Kenwood Excelon XR900-5 Manual

The Kenwood Excelon XR900-5 is a high-performance 5-channel car amplifier designed for premium audio systems. Featuring 75W RMS x 4 channels + 350W RMS x 1 channel, advanced crossover networks, variable bass boost, speaker-level inputs, and comprehensive protection circuitry. Below are key sections for features, installation, specifications, controls, setup, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 5-channel amplifier, speaker-level inputs, variable crossovers, bass boost control, protection circuitry.

Feature	Description
Power Output	75W RMS x 4 + 350W RMS x 1 @ 4Ω
Speaker-level Inputs	For connection to factory head units
Variable Crossovers	HP/LP filters adjustable 50-200Hz
Bass Boost	Variable 0-12dB @ 45Hz
Protection Circuitry	Thermal, overload, short circuit protection
Input Sensitivity	200mV-4V (RCA), 0.5V-8V (speaker level)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB
Frequency Response	10Hz-50kHz (+0/-1dB)
Dimensions	11.8" x 9.4" x 2.4"

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose proper mounting location.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.
Mount amplifier: Secure to solid surface with proper ventilation.
Power connections: Connect power wire (8-4 AWG) to battery with fuse.
Ground connection: Connect ground wire to clean, bare metal surface.
Speaker connections: Connect speakers using proper gauge wire.
Input connections: Connect RCA cables or speaker-level inputs.
Remote turn-on: Connect to head unit remote wire.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating and wire gauge. Do not ground to fuel lines or moving parts.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure amplifier settings.

Input level setting: Adjust input sensitivity to match head unit output.
Crossover settings: Set HP/LP filters based on speaker capabilities.
Bass boost: Start with minimal boost and adjust to preference.
Phase adjustment: Set phase control for optimal bass response.
Test system: Play audio and check all channels for proper operation.

CAUTION! Set gains properly to avoid distortion and speaker damage.

Specifications

Channels: 5 (4 full-range + 1 subwoofer)
RMS Power: 75W x 4 + 350W x 1 @ 4Ω
Max Power: 150W x 4 + 700W x 1 @ 2Ω
THD: <0.08% @ rated power
Damping Factor: >200 @ 4Ω
Crossover Frequency: 50-200Hz (HP/LP)
Bass Boost: 0-12dB @ 45Hz
Operating Voltage: 14.4V DC (11-16V range)
Fuse Rating: 80A external fuse required

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel: Input level, crossover, bass boost, phase.

Controls: Input Level (gain), HP/LP Crossover, Bass Boost, Phase (0°/180°), Input Select (RCA/Speaker).

Input Level: Adjust to match head unit output (start low, increase gradually). Crossover: HP for front/rear speakers, LP for subwoofer. Bass Boost: Add low-frequency emphasis. Phase: Align subwoofer phase with main speakers. Input Select: Choose between RCA or speaker-level inputs.

Connecting Devices

RCA inputs: For aftermarket head units. Speaker-level inputs: For factory head units.

Turn off vehicle and disconnect battery before connections.
RCA connections: Use shielded cables, keep away from power wires.
Speaker-level: Connect to factory speaker wires using high-level adapter.
Power connections: Use proper gauge wire (8-4 AWG for power/ground).
Remote turn-on: Connect to head unit's remote/amp turn-on wire.

Tip: Route signal cables separately from power wires to avoid noise.

Operation Modes

Supports various system configurations: 4-channel + sub, 3-channel, bi-amp.

5-channel mode: 4 full-range speakers + subwoofer (standard setup).
3-channel mode: Front speakers + subwoofer (rear channels unused).
Bi-amp mode: Use channels 1/2 for front tweeters, 3/4 for front woofers.
Subwoofer only: Use channel 5 for subwoofer only.
Bridged mode: Channels 3/4 can be bridged for more power.

WARNING! Do not bridge channels to impedance lower than specified.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Automatically reduces output if overheating detected. Overload Protection: Protects against excessive current draw. Short Circuit Protection: Shuts down if output short detected. DC Offset Protection: Prevents DC voltage at outputs.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and dry. Ensure proper ventilation. Check connections periodically.

CAUTION! Do not expose to moisture. Keep ventilation openings clear.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. All trademarks property of their respective owners. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power/ground connections	Check power, ground, remote wires; verify fuse.
No sound	Input/speaker connections	Verify input source; check speaker connections.
Distortion	Gain setting/overload	Reduce input level; check for clipping.
Amplifier shuts off	Overheating/short circuit	Check ventilation; verify speaker impedance.
Engine noise	Ground loop	Improve ground connection; reroute signal cables.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.