Kenwood KDC 452U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 452U is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 presets, detachable faceplate security, front auxiliary input, variable color illumination, and 50W x 4 maximum power output. 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, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Supports CD, MP3, and WMA formats
AM/FM Tuner	18 station presets (6 FM, 6 AM, 6 FM2)
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Variable Color Illumination	Adjustable display colors to match vehicle interior
Power Output	50W x 4 maximum power
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader adjustments
Loudness	Enhances bass at low volume levels
Source Attach	Automatic source memory function
Clock	Digital clock display

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper wiring connections.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Prepare wiring: Connect harness following color codes (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Mount unit: Insert mounting sleeve, connect wiring harness, slide unit into place.
Connect speakers: Ensure proper polarity for optimal sound quality.
Reconnect battery and test unit.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; configure initial settings.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to set time.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-6).
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER controls.
Set illumination color: Press COLOR button to cycle through options.
Configure source memory: Enable/disable in function menu.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation around unit. Do not block cooling vents.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Supported Media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 25 μV
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB (CD)
Separation: 55 dB
Power Requirement: 14.4V DC (negative ground)
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)
Operating Temp: -20°C to +60°C

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, AUDIO controls, EJECT button.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, BAND, VOLUME, MUTE, PRESET, AUDIO.

Audio Controls: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L/R), FADER (F/R). Radio: Manual tuning, Seek tuning, Preset memory (18 stations). Display: Clock, Dimmer control, Color selection (amber/green). Function Menu: Loudness on/off, Source attach, Beep tone.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Preamp Outputs: Front/Rear for external amplifiers.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect AUX cable to front input and external device.
For amplifiers: Use RCA preamp outputs (2V).
Select source via SOURCE button (CD/TUNER/AUX).

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio performance. Keep cables away from power wires.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3, WMA formats.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load CD label side up.
Play: Unit auto-plays; use << >> for track skip.
MP3/WMA navigation: Use folder up/down buttons.
Pause: Press PAUSE during playback.
Random: Press RANDOM for shuffle play.
Repeat: Press REPEAT for track/folder repeat.
Scan: Press SCAN to sample tracks.
Eject: Press EJECT to remove disc.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular shaped discs. Do not touch laser lens.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: Optional code entry if power disconnected.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemicals or abrasives. Store faceplate in protective case.

CAUTION! Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture. Keep discs clean and free of scratches.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; replace fuse.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wires connected properly; check balance/fader settings.
Disc not playing	Disc/format	Ensure compatible format; clean disc; check for damage.
Radio poor reception	Antenna	Ensure antenna fully extended and connected properly.
Unit locked	Security code	Enter security code if prompted after power loss.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.