Kenwood KA 405 Manual

The Kenwood KA 405 is a high-fidelity stereo integrated amplifier featuring 45 watts per channel RMS, phono input for turntables, multiple audio inputs, tone controls, loudness contour, speaker selector, and headphone output. Designed for audiophile-grade performance 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. Phono Input Setup 8. Tone Controls 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-power amplifier section, phono preamp, multiple input selector, tone control circuit, speaker selector, headphone output.

FeatureDescription
Power Output45 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms
Phono InputMM cartridge compatible with RIAA equalization
Input SelectorPhono, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2
Tone ControlsBass and treble adjustment ±10dB
Loudness ContourCompensates for low volume listening
Speaker SelectorA/B speaker switching
Headphone JackStandard 6.35mm (1/4") stereo jack
Power SwitchMain power on/off with indicator light
Volume ControlLogarithmic potentiometer for smooth adjustment
Balance ControlLeft/right channel balance adjustment

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, well-ventilated surface.

  1. Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to A/B speaker terminals.
  2. Connect audio sources: Phono for turntable, Tuner for radio, Aux for CD player, Tape for recorders.
  3. Connect power cord: Plug into standard AC outlet.
  4. Ensure proper ventilation: Leave minimum 10cm clearance around amplifier.

WARNING! Ensure proper speaker impedance matching. Do not short-circuit speaker terminals.

First-Time Setup

Power on amplifier; set initial controls to neutral positions.

  1. Set volume to minimum: Turn volume knob fully counterclockwise.
  2. Set tone controls: Center position for flat response.
  3. Select input: Choose appropriate source (Phono, Tuner, Aux, etc.).
  4. Adjust balance: Center position for equal left/right output.
  5. Test speakers: Gradually increase volume to comfortable level.

CAUTION! Always power off when connecting/disconnecting cables.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Power switch, Input selector, Volume, Balance, Bass, Treble, Loudness, Speaker selector.

Input Selector: Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2. Tone Controls: Bass and Treble with center detent. Loudness: Engages bass/treble boost at low volumes. Speaker Selector: A, B, A+B, or Off.

Rear panel: Phono input (RCA), Line inputs (RCA), Speaker terminals, AC power inlet.

Connecting Devices

Phono: Connect turntable ground wire and RCA cables. Line inputs: Use RCA cables for CD players, tuners, tape decks.

  1. Turn off amplifier before connecting devices.
  2. Match left/right channels (white/red RCA connectors).
  3. Connect turntable ground wire to ground terminal.
  4. Use proper speaker wire gauge for your setup.

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

Phono Input Setup

Designed for moving magnet (MM) phono cartridges.

  1. Connect turntable: RCA cables to Phono input, ground wire to ground terminal.
  2. Set input selector to Phono position.
  3. Adjust volume gradually from minimum.
  4. For moving coil cartridges: Use external step-up transformer.

WARNING! Do not connect line-level sources to phono input - may cause damage.

Tone Controls

Bass and treble controls with center detent for flat response.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Clean controls with contact cleaner if noisy.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Ensure adequate ventilation during operation.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety standards. Manufactured to Kenwood quality specifications. For service or technical support, contact authorized Kenwood service centers. Copyright © by Kenwood Corporation.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound from speakersInput selection/volumeCheck input selector; ensure volume up; verify speaker connections.
Hum or buzzGrounding/cablesCheck turntable ground; separate signal/power cables; verify RCA connections.
Distorted soundOverload/speakersReduce volume; check speaker impedance; verify source signal level.
One channel silentBalance/connectionsCheck balance control; verify RCA and speaker connections for both channels.
No phono soundGround wire/inputEnsure turntable ground connected; verify phono input selected.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for internal repairs.

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