural (L+R).
& AMP CONT (amplifier control) switch (B.ch)
Used to bypass the circuit when you do not control the sound with the
Amplifier Control.
· ON position:
You can control the sound of amplifier B using the Amplifier Control.
· OFF position:
Bypasses the Amplifier Control circuit.
NOTE
Amplifier control is possible even while OFF.
* ISF (infrasonic filter) switch (B.ch)
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.
( OPERATION switch (A.ch/B.ch)
The amplification methods of the signals input to amplifiers A and B can be
selected independently according to the setting of this switch.
· 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.)
) HPF (High-Pass Filter) switch (A.ch)
This switch allows to apply high-pass filtering to the speaker outputs.
· ON 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.
@1 INPUT SENSITIVITY control (A.ch/B.ch)
Set this control according to the pre-output level of the center unit
connected with this unit.
NOTE
For the pre-output level, refer to the <Specifications> in the instruction
manual of the center unit.
30
30
01
2
3
4
5 6
7
8
9
7
^
#
*(
)
6
$
89
%&
0
45
3
2
1
@
!
@1