Kenwood Excelon KAC X401M Manual

The Kenwood Excelon KAC X401M is a high-performance 4-channel car amplifier designed for superior audio quality. Featuring 50W RMS x 4 channels at 4 ohms, MOSFET power supply, variable high-pass/low-pass filters, bass boost, and speaker-level inputs. Built with Excelon's premium components for exceptional sound reproduction and reliability. 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 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: MOSFET power supply, variable crossover network, bass boost control, speaker-level inputs, thermal protection, and short-circuit protection.

Feature	Description
Power Output	50W RMS x 4 channels at 4 ohms
MOSFET Power Supply	Efficient and reliable power delivery
Crossover Network	Variable high-pass/low-pass filters
Bass Boost	+12dB boost at 50Hz
Speaker-Level Inputs	Direct connection to factory head units
Protection Circuitry	Thermal and short-circuit protection
Input Sensitivity	200mV - 4V adjustable
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	100dB
Frequency Response	10Hz - 50kHz
Dimensions	9-13/16" x 2-3/8" x 8-1/4"

Installation

Choose proper mounting location and ensure adequate ventilation.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.
Mount amplifier securely using provided hardware.
Connect power wire (12V) with appropriate fuse (30A recommended).
Connect ground wire to clean, bare metal surface.
Connect remote turn-on wire from head unit.
Connect RCA cables or speaker-level inputs.
Connect speaker wires observing proper polarity.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating and secure all connections to prevent electrical hazards.

First-Time Setup

Configure amplifier settings for optimal performance.

Set input sensitivity: Start with minimum setting and adjust while playing music.
Configure crossover: Set HPF for front/rear speakers, LPF for subwoofer if used.
Adjust bass boost: Use sparingly to avoid distortion.
Set input mode: Select RCA or speaker-level input as needed.
Test all channels for proper operation.

CAUTION! Avoid setting gains too high to prevent speaker damage and distortion.

Specifications

Channels: 4
RMS Power: 50W x 4 @ 4 ohms
Max Power: 150W x 4 @ 2 ohms
Bridged Power: 150W x 2 @ 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
THD: 0.08%
Signal-to-Noise: 100dB
Crossover: Variable 50Hz - 200Hz
Bass Boost: 0 to +12dB @ 50Hz
Input Sensitivity: 200mV - 4V
Fuse Rating: 30A

Controls and Settings

Access controls via top panel controls and switches.

Front Controls: Input sensitivity, crossover frequency, bass boost, input mode selector.

Crossover: HPF/LPF/Full range selection with frequency adjustment 50-200Hz. Bass Boost: 0 to +12dB boost at 50Hz. Input Mode: RCA or speaker-level input selection. Input Sensitivity: Fine-tune amplifier gain from 200mV to 4V. Phase: Normal/Reverse phase switching.

Connecting Devices

Power: 12V constant, ground, remote turn-on. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs. Speaker: 4-channel output.

Disconnect battery before making connections.
Use appropriate gauge wire for power and ground.
Route RCA cables away from power wires to avoid noise.
Connect speakers observing proper impedance matching.
Secure all connections with proper terminals.

Tip: Use crimp connectors for secure, reliable connections.

Operation

Normal operation and mode selection.

Power on: Amplifier turns on with head unit remote signal.
Input selection: Choose RCA or speaker-level input as installed.
Crossover setup: Set appropriate filters for your speaker configuration.
Gain adjustment: Set input sensitivity to match head unit output.
Bass boost: Apply minimal boost to avoid distortion.
Monitor operation: Check for overheating or protection mode activation.

WARNING! Do not operate with impedance below specified minimums.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Automatically reduces output or shuts down if overheating detected. Short-Circuit Protection: Cuts output if speaker short is detected. DC Offset Protection: Shuts down if DC voltage detected at output.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and free of debris. Ensure proper ventilation. Check connections periodically for corrosion or looseness.

CAUTION! Do not cover amplifier or block ventilation. Avoid moisture exposure.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connections/fuse	Check power, ground, remote wires; inspect fuse.
Protection mode	Overheating/short circuit	Allow to cool; check speaker wiring for shorts.
No sound	Input connections/settings	Check RCA/speaker-level inputs; verify input mode.
Distorted sound	Gain settings/clipping	Reduce input sensitivity; check source volume.
Engine noise	Grounding/RCA routing	Improve ground connection; reroute RCA cables.

Reset: Disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset protection circuits.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.