Kenwood Amplifier A 5J Manual

The Kenwood Amplifier A 5J is a high-performance stereo amplifier featuring 100W per channel output, MM/MC phono input, multiple line inputs, tone controls, loudness contour, speaker A/B switching, and headphone output. Designed for audiophile-grade sound reproduction with low distortion and wide frequency response. 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. Operation Guide 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Power amplifier section, preamplifier with phono stage, input selector, tone controls, speaker selector, and remote control capability.

Feature	Description
Power Output	100W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz)
Phono Input	MM/MC cartridge compatibility with adjustable loading
Input Selector	Phono, CD, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2
Tone Controls	Bass ±10dB, Treble ±10dB
Loudness Contour	Compensates for low-volume listening
Speaker Selector	A/B/A+B speaker outputs
Headphone Output	Standard 6.3mm jack for private listening
Remote Control	Volume and input selection (optional)
Power Consumption	280W maximum
Dimensions	434mm W × 150mm H × 380mm D

Installation

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

Connect speakers: Use high-quality speaker cable to A/B terminals, observing polarity.
Connect audio sources: Use appropriate cables for phono, CD player, tuner, etc.
Connect power cord: Plug into AC outlet after all other connections are made.
Ensure proper ventilation: Leave minimum 10cm clearance on all sides.

WARNING! Ensure proper grounding. Do not place near heat sources or in humid environments.

First-Time Setup

Power on amplifier; allow 30 seconds for stabilization.

Set input selector: Rotate to desired source (Phono, CD, etc.).
Adjust volume: Start from minimum position, gradually increase.
Select speakers: Choose A, B, or A+B using speaker selector.
Phono setup: Set impedance and capacitance matching your cartridge.
Tone controls: Set to flat position (center detent) for initial listening.

CAUTION! Always turn volume to minimum before powering on/off to prevent speaker damage.

Specifications

Power Output: 100W + 100W (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD)
Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz (+0/-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08% (rated power)
Input Sensitivity: Phono MM: 2.5mV, Phono MC: 0.2mV, Line: 150mV
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Phono: 76dB, Line: 100dB
Tone Control Range: Bass ±10dB at 100Hz, Treble ±10dB at 10kHz
Power Requirements: AC 120V/230V, 50/60Hz
Weight: 12.5kg
Operating Temperature: 5°C to 35°C

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Power switch, Volume knob, Input selector, Tone controls, Loudness switch, Speaker selector, Headphone jack.

Rear Panel: AC inlet, Phono inputs, Line inputs, Speaker terminals, Pre-out/Main-in jacks.

Input Selection: Phono, CD, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2. Tone Controls: Bass and Treble with center detent. Loudness: Compensates Fletcher-Munson curves. Speaker Selection: A, B, or A+B outputs. Phono Settings: MM/MC selector, impedance matching.

Connecting Devices

Phono: Use grounded cables, connect to Phono input. Line Sources: CD, Tuner, Aux to respective inputs. Tape Decks: Connect to Tape 1/Tape 2 with record/playback loops.

Turn off amplifier before making connections.
Use high-quality interconnects for best performance.
Ensure proper grounding for phono connections.
Match cable types to source outputs (RCA to RCA).

Tip: Keep signal cables away from power cords to minimize hum.

Operation Guide

Daily operation procedures for optimal performance.

Power sequence: Turn on sources first, then amplifier.
Volume control: Start low, increase gradually to desired level.
Input selection: Match selector to connected source.
Tone adjustment: Use sparingly; flat position for most accurate sound.
Loudness: Engage for low-volume listening.
Speaker selection: Choose appropriate speaker set.
Headphone use: Automatically mutes speaker outputs.
Shutdown: Turn volume to minimum, then power off amplifier.

WARNING! Never operate without proper load (speakers connected). Avoid shorting speaker terminals.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long-term reliability.

Cleaning: Use dry, soft cloth only for exterior.
Ventilation: Keep vents clear of dust and obstructions.
Connections: Periodically check for tightness and corrosion.
Storage: Cover when not in use for extended periods.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE marked for European safety standards. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. All trademarks property of their respective owners. For technical support, contact authorized Kenwood service centers or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Volume minimum/speaker selector	Increase volume; check speaker selection; verify connections
Hum or noise	Grounding/cable issues	Check phono ground; separate signal/power cables; verify connections
Distorted sound	Overload/speaker impedance	Reduce volume; check speaker impedance matching
One channel silent	Cable/connection issue	Check interconnects; swap L/R inputs to isolate problem
Protection circuit active	Short circuit/overheating	Check speaker wires for shorts; allow cooling; reset power

Reset: Power cycle amplifier. If issues persist, consult service center.

Service: Authorized Kenwood service centers only. Do not attempt internal repairs.