KENWOOD KAC959
Owner's Manual

Troubleshooting Guide
What might appear to be a malfunction in your unit may just be the result of slight misoperation or miswiring. Before calling service, first check the following table for possible problems.

PROBLEM
No sound. (No sound from one side.) (Blown fuse.)

POSSIBLE CAUSE
� Input (or output) cables are disconnected. � Protection circuit may be activated. � Volume is too high. � The speaker cord is shorted.

SOLUTION
� Connect the input (or output) cables. � Check connections by referring to "Power indicator". � Replace the fuse and use lower volume. � After check the speaker cord and fixing the cause of the short, replace the fuse. Adjust the control correctly referring to "Controls". � Connect them properly checking the + / - of the terminals and wires well. � Connect the speaker wire again so that it is not pinched by anything. � Set switches properly by referring to "System examples".

KAC-959
5-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The output level is too small (or too large). The sound quality is bad. (The sound is distorted.)

The input sensitivity adjusting control is not set to the correct position. � The speakers wire are connected with wrong + / polarity. � A speaker wire is pinched by a screw in the car body. � The switches may be set improperly.

Specifications
Specifications subject to change without notice. Audio Section
Max Power Output 5 Channel Mode ..........................................................................80 W � 4 (4 �) + 240 W � 1 (4 �) 4 Channel Mode.............................................80 W � 2 (4 �) + 240 W � 1 (4 �) + 240 W � 1 (4 �) 3 Channel Mode ........................................................................240 W � 2 (4 �) + 320 W � 1 (2 �) Rated Power Output (4 �) 5 Channel Mode ............................................................................................40 W � 4 + 120 W � 1 ..................... (20 Hz ~ 20 kHz, less than 0.08 % THD) + (20 Hz ~ 200 Hz, less than 0.08 % THD) 5 Channel Mode .....................................................40 W � 4 + 120 W � 1 (DIN45324, +B=14.4 V) 4 Channel Mode .......................................................................40 W � 2 + 120 W � 1 + 120 W � 1 ...............................(20 Hz ~ 20 kHz, 0.08 % THD) + (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) + (100 Hz, 0.08 % THD) 3 Channel Mode ......................120 W � 2 (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) + 120 W � 1 (100 Hz, 0.08 % THD) Rated Power Output (2 �) 5 Channel Mode ..........................60 W � 4 (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) + 150 W � 1 (100 Hz, 0.8 % THD) Frequency Response (+0, �3 dB) .................................................................................5 Hz ~ 50 kHz Signal to Noise Ratio................................................................................................................100 dB Sensitivity (MAX) ..................................................................................................0.2 V (rated output) Sensitivity (MIN) ...................................................................................................5.0 V (rated output) Input Impedance........................................................................................................................10 k� High Pass Filter Frequency (12 dB/oct.) (A,B channel)..................................................80 Hz, 150 Hz Low Pass Filter Frequency (18 dB/oct.) (SUB channel)....................................50 ~ 200 Hz (Variable) Infrasonic Filter Frequency (18 dB/oct.) (SUB channel)..............................................................15 Hz

Take the time to read through this instruction manual. Familiarity with installation and operation procedures will help you obtain the best performance from your new power amplifier.

For your records

General
Operating Voltage (11 ~ 16 V allowable)...................................................................................14.4 V Current Consumption (1 kHz, 10 % THD)....................................................................................48 A Dimensions (W � H � D).......................................290 � 56 � 320 mm (11-7/16 � 2-3/16 � 12-5/8 in.) Weight .......................................................................................................................5.2 kg (11.4 lbs)

Record the serial number, found on the back of the unit, in the spaces designated on the warranty card, and in the space provided below. Refer to the model and serial numbers whenever you call upon your KENWOOD dealer for information or service on the product. Model KAC-959 Serial number
© PRINTED IN USA B64-1980-00 (KM/EM)

Safety precautions
2WARNING

� Wiring

To prevent injury or fire, take the following precautions: � When extending the ignition, battery, or ground wires, make sure to use automotive-grade wires or other wires with a 5mm2 (AWG10) or more to prevent wire deterioration and damage to the wire coating. � To prevent a short circuit, never put or leave any metallic objects (such as coins or metal tools) inside the unit. � If the unit starts to emit smoke or strange smells, turn off the power immediately and consult your Kenwood dealer. � Do not touch the unit during use because the surface of the unit becomes hot and may cause burns if touched.
2CAUTION

To prevent damage to the machine, take the following precautions: � Be sure the unit is connected to a 12V DC power supply with a negative ground connection. � Do not open the top or bottom covers of the unit. � Do not install the unit in a spot exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat or humidity. Also avoid places with too much dust or the possibility of water splashing. � When replacing a fuse, only use a new one with the prescribed rating. Using a fuse with the wrong rating may cause your unit to malfunction. � To prevent a short circuit when replacing a fuse, first disconnect the wiring harness.
NOTE

