Kenwood KAC 1502S Manual

The Kenwood KAC 1502S is a 2-channel car amplifier delivering 150W RMS per channel at 4 ohms, featuring high and low level inputs, variable bass boost, built-in crossover network, speaker level inputs, thermal/overload/short circuit protection, and gold-plated terminals. Designed for automotive audio systems with 12V DC operation. 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 Guidelines 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-channel amplifier chassis, input terminals, output terminals, control knobs, protection circuitry.

Feature	Description
Power Output	150W RMS x 2 channels at 4 ohms
Input Sensitivity	Variable from 0.2V to 5V
Bass Boost	Variable 0 to +18dB at 45Hz
Crossover	Built-in low-pass filter (50Hz-200Hz)
Input Types	RCA and speaker level inputs
Protection	Thermal, overload, short circuit
Terminals	Gold-plated for better conductivity
Power Requirements	12V DC automotive system
Dimensions	Standard amplifier chassis size
Cooling	Aluminum heatsink with forced air cooling

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose suitable mounting location in vehicle.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.
Mount amplifier: Secure to solid surface using provided hardware.
Connect power: Run 4-gauge power cable from battery positive terminal to amplifier.
Connect ground: Use short, thick cable to clean metal chassis point.
Connect remote turn-on: Wire to head unit remote turn-on lead.
Connect speakers: Use appropriate gauge speaker wire.
Connect audio inputs: Use RCA cables from head unit.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating; incorrect installation may cause fire or damage.

First-Time Setup

Reconnect battery; power on system; adjust settings.

Set input sensitivity: Start with minimum setting, gradually increase.
Adjust bass boost: Set to minimum initially.
Set crossover frequency: Match to speaker capabilities.
Balance channels: Ensure equal output from both channels.
Test operation: Play audio at various volume levels.

CAUTION! Avoid clipping; set gains properly to prevent speaker damage.

Specifications

Power Output: 150W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05%
Input Sensitivity: 0.2V - 5V (adjustable)
Crossover: Low-pass 50Hz-200Hz
Bass Boost: 0 to +18dB @ 45Hz
Power Supply: 12V DC negative ground
Fuse Rating: 30A x 2
Dimensions: Standard amplifier size

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front/side panel knobs and switches.

Front Panel: Power indicator, protection indicator.

Control Panel: Input level control, bass boost control, low-pass filter frequency, input selector (high/low level).

Input Level: Adjusts sensitivity to match head unit output. Bass Boost: Enhances low frequencies. Low-Pass Filter: Sets cutoff frequency for subwoofers. Input Selector: Chooses between RCA and speaker level inputs.

Connecting Devices

Power: Battery positive, ground, remote turn-on. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker level inputs. Output: Speaker terminals.

Turn off vehicle and disconnect battery before connections.
Match wire gauge to power requirements.
Use quality RCA cables for minimal noise.
Ensure secure connections at all terminals.

Tip: Route power and signal cables on opposite sides of vehicle to reduce noise.

Operation Guidelines

Designed for continuous automotive audio operation.

Power sequence: Head unit on first, then amplifier.
Volume control: Increase gradually from minimum.
Temperature monitoring: Ensure adequate ventilation.
Load matching: Use compatible speaker impedance.
Performance optimization: Adjust settings for acoustic environment.

WARNING! Do not operate with impedance below specified minimum; may cause damage.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Automatically shuts down if temperature exceeds safe limits. Overload Protection: Protects against excessive current draw. Short Circuit Protection: Safeguards output stages from short circuits. DC Offset Protection: Prevents DC voltage at outputs.

Care & Maintenance

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use compressed air to remove dust; dry cloth for exterior.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or solvents; ensure proper ventilation around amplifier.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for automotive use. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation; trademarks owned by Kenwood. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connections/fuse	Check battery connection; verify fuse integrity; ensure ground connection.
Protection mode active	Overload/short circuit	Check speaker wiring for shorts; verify impedance; allow cooling if thermal.
Distorted sound	Gain settings/clipping	Reduce input level; check head unit output; verify power supply.
No audio output	Input connections	Verify RCA/speaker level connections; check remote turn-on wire.
Excessive heat	Ventilation/load	Improve airflow; check impedance matching; reduce volume levels.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service centers; www.kenwood.com