Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and 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 over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, when applicable. 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. Using CEA-2006 criteria, the Kenwood KAC-M8005 is rated at 50 Watts RMS x 4 channels + 300 watts RMS x 1, with an 80 dBA signal-to-noise ratio.

Specifications: The manual also lists these non CEA-2006 compliant specifications:

• Stereo (2Ω) + Sub Power: 75 watts x 4 channel (into 2Ω, at 1 kHz, no more than 1.0% THD) + 500 watts x 1 (into 2Ω, at 100 Hz, 0.5% THD)
• Bridged (4Ω) + Sub Power: 150 x 2 (1 kHz, 1% THD) + 300 watts x 1 (20-200Hz, 0.5% THD)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 50kHz (+0, -3dB); 20Hz - 200Hz (Sub)(+0, -3dB)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 100 dB (at rated power)

Marine: The Kenwood Marine amplifiers have stainless terminals and a conformal coating designed to protect the amp from the harsh marine environment. In addition, the amp comes with rubber covers for the controls and the input terminals. Still, the amplifier should not be installed in direct sunlight, overly hot or dusty places, or locations where there is a possibility of water splashing.

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. When a signal is detected on the inputs, the amplifier will automatically power on. When the signal is no longer detected, the amp will shut off. This allows you to install the amplifier without a remote turn-on lead.

Controls: The KAC-M8005 features independent controls for the front channels (A), rear channels (B), and Sub. The following controls can be found on the end of the amp:

• Input Sensitivity: The Input Sensitivity controls let you match the amplifier 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. (The input will also accept a speaker-level input signal between 4V and 12V.)
• Selectable Crossovers: The amp has 2-way switches to let you configure the front and rear channel pairs to high-pass or full range (crossover off). The rotary controls adjust the crossover frequency between 50Hz and 200Hz, with a slope of 12dB per octave. The Sub Channel has a non-defeatable low-pass crossover, variable from 50Hz to 200Hz, with a 24dB per octave slope.
• Bass Boost: The Bass Boost increases the bass signal of the Sub channel, centered at 40Hz. The rotary control lets you adjust the boost between 0dB and 18 dB.
• Input Selector: The Input Selector switch lets you set the input for the sub channel. You can choose "SUB" if there is a dedicated input for the sub channel, or "A/B" if there is no input for the sub channel. In this case, the sub channel will be fed the signal from the rear channels.

Connections:

• Line In: The KAC-M8005 has three pairs of RCA inputs for connecting the amp to the source unit via RCA cables. The amp will accept a low-level signal between 200mV and 5V. It will also accept a speaker level input between 4V and 12V. For a speaker level input, the source unit's speaker wires will need to be spliced onto RCA plugs, or use a third-party speaker-to-RCA adapter.
• Power/Ground/Remote Turn-on: The amplifier has screw-down terminals for the power, ground, and remote turn-on, and will accommodate spade connectors. The power and ground terminals are 0.55" wide, while the remote turn-on terminal is 0.33" wide.
• Speaker Output: Five pairs of screw terminals are provided for connecting the speakers. The terminals are 0.33" wide, and accommodate spade connectors. The amplifier is designed for a 4Ω load on the A and B channels, but can can handle a load impedance of 2Ω to 8Ω. The A and B channels can be bridged to a 4Ω-8Ω load. The Sub channel is designed for a 2Ω load or higher.
• Fuses: Three 30A ATO fuses are installed in the amplifier. With the 90A fuse rating, a 4-gauge amplifier wiring kit is recommended with a 90A fuse installed within 18" of the battery.