Kenwood KAC 8452 Amplifier Manual

The Kenwood KAC 8452 is a high-performance 4-channel car amplifier delivering 50W RMS per channel at 4 ohms, featuring MOSFET power supply, variable high/low pass filters, bass boost, speaker-level inputs, and gold-plated terminals. Designed for multi-speaker systems with bridgeable channels for enhanced power output. 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 Modes 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: MOSFET power supply, gold-plated RCA inputs, speaker-level inputs, variable crossovers, bass boost control, bridgeable channels.

Feature	Description
Power Output	50W RMS x 4 channels at 4 ohms
MOSFET Power Supply	Efficient and reliable power delivery
Bridgeable Channels	Can bridge to 2 channels for higher power
Variable High/Low Pass Filters	Adjustable crossover frequencies
Bass Boost	+12dB boost at 45Hz
Speaker-Level Inputs	Connect directly to factory head units
Gold-Plated Terminals	Corrosion-resistant connections
Thermal Protection	Automatic shutdown if overheated
Short Circuit Protection	Protects against wiring faults
DC Offset Protection	Prevents speaker damage

Installation

Choose proper mounting location and ensure adequate ventilation.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.
Mount amplifier securely using provided hardware.
Connect power wire (8-gauge minimum) directly to battery with fuse.
Connect ground wire to clean, bare metal chassis point.
Connect remote turn-on wire to head unit remote output.
Connect RCA cables from head unit to amplifier inputs.
Connect speaker wires to appropriate terminals.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating and secure all connections to prevent fire hazard.

First-Time Setup

Configure amplifier settings before full operation.

Set input level: Adjust gain control to match head unit output.
Configure crossover: Set high/low pass filters based on speaker types.
Set bass boost: Adjust if needed for low-frequency enhancement.
Test each channel: Verify proper operation of all speakers.
Fine-tune settings: Make final adjustments for optimal sound quality.

CAUTION! Start with low volume and gradually increase to prevent speaker damage.

Specifications

RMS Power: 50W x 4 at 4 ohms
Bridged Power: 150W x 2 at 4 ohms
THD: 0.08% at rated power
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95dB
Crossover Frequency: 50Hz - 200Hz (high pass), 50Hz - 200Hz (low pass)
Bass Boost: 0 to +12dB at 45Hz
Input Sensitivity: 200mV - 4V (RCA), 0.5V - 10V (speaker level)
Fuse Rating: 25A x 2
Operating Voltage: 14.4V DC (11-16V range)

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Power indicator, protection indicator. Top panel controls: Gain, crossover frequency, bass boost, input selector.

Control Functions: GAIN - matches input sensitivity; X-OVER - selects high/low pass filter; FREQ - adjusts crossover frequency; BASS BOOST - enhances low frequencies; INPUT SELECT - chooses RCA or speaker-level input.

Proper settings: Start with gain at minimum, crossover at 80Hz, bass boost off. Adjust gradually while testing.

Connecting Devices

Multiple input options: RCA inputs for aftermarket head units, speaker-level inputs for factory systems.

RCA Connection: Use shielded RCA cables from head unit preamp outputs.
Speaker-Level Connection: Connect to head unit speaker outputs using high-level inputs.
Power Connections: +12V to battery, ground to chassis, remote to head unit.
Speaker Connections: Match impedance requirements; observe polarity.

Tip: Keep power wires separated from signal cables to prevent noise.

Operation Modes

Supports various configuration modes for different audio setups.

4-Channel Mode: Standard operation for front and rear speakers.
3-Channel Mode: Front speakers plus subwoofer on bridged rear channels.
2-Channel Bridge Mode: Higher power to two speakers or subwoofers.
Bi-Amp Mode: Separate amplification for woofer and tweeter.

WARNING! Ensure proper impedance matching when bridging channels to prevent damage.

Protection Features

Multiple protection circuits ensure safe operation and prevent damage.

Thermal Protection: Automatically shuts down if internal temperature exceeds safe limits. Short Circuit Protection: Detects and disables output during short circuits. DC Offset Protection: Prevents DC voltage from reaching speakers. Overload Protection: Protects against excessive current draw.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and well-ventilated. Check connections periodically.

CAUTION! Do not block ventilation openings. Clean with dry cloth only; no liquids or chemicals.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check power, ground, remote connections; verify fuse integrity.
Protection mode active	Overheating/short circuit	Allow cooling; check speaker wires for shorts; verify impedance.
Distorted sound	Gain settings/input level	Adjust gain control; check head unit output levels.
No sound from channels	Input connections/settings	Verify RCA/speaker-level connections; check input selector.
Engine noise	Grounding issues	Improve ground connection; reroute signal cables away from power wires.

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

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