Kenwood KAC 8152D Manual

The Kenwood KAC 8152D is a 2-channel car amplifier delivering high-quality audio performance with 150W RMS per channel at 4 ohms, featuring 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, variable low-pass filter, bass boost control, speaker-level inputs, protection circuits.

Feature	Description
Power Output	150W RMS x 2 at 4 ohms
MOSFET Power Supply	Efficient and reliable power delivery
Low-Pass Filter	Variable 50-200Hz frequency adjustment
Bass Boost	0-18dB boost at 40Hz
Speaker-Level Inputs	Connect directly to factory head units
Protection Circuits	Thermal, short-circuit, and DC offset protection
Input Sensitivity	200mV-4V adjustable
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB
Frequency Response	10Hz-50kHz
Dimensions	10.2" x 8.7" x 2.4"

Installation

Choose proper mounting location and prepare wiring.

Select mounting location: Dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
Connect power: Run 4-gauge power cable from battery with inline fuse.
Connect ground: Use short, thick cable to clean metal chassis point.
Connect RCA inputs: From head unit to amplifier inputs.
Connect speakers: Ensure proper impedance matching.
Connect remote turn-on: From head unit remote output.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated.

First-Time Setup

Configure amplifier settings for optimal performance.

Set input sensitivity: Start with minimum, play music at 3/4 volume, adjust until distortion.
Adjust low-pass filter: Set according to speaker capabilities (typically 80Hz for subwoofers).
Set bass boost: Use sparingly to avoid distortion.
Check all connections: Verify secure wiring before final mounting.
Test operation: Play audio at various volumes to ensure proper function.

CAUTION! Avoid setting gains too high to prevent speaker damage.

Specifications

RMS Power: 150W x 2 at 4 ohms
Max Power: 300W x 2 at 4 ohms
THD: 0.08% at rated power
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz (+1dB, -3dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB
Input Sensitivity: 200mV-4V
Low-Pass Filter: 50-200Hz, 12dB/octave
Bass Boost: 0-18dB at 40Hz
Operating Voltage: 14.4V DC (11-16V range)
Fuse Rating: 30A x 2

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Input sensitivity, low-pass filter, bass boost.

Control Locations: Input sensitivity (gain), low-pass filter frequency, bass boost level, power/protection LED.

Input Sensitivity: Adjust to match head unit output (200mV-4V). Low-Pass Filter: Set cutoff frequency for subwoofers (50-200Hz). Bass Boost: Enhance low frequencies (0-18dB at 40Hz). Power Indicator: Blue LED when powered, red when in protection mode.

Connecting Devices

RCA inputs: For line-level signals. Speaker-level inputs: For factory head units. Speaker outputs: For subwoofers or full-range speakers.

Disconnect vehicle battery before connections.
Use high-quality RCA cables for noise reduction.
Ensure proper polarity on all connections.
Keep power and signal cables separated.
Use appropriate gauge wiring for power and speakers.

Tip: Route RCA cables away from power wires to prevent noise.

Operation

Normal operation procedures and usage guidelines.

Power on: Amplifier turns on with head unit remote signal.
Volume control: Use head unit volume, adjust amplifier gain as needed.
Crossover settings: Adjust low-pass filter based on speaker application.
Bass adjustment: Use bass boost sparingly for desired low-end enhancement.
Monitoring: Watch protection LED for normal operation (blue).

WARNING! Do not operate at maximum volume for extended periods.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Activates when amplifier overheats. Short-Circuit Protection: Prevents damage from output shorts. DC Offset Protection: Protects speakers from DC voltage.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Do not cover amplifier or block ventilation. Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power (LED off)	Power connection	Check power, ground, and remote connections; verify fuse.
Protection mode (red LED)	Overheating/short	Check for short circuits; allow cooling; verify impedance.
No sound	Input/RCA connections	Check RCA cables; verify head unit output; check gain setting.
Distorted sound	Gain setting/clipping	Reduce gain setting; check head unit volume; verify power supply.
Engine noise	Ground loop	Improve ground connection; reroute RCA cables; use ground loop isolator.

Reset: Disconnect power and reconnect after 30 seconds.

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