Kenwood KA 9100 Manual

The Kenwood KA 9100 is a high-performance stereo integrated amplifier featuring 80 watts per channel RMS power output, dual power supply system, phono equalizer with MM/MC cartridge compatibility, tone controls with defeat switch, loudness contour, dual tape monitor circuits, and comprehensive input/output connections. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, specifications, and maintenance.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-power amplifier section, dual power supply, phono input with MM/MC selection, tone controls, loudness switch, tape monitoring, speaker selector.

Feature	Description
Power Output	80 watts per channel RMS (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz)
Phono Input	MM/MC cartridge compatibility with selector switch
Tone Controls	Bass and treble with defeat function
Loudness Control	Compensates for low volume listening
Tape Monitor	Dual tape monitor circuits
Speaker Selector	A/B speaker selection
Power Supply	Dual power supply system for improved channel separation
Inputs	Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2
Outputs	Speaker A/B, Headphone, Tape Rec Out
Protection Circuit	DC protection and thermal protection

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.

1. Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to Speaker A or B terminals.
2. Connect source components: Use appropriate cables for phono, tuner, aux inputs.
3. Connect tape decks: Use Tape 1 and Tape 2 inputs/outputs for recording.
4. Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block heat sinks. Use correct speaker impedance.

Operation

Power on amplifier; allow 30 seconds for stabilization.

1. Select input source: Turn INPUT SELECTOR to desired source (Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape).
2. Adjust volume: Start with volume at minimum and gradually increase.
3. Select speakers: Use SPEAKER selector for A, B, or A+B operation.
4. Tone controls: Adjust bass and treble as needed; use TONE DEFEAT for flat response.
5. Loudness: Engage for enhanced bass at low volume levels.

CAUTION! Do not operate without proper load. Avoid excessive volume levels.

Specifications

• Power Output: 80W + 80W RMS at 8 ohms (20Hz-20kHz)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02% at rated output
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz (+0, -3dB)
• Input Sensitivity: Phono MM: 2.5mV, Phono MC: 0.25mV, Aux/Tuner: 150mV
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Phono: 86dB, Aux: 100dB
• Tone Control: Bass: ±10dB at 100Hz, Treble: ±10dB at 10kHz
• Loudness Control: +6dB at 100Hz
• Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 450W max
• Dimensions: 440mm W × 150mm H × 385mm D
• Weight: 15.5 kg

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER switch, INPUT SELECTOR, VOLUME, BALANCE, TONE CONTROLS, LOUDNESS, TONE DEFEAT, SPEAKER SELECTOR, HEADPHONE JACK.

Rear Panel: AC inlet, PHONO input, TUNER input, AUX input, TAPE 1/2 inputs/outputs, SPEAKER terminals, PRE OUT/MAIN IN jacks.

Input Selection: Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2. Tone Controls: Bass (±10dB), Treble (±10dB) with defeat switch. Loudness: Compensates Fletcher-Munson curves. Speaker Selection: A, B, A+B. Balance: Adjusts left/right channel balance.

Connecting Components

Phono: Connect turntable to PHONO inputs. Tuner: Connect FM/AM tuner. Aux: Connect CD player, etc. Tape: Connect tape decks to TAPE inputs/outputs.

1. Turn off amplifier before making connections.
2. Use proper cables for each source component.
3. Ensure correct grounding for phono connections.
4. Connect speakers observing proper polarity.

Tip: Use high-quality interconnects for best performance.

Phono Section

Supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges.

1. Select cartridge type: Use PHONO selector switch for MM or MC.
2. Connect turntable: Use PHONO input jacks.
3. Ground connection: Connect turntable ground wire to ground terminal.
4. Adjust loading: Use appropriate capacitance/loading for cartridge.

WARNING! Do not connect phono sources to other inputs. Use correct cartridge type setting.

Tone Controls

Bass and treble controls with defeat function. Loudness contour for low-level listening.

Bass Control: ±10dB at 100Hz. Treble Control: ±10dB at 10kHz. Tone Defeat: Bypasses tone control circuitry for flat response. Loudness: Engages bass boost curve for low volume listening.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Technical Information

Dual power supply design for improved channel separation. Direct coupling output stage. Protection circuits include DC detection and thermal protection. Manufactured by Kenwood Corporation. For service, contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Speaker connections/power	Check speaker wires; ensure power is on; verify input selection.
Distorted sound	Overload/connections	Reduce volume; check source component; verify proper connections.
Hum or noise	Grounding/cables	Check ground connections; use shielded cables; separate from power cords.
One channel silent	Balance control/cables	Adjust balance control; check interconnects; swap channels to isolate.
Protection circuit active	Overload/short circuit	Check speaker wires for shorts; allow cooling; reduce volume.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for internal repairs.

Support: Refer to Kenwood authorized dealers for technical assistance.