� If a buzzing noise is heard from the speakers when the engine is running, connect a line noise filter (optional) to each of the battery wire. � Do not allow the wire to directly contact the edge of the iron plate by using Grommets. � Connect the ground wire to a metal part of the car chassis that acts as an electrical ground passing electricity to the battery�s negative terminal. Do not turn the power on if the ground wire is not connected. � Be sure to attach a protective fuse into the battery wire close to the battery. Use a protective fuse having a capacity that is about 10 A higher than the maximum current drawn by the amplifier. � Use vehicle-type (fire-resistant) power supply wiring wire for the battery wire and the ground wire. The current capacity of the power supply wiring wire should be about 10 A higher than that of the protective fuse capacity (which means about 20 A higher than the maximum current drawn by the amplifier). � When more than one power amplifier are going to be used, use a power supply wiring wire and protective fuse of greater current-handling capacity than the total maximum current drawn by each amplifier. Example: One Power Amplifier Is Used Maximum Current Drawn Protective Fuse Cross-sectional Area of Wiring Wire (AWG)
30 A 30 A

Installation procedure
1. Remove the ignition key and disconnect the negative - terminal of the battery to prevent short circuits. 2. Set the unit according to the intended usage. 3. Connect the input and output cables of the units. 4. Connect the speaker wires. 5. Connect the power wire, power control wire and grounding wire following this order. 6. Install the unit in the car. 7. Connect the negative - terminal of the battery.
2WARNING

� Power terminal (234)

Connect to their respective terminals the power supply wire, and ground wire, all of which pass through the associated terminal cover. Once the connections are complete, place the cover on the terminal section. External View Number of Items 1 4

� Accessories
Part name Terminal cover (Power terminal) Self-tapping screws (ø4 � 16 mm)

To prevent fire caused by a short in the wiring, connect a fusible link or breaker nearby the battery�s positive terminal.
2CAUTION

Installation
Since the power amplifier has no parts which require operation, it can be installed at a position away from the driver�s seat without any hindrances. As generally accepted positions for its installation, places such as inside the trunk, etc. can be considered.
2CAUTION

� Be sure to turn the power off before changing the setting of any switch. � If the fuse blows, check wires for shorts, then replace the fuse with one of the same rating. � Check that no unconnected cables or connectors are touching the car body. Do not remove caps from unconnected cables or connectors to prevent short circuits. � Connect the speaker wires to appropriate speaker connectors separately. Sharing the negative wire of the speaker or grounding speaker wires to the metal body of the car can cause this unit to fail. � After installation, check that the brake lamps, winkers, and wipers work properly.

� Do not install the unit under the carpet. Otherwise heat build-up occurs and the unit may be damaged. � Install this unit in a location which allows heat to easily dissipate. Once installed, do not place any object on top of the unit. � The surface temperature of the amplifier will become hot during use. Install the amplifier in a place where people, resins, and other substances that are sensitive to heat will not come into contact with it. � When making a hole under a seat, inside the trunk, or somewhere else in the vehicle, check that there is nothing hazardous on the opposite side such as a gasoline tank, brake pipe, or wiring harness, and be careful not to cause scratches or other damage. � Do not install near the dashboard, rear tray, or air bag safety parts. � The installation to the vehicle should securely fasten the unit to a place in which it will not obstruct driving. If the unit comes off due to a shock and hits a person or safety part, it may cause injury or an accident. � After installing the unit, check to make sure that electrical equipment such as the brake lamps, turn signal lamps and windshield wipers operate normally. Self-tapping screw (ø4 � 16 mm)

48 A 60 A � 1 [30 A � 2] 5 mm2 (AWG 10) or greater � 1

30 A

30 A

� Speaker level input terminals (7)
When the genuine-accessory car stereo power is turned ON/OFF, check that the power to this unit has followed suit. In some cases, the power control is not correctly operated by the genuine-accessory car stereo. If this is the case, connect the ACC or power control signal to the P.CON terminal.
2CAUTION

� If you experience problems during installation, consult your Kenwood dealer. � If the unit does not seem to be working right, consult your Kenwood dealer.

� Speaker Selection
� The rated input power of the speakers that are going to be connected should be greater than the maximum output power (in Watts) of the amplifier. Use of speakers having input power ratings that are less than the output power of the amplifier will cause smoke to be emitted as well as damage. � The impedance of the speakers that are going to be connected should be 2� or greater (for stereo connections), or 4� or greater (for bridged connections). When more than one set of speakers are going to be used, calculate the combined impedance of the speakers and then connect suitable speakers to the amplifier. 4� 4� 4� 4�

FCC WARNING
This equipment may generate or use radio frequency energy. Changes or modifications to this equipment may cause harmful interference unless the modifications are expressly approved in the instruction manual. The user could lose the authority to operate this equipment if an unauthorized change or modification is made.

� Cleaning the unit
If the front panel gets dirty, turn off the power and wipe the panel with a dry silicon cloth or soft cloth.
2CAUTION

Do not wipe the panel with a hard cloth or a cloth dampened by volatile solvents such as paint thinner and alcohol. They can scratch the surface of the panel and/or cause the indicator letters to peel off.

8�

2�

� The genuine-accessory car stereo shall have a maximum power output of no more than 40 W. � Do not connect the speaker output leads from a power amplifier (Optional) to the speaker level input terminals of this unit, for this may cause malfunction or damage. � Do not connect cables and leads to both RCA cable input jacks and the speaker level input terminals simultaneously, for this may cause malfunction or damage. � Connect the power control lead to a power supply which can be turned ON/OFF by the ignition key switch (ACC line). With this connection, shock noise may be generated when the power of the genuine-accessory car stereo is switched ON/OFF.

Installation board, etc. (thickness : 15 mm or more)