Kenwood 8120 Manual

The Kenwood 8120 is a high-performance car stereo system featuring AM/FM radio, CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, USB connectivity, auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, 4x50W amplifier, detachable front panel, and customizable audio settings. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable front panel, Remote Control, USB port, AUX input, Bluetooth antenna, Speaker outputs.

Feature	Description
USB port	For USB flash drives and device charging
AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
CD player	Plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA formats
AM/FM tuner	30 station presets (18FM/12AM)
Power output	4x50W maximum power
Detachable front panel	Security feature to prevent theft
LCD display	Multi-color illumination with adjustable settings
Audio controls	Bass, treble, balance, fader, loudness
Remote control	Full function remote included

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is turned off during installation.

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
2. Remove existing stereo using appropriate removal tools.
3. Connect wiring harness following color-coded wiring diagram.
4. Connect antenna cable and any additional cables (USB, AUX).
5. Secure unit in dashboard and test all functions.
6. Reconnect battery terminal.

WARNING! Incorrect installation may damage vehicle electrical system. Use proper fuse protection.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to set time.
2. Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
3. Adjust audio settings: Use AUDIO button to access bass, treble, balance controls.
4. Pair Bluetooth devices: Enter pairing mode from SOURCE menu.
5. Set display preferences: Adjust illumination and dimmer settings.

CAUTION! Do not operate controls while driving. Park vehicle for setup.

Specifications

• Power Output: 4x50W maximum (4x22W RMS)
• Tuner: AM/FM with 30 presets
• CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
• USB: Supports MP3, WMA playback from USB devices
• Bluetooth: Version 2.1+EDR, A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise: >80dB
• Power Supply: 12V DC negative ground
• Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, AUDIO button, BAND button, Number buttons, EJECT button.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, TRACK UP/DOWN, PRESET UP/DOWN, NUMBER buttons.

Audio Settings: Bass (-10 to +10), Treble (-10 to +10), Balance (L9 to R9), Fader (F9 to R9), Loudness (On/Off). Display: Illumination color (Red/Green/Blue/Amber), Dimmer, Display mode. Bluetooth: Pairing, Phonebook access, Call history.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect flash drives or charging cables. AUX: 3.5mm cable from external devices. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for phones and audio players.

1. Ensure unit is powered on but vehicle engine is off.
2. Connect USB device directly to USB port.
3. For AUX input, use 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.
4. Select appropriate source using SOURCE button.

Tip: Format USB devices to FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth audio sources.

1. CD Playback: Insert CD, press PLAY; use TRACK buttons for navigation.
2. USB Playback: Connect USB device, select USB source, browse folders.
3. AUX Playback: Connect device, select AUX source, control playback from device.
4. Random/Repeat: Press RPT or RDM for repeat and random modes.
5. Fast Forward/Rewind: Press and hold TRACK buttons during playback.
6. Folder Navigation: Use number buttons or tuning knob to navigate USB folders.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or cracked CDs. Keep liquids away from unit.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling and audio streaming capability.

1. Pairing: Enter Bluetooth menu, select "Pairing", search from mobile device.
2. Phonebook: Sync contacts for voice-dialing capability.
3. Call Management: Answer/end calls with remote control buttons.
4. Audio Streaming: Stream music from compatible Bluetooth devices.

Supported profiles: A2DP (audio), AVRCP (remote control), HFP (hands-free).

Care & Maintenance

Regular cleaning maintains performance and appearance.

1. Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning front panel and display.
2. For stubborn stains, use cloth slightly dampened with water.
3. Clean CD lens periodically with CD lens cleaner.
4. Remove front panel when parking in unsafe areas.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners or abrasives. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For technical support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Fuse/wiring	Check vehicle fuse; verify wiring connections; ensure ground connection.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check volume; verify speaker connections; check mute function.
CD not playing	Disc/unit	Check disc format; clean disc; ensure proper insertion.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/distance	Delete old pairing; ensure within range; restart both devices.
USB not recognized	Format/power	Reformat to FAT32; try different USB device; check power supply.

Reset: Press reset button on front panel with small pin.

Service: 1-800-536-9663; www.kenwood.com