Kenwood KDC X797 Manual

The Kenwood KDC X797 is a high-performance car audio receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, CD playback, AM/FM tuner with 18FM/6AM presets, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel preamp outputs, variable color illumination, and advanced audio controls. 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. Bluetooth Connectivity 7. USB and Audio Playback 8. Audio Settings 9. Security Features 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
USB Input	For USB devices and iPod/iPhone connectivity
CD Playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
4V Preamp Outputs	Front, rear, and subwoofer outputs
Variable Color	Customizable display illumination
Audio Controls	Bass, treble, fader, balance, loudness
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with steering wheel remote interfaces
Power Output	50W x 4 channels maximum

Installation

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

Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
Remove existing radio and prepare mounting area.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect antenna and speaker wires.
Slide unit into dash and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit; faceplate must be attached for operation.

Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through modes (Tuner, CD, USB, BT).
Volume control: Turn VOL knob or use remote volume buttons.
Mode selection: Use MODE for audio settings and menu navigation.
Preset stations: Store with P.SET button; recall with numbered buttons.
Detach faceplate: Press RELEASE button and slide out for security.

CAUTION! Do not remove faceplate while unit is powered on.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Preamp Outputs: 4V front, rear, subwoofer
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.3 dBf, AM 25 μV
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: 95 dB (CD)
Bluetooth Version: 2.1 + EDR
USB Support: MP3, WMA, AAC files
Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground
Dimensions: DIN size (7" x 2")

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: VOL knob, SOURCE, MODE, P.SET, RELEASE button. Remote: All front functions plus number pad.

Display: Shows current mode, track info, time, audio settings. Press DISP to cycle display modes.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE, LOUDNESS. System Settings: Clock, illumination color, Bluetooth pairing, beep tone.

Bluetooth Connectivity

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

Enter BT mode: Press SOURCE until BT appears.
Enable pairing: Hold MODE for 3 seconds until "PAIRING" flashes.
Search on device: Find "KENWOOD" in Bluetooth settings.
Connect: Enter PIN "1234" if prompted.
Confirm: "CONNECTED" appears on display.

Tip: Up to 5 devices can be paired; last connected device auto-reconnects.

USB and Audio Playback

Supports USB drives and iPod/iPhone connectivity.

Connect USB: Insert device into USB port.
Select source: Press SOURCE until USB appears.
Navigation: Use arrows to browse folders and tracks.
Play modes: Repeat, random play available.
iPod control: Full control of compatible Apple devices.
File support: MP3, WMA, AAC audio files.

WARNING! Do not remove USB device during playback. Format USB as FAT32 for compatibility.

Audio Settings

Access audio menu by pressing MODE repeatedly.

Bass/Treble: -6 to +6 adjustment
Loudness: On/Off for bass boost at low volumes
Fader/Balance: Adjust speaker output distribution
Subwoofer Level: Control subwoofer output if connected
EQ Presets: Flat, Powerful, Natural, Vocal

Security Features

Detachable faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security code: Set personal code if faceplate is lost/stolen.

To set security code: Hold 1 and 4 while powering on, enter 4-digit code, confirm.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse integrity.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check volume, mute, fader settings; verify speaker connections.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/range	Delete old pairing; ensure within 3 feet during pairing.
USB not recognized	Format/power	Reformat USB as FAT32; ensure adequate power for device.
CD skipping	Disc/dirty lens	Clean disc; use CD lens cleaner if problem persists.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

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