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Features
Controls
Connections
Features
CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is
a new system of testing & measurement methods for mobile
audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for
determining an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The
criteria for measuring power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and
the RMS power output is measured into a 4-ohm load, with 1% or less Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) plus noise, and at a frequency range (for full range
amplifiers) of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Signal-to-Noise
ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt
into 4 ohms. CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers
on an equal basis. The Kenwood KAC-8404 under CEA-2006 regulations is rated at 50 Watts RMS x 4 channels with a
80 dBA signal to noise ratio.
Bridgeable: The Kenwood
4-channel amplifier features two stereo amplifiers inside one chassis that not
only can be used in a 4-channel configuration but also can be bridged and used
in a 2-channel or 3-channel configuration. The amplifier is rated at 180 Watts x
2 at 4 ohm in 2-channel mode and 50 Watts x 2/180 Watts x 1 at 4 ohm in
3-channel mode.
MOS-FET Switching Power Supply: The amplifier utilizes a MOS-FET switching power supply providing thermal stability and efficient switching speeds
guaranteeing performance and dependability.
Control Cover: The Kenwood
KAC-8404 features a brushed aluminum top cover that conceals all of its controls. This provides a
very clean look as well as protects the amplifier's controls from being
accidentally changed. The cover is held in place by two hex head screws. An allen-wrench is supplied to remove the cover.
Crossovers: The
KAC-8404 has built-in high pass and low pass crossovers. The high pass
crossover's slope is 12 dB/octave and is continuously variable from 50Hz to
200Hz and can be controlled independently for the A (Front) and B (Rear)
channels. The low pass crossover's slope is also 12 dB/octave and continuously variable from 50Hz to 200Hz
and can be controlled independently for the A (Front) and B (Rear) channels. The amplifier can also be operated at full-range simultaneously for both A
(Front) and B (Rear) channels.
Bass Boost: A fixed bass boost of 18dB at 40Hz can be engaged
for Amplifier B (Rear) only. There is no bass boost for Amplifier A (Front).
Stereo/Mono Operation: You can independently switch Amplifier A
(Front) and Amplifier B (Rear) from Stereo to Mono operation. When switched to
Mono, the signal from the left channel input only is used.
Line Level Inputs: Amplifiers A (Front) and B (Rear) each have
separate line-level RCA inputs with independent gain (Input Sensitivity)
controls. The Input Sensitivity controls will accept an input signal of 200mV to
5.0 Volts.
Signal Sensing Speaker Level Input: The KAC-8404 comes with a 4-channel
speaker level input harness. This feature makes it easier to add an
amplifier to a factory radio or a receiver with no preamp outputs. You don't
need to connect the remote turn-on wire when using the speaker-level input
harness because the power of the amplifier is turned "On" and "Off" as the amp
detects input signal from the unit's speaker level input.
Built-In Fans: There are two fans and two vents located on the back
side of the amplifier to help dissipate heat and ensure cool, reliable
operation. Make sure not to block these vents or fans when you install the
amplifier.
Power Indicator: When the power
is turned on to the amplifier, the Power indicator will light up red. This indicator
will turn off with the amplifier and will turn off if the amplifier goes into
protect mode. The amplifier also features a Blue LED lamp on the top of the
amplifier which illuminates when the amplifier is on.
Protection circuitry: The amplifier features protection circuits that will turn the amp off in case of
the following events to protect the amplifier and your speakers:
- Speaker output contacts ground
- Speaker wire short-circuits
- Unit malfunctions and DC is sent to
speaker output
- Internal temperature is too high
- Loss of ground of head unit or amp
Controls
Top of the Amplifier: All of the amplifier's controls are found on top of the amp under the removable
brushed aluminum cover.
- A-Channel
Crossover: High Pass/Low Pass/Off
- A-Channel
Operation Mode: Stereo/Mono
- A-Channel Crossover Frequency: 50-200 Hz
- A-Channel Input Sensitivity:
200 mV-5 V
- B-Channel
Crossover: High Pass/Low Pass/Off
- B-Channel Operation Mode:
Stereo/Mono
- B-Channel Crossover Frequency: 50-200 Hz
- B-Channel Input Sensitivity:
200 mV-5 V
- Bass Boost (B-Channel only):
On/Off
Connections
Front of the Amplifier: All of
the amplifier's connections are found on the front of the amplifier for easy
access.
- Fuse: 40
amp
- Power: Gold-plated screw terminal (0.5625" wide)
-
Ground: Gold plated-screw terminal (0.5625" wide)
-
Remote Turn-On: Gold-plated screw terminal (0.3125" wide)
-
Speaker Outputs: Gold-plated screw terminals (0.3125" wide)
-
A and B Line In: Two pair of gold-plated RCA inputs
-
Ground
Screw: Phillips-head
screw for RCA signal ground if needed
-
Speaker-Level Input: Multi-pin input for use with included speaker level input harness
Note: The amplifier features a brushed aluminum top
cover used to hide the unit's controls and which also needs to be removed to
access the Power, Ground, Turn-on, and Speaker terminals. The cover is held
in place by two small hex-head screws which are removed using the supplied
hex-key. Once all connections and control adjustments are made, the top
cover should be re-installed.