Kenwood KR 9600 Manual

The Kenwood KR 9600 is a high-power stereo receiver featuring 160 watts per channel RMS, advanced tuner section with quartz PLL synthesizer, multiple audio inputs, phono stage, tone controls, loudness compensation, and comprehensive speaker switching. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-power amplifier section, Quartz PLL synthesizer tuner, Multiple input selector, Phono preamp, Tone controls, Speaker selector.

Feature	Description
Power Output	160 watts per channel RMS (8 ohms)
Tuner Section	Quartz PLL synthesizer with FM/AM bands
Inputs	Phono, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2, Tuner
Tone Controls	Bass, Treble, Midrange with defeat switch
Loudness Control	Compensates for low volume listening
Speaker Selector	A, B, A+B speaker outputs
Headphone Jack	For private listening
Power Switch	Main power on/off with indicator light
Volume Control	Motorized potentiometer with balance
Mode Selector	Stereo/Mono, Reverse, Loudness

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, well-ventilated surface.

1. Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to A or B terminals, observing polarity.
2. Connect audio sources: Turntable to PHONO inputs, CD player to AUX, tape deck to TAPE.
3. Connect antenna: FM antenna to 75-ohm terminal, AM loop antenna to AM terminals.
4. Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block heat sinks. Use appropriate speaker impedance.

First-Time Setup

Power on receiver; allow warm-up period.

1. Set input selector: Rotate to desired source (Phono, Aux, Tuner, Tape).
2. Adjust volume: Start at minimum, gradually increase to desired level.
3. Tune stations: Use tuner section to preset FM/AM stations.
4. Set tone controls: Adjust bass, treble, midrange to preference.
5. Speaker selection: Choose A, B, or A+B for connected speakers.

CAUTION! Do not operate with speaker terminals shorted. Ensure proper grounding.

Specifications

• Power Output: 160 watts per channel RMS at 8 ohms
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 100kHz (+0, -3dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08% at rated power
• Input Sensitivity: Phono: 2.5mV, Aux: 150mV
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Phono: 76dB, Aux: 100dB
• Tuner Section: FM/AM with quartz PLL synthesizer
• Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 650W max
• Dimensions: 21-1/4" W × 7-1/2" H × 17-1/2" D
• Weight: 55 lbs

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Power switch, Input selector, Volume/Balance, Tone controls, Loudness, Mode selector, Speaker switches.

Rear Panel: Speaker terminals, Input jacks, Antenna terminals, AC cord, Pre-out/Main-in jacks.

Tone Controls: Bass (±10dB at 100Hz), Treble (±10dB at 10kHz), Midrange (±8dB at 1kHz). Filter: High cut and Subsonic filters. Mode: Stereo/Mono, Reverse, Loudness compensation. Tuner: Manual tuning, Auto seek, Preset memory (8 stations).

Connecting Components

Multiple input options: Phono, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2, Tuner.

1. Turntable: Connect to PHONO inputs (ground wire to ground terminal).
2. CD Player: Connect to AUX inputs using RCA cables.
3. Tape Deck: Connect to TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 inputs/outputs.
4. Speakers: Connect to A or B terminals observing polarity.
5. Antennas: FM antenna to 75-ohm, AM loop to AM terminals.

Tip: Use high-quality interconnects and speaker wire for best performance.

Tuner Operation

Advanced quartz PLL synthesizer tuner with preset memory.

1. Select band: Choose FM or AM with band selector.
2. Tune stations: Use manual tuning knob or auto seek function.
3. Store presets: Tune to desired station, press MEMORY, select preset number (1-8).
4. Recall presets: Press preset button for stored station.
5. Mono/stereo: Use mono for weak FM signals to reduce noise.
6. Signal strength: Monitor tuning meter for optimal reception.

WARNING! Ensure proper antenna connection for best reception. Avoid signal overload.

Audio Adjustments

Comprehensive tone control and audio processing.

1. Tone Controls: Adjust bass, treble, midrange to suit listening environment.
2. Tone Defeat: Bypass tone controls for flat response.
3. Loudness: Compensates for Fletcher-Munson curves at low volumes.
4. Balance: Adjust left/right channel balance.
5. Filters: High cut reduces high-frequency noise, subsonic removes rumble.
6. Mode: Reverse switches left/right channels for special applications.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Clean controls with contact cleaner if needed.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 1978 Kenwood Corporation; trademarks of Trio-Kenwood Corporation. For service, contact authorized Kenwood service centers. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, fuse	Check AC connection; replace fuse if blown.
No sound	Speaker connections, input selection	Verify speaker wires; check input selector position.
Distorted sound	Overload, faulty components	Reduce volume; check source components.
Poor FM reception	Antenna, location	Improve antenna positioning; check connections.
Hum or noise	Grounding, interference	Ensure proper grounding; separate from interference sources.
Protection circuit active	Overload, short circuit	Check speaker impedance; ensure no short circuits.

Reset: Power cycle unit if controls become unresponsive.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for internal repairs.