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Kenwood KAC-8402

4-channel car amplifier
60 watts RMS x 4

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Item# 113KAC8402 offer details

Item# 113KAC8402

Review Sumary

 
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Kenwood

Our take on the Kenwood KAC-8402

See all of our Special Edition Kenwood products

Build your car audio system on a firm foundation of power — Kenwood power! Kenwood amplifiers are famous for their rugged, no-nonsense reliability and superior sound quality. Their efficient MOSFET power supplies and beefy internal components provide an abundant source of clean, crisp sound at a great dollar-to-watt value.

The KAC-8402 4-channel amplifier is a great way to improve the fidelity of the full-range speakers in your system — you'll hear all the details in your music, whether it's the slide of a finger on an acoustic guitar, or the subtle tones of your favorite singer's voice. Looking for some bass? Put the KAC-8402 into your system to power up a couple of subs with 180 watts of power each!

No matter how you use it, you can choose the frequencies that your speakers receive with the variable high- and low-pass filters. A 6 dB bass boost is available on channels 3 and 4. The KAC-8402 includes speaker-level inputs, for hook-up to your factory stereo. If you're adding multiple amps, you'll appreciate the preamp outputs that allow you to daisy-chain additional amps to this one.

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Highlights:

  • 4-channel car amplifier
  • 60 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (90 watts x 4 at 2 ohms)
  • 180 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
  • front channel high-pass filters (50-200 Hz at 12 dB per octave), rear channel high- and low-pass filters (50-200 Hz with 12 dB/octave high-pass and 18 dB/octave low pass)
  • bass boost (6 dB at 90 Hz), channels 3 and 4
  • MOSFET power supply
  • CEA-2006 compliant
  • Tri-way capable (Tri-Way crossover required)
  • preamp- and speaker-level inputs
  • preamp outputs
  • requires 8-gauge power and ground leads — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • fuse rating: 40A x 1
  • 15"W x 2-7/16"H x 11-5/16"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
Performance
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels)
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60 x 4
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels)
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180 x 4
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels)
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90 x 4
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels)
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180 x 2
Minimum Impedance Bridged
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4
Minimum Impedance Unbridged
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2
Best Frequency Response
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5-50kHz Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power
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1%
Signal to Noise Ratio
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100 dB
Input Voltage
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14.4v
Features
Amplifier Class
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AB
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency
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50-200 Hz
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave)
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18 dB
High-Pass Crossover Frequency
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50-200 Hz
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave)
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12 dB
Bass Boost
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6 dB
Bass Boost Frequency
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90 Hz
Fan Cooled
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No
Fuse Rating
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40 x 1
Speaker Level Inputs
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Harness
Preamp Outputs
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1 pair
Width (inches)
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15
Height (inches)
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2-7/16
Depth (inches)
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11-5/16
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Four-channel amplifier with 40-amp blade fuse inserted into the chassis
  • Allen wrench
  • Speaker level input harness
  • Rubber terminal cover
  • Four 3/4" Self-tapping screws
  • Instruction Manual (English/French/Spanish)
  • Warranty information
  • Note about rear side cover

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
Inputs and Outputs
Controls
Additional Specifications

Features

Multi Channel: The KAC-8402 is a 4-channel amplifier, essentially two stereo amplifiers (referred to as Amp A and Amp B) in one chassis.

Line Level Inputs: Amplifiers A and B 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. If you are using a receiver with only one pair of preamp outputs, a switch allows you to feed both Amp A and B with a single stereo input. When the amplifier switch is in the A input only position, the fader control on the radio will not allow fading between Amplifiers A and B.

Speaker Level Input: The KAC-8402 comes with a 4-channel speaker level input harness. Once you splice the front and rear speaker wires from the receiver to the harness, you have plug-in convenience to the amplifier. This feature makes it easier to add an amplifier to a factory radio or a receiver with no preamp outputs. The maximum power output from the source receiver can be no more than 40 watts.

Line Level Output: The amplifier has a line level output for feeding a full-range signal to another amplifier. The output is always stereo regardless of the position of the Operation (stereo/mono) switch.

Crossovers: The KAC-8402 has built-in crossovers for both the A and B sections. Amplifier A's crossover is high pass at 12 dB/octave and is continuously variable from 50Hz to 200Hz. Amplifier B's crossover can be set to high pass or low pass. The high pass option, like Amplifier A, is 12 dB/octave and is continuously variable from 50Hz to 200Hz. The low pass option is also continuously variable from 50Hz to 200Hz but has an 18 dB/octave slope.

Bass Boost: A fixed bass boost of 6dB at 90Hz can be engaged for Amplifier B only. There is no bass boost for Amplifier A.

Stereo/Mono Operation: You can independently switch Amplifier A and Amplifier B from Stereo to Mono operation. When switched to Mono, the signal from the left channel input only is used.

