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Kenwood Excelon X502-1 X Series mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms

Item # 113X5021

Any basshead will tell you that big power is key to great sound, but sometimes you just don't have much space for a...

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Any basshead will tell you that big power is key to great sound, but sometimes you just don't have much space for a...

Item # 113X5021

Every order includes

  • Free lifetime tech support
  • 60-day price-drop protection
  • 60-day returns

About the Kenwood Excelon X502-1

Buck Pomerantz

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
  • MFR # X502-1
  • Item # 113X5021

What's in the box:

Kenwood Excelon X502-1 owner's manual

If you need assistance accessing this owner's manual, please give us a call.
  • 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)

More details on the Kenwood Excelon X502-1

Mark G.

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.

The Kenwood Excelon X502-1 replaces these items:


Adding...
Kenwood KAC-5001PS

Kenwood KAC-5001PS

Mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
  • 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
  • preamp inputs
  • Class-D design

Adding...
Kenwood Excelon X501-1

Kenwood Excelon X501-1

Mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
  • 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
  • Class-D design
  • preamp and speaker-level inputs

Loading accessories...

Customer Q&A

19 questions already asked

Q
Iâ??m looking for some subs for this amp more in specific 2 12s and kicker brand what would you recommend me?
mark  Jan 24, 2025
1 answer
A
Greetings Mark. Thank you for your question. For product recommendations, we would ask you call one of our advisors, but in this case you specified the Kicker brand, so here you go: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20650CWS12/Kicker-50CWCS124.html?tp=68897
thomas  Jan 24, 2025 (Staff)
Q
Im looking for something to power a pair of subs. The subs are each rated for 200 rms at 2 ohms. This amp seems to provide 500 rms at 2 ohms, giving 250 rms for each sub. Is this too much that it will damage the sub or is the rms close enough that it will work good?
connor  Aug 26, 2024
1 answer
A
It is not possible to wire two 2 ohm subs together so they present a 2 ohm load to an amp. But it is possible to wire them to present a 4 ohm load to an amp which means this amp would give each of your subs 150 watts RMS which is within the optimal power range for subs! This amp will work for you
jason  Aug 27, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Will this amp power a JL CP112-W0v3 subwoofer at its best possible power?
landon  Jun 18, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings Landon. Thank you for your question. The JL CP112-W0v3 is rated for 300 watts and is 4 ohms. This Kenwood will put out 300 watts at again 4 ohms.
thomas  Jun 18, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Can this amp run a single 8inch Skar VD D2 subwoofer?
carlos  Apr 23, 2024
1 answer
A
It can, Carlos. You will need to wire your single 8" SKAR subwoofer's dual 2-ohm coils in series to present a 4-ohm load at the amplifier terminals. The Kenwood Excelon X502-1 would provide 300-watts to the subwoofer which can handle 400-watts RMS when wired to 4-ohms. Since the Kenwood amplifier is not 2-ohm stable, a series wiring configuration at 4-ohms is the only way to configure the SKAR subwoofer for use with the Kenwood X502-1 amp. With 300-watts of power, your subwoofer should sound great!
bo  Apr 23, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Could this amp connect to a 4 ohm speaker svc to achieve a 2 ohm load ?
matthew  Apr 20, 2024
1 answer
A
Hey Matt, no it cannot. The voice coil on the speaker is what determines what the amp will be putting out and if the speaker in question is a 4-ohm single voice coil speaker, then the amp its connected to will produce power for a 4-ohm load which in this case will be 300w RMS. If you are trying to achieve 500w RMS at 4-ohms then you need something like this from Rockford Fosgate to put out that kind of power: https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rET1c402/p_575T750X1/Rockford-Fosgate-Power-T750X1bd.html?tp=115
red  Apr 20, 2024 (Staff)
Q
I have a X502 amp and 2 KFC-XW1000 in a dual sealed box with one terminal. I also have an Epicenter but only use it for Spanish music. Is it best to wire the subs in series or parallel?
adrian  Mar 05, 2024
1 answer
A
The Kenwood KFC-XW1000 subwoofers can handle 250-watts RMS and have a 4-ohm impedance, Adrian. Wiring in parallel would show a 2-ohm impedance at your Kenwood X502 amp and provide 500-watts RMS which is a perfect match to a pair of KFC-XW1000 subwoofers. For the best sound and performance, wiring in parallel is the way to go!
bo  Mar 05, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Will this amp power 2 Cerwin Vega V102DV2 1100W Max (400W RMS) 10" Vega Series Dual 2 ohm Car Subwoofers?
