Kenwood KDC BT952HD Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT952HD is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, AM/FM tuner, CD playback, and advanced audio controls. With built-in amplifier, customizable sound settings, hands-free calling, and compatibility with various audio formats, this unit delivers superior in-car entertainment. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Bluetooth Operation 8. Audio Settings 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with display, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, Bluetooth antenna, Front panel controls.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
USB inputFor connecting USB devices and charging
CD playbackSupports CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Built-in amplifier50W x 4 channels maximum power
Audio controlsBass, Treble, Balance, Fader, Loudness
Display dimmerAdjustable display brightness
Remote controlFull function wireless remote included
AUX input3.5mm auxiliary input for external devices
Preset EQMultiple sound profiles (ROCK, POP, JAZZ, etc.)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off during installation.

  1. Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
  2. Remove existing stereo from dashboard.
  3. Connect wiring harness following color codes.
  4. Connect antenna and Bluetooth antenna.
  5. Secure unit in dashboard and reconnect battery.

WARNING! Professional installation recommended. Ensure proper grounding and fuse protection.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button to set time.
  2. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode and connect mobile device.
  3. Program radio stations: Use auto-store or manual preset method.
  4. Adjust basic settings: Volume, balance, fader to preference.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, MENU, BAND, TUNE/TRACK buttons.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, MUTE, PRESET, TRACK, PLAY/PAUSE.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L9 to R9), FADER (F9 to R9), LOUDNESS (On/Off). Radio: Manual tuning, Auto store, Preset memory. Bluetooth: Pairing, Phonebook access, Call history. System: Clock setting, Display dimmer, Reset function.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel USB port for flash drives. Bluetooth: Wireless pairing. AUX: 3.5mm input for external audio.

  1. Turn off unit before connecting wired devices.
  2. For USB: Insert flash drive with supported audio files.
  3. For AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
  4. Select appropriate source mode.

Tip: Format USB drives as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Bluetooth Operation

Supports audio streaming and hands-free calling.

  1. Pairing: Press SOURCE to BT, enter pairing mode on phone.
  2. Audio streaming: Play audio from connected device.
  3. Hands-free: Answer/end calls with phone button.
  4. Phonebook: Access contacts through unit interface.
  5. Disconnect: Turn off Bluetooth or delete pairing.

WARNING! Keep attention on driving. Use voice commands when possible.

Audio Settings

Customize sound with EQ presets and manual adjustments.

EQ Presets: FLAT, POP, ROCK, JAZZ, CLASSIC, VOCAL. Manual EQ: 5-band equalizer adjustable from -6 to +6. Crossover: HPF/LPF settings for system integration. Time alignment: Advanced speaker timing adjustment.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid liquids and abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot or USB port. Keep unit dry.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing mode/distanceEnsure unit in pairing mode; check device compatibility; reduce distance.
CD not playingDisc/formatCheck disc for damage; ensure compatible format; clean disc.
Poor radio receptionAntenna connectionVerify antenna connection; check antenna condition.
USB not recognizedFormat/capacityReformat as FAT32; check file compatibility; reduce capacity.

Reset: Press RESET button or disconnect power for 30 seconds.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.

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