Protection circuitry: The amplifier features protection circuits that will shut the amp down in case of the following events:

  • 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

Inputs and Outputs

Front of the Amplifier

  • Fuse: 40 amp
  • BATT (Power): Screw terminal (0.55" wide)
  • GND (Ground): Screw terminal (0.55" wide)
  • P.CON (remote turn-on): Screw terminal (0.33" wide)
  • Speaker outputs: Screw terminals (0.33" wide)
  • GND: Phillips-head screw for RCA signal ground
  • Speaker-level input: Multi-pin input for use with included speaker level input harness
  • A and B line-in jacks: Two pair of RCA inputs
  • Line out jacks: One pair RCA outputs that provide a summed signal from the "A" and "B" sets of line inputs

Controls

Top of the Amplifier

  • Input Selector: A/A&B
  • Amp A Crossover: High Pass/Off
  • Amp A Operation Mode: Stereo/Mono
  • Amp A High Pass Frequency: 50-200 Hz
  • Amp A Input Sensitivity: 200 mV-5 V
  • Amp B Crossover: High Pass/Low Pass/Off
  • Amp B Operation Mode: Stereo/Mono
  • Bass Boost (Amp B only): On/Off
  • Amp B High Pass Frequency: 50-200 Hz
  • Amp B Low Pass Frequency: 50-200 Hz
  • Amp B Input Sensitivity: 200 mV-5 V

Additional Specifications

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.

Power: Using the CEA-2006 guidelines above, the power output of the KAC-8402 is 60 watts RMS x 4 channels.

Kenwood also lists the following specifications:

  • Rated power output at 2 ohms: 90 watts x 4 (1 kHz, 0.8% THD)
  • Rated power output at 4 ohms, bridged: 180 watts x 2 (1 kHz, 0.8% THD)
  • Input impedance: 10k ohms
  • Operating voltage: 14.4 V (11-16V allowable)
  • Current consumption: 40A
 

Product Reviews

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1-9 of 9 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
4 out of 5

Good amp

Written By Upgrade, Kona, HI on Friday, January 20, 2012
 
This amp replaced a sony 4 ch with similar power ratings. Sound quality is a tad better than the sony but it is much more stable and powerful at 2 ohms. I am running 2 Polk DB tweeters and 2 Pioneer 6x8's off amp A @ 2ohms stereo and 2 pioneer 5x7's off amp B @ 4 ohms and they are loud and clear.

I am running 8 gauge power and ground off a capacitor in tandem with an infinity mono amp and it does fine. For the guys with problems of it shutting off I would check your ohms and your voltage. Voltage drops create extra heat.

Pros:
Clarity and Power per Dollar
Cons:
A tad on the large size but manageable
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

the amp you should get

Written By Clint, Saint joseph, Mo on Tuesday, October 19, 2010
 
If you know how to put a system in then you won't have a problem. I ran two 15s with it and no it never cut out. My dad and i run kenwood amps and i think they are good amps.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great amp, great sound

Written By Seth, Huntington Station, NY on Sunday, December 17, 2006
 
I install car audio and security for a living, and I put this amp into my girlfriend's car today. I have 4 pioneer speakers running off the front channel (This amp will give 90 watts rms at 2 ohms). The rear channel is bridged to power a 10 inch MTX subwoofer. I have the radio set flat with the crossovers on the amp doing all the work, and it sounds great, stays cool, and gives me zero noise! Not to mention it looks nice.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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2 out of 5

Great sound when volume is moderate

Written By Angel, Los Angeles, CA on Wednesday, May 31, 2006
 
This is a great amp if you want to give your stock system more power with cleaner sound. I would not recommend it if like running your system LOUD!! It has horrible thermal protection and within 10 minutes of running it at over 70% power, it will automatically cut the volume and go into thermal protection mode. It is very annoying and embarrassing when you are trying to show off your system. Kenwood makes great head units/recievers, however I would never buy a Kenwood amp again. I returned the amp within 30 days and got my money back. I invested in a slghtly more expensive kicker 4 channel amp. Works great!!
10 out of 21 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Kenwood KAC-8402

Written By Kara, South Dakota on Monday, May 01, 2006
 
I have this powering 2 10 inch MB Quarts... The first amp I installed had some kind of manufacturing defect but Crutchfield had a new one at my house within the week. Definitely worth the money, and definitely pumps some sound.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great Highs Amp!!!