big bob  Nov 06, 2023
1 answer
A
This amplifier could power two of the V102DV2 fairly well. However, the subs could handle more power than this amplifier is designed to provide. For help with selecting the best amp for your project, please reach out to our advisors via online chat or phone at 1-800-324-9695.
zachary  Nov 06, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Will this amp be too much for one single 10" Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1000F?
curtis247365  Oct 19, 2023
1 answer
A
The X502-1 would be suitable for powering a single KFC-XW1000F (or a pair of KFC-XW1000F if you ever wanted to add a second sub to your system).
zachary  Oct 19, 2023 (Staff)
Q
will this amp run 2 10" kfc-xw1000f subs okay? power range 50-250 watts rms peak power 1000watts
kenny  Mar 09, 2023
1 answer
A
The X502-1 would do very nicely to power two KFC-XW1000F. The impedance and wattage ratings align perfectly.
zachary  Mar 10, 2023 (Staff)
Q
How do I reset or get it out of protection mode?
vic_0  Feb 06, 2023
1 answer
A
This amp's power light simply shuts off when in protect, Victor. I would suggest disconnecting any speaker wires from this amp, then confirming 12V battery, remote and ground connections with testing equipment. If those are confirmed and the speaker impedance has been checked and confirmed correct and the amp will not power on, there may be an internal issue and the amp will need to be replaced. We have them in stock right now if you need them, so no worries there!
bo  Feb 07, 2023 (Staff)
Q
can this amp run a sub at 1 ohm?
samuel h  Oct 21, 2022
1 answer
A
No. This amplifier is not 1-ohm stable and should not be presented with a 1-ohm load.
zachary  Oct 21, 2022 (Staff)
Q
What size in line fuse should be used for the power wire?
william  Aug 28, 2022
1 answer
A
This amplifier calls for a 60A fuse to go in line.
zachary  Aug 28, 2022 (Staff)
Q
I received my Kenwood X502-1 amp and seen where it actual has built in speaker level inputs. I also received the Audio Control LC2i I ordered to convert speaker level to RCA. Do I really need the LC2i?
william  May 23, 2022
1 answer
A
Using a Quality Line output converter, such as the LC2i will yield a cleaner, higher voltage, better signal to send to the amplifier. This, along with the AccuBass Technology, will yield much better sound quality. The built in speaker level inputs are a convenience solution, but that convenience comes at a cost.
thomas  May 26, 2022 (Staff)
Q
How would you wire a DVC 4 ohm subwoofer to this AMP?
jim  Jan 09, 2022
1 answer
A
As with most new cars, keeping the factory stereo is for warranty reasons the only option. Patching into the existing speakers and using the high level input option on this amp was super simple. I run a 12" Sony sub and it integrates it into my system flawlessly. Thinking about doubling my system.
william  Jan 09, 2022
Q
I just bought 2 12s from kenwoods, model number is KFC- W3041. They run at 300 RMS. Right now I also have a 400 watt kenwood amp that over heats to much it runs at 60 W rms x 2 x 4ohm and 150 W rms x 1 x 4ohm. Im looking for an amp that will power both of my 12s good enough to where im not over powering them, nor under powering them. Will this amp give me what I need to power my 12s? And will the amp stay cool?
triston  Apr 26, 2021
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  Apr 30, 2021 (Staff)
Q
I've been trying to trouble shoot this issue for about a week now to no avail. I have a 2017 subaru wrx without nav and without the HK sound system. I have this amp hooked up to two 8" subs (200 watt rms each) and they are wired in parallel. Each sub is a 4 ohm SVC so the impedance back to the amp is 2 ohm. I have a Metra AX-MLOC725 passive LOC to keep the stock head unit. When I turn the gain up more than 25% the amp shuts off. I have solid power and ground wire, but for some reason it keeps cutting out. Would the passive LOC be causing this? I'm running out of things to check
matt  Jul 14, 2020
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Jul 29, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Could this pair with a sound ordnance B-24?
aaron  May 18, 2020
2 answers
A
I can't see why it wouldn't. I paralleled 2 Kicker 8" to my son's. It works great.
william r  May 20, 2020
A
Absolutely, it's a solid amp at 1/2 to 3/4 gain.
cody  May 20, 2020
Q
Can 2 subwoofers be hooked up to this amp Kenwood Excelon X502-1 . Two 12 in Kewoods or two 10 in kebwood subs . If so how and what rms power wood the subs see?
greg  Jun 06, 2019
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question, Greg. Two subs can be connected to this amp by wiring the subs together. Depending on the impedance you are able to reach by wiring the subs together, determine the amount of power that will be delivered to your subs. Contact our Advisor Team for further info, or to find a solution that will work best for you. You can chat with us online, or reach us by phone at 1-800-324-9695.
jessica  Jun 20, 2019 (Staff)
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