Kenwood KDC HD548U Manual

The Kenwood KDC HD548U is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring HD Radio tuner, USB connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, CD playback, auxiliary input, and advanced audio controls. With 50W x 4 channels, customizable sound settings, and intuitive controls, this unit delivers premium in-car entertainment. 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. Connecting Devices 7. Bluetooth Setup 8. Audio Settings 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth antenna.

Feature	Description
HD Radio Tuner	Digital radio reception with crystal-clear sound
Bluetooth Connectivity	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
USB Port	For connecting USB devices and charging
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm jack for external audio sources
CD Playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
Power Output	50W x 4 channels (max)
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
EQ Controls	Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader adjustments
Preset Memory	18 FM/6 AM station presets
Display Dimmer	Adjustable display brightness

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is parked safely with ignition off.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning installation.
Remove factory radio using appropriate removal tools.
Connect wiring harness following color-coded wiring diagram.
Secure unit in dashboard and reconnect battery.
Test all functions before final assembly.

WARNING! Incorrect installation may damage vehicle electrical system. Use proper fuse protection.

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing POWER button. Attach faceplate if detached.

Source Selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through radio, CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth.
Volume Control: Turn VOLUME knob or use remote control buttons.
Radio Tuning: Use TUNE buttons or seek function for automatic station search.
CD Operation: Insert disc with label side up; use transport controls for playback.
USB Playback: Connect USB device; unit automatically detects and plays audio files.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving; set controls before driving.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner: FM/AM with HD Radio capability
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80dB
Bluetooth Version: 2.1 + EDR
Supported Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC
USB Support: Up to 32GB storage devices
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, EJECT, Function buttons. Remote Control: All basic functions plus numeric keypad.

Main Controls: POWER, SOURCE, VOLUME, BAND, TUNE, PRESET, MENU, EJECT.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, EQ presets. System Settings: Clock, Display dimmer, Beep tone, Bluetooth pairing, Reset function. Radio Settings: Auto store, Local/distance tuning, HD Radio mode.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives and charging. AUX: 3.5mm input for portable players. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for phones and audio devices.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
USB: Insert USB device directly into front port.
AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device to AUX input.
Select appropriate source mode for connected device.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance.

Bluetooth Setup

Pairing mobile devices for hands-free operation and audio streaming.

Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device.
Press SOURCE to select Bluetooth mode.
Select "KENWOOD HD548U" from available devices list.
Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
Confirm pairing on both devices.
For calls: Use phone book access and call history features.
For audio: Stream music from compatible apps.

WARNING! Do not pair or operate phone functions while driving.

Audio Settings

Customize sound to match vehicle acoustics and personal preference.

EQ Presets: ROCK, POP, JAZZ, CLASSIC, CUSTOM. Advanced Controls: Subwoofer level, High-pass filter, Time alignment. Loudness: Enhances bass at low volumes. Balance/Fader: Adjusts speaker output distribution.

Care & Maintenance

Keep unit clean and dry. Use soft cloth for cleaning; avoid solvents.

CAUTION! Remove faceplate when leaving vehicle unattended. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663. This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check volume level; verify speaker connections; check mute function.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/range	Ensure Bluetooth enabled; delete old pairing; restart both devices.
CD not playing	Disc/loading	Check disc for damage; ensure proper insertion; clean lens if needed.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Use FAT32 format; check device compatibility; try different USB device.

Reset: Hold MENU button for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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