Kenwood KAC 823 Manual

The Kenwood KAC 823 is a 2-channel car amplifier designed for high-quality audio performance in automotive applications. With MOSFET power supply, variable low-pass filter, bass boost, speaker level inputs, and protection circuits, this amplifier delivers clean, powerful sound for your car audio system. 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, low-pass filter, bass boost, protection circuits.

Feature	Description
MOSFET power supply	For efficient, stable power delivery
Speaker level inputs	For connection to factory head units
Low-pass filter	Variable frequency control for subwoofers
Bass boost	+12dB boost at 40Hz
Protection circuits	Thermal, short-circuit, and DC offset protection
Power terminals	For battery and ground connections
RCA inputs	For line-level audio input
Speaker outputs	For connecting speakers or subwoofers
Remote turn-on	For automatic power control
Gain control	For input level matching

Installation

Choose proper mounting location and prepare wiring.

Mount amplifier: Select dry, well-ventilated location; secure with screws.
Connect power: Run power wire from battery with fuse; connect ground wire to chassis.
Connect audio inputs: Use RCA cables from head unit or speaker level inputs.
Connect speakers: Wire speakers to amplifier outputs, observing polarity.
Connect remote turn-on: Connect to head unit's remote output.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation. Ensure proper fuse rating. Avoid pinching wires.

First-Time Setup

Configure amplifier settings for optimal performance.

Set gain: Start with gain at minimum; play music and adjust until distortion-free.
Set low-pass filter: Adjust frequency based on speaker capabilities (typically 80Hz for subwoofers).
Set bass boost: Use sparingly to avoid distortion.
Test system: Verify all channels working properly.

CAUTION! Do not set gain too high to prevent speaker damage. Ensure proper ventilation.

Specifications

Channels: 2-channel
RMS Power: 80W x 2 at 4 ohms
Max Power: 160W x 2 at 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB
Low-Pass Filter: 50Hz - 200Hz, 12dB/octave
Bass Boost: 0 to +12dB at 40Hz
Input Sensitivity: 200mV - 4V
Power Supply: 14.4V DC (11-16V operating range)
Fuse Rating: 20A x 2

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Power indicator, protection indicator.

Adjustment controls: Gain control, low-pass filter frequency, bass boost level, input mode switch (speaker level/RCA).

Gain: Adjusts input sensitivity to match head unit output. Low-pass filter: Sets cutoff frequency for subwoofer applications. Bass boost: Increases bass output at 40Hz. Input mode: Selects between RCA and speaker level inputs.

Connecting Devices

Power: Battery positive with fuse, chassis ground. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker level inputs. Speakers: Positive and negative outputs.

Disconnect battery before making connections.
Use proper gauge wire for power and speakers.
Ensure solid ground connection to bare metal.
Route audio cables away from power wires to avoid noise.

Tip: Use crimp connectors for secure connections. Test all functions before final installation.

Operation

Normal operation procedures and usage tips.

Power on: Amplifier turns on automatically with head unit via remote wire.
Volume control: Adjust volume at head unit, not amplifier gain.
Bass adjustment: Use bass boost sparingly for best sound quality.
Mode selection: Use 2-channel mode for stereo speakers or bridged mode for subwoofer.
Thermal monitoring: Amplifier automatically reduces output if overheating.

WARNING! Do not operate with cover removed. Keep ventilation openings clear.

Protection Features

Thermal protection: Reduces output when temperature exceeds safe limits. Short-circuit protection: Shuts down output if speaker wires short. DC offset protection: Prevents DC voltage from reaching speakers. Over-current protection: Limits current to safe levels.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners. Disconnect power before cleaning. Avoid moisture exposure.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. CE certified for European markets. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power/ground connections	Check battery connection; verify ground; check fuse.
Protection mode active	Short circuit/overheating	Check speaker wires for shorts; allow amplifier to cool.
No sound	Input connections/settings	Verify RCA/speaker level inputs; check gain setting.
Distorted sound	Gain too high/clipping	Reduce gain setting; check head unit volume.
Engine noise	Ground loop/poor routing	Improve ground connection; reroute audio cables.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.