Kenwood A 601 Manual

The Kenwood A 601 is a high-performance stereo amplifier featuring 80 watts per channel, MM/MC phono input, multiple audio inputs, tone controls, loudness compensation, and speaker A/B switching. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Power amplifier section, preamplifier controls, input selector, speaker switching, and protection circuitry.

Feature	Description
Power Output	80W + 80W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz)
Phono Input	MM/MC compatible with ground terminal
Input Selector	Phono, CD, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2
Tone Controls	Bass and treble adjustment ±10dB
Loudness Control	Compensates for low volume listening
Speaker Selector	A/B speaker switching
Headphone Jack	Standard 6.3mm stereo jack
Power Switch	Main power on/off with indicator
Volume Control	Motorized potentiometer
Protection Circuit	Overload and thermal protection

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.

1. Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to A or B terminals, observing polarity.
2. Connect audio sources: Use appropriate cables for phono, CD player, tuner, etc.
3. Connect turntable: Use phono input with ground wire for proper operation.
4. Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block ventilation slots. Use correct speaker impedance.

First-Time Setup

Power on amplifier; verify all connections are secure.

1. Select input source: Turn INPUT SELECTOR to desired source (Phono, CD, etc.).
2. Adjust volume: Start with volume at minimum, gradually increase to desired level.
3. Set tone controls: Begin with flat response (12 o'clock position).
4. Select speakers: Choose A, B, or A+B speaker outputs.

CAUTION! Always turn volume to minimum before powering on or changing sources.

Specifications

• Power Output: 80W + 80W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.008% (8 ohms, 1kHz)
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz (+0, -3dB)
• Input Sensitivity: Phono MM: 2.5mV, Phono MC: 0.15mV, Line: 150mV
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Phono MM: 86dB, Line: 100dB
• Tone Control: Bass: ±10dB at 100Hz, Treble: ±10dB at 10kHz
• Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 350W
• Dimensions: 440mm W × 150mm H × 390mm D
• Weight: 12.5 kg

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Power switch, input selector, volume, balance, tone controls, loudness, speaker selector.

Rear Panel: AC power input, phono input, line inputs, tape loops, speaker terminals.

Input Selection: Phono, CD, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2. Tone Controls: Bass and treble adjustment with defeat switch. Loudness: Compensates for Fletcher-Munson curves at low volumes. Balance: Adjusts left/right channel balance. Speaker Selector: A, B, A+B, or off.

Connecting Devices

Multiple input options for various audio sources.

1. Turntable: Connect to PHONO input with ground wire.
2. CD Player: Use CD input with RCA cables.
3. Tuner: Connect to TUNER input.
4. Tape Deck: Use TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 inputs/outputs.
5. Speakers: Connect to A and/or B terminals observing polarity.

Tip: Use high-quality cables and keep signal cables away from power cords.

Operation Guide

Basic operation procedures for optimal performance.

1. Power on: Switch power button; wait for protection circuit to disengage.
2. Source selection: Rotate INPUT SELECTOR to desired source.
3. Volume adjustment: Start low, increase gradually to desired level.
4. Tone adjustment: Use BASS and TREBLE controls to suit listening preferences.
5. Loudness: Engage for low-volume listening to restore bass response.
6. Speaker selection: Choose A, B, or both speaker sets.

WARNING! Do not operate with covers removed. Avoid excessive volume levels.

Special Functions

Loudness Compensation: Enhances bass and treble at low volumes. Tone Defeat: Bypasses tone controls for pure signal path. Tape Monitoring: Allows recording and playback monitoring. Phono Stage: High-quality MM/MC phono preamplifier.

Care & Maintenance

Keep unit clean and dust-free. Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Ensure adequate ventilation around unit.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols. Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. All trademarks property of their respective owners. For technical support, contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Protection mode/connections	Check speaker connections; ensure protection circuit has reset; verify input selection.
Distorted sound	Overload/incorrect settings	Reduce volume; check source material; verify tone control settings.
Hum or noise	Grounding/cable issues	Check ground connections; ensure phono ground wire connected; separate signal and power cables.
One channel silent	Balance/cable issues	Check balance control; verify RCA cables fully inserted; test with different source.
Unit runs hot	Ventilation/load	Ensure adequate ventilation; check speaker impedance; reduce volume if driving low impedance loads.

Reset: Power cycle unit if protection circuit engages.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.