kenwood x500 1 manual

The Kenwood X500-1 is a high-performance mono amplifier designed for car audio systems, featuring 500W RMS power output, advanced MOSFET power supply, variable low-pass filter, bass boost control, speaker-level inputs, and thermal/overload/short circuit protection. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Operation Guide 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mono block amplifier, Remote bass control, Power/ground terminals, Speaker outputs, Input connections.

Feature	Description
Power Output	500W RMS at 2 ohms
MOSFET Power Supply	High-efficiency switching power supply
Low-Pass Filter	Variable 50-200Hz
Bass Boost	0-18dB boost at 45Hz
Input Sensitivity	200mV-4V adjustable
Speaker Level Inputs	For direct connection to factory head units
Remote Turn-On	Automatic signal sensing or remote wire
Phase Control	0-180 degrees adjustable
Protection Circuitry	Thermal, overload, and short circuit protection
LED Indicators	Power and protection status

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose suitable mounting location.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal first for safety.
Mount amplifier: Secure to stable surface using provided hardware.
Connect power: Run power cable from battery through firewall to amplifier.
Connect ground: Use short, thick cable to clean metal chassis point.
Connect speakers: Wire subwoofer(s) to speaker output terminals.
Connect audio input: Use RCA cables or speaker-level inputs.
Connect remote turn-on: Use remote wire from head unit or auto-sensing.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating; use correct wire gauge. Keep cables away from moving parts.

First-Time Setup

Reconnect battery; power on system; adjust settings.

Set input sensitivity: Start at minimum, increase until distortion occurs, then back off slightly.
Adjust low-pass filter: Set according to subwoofer capabilities and system requirements.
Set bass boost: Start at minimum, adjust to preference without distortion.
Adjust phase control: Set for optimal bass response in your vehicle.
Test operation: Play audio at various volumes to ensure proper function.

CAUTION! Always disconnect power when making adjustments. Avoid short circuits.

Specifications

RMS Power: 500W @ 2Ω
Peak Power: 1000W
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 240Hz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95dB
Damping Factor: >200
Input Sensitivity: 200mV-4V
Low-Pass Filter: 50-200Hz, 24dB/octave
Bass Boost: 0-18dB @ 45Hz
Operating Voltage: 11-16V DC
Fuse Rating: 40A

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel adjustments. Remote bass control available for convenient adjustment.

Front Panel: Input sensitivity, Low-pass frequency, Bass boost level, Phase switch, Power/protection LEDs.

Input Sensitivity: Adjusts amplifier gain to match head unit output. Low-Pass Filter: Controls frequency range for subwoofer output. Bass Boost: Enhances low-frequency response at 45Hz. Phase Control: Aligns subwoofer phase with main speakers. Remote Bass: Optional remote control for bass level adjustment.

Connecting Devices

Power: Battery connection with fuse. Ground: Chassis connection. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs. Speakers: Subwoofer outputs.

Disconnect battery before making connections.
Use proper gauge wiring for power and ground.
Connect RCA cables from head unit to amplifier inputs.
Connect speaker wires to appropriate terminals observing polarity.
Connect remote turn-on wire to head unit remote output.

Tip: Keep power and signal cables separated to avoid noise interference.

Operation Guide

Designed for subwoofer amplification in car audio systems.

Power on: System should power up when head unit is turned on.
Adjust volume: Start at low volume and increase gradually.
Fine-tune settings: Adjust filter, boost, and phase for optimal sound.
Use remote bass: Install optional remote control for easy adjustment while driving.
Monitor performance: Check for clipping or distortion at high volumes.

WARNING! Do not operate with damaged speakers or wiring. Avoid excessive gain settings.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Automatically reduces output if amplifier overheats. Overload Protection: Protects against excessive current draw. Short Circuit Protection: Safeguards against speaker wire shorts. DC Offset Protection: Prevents DC voltage from reaching speakers.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and dry. Ensure proper ventilation. Check connections periodically.

CAUTION! Do not expose to moisture or extreme temperatures. Keep ventilation openings clear.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 2025 Kenwood; trademarks of Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection/fuse	Check battery connection; verify fuse; ensure ground connection.
No sound	Input connections/settings	Verify RCA connections; check input sensitivity setting; ensure remote turn-on connected.
Distorted sound	Gain settings/clipping	Reduce input sensitivity; check head unit volume; verify speaker impedance.
Amplifier protection	Overheating/short circuit	Allow to cool; check speaker wires for shorts; verify proper ventilation.
Intermittent operation	Loose connections	Check all connections; verify wire terminations; inspect for damaged cables.

Reset: Disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset protection circuitry.

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