Kenwood KDC X498 Manual

The Kenwood KDC X498 is a digital media receiver with built-in Bluetooth, USB connectivity, CD playback, and advanced audio controls. Features include 50W x 4 MOSFET power, variable color illumination, dual phone connection, and compatibility with various audio formats. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital media receiver, Remote Control, USB port, AUX input, Bluetooth antenna, Speaker outputs.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
USB Port	For USB devices and smartphone connectivity
CD Playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
MOSFET Power	50W x 4 channel high-power output
AUX Input	3.5mm auxiliary input for external devices
Variable Color	Customizable illumination with 13-color options
Dual Phone	Connect and switch between two phones
EQ Settings	Built-in equalizer with multiple presets
Remote Control	Included for convenient operation
Steering Wheel	Compatible with steering wheel control interfaces

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Follow vehicle-specific instructions.

1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Ensure safety during installation.
2. Remove factory radio: Use appropriate removal tools for your vehicle.
3. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires to vehicle harness.
4. Connect antenna: Attach vehicle antenna adapter.
5. Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using mounting sleeve.
6. Reconnect battery: Test all functions before final assembly.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before installation. Use proper fuse ratings.

Basic Operation

Power on unit; follow source selection and playback controls.

1. Power: Press SRC/OFF button to turn on/off.
2. Source selection: Press SRC to cycle through available sources.
3. Volume control: Use VOL knob or remote control buttons.
4. Playback: Use PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN for media control.
5. Mode selection: Access different modes through FUNCTION button.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Set all controls before driving.

Specifications

• Power Output: 50W x 4 (MOSFET power IC)
• Bluetooth Version: 3.0 + EDR
• USB Support: USB 2.0, up to 32GB
• CD Formats: CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW
• Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise: 95dB
• Illumination: 13-color variable display
• Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground

Controls and Settings

Access settings via FUNCTION button and rotary encoder.

Front Panel: SRC/OFF, VOL knob, USB port, AUX input, EJECT, FUNCTION.

Remote: Power, Volume, Track selection, Mode, EQ, Mute, Display.

Audio Settings: Bass, Midrange, Treble, Loudness, Balance, Fader. Source Settings: Bluetooth pairing, USB mode, AUX input level. System Settings: Display color, Dimmer, Clock, Beep tone, Language.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pair mobile devices for audio streaming and hands-free calling.

1. Enable Bluetooth: Press BT button or select from source menu.
2. Pair device: Select "KENWOOD" from your phone's Bluetooth list.
3. Enter PIN: Use "0000" if prompted for pairing code.
4. Confirm connection: Unit will display connected device name.
5. Dual phone: Connect second phone following same procedure.

Tip: Keep phone within 3 feet for optimal Bluetooth performance.

USB Playback

Supports USB drives and smartphone connectivity.

1. Connect device: Insert USB drive or connect smartphone via USB cable.
2. Select source: Choose USB from source selection.
3. Navigate files: Use folder up/down and track selection buttons.
4. Play modes: Repeat, Random, Scan available through mode button.
5. Charging: USB port provides charging capability for connected devices.

WARNING! Do not remove USB device during playback. Use safely formatted drives.

Audio Settings

Advanced audio controls for optimal sound quality.

• EQ Presets: Natural, Powerful, Vocal, Flat, User
• Bass Boost: 0-12dB adjustment at 60Hz
• Loudness: On/Off for enhanced low-volume listening
• Balance/Fader: Speaker position adjustment
• Subwoofer: Low-pass filter and level control
• Time Alignment: Advanced speaker timing adjustment

Care & Maintenance

Keep unit clean and protected from extreme conditions.

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning display and controls. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep unit dry and protect from direct sunlight.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive materials. Disconnect power before cleaning.

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

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check power connections; replace fuse if blown.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/range	Delete old pairing; ensure device is in range; restart both devices.
USB not recognized	Format/cable	Use FAT32 format; try different USB cable; check device compatibility.
No sound from speakers	Wiring/settings	Check speaker connections; verify balance/fader settings; test each channel.
CD not playing	Disc/loading	Ensure disc is clean and compatible; check for proper loading.

Reset: Press and hold SRC/OFF for 10 seconds to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.