Kenwood KDC 205 Manual

The Kenwood KDC 205 is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD playback, AM/FM radio tuner, USB connectivity, auxiliary input, front panel AUX input, detachable faceplate security, 50W x 4 maximum power output, preset EQ settings, clock display, and rotary volume control. Compatible with MP3/WMA CD formats and USB mass storage devices. 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. Playing Media 8. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, wiring harness, mounting sleeve, remote control, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD Player	Plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA formats
USB Port	Front USB for flash drives and MP3 players
AUX Input	3.5mm front panel auxiliary input
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Power Output	50W x 4 maximum power
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
EQ Presets	ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, JAZZ, FLAT
Rotary Volume	Easy volume adjustment knob
Clock Display	Digital clock with dimmer function
LCD Display	Backlit LCD with track information

Installation

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use DIN tools to release old unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front/rear speaker wires (typically white, gray, green, purple).
Install mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Connect antenna: Push-fit antenna connector.
Test functions: Reconnect battery, test all features before final assembly.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure basic settings.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use rotary knob to set time.
Program radio stations: Tune to station, press and hold preset button (1-6).
Adjust EQ: Press SOURCE to select audio source, use EQ button to cycle presets.
Set dimmer: Press and hold DIM for display brightness adjustment.
Test CD/USB: Insert media to verify playback functionality.

CAUTION! Ensure proper wiring connections to avoid electrical issues.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 dBμ
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: >80 dB
Separation: >50 dB
Supported Media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
USB Support: Mass storage class devices up to 32GB
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel Controls: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, EQ, CLOCK, DIM, AUX, USB port.

Remote Control: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, PRESET, SEEK, PLAY/PAUSE, NUMBER buttons.

Audio Settings: EQ presets (ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, JAZZ, FLAT), Bass/Treble adjustment, Loudness control. Radio: Manual/seek tuning, Preset memory (6 presets per band). Display: Clock setting, Dimmer control, Display mode (track info/clock).

Connecting Devices

USB: Front port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm front input for portable devices.

Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
USB devices: Format as FAT32, maximum 32GB capacity.
AUX devices: Use 3.5mm stereo cable, adjust volume on both devices.
Select source: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD/USB/AUX/RADIO.

Tip: For best USB performance, use high-quality flash drives formatted to FAT32.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX input playback.

Insert CD: Label side up, press gently until loaded.
USB playback: Insert USB device, unit automatically detects and plays.
Navigation: Use rotary knob or remote for track selection.
Play modes: Repeat (RPT), Random (RDM) available for CD/USB.
Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold SEEK buttons.
Folder navigation: For MP3 CDs, use rotary knob to browse folders.
Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE during playback.
Eject: Press EJECT button (CD only).

WARNING! Do not insert damaged CDs or foreign objects into slot.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: Optional code setting in menu (write down code for recovery).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid chemical cleaners. Remove faceplate before cleaning.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners on display or controls.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers. This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse (10A), verify wiring connections, test battery voltage.
No sound	Speaker connections	Check speaker wires, verify speaker impedance (4-8 ohms).
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Use supported formats (CD-DA, MP3, WMA), clean disc surface.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat to FAT32, use compatible device (max 32GB).
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna fully connected, check antenna condition.
Unit locked	Security code	Enter security code if prompted (default 0000 or see manual).

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.