Kenwood A97 User Manual

The Kenwood A97 is a high-performance stereo receiver featuring advanced audio processing, multiple input/output options, digital connectivity, and premium sound quality. With 100W per channel output, built-in phono preamp, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM tuner, tone controls, and multiple audio inputs, the A97 delivers exceptional audio performance for home entertainment systems. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Audio Sources 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-power amplifier section, Digital signal processing, Remote Control, Multiple audio inputs, Phono input, Bluetooth receiver, AM/FM tuner, Speaker outputs.

Feature	Description
Power Output	100W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz)
Phono Input	MM cartridge compatible with ground terminal
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming with aptX support
Digital Inputs	Optical and coaxial digital inputs
Analog Inputs	CD, AUX, TUNER, PHONO, TAPE
Tone Controls	Bass, Treble, Balance adjustments
Speaker Outputs	A/B speaker selection with protection circuit
Headphone Jack	6.3mm stereo headphone output
Remote Control	Full-function infrared remote included
Display	Fluorescent display with source and volume info

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, well-ventilated surface.

Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to A/B speaker terminals, observing polarity.
Connect audio sources: Use appropriate cables for CD player, turntable, tuner, etc.
Connect digital sources: Use optical or coaxial cables for digital audio devices.
Plug into AC power outlet.
Pair Bluetooth devices: Enable pairing mode and connect compatible devices.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block ventilation openings. Use correct speaker impedance (6-16 ohms).

First-Time Setup

Power on receiver; initialize system settings.

Speaker setup: Select A/B speakers using front panel buttons or remote.
Source selection: Choose input source (CD, PHONO, TUNER, etc.).
Tuner setup: Auto-scan for FM/AM stations and store presets.
Bluetooth pairing: Put receiver in pairing mode and connect your device.
Audio adjustments: Set bass, treble, balance to preference.

CAUTION! Keep away from heat sources and moisture. Ensure stable power supply.

Specifications

Power Output: 100W + 100W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD)
Frequency Response: 10Hz-100kHz (+1/-3dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 106dB (line inputs)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08% (rated power)
Input Sensitivity: PHONO: 2.5mV, LINE: 200mV
Bluetooth: Version 4.2, profiles A2DP, AVRCP, codec aptX
Tuner Section: FM/AM with 30 station presets
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 350W max
Dimensions: 17-1/8" W × 6-1/4" H × 15-3/4" D
Weight: 22.5 lbs

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE SELECT, TONE controls, SPEAKER A/B, HEADPHONE, TUNER PRESETS.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE SELECT, TUNER PRESETS, TONE controls, DISPLAY.

Source Selection: CD, PHONO, TUNER, AUX, TAPE, BLUETOOTH. Tone Controls: BASS (±10dB), TREBLE (±10dB), BALANCE (L/R). Tuner: AUTO SCAN, MANUAL TUNING, PRESET MEMORY. Display: Source indicator, volume level, tuner frequency.

Connecting Devices

Analog Audio: RCA cables for CD, AUX, TAPE. Phono: Special ground wire for turntable. Digital: Optical/coaxial for digital sources. Speakers: Banana plugs or bare wire.

Turn off receiver before making connections.
Match cable colors (red/white for audio, red/black for speakers).
Ensure secure connections and proper grounding for phono input.
Select appropriate source input for connected device.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance. Keep signal cables away from power cords.

Audio Sources

Supports multiple audio sources including analog, digital, and wireless.

Analog Sources: Connect CD player, turntable, cassette deck to respective inputs.
Digital Sources: Connect digital audio devices to optical/coaxial inputs.
Bluetooth: Pair compatible devices for wireless audio streaming.
Tuner: Store FM/AM stations as presets for quick access.
Phono: Connect turntable with ground wire for vinyl playback.

WARNING! Do not connect phono-level devices to line-level inputs. Use proper grounding for turntable.

Advanced Features

Direct Mode: Bypasses tone controls for pure audio signal. Speaker A/B Selection: Drive two sets of speakers independently or simultaneously. Headphone Output: Private listening with automatic speaker muting. Protection Circuit: Automatic shutdown for overload, short circuit, or overheating.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Clean controls with contact cleaner if necessary. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE marked for European compliance. RoHS compliant. Copyright © 2023 Kenwood Corporation. Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord/outlet	Check power connection; ensure outlet is working; check fuse.
No sound	Speaker connections/mute	Verify speaker wires; check mute function; ensure source selected.
Distorted sound	Overload/speakers	Reduce volume; check speaker impedance; verify source quality.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Ensure pairing mode; move devices closer; check interference.
Tuner no reception	Antenna/position	Check antenna connection; reposition antenna; rescan stations.
Protection mode	Overload/short circuit	Turn off, check speaker wires for shorts, wait 5 minutes, restart.

Reset: Disconnect power for 5 minutes to reset protection circuit.

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