About the Kenwood Excelon X502-1

Big bass out of this tiny amp
Big bass out of this tiny amp
Any basshead will tell you that big power is key to great sound, but sometimes you just don't have much space for a big amp. Kenwood's Excelon X502-1 mono subwoofer amplifier can send up to 500 watts RMS to your subwoofer, and it'll fit almost anywhere in your vehicle. A precise low-pass filter lets you optimize the sound for your sub, while the built-in bass boost lets you dial in just the right amount of thump. The subsonic filter removes ultra-low bass so that your amp and subs can operate more efficiently. An optional wired remote control lets you control your sub's level from the front seat.
Convenient technology
Class D technology ensures that this compact amp will run cool and perform reliably. Kenwood divided the amp's internal circuitry — analog, digital, and power supply — onto separate, non-overlapping circuit boards for improved overall sound quality. The X502-1 accepts input signals via RCA cables from an aftermarket receiver or by way of your vehicle's speaker wiring, so it'll work with almost any mobile audio system. If you do use the speaker-level inputs, the amp can sense the signal and turn itself on, so you won't need to run a separate remote turn-on lead to the receiver or fuse box.
Product highlights:
- mono subwoofer amplifier
- 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms)
- CTA-2006 compliant
- Class-D amplifier design
- variable low-pass filter (50-200 Hz at 24 dB/octave)
- bass boost (0-18 dB at 40 Hz)
- subsonic filter (25 Hz at 24 dB per octave)
More Info:
- optional KCA-RC01A wired remote level control available
- preamp and speaker-level inputs
- wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
- 8-gauge power and ground leads recommended
- fuse rating: 30A x 2
- 8-7/16"W x 2-1/8"H x 5-15/16"D
- warranty: 2 years
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
- MFR # X502-1
What's in the box:
Kenwood Excelon X502-1 owner's manual
- Mono subwoofer amplifier
- Two 30-amp ATC fuses (installed)
- Terminal cover (installed)
- 8" Speaker level input harness
- Four 5/8" Screws
- Instruction manual (English/ French/ Spanish)
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More details on the Kenwood Excelon X502-1

Features & specs
Performance | ||
---|---|---|
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) |
300 x 1 | |
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) | 1000 x 1 | |
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) | 500 x 1 | |
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) | N/A | |
Minimum Impedance Bridged | N/A | |
Minimum Impedance Unbridged | 2 | |
Minimum Impedance | 2 | |
Best Frequency Response | 20-200 Hz | |
THD at Rated RMS Power | 1% | |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 85 dB | |
Input Voltage | 14.4v | |
Features | ||
Amplifier Class | D | |
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency | 50-200 Hz | |
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave) | 24 dB/octave | |
High-Pass Crossover Frequency | N/A | |
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave) | N/A | |
Bass Boost | 0-18 dB | |
Bass Boost Frequency | 40 Hz | |
Fan Cooled | No | |
Fuse Rating | 60 | |
Speaker Level Inputs | Yes | |
Preamp Outputs | No | |
Width (inches) | 8-7/16 | |
Height (inches) | 2-1/8 | |
Depth (inches) | 5-15/16 | |
Parts Warranty | 2 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 2 Years |
Product Research
Features
CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for measuring an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring amplifier power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (for full range amplifiers), with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4 ohms. CEA-2006 standards allow consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers under the same conditions (apples to apples).
CEA-2006 Specifications:
- Power Output: 300 watts RMS x 1 into 4Ω
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 85 dBA (measured at 1 watt into 4Ω)
Other Specifications: (not using the CEA 2006 criteria)
- Power Output: 500 watts RMS x 1 into 2Ω (at 100 Hz, 14.4 volts, ≤1.0% THD)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 100 dB (at rated power output)
Mono-Power Amp Design: The Kenwood X502-1 is designed with specific features to power your subwoofer with a frequency range between 20 and 200 Hz. This amplifier is not designed to power a full-range speaker.
Class D Amplifier Design: The amplifier design is Class D, which uses digital switching power supplies. The result is the amplifier runs more efficiently, generating less heat than Class AB amps. The Class D design also allows the amplifier to be built on a small chassis, and installed where space is limited.
Signal Sensing: The amplifier has a signal-sensing turn-on circuit on the speaker level input. When a signal (up to 50 watts) is detected on the speaker level inputs, the amplifier will automatically power on. When the signal is no longer detected, the amp will turn off. This allows you to install the amplifier without a remote turn-on lead if the speaker level input is used.
Controls:
- Input Sensitivity: The Input Sensitivity controls let you match the amplifier input to the preamp output level of the source unit. The rotary controls let you adjust the sensitivity between 200mV (0.2V) and 5V, with markings at 0.2V, 0.3V, 0.5V, 1V, 2V, 3V, 4V, and 5V.
- Low-Pass Filter: The built-in 24 dB/octave low-pass filter is always engaged (it cannot be bypassed). The crossover slope is 24dB/octave and the crossover point is continuously variable from 50Hz to 200Hz, with markings at 50Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, and 200Hz.
- Bass Boost: The Bass Boost increases the bass output, centered at 40Hz. The rotary control lets you adjust the boost between 0dB and 18 dB, with markings at 0dB, 1dB, 3dB, 5dB, 8dB, 12dB, and 18dB.
- Infrasonic Filter: The infrasonic filter can be turned on or off, as desired. The filter slope is -24dB/octave at 25Hz.
Connections:
- Line In: The line level RCA inputs will accept a signal between 200mV and 5V.
- Power/Ground/Remote Turn-on: The amplifier has screw terminals for the power, ground, and remote turn-on, and will accommodate spade connectors. The power and ground terminals are 0.55" wide and the remote turn-on terminal is 0.34" wide.
- Speaker Output: One pair of screw terminals is provided for connecting the subwoofer. The terminals are 0.34" wide, and accommodate spade connectors. The amplifier is designed for a 4Ω load, but can can handle a 2Ω load.
- Speaker Level Input: When an RCA line level signal is not available, use the included 8" speaker level input harness.
- Fuses: Two 30-amp ATC fuses are installed in the amplifier. With the 60-amp fuse rating, an 8-gauge amplifier wiring kit is recommended with a 60-amp (minimum) fuse installed within 18" of the battery.
- Remote: The RJ-14 connection is for the optional KCA-RC01A wired remote control (item number 113RC01A, sold separately), allowing output level adjustment from the front of your vehicle.
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Small amp that packs a punch. Upgraded from an old, cheapo amp and wish I should've done sooner. Surprisingly small and fits well under the passenger seat for a sleek install.
Brian from Hilo, HI