Kenwood Excelon XR901-5

Features

CTA-2006 Compliant: CTA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement methods 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 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 plus noise (THD+N), 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. CTA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers on an equal basis. Using CTA-2006 criteria, the Kenwood XR901-5 is rated at 60 watts RMS x 4 plus 400 watts RMS x 1 (subwoofer) with a 78 dBA signal to noise ratio.

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

• Power:
  • Full Range: 75 watts x 4 channels (into 2Ω at 1 kHz, with no more than 1% THD, 14.4 volts)
  • Subwoofer: 600 watts x 1 channel (into 2Ω at 100 Hz, with no more than 1% THD, 14.4 volts)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 100 dB (at rated power)

Class D Amplifier Design: The amplifier design is Class D, which uses digital switching power supplies. The result is much higher efficiency (less heat generated) than Class AB.

High-Resolution Audio Compatible: The XR901-5 is compatible with Hi-Res Audio sources which are capable of reproducing frequencies up to 40kHz. Special capacitors and inductors in the amp's LC filter help to reduce noise and distortion to enhance the sound quality. High resolution audio, with sampling frequencies up to 192khz/24-bit, exceeds CD standards (44.1kHz/16-bit), allowing you to hear much more detail and richness in the music.

5-Channel Design: The XR901-5 is made up of three sections, two full range stereo amps (labeled A and B, typically used to power front and rear speakers) and a subwoofer amp (1-channel). The front and rear amps are independently bridgeable, meaning the XR901-5 can be used as a 5-channel, 4-channel, or 3-channel amp. The minimum impedance for each section is 2Ω, 4Ω when bridged.

Crossovers: The front, rear, and subwoofer amplifier sections have independent crossover controls. The front and rear crossovers can be set to high-pass or turned off (full range). The subwoofer crossover is low-pass only and cannot be bypassed. The crossover point for each is continuously variable from 50 to 200 Hz. The high-pass crossover slope is 12dB per octave and the low-pass crossover slope is 24dB per octave.

Bass Boost: The bass boost circuit for the subwoofer section is centered at 40 Hz; boost is variable from 0 to +18 dB.

Aluminum Heat Sink: The aluminum heat sink increases the amplifier's heat dissipation efficiency, increasing the life of the amplifier.

S/N Ratio: A specialized feedback circuit in the amplifier has reduced the noise level by up to 40%, enhancing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio to 100dB at rated power. The internal circuitry is divided into three sections: analog, digital, and power supply sections. Separating these circuits greatly reduces interference between them, thus, noise is decreased and performance and sound quality are increased.

Wired Remote Control: The XR901-5 includes a wired remote control with a 20-foot cable that allows you to adjust the volume of the subwoofer from the cabin of the vehicle.

Controls:

• Input Sensitivity: 0.2V-5V; front, rear, and sub independently adjustable
• Crossover: the front, rear, and subwoofer channels have independent controls for these crossover functions:
  • Mode: the front and rear crossovers can be set to high-pass or off (full range); the low pass filter in the sub channel is non-defeatable.
  • Frequency: each section is continuously variable; 50-200 Hz
• Bass Boost: 0-18 dB; continuously variable (subwoofer section only)
• Input Selector: 2-way switch: when there is a connection to the SUB input, select "SUB". when there is no connection to the SUB input, select "AB" and the SUB output signal is created from the AB channels' inputs.

Inputs and Outputs:

• Signal Input: three pairs of RCA preamp inputs; front, rear, and subwoofer (labeled A, B, and Sub)
• Power: set screw terminal; accommodates bare wire up to 4-gauge
• Ground: set screw terminal; accommodates bare wire up to 4-gauge
• Remote Turn-on: set screw terminal; accommodates bare wire up to 10-gauge
• Speaker Output: five pairs of set screw terminals (left and right A channels, left and right B channels, and sub); accommodate bare wire up to 10-gauge
• Fuses: three 40 amp ATO fuses
• Remote Control: RJ-14 modular jack for connecting the supplied wired remote control

Note: The Power, Ground, Remote Turn-on, and Speaker Output terminals are hidden under a removable panel. The supplied 2.5mm and 4mm Allen wrenches are needed to remove the panel and tighten/loosen the set screws.