Kenwood KA 5500 Manual

The Kenwood KA 5500 is a high-performance stereo integrated amplifier featuring 60 watts per channel RMS, phono input for turntables, tape monitoring circuits, loudness control, tone controls, and multiple audio inputs. 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 Guide 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Power amplifier section, preamplifier controls, input selector, tone controls, speaker selector.

Feature	Description
Power Output	60 watts per channel RMS (8 ohms)
Phono Input	MM cartridge compatible
Tape Monitor	Dual tape monitor circuits
Tone Controls	Bass and treble controls
Loudness Control	Compensates for low volume listening
Speaker Selector	A/B speaker outputs
Input Selector	Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2
Headphone Jack	Front panel 1/4" stereo jack
Power Switch	Main power on/off
Volume Control	Rotary volume knob

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to A or B speaker terminals.
Connect audio sources: Phono for turntable, Tuner for radio, Aux for CD player.
Connect tape deck: Use Tape 1 or Tape 2 inputs/outputs.
Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block ventilation openings.

First-Time Setup

Power on amplifier; set initial controls.

Set volume to minimum: Turn volume knob fully counterclockwise.
Select input source: Rotate input selector to desired source.
Adjust tone controls: Set bass and treble to neutral position.
Test speakers: Gradually increase volume to test sound output.

CAUTION! Always turn volume down before powering on or changing inputs.

Specifications

Power Output: 60W + 60W RMS at 8 ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±1dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08%
Input Sensitivity: Phono: 2.5mV, Aux/Tuner: 150mV
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Phono: 76dB, Aux: 90dB
Tone Controls: Bass: ±10dB at 100Hz, Treble: ±10dB at 10kHz
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 16.5" W × 5.5" H × 12.5" D

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Power switch, Input selector, Volume, Bass, Treble, Loudness, Speaker selector, Headphone jack.

Rear Panel: AC power cord, Phono inputs, Tuner inputs, Aux inputs, Tape 1/2 inputs/outputs, Speaker terminals.

Tone Controls: Bass and treble adjustment knobs. Loudness: Enhances bass at low volumes. Speaker Selector: Choose A, B, or both speaker sets. Input Selector: Rotate to select active input source.

Connecting Devices

Phono: For turntable with magnetic cartridge. Aux: For CD players, streaming devices. Tape: For recording and playback.

Turn off amplifier before connecting devices.
Match cable colors (red/white for right/left channels).
Ensure secure connections to proper terminals.
Keep signal cables away from power cords.

Tip: Use high-quality interconnects for best audio performance.

Operation Guide

Basic operation steps for optimal performance.

Power on: Switch power button to ON position.
Select source: Rotate input selector to desired input.
Adjust volume: Turn volume knob clockwise to increase level.
Use tone controls: Adjust bass and treble to preference.
Engage loudness: Press for enhanced bass at low volumes.
Monitor recording: Use tape monitor for recording functions.
Headphone use: Plug headphones into front jack mutes speakers.

WARNING! Do not operate with cover removed. Avoid excessive volume levels.

Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Compressed air for dust removal.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid cleaners. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Volume/Speakers	Check volume setting; verify speaker connections; ensure input selected.
Distorted sound	Overload/Connections	Reduce volume; check source device; inspect cables.
Hum or noise	Grounding/Cables	Check ground connections; separate audio and power cables.
One channel silent	Balance/Cables	Check balance control; test cables; swap channels to isolate.
Overheating	Ventilation/Load	Ensure proper ventilation; check speaker impedance.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for internal repairs.