Kenwood PS 53 Manual

The Kenwood PS 53 is a high-performance stereo power amplifier designed for audiophiles and professional audio applications. Featuring dual mono construction, high current capability, toroidal transformer, gold-plated RCA inputs, and speaker protection circuitry. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual mono construction, toroidal power transformer, gold-plated inputs, speaker protection relay, thermal protection, LED power indicators.

Feature	Description
Power Output	80 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Frequency Response	10Hz - 100kHz (+0/-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.05% at rated output
Input Sensitivity	1V for 80W into 8 ohms
Input Impedance	47k ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB
Damping Factor	>200 at 8 ohms
Power Requirements	230V AC, 50Hz (EU model)
Dimensions	430mm x 150mm x 380mm (WxHxD)
Weight	12.5 kg

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.

1. Positioning: Allow minimum 10cm clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.
2. Speaker Connection: Connect speaker cables to binding posts (red=positive, black=negative).
3. Input Connection: Connect RCA cables from preamplifier to input jacks.
4. Power Connection: Plug into appropriate AC power outlet.
5. Grounding: Ensure proper grounding for safety and noise reduction.

WARNING! Amplifier generates heat; ensure adequate ventilation. Use proper gauge speaker wire.

First-Time Setup

Power on amplifier following proper sequence.

1. Connect all cables before powering on.
2. Turn volume on preamplifier to minimum.
3. Power on amplifier: Press power switch on front panel.
4. Wait for protection relay to engage (audible click after 3-5 seconds).
5. Slowly increase volume to desired listening level.
6. Check both channels for proper operation.

CAUTION! Always power on in sequence: source → preamp → power amp. Reverse sequence when powering off.

Specifications

• Power Output: 80W + 80W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.05% THD)
• Dynamic Power: 120W + 120W (4 ohms), 150W + 150W (2 ohms)
• Power Bandwidth: 10Hz - 100kHz (IHF)
• Inputs: 2x RCA line level
• Outputs: 2 pairs speaker terminals
• Power Consumption: 280W (max), 45W (idle)
• Cooling: Convection cooling with aluminum heatsinks
• Protection: DC offset, thermal, short circuit, overcurrent
• Finish: Black or silver brushed aluminum

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER switch, LED power indicator, LED protection indicator.

Rear Panel: AC power inlet, fuse holder, RCA input jacks, speaker binding posts.

Operation: Single power switch controls main power. Protection circuit automatically engages on power-up and disengages when safe operating conditions are met. LED indicators show power status (green=on, red=protection active).

Connecting Devices

Inputs: RCA line level from preamplifier. Outputs: Speaker binding posts.

1. Turn off all equipment before making connections.
2. Connect preamplifier outputs to amplifier RCA inputs.
3. Connect speakers to binding posts observing correct polarity.
4. Ensure all connections are secure and cables are not strained.
5. Keep signal cables away from power cables to prevent hum.

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

Operation Guidelines

Designed for continuous high-performance operation.

1. Power Sequence: Always power on sources first, then preamp, finally power amp.
2. Warm-up: Allow 30 minutes for optimal performance after cold start.
3. Volume Control: Use preamplifier for volume adjustment.
4. Load Impedance: Compatible with 4-16 ohm speakers.
5. Thermal Management: Ensure adequate ventilation during extended use.
6. Shutdown: Reverse power sequence when turning off system.

WARNING! Do not operate without proper load. Avoid shorting speaker outputs.

Protection Features

Comprehensive protection circuitry: DC offset detection, thermal protection, short circuit protection, overcurrent protection. Protection LED illuminates red when fault condition detected. Automatic reset when fault clears.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Compressed air for ventilation slots.

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

Regulatory Information

CE compliant. RoHS compliant. Designed and engineered by Kenwood. For technical support and service, contact authorized Kenwood service centers. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, fuse, outlet	Check power cord connection; verify outlet working; check fuse.
Protection LED red	Short circuit, overheating	Check speaker wires for shorts; allow cooling; check load impedance.
No sound	Input connections, source	Verify input connections; check source equipment; volume setting.
Distorted sound	Overload, faulty cables	Reduce volume; check cables for damage; verify speaker impedance.
Hum or noise	Ground loops, cable routing	Check grounding; separate signal and power cables; verify connections.

Reset: Power cycle amplifier. If persistent issues, consult service center.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.