Kenwood KDC X491 Manual

The Kenwood KDC X491 is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity, front auxiliary input, built-in amplifier (22W x 4 channels), detachable faceplate security, AM/FM tuner with 18FM/6AM presets, customizable illumination, audio adjustments (bass/treble/midrange), subwoofer control, and Bluetooth compatibility. 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. Bluetooth Features 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, AUX input, Bluetooth antenna.

Feature	Description
USB port	For USB flash drives and iPod/iPhone connectivity
AUX input	3.5mm front panel input for external audio devices
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
CD playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA formats
Power output	22W x 4 channels (max 50W x 4)
Preset memory	18 FM stations, 6 AM stations
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Audio controls	Bass, Treble, Midrange, Loudness, Subwoofer level
Illumination	Customizable button and display colors
Remote control	Included for convenient operation

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 channels following color coding.
Mount unit: Slide into DIN opening until clicks into place.
Connect antenna and Bluetooth adapter.
Reconnect battery and test operation.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; initialize settings.

Set clock: Press SOURCE + ▲ simultaneously, adjust with rotary knob.
Program radio presets: Tune to station, hold preset button for 2 seconds.
Adjust audio settings: Use AUDIO button to access bass, treble, balance, fader.
Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KDC-X491" on your device.
Customize illumination: Select colors in display settings menu.

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

Specifications

Power Output: 22W RMS x 4 (4 ohm)
Max Power: 50W x 4 channels
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20,000Hz
Signal-to-Noise: >80dB
Preset Stations: 18 FM, 6 AM
Supported Media: CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, USB, iPod
Bluetooth: Version 2.1 + EDR
Inputs: Front AUX, USB
Security: Detachable faceplate
Dimensions: Single DIN (178mm x 50mm)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, AUDIO, BAND, ▲/▼ buttons, USB port, AUX input.

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

Audio Settings: Bass (-6 to +6), Treble (-6 to +6), Midrange (200Hz-2.5kHz), Balance/Fader, Loudness, Subwoofer level. Radio: Manual/auto seek, local/distance reception. Display: Dimmer, illumination color (red/blue/green/amber). Bluetooth: Pairing, phonebook access, call history.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front port for flash drives and iOS devices. AUX: 3.5mm front input. Bluetooth: Wireless audio and phone.

Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
USB: Insert flash drive or connect iOS device with compatible cable.
AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from external player to front input.
Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode, connect from device settings.

Tip: Use high-quality USB drives formatted FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth audio sources.

Select source: Press SOURCE button to cycle through modes.
CD: Insert disc label-side up; playback starts automatically.
USB: Connect device; use folder/track navigation.
Playback controls: PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN, FF/REW.
Repeat/random: Press RPT or RDM during playback.
Folder navigation: Use ▲/▼ to browse USB directories.
MP3 ID3 tag display: Shows artist and song title when available.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Pairing: Hold SOURCE for 3 seconds, select "KDC-X491" on phone.
Phonebook: Access contacts through unit display.
Call functions: Answer/end with remote or unit buttons.
Audio streaming: Play music from Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Last paired memory: Automatically reconnects to last paired device.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Remove faceplate before cleaning.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or abrasives. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; replace fuse.
No sound	Speaker wiring	Verify speaker connections; check audio settings.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode	Enter pairing mode; delete old pairing from phone.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Reformat to FAT32; try different USB device.
CD skipping	Disc/dirty lens	Clean disc; use CD lens cleaner if problem persists.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable securely connected.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

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