Kenwood KDC 225MR Manual

The Kenwood KDC 225MR is a car stereo receiver featuring CD playback, AM/FM radio tuner, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel amplifier, preset equalizer settings, clock display, and various audio controls. Compatible with most vehicles and designed for easy installation and operation. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Audio Settings 7. Radio Operation 8. CD Playback 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

Feature	Description
CD Player	Plays standard audio CDs and CD-R/RW
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
4-Channel Amplifier	50W x 4 peak power output
EQ Presets	Multiple sound profiles (ROCK, POP, JAZZ, etc.)
Clock Display	Digital clock with 12/24 hour format
Volume Control	Rotary knob for precise audio adjustment
Source Button	Switches between CD, Radio, AUX
Power/Antenna	Main power and antenna connector

Installation

Prepare vehicle and gather necessary tools before installation.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools if applicable.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red to red, yellow to yellow, etc.).
Connect antenna: Plug antenna cable into rear port.
Mount unit: Slide into dashboard and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Always disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing POWER button or inserting faceplate.

Select source: Press SOURCE to cycle between CD, Radio, AUX.
Adjust volume: Turn VOLUME knob clockwise to increase.
Set clock: Hold CLOCK button and use TUNE/SEEK to set time.
Detach faceplate: Press release button and slide out for security.
Mute audio: Press MUTE button for instant silence.

CAUTION! Do not remove faceplate while unit is operating.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (peak), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 dBμ
CD Compatibility: CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB (CD)
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Operating Temp: -20°C to +60°C

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, EJECT, BAND, TUNE/SEEK, MENU.

Remote Control: POWER, Numeric buttons, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, SOURCE, BAND, TUNE/SEEK, PRESET, DISP.

Menu Settings: Clock adjustment, EQ presets, loudness, balance/fader, tuner settings, beep on/off, demo mode. Audio: Bass, treble, balance, fader, loudness, subwoofer settings. Display: Dimmer control, display mode, clock format.

Audio Settings

Access audio menu by pressing MENU button and navigating with TUNE/SEEK.

EQ Presets: Select from FLAT, ROCK, POP, JAZZ, CLASSICAL, CUSTOM
Bass/Treble: Adjust from -7 to +7 levels
Balance/Fader: Set speaker balance (L/R) and fader (F/R)
Loudness: Boost low frequencies at low volumes
Subwoofer: Adjust subwoofer level and phase if connected

Tip: Use CUSTOM EQ to create personalized sound profile.

Radio Operation

Press BAND to switch between FM1, FM2, FM3, AM bands.

Tune stations: Press TUNE/SEEK to manual tune or auto-seek.
Store presets: Tune to station, hold PRESET button, select preset number (1-6).
Recall presets: Press PRESET briefly to cycle through saved stations.
FM mode: Select STEREO or MONO reception.
Local/DX: Switch between local (strong stations) and DX (distant stations).

WARNING! Do not adjust radio while driving for safety.

CD Playback

Supports standard audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW formats.

Insert CD: Press EJECT, load CD label-side up, press EJECT again.
Play: CD begins playback automatically; use >>| and |<< to skip tracks.
Pause: Press || button to pause/resume playback.
Random: Press RDM for random track order.
Repeat: Press RPT to repeat current track or all tracks.
Scan: Press SCAN to sample each track for 10 seconds.
Display: Press DISP to show track time, title, or remaining time.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular shaped CDs.

Care & Maintenance

Clean unit with dry, soft cloth only. Avoid chemicals and moisture.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot. Store faceplate in protective case when detached.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers. Made for mobile use in 12V negative ground vehicles only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/faceplate	Check battery connection; ensure faceplate properly attached.
CD won't play	Disc/dirty lens	Check disc for damage; clean with CD lens cleaner.
Poor radio reception	Antenna/connection	Ensure antenna fully extended; check antenna connection.
No sound from speakers	Wiring/settings	Check speaker wires; verify balance/fader settings.
Unit gets hot	Ventilation	Ensure proper ventilation; do not block cooling vents.

Reset: Disconnect power for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.