Kenwood KAC 6203 Manual

The Kenwood KAC 6203 is a 2-channel car amplifier delivering 150W RMS per channel at 4 ohms, featuring high-current power supply, variable low-pass filter, bass boost, speaker-level inputs, and protection circuits. Designed for automotive audio systems with compact size for easy installation. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, specifications, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact chassis, speaker-level inputs, variable low-pass filter, bass boost control, protection circuits, power and remote terminals.

Feature	Description
Power Output	150W RMS x 2 channels at 4 ohms
Low-pass Filter	Variable 50Hz - 200Hz
Bass Boost	0 to +12dB at 50Hz
Speaker-level Inputs	For connection to factory head units
Protection Circuits	Thermal, short-circuit, and DC offset protection
Power Terminal	For +12V battery connection
Remote Terminal	For remote turn-on signal
Ground Terminal	For chassis ground connection
Input Sensitivity	Variable 0.2V - 5V
Frequency Response	10Hz - 50kHz (+0, -1dB)

Installation

Choose proper location and prepare wiring before installation.

Select mounting location: Choose well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat sources.
Connect power wires: Run 8-gauge power cable from battery positive terminal to amplifier.
Connect ground wire: Use 8-gauge wire to solid chassis ground point.
Connect remote wire: Connect to head unit's remote turn-on output.
Connect audio inputs: Use RCA cables or speaker-level inputs.
Connect speaker outputs: Wire speakers to amplifier output terminals.

WARNING! Disconnect battery negative terminal before installation. Ensure proper fuse rating (30A recommended).

First-Time Setup

Configure amplifier settings after installation.

Set input sensitivity: Start with minimum setting, gradually increase while playing music.
Adjust low-pass filter: Set according to speaker capabilities and listening preference.
Set bass boost: Use sparingly to avoid distortion.
Check connections: Verify all wires are secure and properly connected.
Test operation: Power on system and test all functions.

CAUTION! Do not operate without proper ventilation. Allow adequate space around amplifier for cooling.

Specifications

RMS Power: 150W x 2 channels at 4 ohms
Max Power: 300W x 2 channels at 4 ohms
THD: 0.08% at rated power
Signal-to-Noise: 95dB
Crossover: Low-pass filter 50Hz - 200Hz
Bass Boost: 0 to +12dB at 50Hz
Input Sensitivity: 0.2V - 5V
Dimensions: 9-13/16" W x 2-3/8" H x 8-1/4" D
Fuse Rating: 30A x 1

Controls and Settings

Access controls on amplifier end panel for system optimization.

Front Panel: Power indicator LED, Protection indicator LED.

Controls: Input Level control (0.2V - 5V), Low-pass Filter control (50Hz - 200Hz), Bass Boost control (0 to +12dB), Input Selector (RCA/Speaker Level). Power: +12V terminal, Ground terminal, Remote terminal. Inputs: RCA inputs, Speaker-level inputs. Outputs: Speaker terminals for channels 1-4.

Connecting Devices

Power: Battery positive terminal. Ground: Chassis ground. Remote: Head unit remote output. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs.

Turn off vehicle and disconnect battery before connecting.
Match wire gauges to current requirements (8-gauge minimum for power).
Use proper connectors for secure connections.
Route audio cables away from power wires to avoid noise.

Tip: Use crimp connectors for reliable connections. Secure all wiring with cable ties.

Operation

Supports stereo and bridged mono operation.

Power on: System turns on with head unit remote signal.
Volume control: Adjust head unit volume, then fine-tune with amplifier input level.
Crossover settings: Set low-pass filter according to speaker type.
Bass enhancement: Use bass boost sparingly for low-frequency emphasis.
Mono operation: Bridge channels for higher power to single speaker.
Protection monitoring: Observe LED indicators for normal operation.

WARNING! Do not operate with impedance below specified minimum. Avoid excessive gain settings.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Automatically reduces output or shuts down if overheating detected. Short-Circuit Protection: Cuts output if speaker wires short. DC Offset Protection: Protects speakers from DC voltage. Over-current Protection: Limits current to safe levels.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and dry. Check connections periodically for corrosion or looseness.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners. Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized Kenwood service centers. Manufactured under license from Kenwood USA Corporation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power/ground connections	Check battery connection; verify ground connection; check fuse.
Protection mode active	Overheating/short circuit	Allow cooling; check speaker wires for shorts; verify impedance.
No sound	Input/remote connections	Check RCA cables; verify remote wire connection; adjust input level.
Distorted sound	Gain settings/voltage	Reduce input level; check battery voltage; verify speaker impedance.
Amplifier overheats	Ventilation/impedance	Improve ventilation; check speaker impedance; reduce gain settings.

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

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