Kenwood Radio Manual KDC MP638U

The Kenwood KDC-MP638U is a car CD receiver with MP3/WMA playback capability, built-in amplifier, detachable faceplate security, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, CD-R/RW compatibility, auxiliary input, and advanced audio controls. Features include Bass Boost, Loudness, HPF/LPF filters, and illumination color customization. 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 Adjustments 7. Playing Media 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, Antenna connector, Auxiliary input, Speaker outputs.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formats
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Auxiliary Input	For external audio devices
Bass Boost	Enhances low-frequency response
Loudness	Compensates for low volume listening
HPF/LPF Filters	High-pass and low-pass filter controls
Illumination Color	Customizable display colors
Remote Control	Wireless remote for basic functions
Power Output	50W x 4 channels maximum

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper wiring connections.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Match polarity (+ to +, - to -).
Connect antenna: Plug into antenna input.
Mount unit: Secure in dashboard opening.
Reconnect battery and test operation.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit; insert faceplate if detached.

Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD, Tuner, Aux.
Volume control: Turn VOL knob or use remote volume buttons.
CD operation: Insert CD; press PLAY for automatic playback.
Tuner operation: Press BAND to select AM/FM; use SEEK to find stations.
Preset stations: Tune to station, hold preset button for 2 seconds.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving if it distracts from road safety.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Supported Media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 μV
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB (CD)
Separation: 60 dB
Power Requirement: 14.4V DC (negative ground)
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOL knob, SOURCE, BAND, SEEK/TRACK, AUDIO, SETUP.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, BAND, PRESET, SEEK, PLAY, STOP.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, BASS BOOST. Setup: Clock setting, Display dimmer, Beep on/off, Illumination color. Tuner: Local/DX reception, Preset scan. CD: Repeat, Random, Intro scan.

Audio Adjustments

Press AUDIO button to access sound settings.

Bass/Treble: Adjust low and high frequencies (-6 to +6)
Balance/Fader: Control left/right and front/rear speaker balance
Loudness: Compensates for Fletcher-Munson curve at low volumes
Bass Boost: Enhances bass response (0/1/2 levels)
HPF/LPF: Set crossover frequencies for speakers/subwoofers

Tip: Adjust settings while playing familiar music for best results.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs, auxiliary input.

CD Playback: Insert CD; automatic play starts. Use TRACK buttons for navigation.
MP3/WMA: Displays folder and file names. Supports ID3 tag display.
Auxiliary Input: Connect external device to AUX input; select AUX source.
Repeat/Random: Press RPT for repeat mode, RDM for random play.
Fast Forward/Rewind: Hold SEEK buttons during playback.
Intro Scan: Plays first 10 seconds of each track.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular-shaped CDs. Keep discs clean.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parking to deter theft. Security Code: Optional code can be set to prevent unauthorized use. If power disconnected, enter code to reactivate.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft dry cloth only. Do not use chemicals or abrasives. Keep faceplate in protective case when detached. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

CAUTION! Never insert objects into CD slot. Keep magnets away from unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/ fuse	Check power connections; verify fuse in wiring harness.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wires connected properly; check balance/fader settings.
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Ensure disc is compatible format; clean disc surface.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Check antenna connection; ensure antenna fully extended.
Unit asks for code	Power interruption	Enter security code if previously set (default 0000).

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center; www.kenwood.com