Kenwood KAC 7201 Manual

The Kenwood KAC 7201 is a high-performance 2-channel car amplifier designed for automotive audio systems. With MOSFET power supply, variable high-pass/low-pass filters, bass boost, and speaker-level inputs, this amplifier delivers clean, powerful sound for your vehicle. 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: MOSFET power supply, speaker-level inputs, variable high-pass/low-pass filters, bass boost, thermal/overload/short circuit protection.

Feature	Description
MOSFET power supply	For efficient, reliable power delivery
Speaker-level inputs	For connection to factory head units
Variable high-pass filter	Adjustable from 50Hz to 250Hz
Variable low-pass filter	Adjustable from 50Hz to 250Hz
Bass boost	+12dB at 50Hz
Thermal protection	Automatic shutdown if overheating
Overload protection	Protects against excessive current
Short circuit protection	Protects speaker outputs
Power terminals	For +12V, ground, and remote turn-on
Input level control	Adjusts input sensitivity

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose suitable mounting location.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.
Mount amplifier: Secure to solid surface with provided screws.
Connect power: Run +12V wire to battery, ground to chassis, remote to head unit.
Connect speakers: Use appropriate gauge speaker wire.
Connect audio inputs: Use RCA cables or speaker-level inputs.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not mount near heat sources. Use correct fuse rating.

First-Time Setup

Reconnect battery; power on system; configure settings.

Set input level: Adjust input level control for clean sound.
Configure filters: Set high-pass/low-pass as needed for speakers.
Adjust bass boost: Set to preference (0 to +12dB).
Test operation: Play audio and verify all channels working.

CAUTION! Set gains properly to avoid distortion and speaker damage.

Specifications

RMS Power: 150W x 2 at 4 ohms
Max Power: 300W x 2 at 2 ohms
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50,000Hz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB
Input Sensitivity: 200mV - 4V
Crossover: Variable HP/LP 50-250Hz
Bass Boost: +12dB at 50Hz
Power Supply: MOSFET
Operating Voltage: 14.4V DC (11-16V range)
Fuse Rating: 25A x 2

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front/rear panel controls.

Front Panel: Power indicator, protection indicator.

Rear Panel: Input level control, high-pass/low-pass filter switches, bass boost control, input selection, power/speaker terminals.

Input Level: Adjusts input sensitivity (200mV-4V). Filters: Select high-pass or low-pass mode; adjust frequency (50-250Hz). Bass Boost: Adjust low-frequency enhancement (0 to +12dB). Input Selection: Choose between RCA or speaker-level inputs.

Connecting Devices

Power: +12V, ground, remote turn-on. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs. Speakers: 2-channel outputs.

Turn off vehicle before connecting.
Connect power wires: +12V to battery, ground to chassis, remote to head unit.
Connect audio: Use RCA cables from head unit or speaker-level inputs.
Connect speakers: Ensure proper polarity.

Tip: Use proper gauge wire for power connections; keep signal cables away from power wires.

Operation

Supports stereo and bridged mono operation.

Power on: System turns on with head unit.
Volume control: Adjust at head unit; fine-tune with input level.
Filter selection: Choose high-pass for speakers, low-pass for subwoofers.
Bass adjustment: Use bass boost for enhanced low frequencies.
Bridged mode: Connect speakers between two + terminals for mono operation.

WARNING! Do not operate at minimum impedance below specifications. Allow proper cooling.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Auto-shutdown if temperature exceeds safe limits. Overload Protection: Limits current during overload. Short Circuit Protection: Protects outputs from short circuits. DC Offset Protection: Shuts down if DC detected at outputs.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and dry. Ensure proper ventilation. Check connections periodically.

CAUTION! Do not expose to moisture; clean with dry cloth only; ensure adequate airflow.

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 service centers. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connections/fuse	Check +12V, ground, remote wires; verify fuse condition.
Protection mode active	Overheating/short circuit	Allow cooling; check speaker wires for shorts.
No sound	Input connections/settings	Check RCA/speaker-level inputs; verify input level setting.
Distorted sound	Gain setting/overload	Adjust input level; check for clipping.
Amplifier overheating	Insufficient ventilation/load	Improve airflow; check impedance load.

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

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