Kenwood Excelon KDC X598 Owners Manual

The Kenwood Excelon KDC X598 is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, auxiliary input, CD playback, AM/FM tuner, advanced audio controls, and customizable display settings. With 50W x 4 channels, built-in amplifier, and compatibility with various audio formats, this receiver delivers exceptional sound quality. 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. Playing Media 8. Bluetooth Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth antenna.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth connectivity	For hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB input	For connecting USB devices and charging
Auxiliary input	For external audio sources
CD playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner	With preset stations and RDS
Power output	50W x 4 channels (max)
Display customization	Adjustable colors and brightness
Audio controls	Bass, treble, balance, fader, EQ presets
Remote control	Full function remote included
Security features	Detachable faceplate with carrying case

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper vehicle compatibility.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo: Use proper removal tools for your vehicle.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires following diagram.
Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using appropriate mounting kit.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before installation. Professional installation recommended.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial configuration.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to access clock setting mode.
Program radio stations: Use auto-store or manual preset method.
Configure Bluetooth: Pair mobile device for hands-free operation.
Adjust audio settings: Set bass, treble, balance to preference.
Customize display: Choose color scheme and brightness level.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 channels (Max)
Preamp Outputs: 3 pairs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 105dB
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Bluetooth Version: 3.0 with A2DP
USB Support: Up to 32GB devices
Display: Customizable multi-color LCD
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground

Controls and Settings

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

Remote: POWER, SOURCE, VOLUME, TRACK UP/DOWN, PRESET, MUTE, DISP, BAND.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, SUBWOOFER LEVEL. Display: COLOR SELECT, DIMMER, KEY ILLUMINATION. Bluetooth: PAIRING, VOICE DIAL, CALL ANSWER/END. Radio: AUTO-STORE, MANUAL TUNING, PRESET MEMORY.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives and charging. AUX: 3.5mm input for external devices. Bluetooth: Wireless audio and phone connectivity.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
USB devices: Insert directly into front port.
Auxiliary: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode and connect mobile device.

Tip: Format USB devices to FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth audio sources.

Select source: Press SOURCE button to cycle through options.
CD playback: Insert disc; use TRACK buttons for navigation.
USB playback: Browse folders using FUNCTION knob.
Bluetooth audio: Stream from paired mobile device.
Radio: Press BAND to switch between AM/FM; store presets.
Repeat/Shuffle: Available for CD and USB playback modes.
Fast forward/rewind: Hold TRACK buttons during playback.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling: Answer/end calls, voice dialing, call history. Audio streaming: Wireless music playback from compatible devices.

Pairing: Enable Bluetooth on mobile device, select "KDC-X598" from available devices.
Phonebook access: Sync contacts for voice dialing.
Audio control: Play/pause, track skip from unit or remote.
Call management: Mute, volume adjustment during calls.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Remove faceplate when parking in public areas. Avoid liquid cleaners and abrasive materials.

CAUTION! Store faceplate in protective case. Keep unit dry and avoid direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/ fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No sound	Settings/connections	Check volume level; verify speaker connections; reset unit.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode	Delete old pairing; restart both devices; ensure in range.
CD not playing	Disc/format	Check disc for damage; ensure compatible format; clean lens.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Reformat to FAT32; check device capacity limit; try different USB.

Reset: Press RESET button with small tool if unit becomes unresponsive.

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