Written By Galant_Rider87, Quitman, Georgia on Tuesday, February 07, 2006
 
This amp is one of the best amps that i have ever had in my car audio system. This is one amp that really dishs out the power that my speakers really need. I'm running a set of Kenwood i605s in the door with a mounted tweeter, which is screaming like a new born baby. The amp is very is easy to tune and very simple to hook up like all amps should be. All in All this amp is worth all the money that i dished out for it.
P.S. will add additional speakers such as the i705(back dash)
8 out of 8 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

A Professional's Opinion

Written By Brian, Battle Creek, MI on Thursday, September 15, 2005
 
I used to install car audio for a living, and the first rule of car audio installation is to pick the right equipment for the right job. I purchased this amplifier to do what it was made to do, power full range speakers. When coupled to four Kicker 6 ½ inch speakers this amp produces excellent clean sound. Some may argue that 60 watts isn't much better than their aftermarket CD player. Consider the size and efficiency difference between your in dash amplifier and this piece of hardware, and it is easy to imagine how much cleaner and more powerful a signal you can get from a separate amp. Properly installed with a sufficiently robust power and ground wires this amp has never given me any overheat or protection problems even mounted at a 100 degree angle. Experience in the performance car audio/video world has taught me that protection and overheat issues are most often caused by installer error, not product malfunction. This product is Powerful, durable, and excellently suited for powering your full range speakers, and as always Crutchfield provides great customer service and fast delivery.
40 out of 43 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

Look for another amp

Written By Frank, Millersville PA on Monday, August 29, 2005
 
I would not recommend this amp to anyone. It lacks the basic heat sink/radiator to properly cool the unit. I had it installed on the back of my rear seat in my 04 mustang with the KDC X889 headunit and JL components and a 10in sub and EVERYDAY that i would turn up my volume, the amp would cut out and go into thermal protect mode. I would be embarassed when i would show off my system to my friends and the sound would cut out. There is absolutely no value for dollar on this amp. I upgraded to a different brand and i do not experience any of the embarassment that i had with this amp.
11 out of 43 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

AWESOME AMP!!!

Written By CodyHeiner, Houston, Texas on Wednesday, April 06, 2005
 
This amp is awesome!!! I have it hooked to 2 Rockford 6"x9"'s and 2 Rockford 4"'s. They are screaming thanks to this amp. I definitely would recommend this amp as a highs amp. I am definitely satisfied!!!
172 out of 226 people found this helpful
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1-9 of 9 items

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Accessories

Things you'll need

Amplifier Wiring Kits
You'll need an amp wiring kit to install your new amplifier, as wiring is not included.
StreetWires Power Station PSK08B
8-gauge amplifier wiring kit — blue power/silver ground
 
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
EFX 8-gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
Speaker Wire
Bring the music from your amp to your speakers.
StreetWires 14-gauge Ultra Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue/copper jacket — priced per foot
$0.75
In Stock
 
 
Stereo Patch Cables
Patch cables take the music from your stereo to the amplifier. Most amp wiring kits don't include them.
StreetWires Zero Noise 5 4-channel Patch Cables
Available in 3 different lengths (16.4 feet)
$59.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 5 Stereo Patch Cables
High-performance cables with superior noise rejection (16.4-foot)
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
EFX 17-foot RCA Patch Cable
$8.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 7 4-Channel Patch Cable
Available in different lengths (19.7 feet)
$89.99
Low Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 7 Stereo Patch Cables
Available in 5 different lengths (16.4 feet)
$54.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 7 4-Channel Patch Cable
Available in different lengths (16.4 feet)
$79.99
In Stock
 
 
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Accessories we recommend

Firewall Bushings
If you have to drill a hole in your vehicle's firewall for your power cable, you'll need a bushing to protect the wire.
StreetWires Firewall Bushing
Protect your 8-gauge cable against firewall damage
$9.99
In Stock
 
 

Extras

Capacitors
Helps protect your car's charging system and improves power handling. Required power and ground wires not included with cap.
Tsunami LITEWAVE Series PP912UM-CAP
1.2-farad canister-style capacitor with blue LCD meter
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami Litewave Series PP92UM-CAP
2-farad canister-style capacitor
$149.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami HCAP-40
40-farad amp-style hybrid capacitor
$499.99
In Stock
 
 
Installation Tools
The right tools will make the installation easier.
S&G Tool Aid 87650
Door Trim and Panel Removal Tool

Also available in:
Open Box: $6.99
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Skewdriver Pro SPK4042
Ratcheting straight and offset screwdriver set with 40 bits (Skewdriver Pro with ratchet handle, pictured)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors
Package contains crimp tool and over 150 pieces
$19.99
Out of Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge stranded wire
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
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Test Discs
Tune your system like a pro with Test CDs.
Autosound 2000 CD Set
$69.95
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc One
Low Frequency Test CD (Disc One)
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Four
Amplifier Optimizer Test CD
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Five
System Demonstration — Test CD
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Two
Image/Placement Test CD
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Three
System/Environmental Test CD
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
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Professional Installation
Have your new amplifier put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: Amp or Equalizer
Prepaid professional amplifier or EQ installation
 
 
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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Kenwood KAC-8402, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_113KAC8402/Kenwood-KAC-8402.html ).

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Kenwood KAC-8402