Kenwood KAC 8020 Manual

The Kenwood KAC 8020 is a high-performance 2-channel car amplifier delivering 200 watts RMS power, designed for automotive audio systems with features including MOSFET power supply, variable low-pass filter, bass boost, speaker-level inputs, and protection circuits. 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 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: MOSFET power supply, speaker-level inputs, variable low-pass filter, bass boost control, protection circuits.

Feature	Description
MOSFET power supply	For efficient power conversion and reliability
Speaker-level inputs	For connection to factory head units
Variable low-pass filter	Adjustable from 50Hz to 200Hz
Bass boost control	0 to +18dB boost at 45Hz
Protection circuits	Thermal, short-circuit, and DC offset protection
Power terminals	For +12V, ground, and remote turn-on connections
RCA inputs	For line-level audio input
Speaker outputs	For connecting to speakers or subwoofers
Fuse	30A for overload protection
Heat sink	Aluminum for efficient heat dissipation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose suitable mounting location.

Disconnect negative battery terminal: Ensure safety during installation.
Mount amplifier: Secure to solid surface using provided hardware.
Connect power wires: Run +12V cable from battery, ground to chassis, remote to head unit.
Connect audio inputs: Use RCA cables or speaker-level inputs.
Connect speakers: Wire speakers to amplifier outputs.
Reconnect battery and test system.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating and wire gauge. Avoid mounting near heat sources or moving parts.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; adjust settings for optimal performance.

Set gain control: Start at minimum, adjust while playing music at normal listening level.
Adjust low-pass filter: Set according to speaker type and personal preference.
Set bass boost: Use sparingly to avoid distortion.
Check connections: Ensure all wires are secure and properly connected.
Test operation: Play audio at various volume levels to verify performance.

CAUTION! Do not operate with cover removed. Ensure adequate ventilation.

Specifications

Power Output: 200 watts RMS (2 x 100W at 4 ohms)
THD: Less than 0.08%
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz (+0, -1dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB
Input Sensitivity: 0.2V - 4V
Crossover: Low-pass filter 50Hz - 200Hz (24dB/octave)
Bass Boost: 0 to +18dB at 45Hz
Power Requirement: 14.4V DC (11-16V operating range)
Fuse Rating: 30A
Dimensions: 10.2" x 8.3" x 2.2"

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel knobs and switches.

Front Panel: Power indicator LED, Gain control, Low-pass filter frequency, Bass boost level.

Gain: Adjust input sensitivity to match head unit output. Low-pass filter: Set cutoff frequency for subwoofer applications. Bass boost: Enhance low-frequency response. Input selection: Switch between RCA and speaker-level inputs. Protection: Automatic shutdown for overload conditions.

Connecting Devices

Power: +12V, Ground, Remote turn-on. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs. Output: Speaker terminals.

Turn off vehicle and disconnect battery before connecting.
Match wire gauge to power requirements (8 AWG recommended for power).
Use proper crimp connectors for secure connections.
Route audio cables away from power wires to avoid noise.
Ensure solid ground connection to bare metal chassis.

Tip: Use distribution blocks for multiple amplifier installations.

Operation

Designed for continuous operation in automotive environments.

Power on: Remote turn-on signal from head unit activates amplifier.
Adjust volume: Use head unit volume control; amplifier gain sets maximum level.
Monitor temperature: Heat sink should remain warm to touch, not hot.
Protection mode: If LED turns off, check for overload or short circuit.
Shutdown: Turn off head unit before vehicle to avoid turn-off thump.

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

Protection Features

Thermal protection: Automatic shutdown if temperature exceeds safe limits. Short-circuit protection: Detects output shorts and disables outputs. DC offset protection: Monitors DC voltage at outputs. Over-current protection: Limits current during overload conditions.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and dry. Periodically check connections for corrosion or looseness.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners on amplifier. Ensure ventilation slots remain unobstructed.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for vehicular use. Copyright © 2006 Kenwood Corporation; trademarks of Kenwood USA Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connections/fuse	Check +12V, ground, remote wires; inspect fuse; verify battery connection.
Protection mode active	Short circuit/overload	Disconnect speakers; check for shorts; allow cooling if thermal protection.
No sound	Input connections/settings	Verify RCA or speaker-level inputs; check gain setting; test head unit output.
Distorted sound	Gain setting/impendance	Reduce gain; check speaker impedance; verify power supply voltage.
Amplifier gets hot	Ventilation/load	Ensure adequate airflow; check for low impedance load; reduce bass boost.

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

Service: 1-800-536-9663; www.kenwood.com