Kenwood KDC X598 Manual

The Kenwood KDC X598 is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity, front auxiliary input, built-in MOSFET 50Wx4 amplifier, detachable faceplate security, variable color illumination, 18 FM/6 AM presets, and advanced audio controls including high/low pass filters, bass boost, and 3-band parametric EQ. Compatible with iPod/iPhone via optional cable. 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. Audio Source Connections 7. Advanced Audio Settings 8. Security 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, CD slot, Illumination controls.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formatted discs
USB connectivity	Direct connection for USB storage devices
Front AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
MOSFET amplifier	50W x 4 channel high-power output
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Variable color illumination	Adjustable display colors (red/blue/green)
18 FM/6 AM presets	Memory for favorite radio stations
3-band parametric EQ	Advanced audio equalization controls
High/low pass filters	Crossover settings for speaker optimization
iPod/iPhone compatibility	Works with optional KCA-iP100 cable

Installation

Prepare vehicle and gather necessary tools. Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning.

Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract current unit from dashboard.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect antenna: Plug antenna cable into rear connector.
Mount unit: Slide KDC X598 into dashboard opening and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Always disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts or damage.

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing SRC button. Select source mode (CD/USB/AUX/TUNER).

CD playback: Insert disc; unit automatically begins playback.
USB mode: Connect USB device; navigate folders with rotary encoder.
Radio: Press BAND to select FM/AM; scan stations with ||.
Volume control: Turn rotary knob or use remote volume buttons.
AUX input: Connect 3.5mm cable to front panel; select AUX source.

NOTE: Unit remembers last source and settings when powered off.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (MOSFET power IC)
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20,000Hz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 105dB (CD)
Preset Stations: 18 FM, 6 AM
Supported Formats: CD-DA, MP3, WMA
USB Support: USB 2.0, up to 32GB
Illumination: 3-color variable (red/blue/green)
Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground
Dimensions: DIN size (7" x 2")

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: SRC (source), Rotary encoder (volume/selection), EJECT, AUX input, USB port.

Remote: Power, Volume, Track skip, Preset buttons, Mute, Display mode.

Audio Settings: Access via AUDIO button - Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader, Loudness, Subwoofer control. Source Settings: CD repeat/shuffle, USB folder play, Radio seek sensitivity. Display: Dimmer control, Color selection, Clock set. System: BEEP on/off, AUX gain, Reset defaults.

Audio Source Connections

USB: Front port for flash drives/memory cards. AUX: 3.5mm front input. iPod: Optional KCA-iP100 cable.

USB devices: Format as FAT32; maximum 32GB capacity supported.
iPod connection: Provides charging and control through head unit.
AUX input: Compatible with smartphones, tablets, portable players.
CD loading: Insert disc label-side up; avoid scratched or damaged media.

Tip: For best USB performance, use high-quality flash drives and avoid excessive file folders.

Advanced Audio Settings

Access advanced features through AUDIO menu system.

3-band Parametric EQ: Adjust 80Hz, 1kHz, 12.5kHz bands with ±10dB range.
Crossover Settings: High-pass (50-125Hz) for speakers, Low-pass (50-125Hz) for subwoofer.
Bass Boost: 0-12dB boost at 60Hz.
Loudness: Automatic bass/treble compensation at low volumes.
Time Alignment: Adjust speaker delay for optimal sound staging.
Subwoofer Level: Independent subwoofer volume control.

NOTE: Reset to factory defaults if settings become unstable.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove by pressing release button; store separately. Security Code: 4-digit code prevents unauthorized use (default 0000).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid chemical cleaners. Store faceplate in protective case when removed.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive materials; keep liquids away from unit and connections.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/security code	Check battery and ignition connections; enter security code if prompted.
No sound	Speaker wiring/mute	Verify speaker connections; check mute function; ensure volume not at minimum.
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Use supported formats (CD-DA/MP3/WMA); clean disc surface; check for scratches.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat to FAT32; ensure capacity under 32GB; try different USB device.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Verify antenna cable securely connected; check for damaged antenna.

Reset: Hold AUDIO button while turning on unit to reset all settings.

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