Kenwood Excelon KDC X300 Manual

The Kenwood Excelon KDC X300 is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, CD playback, AM/FM radio with 18 FM/6 AM presets, built-in amplifier (22W RMS x 4 channels), variable color illumination, detachable faceplate security, and advanced audio controls including 13-band EQ, time alignment, and crossover settings. Compatible with steering wheel audio controls and various audio sources. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Audio Source Operation 8. Bluetooth Features 9. Security Features 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB extension cable, Bluetooth antenna, Owner's manual.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB inputFor iPod/iPhone and USB storage devices
CD playbackSupports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Built-in amplifier22W RMS x 4 channels
Variable color illuminationSelectable display colors (256 colors)
Detachable faceplateSecurity feature to prevent theft
Audio controls13-band equalizer, time alignment, crossover
Steering wheel control readyCompatible with interface adapters
AUX input3.5mm auxiliary input for external devices

Installation

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation. Follow vehicle-specific instructions.

  1. Remove existing stereo: Use proper removal tools for your vehicle.
  2. Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors and functions carefully.
  3. Connect antenna and Bluetooth antenna: Ensure secure connections.
  4. Mount unit in dashboard: Use supplied mounting sleeve and brackets.
  5. Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure basic settings for optimal performance.

  1. Set clock: Press SOURCE to turn on, then hold SETUP for clock setting.
  2. Pair Bluetooth devices: Enter pairing mode from Bluetooth menu.
  3. Program radio presets: Tune to desired stations and hold preset buttons.
  4. Adjust audio settings: Configure EQ, balance, and fader to preference.
  5. Set illumination color: Choose from 256 color options in display settings.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle safely before adjusting settings.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, FUNCTION knob, USB port, AUX input, Detachable faceplate release.

Remote Control: POWER, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, PRESET, BAND, PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN.

Audio Settings: 13-band equalizer (63Hz-16kHz), Bass boost, Loudness, Time alignment (0-3.0ms), Crossover (HPF/LPF). Source Controls: CD repeat/shuffle, USB folder play, Bluetooth pairing. System Settings: Display color, Dimmer, Beep tone, Language, Reset.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect directly or use extension cable. Bluetooth: Built-in with external antenna. AUX: 3.5mm input for external audio sources.

  1. Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
  2. USB devices: Connect to front USB port (supports up to 32GB).
  3. Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode from source menu.
  4. AUX input: Use 3.5mm cable for external players.

Tip: For best Bluetooth performance, ensure antenna is properly connected and positioned.

Audio Source Operation

Supports CD, USB, Bluetooth, AUX, and AM/FM radio sources.

  1. Select source: Press SOURCE button to cycle through available inputs.
  2. CD operation: Insert disc label-up; use TRACK buttons for navigation.
  3. USB operation: Supports folder navigation and file search.
  4. Radio operation: Tune with FUNCTION knob; store presets by holding buttons.
  5. AUX operation: Connect external device and select AUX source.
  6. Playback controls: PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN, FF/REW (hold).
  7. Repeat/Shuffle: Access through FUNCTION menu during playback.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Keep USB connections clean and dry.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling and audio streaming capabilities.

  1. Pairing: Enter Bluetooth menu, select "Pairing," search from mobile device.
  2. Phonebook: Download contacts for voice dialing.
  3. Call functions: Answer/end calls with PLAY/PAUSE button.
  4. Audio streaming: Stream music from compatible Bluetooth devices.
  5. Multiple devices: Supports pairing with up to 5 devices.

Note: Bluetooth performance may vary based on device compatibility and environment.

Security Features

Detachable faceplate: Remove for theft prevention. Security code: Set optional PIN code.

  1. Faceplate removal: Press release button and slide faceplate out.
  2. Security code: Set in system menu (optional feature).
  3. Reinstallation: Align and slide faceplate back into position.

CAUTION! Store faceplate in protective case when not installed.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/connectionsCheck fuse, wiring harness, and battery connection.
No soundSettings/speakersCheck volume, mute, speaker connections, and fader settings.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing/rangeEnsure pairing mode; check device compatibility; reduce distance.
CD/USB not readingMedia/compatibilityCheck disc condition; verify supported formats; clean lens if needed.
Poor radio receptionAntenna/locationEnsure antenna connected; check antenna amplifier power.

Reset: Hold SETUP button for 10 seconds to reset to factory defaults.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center; www.kenwood.com

Kenwood Excelon KDC X300 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025