KAC-728

KAC-628
KAC-528
POWER AMPLIFIER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

B64-1360-00 (EM)

Safety precautions
2WARNING

To prevent injury and/or fire, take the

following precautions:
When extending the battery or ground
cables, make sure to use automotive-grade
cables or other cables with an area of 5 mm 2
(AWG10) or more to prevent cable
deterioration and damage to the cable
coating.
To prevent short circuits, never put or leave
any metallic objects (e.g., coins or metal
tools) inside the unit.
If the unit starts to emit smoke or strange
smells, turn off the power immediately and
consult your Kenwood dealer.
Do not touch the unit during use because the
surface of the unit becomes hot and may
cause burns if touched.
2CAUTION

To prevent damage to the machine, take the

following precautions:
Be sure the unit is connected to a 12V DC
power supply with a negative ground
connection.
Do not open the top or bottom covers of the
unit.
Do not install the unit in a spot exposed to
direct sunlight or excessive heat or humidity.
Also avoid places with too much dust or the
possibility of water splashing.
When replacing a fuse, only use a new one
with the prescribed rating. Using a fuse with
the wrong rating may cause your unit to
malfunction.
To prevent short circuits when replacing a
fuse, first disconnect the wiring harness.

NOTE
If you experience problems during
installation, consult your Kenwood dealer.
If the unit does not seem to be working right,
consult your Kenwood dealer.

Cleaning the unit

If the front panel gets dirty, turn off the power
and wipe the panel with a dry silicon cloth or
soft cloth.
2CAUTION
Do not wipe the panel with a hard cloth or a
cloth dampened by volatile solvents such as
paint thinner and alcohol. They can scratch the
surface of the panel and/or cause the indicator
letters to peel off.

Accessories
Part name

External
View

Number of
Items

Round terminal
(Large)

Round terminal
(Medium)

Round terminal
(Small)

Terminal cover
(Power terminal)

Self-tapping screws
(4 16 mm)

Protection function
This unit is equipped with a protection function for protecting this unit and your speakers
from various accidents or problems that can occur.
When the protection function is triggered, the Power indicator goes off and the amplifier
stops operating.

Power indicator:
When the power is turned on, the Power indicator lights.
If the Power indicator does not light when the power is turned on, the
protection function may be activated. Check whether there is any
indication of trouble.

Power indicator

The protection function activates in the following

situations:
When a speaker cable may be short-circuited.
When a speaker output contacts ground.
When the unit malfunctions and a DC signal is sent to the speaker
output.
When the temperature of internal parts exceeds 120C (248F).
When a ground cable of the center unit (cassette receiver, CD receiver,
etc.) or this unit is not connected to a metal part serving as an
electrical ground passing electricity to the battery's negative terminal.

Installation procedure
1. Remove the ignition key and disconnect the negative - terminal of the battery to prevent short
circuits.
2. Set the unit according to the intended usage.
3. Connect the input and output cables of the units.
4. Connect the speaker cables.
5. Connect the power cable, power control cable and grounding cable following this order.
6. Install the unit in the car.
7. Connect the negative - terminal of the battery.
2CAUTION
Be sure to turn the power off before changing the setting of any switch.
If the fuse blows, check cables for shorts, then replace the fuse with one of the same rating.
Check that no unconnected cables or connectors are touching the car body. Do not remove
caps from unconnected cables or connectors to prevent short circuits.
Connect the speaker cables to appropriate speaker connectors separately. Sharing the negative
cable of the speaker or grounding speaker cables to the metal body of the car can cause this
unit to fail.
After installation, check that the brake lamps, winkers, and wipers work properly.

Controls
Operations of the following control and switches are required in accordance with the center
unit and speakers connected with this unit.

SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT

LEFT
RIGHT

OPERATION

FILTER
OFF

LPF

STEREO

KAC-728

MONO(Lch)
0.5

LINE IN
R

0.3

1.0

GND

MIN

MAX

INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)

3 4

SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT

LEFT
RIGHT

OPERATION

FILTER
OFF
HPF
LPF

L+R
STEREO MONO(Lch)
0.5

KAC-628

LINE IN
R

0.3

1.0

GND

MIN

MAX

INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)

3 4

6
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
LEFT
RIGHT

OPERATION

FILTER
OFF

KAC-528

LPF

STEREO

MONO(Lch)
0.5

LINE IN
R

0.3

1.0

GND

MIN

MAX

INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)

3 4

POWER IN

GND

KAC-728

FUSE(20A x 2)

BATT

BRIDGED

LEFT

P.CON(REMOTE)

RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT

20

20

POWER AMPLIFIER

8 9 0

POWER IN

KAC-628

FUSE(25A)

BATT

GNDP.CON(REMOTE)

BRIDGED

LEFT

RIGHT

SPEAKER OUTPUT

25
POWER AMPLIFIER

7 8 9 0

POWER IN
FUSE(15A)

GNDP.CON(REMOTE)

BRIDGED

LEFT

RIGHT

SPEAKER OUTPUT

15

KAC-528

BATT

POWER AMPLIFIER

7 8 9 0

1 RCA cable ground lead terminal

2 FILTER switch
These switches allow filtering of the
speaker output signals.
KAC-628
KAC-728/528
FILTER
FILTER

OFF

LPF

OFF
HPF
LPF

HPF (High Pass Filter) position

(KAC-628 only)
Only frequencies of 150 Hz or higher are
output. (Frequencies below 150 Hz are cut.)

LPF (Low Pass Filter) position

Only frequencies of 80 Hz or lower are
output. (Frequencies above 80 Hz are cut.)
The Lch and Rch will be mixed before
output even if the operation switch is set to
STEREO.

OFF position
The original sound without filtering is
output.

3 OPERATION switch
This switch allows selection of the
amplification method of input signals.
KAC-728/528
OPERATION
STEREO

MONO(Lch)

KAC-628
OPERATION
L+R
STEREO MONO(Lch)

STEREO position
The amplifier can be used as a stereo
amplifier.

L+R position (KAC-628 only)

The input left and right signals are
combined before being amplified. Use this
position when the unit is used for
subwoofer speakers or the L+R (monaural)
sound is required.

5 LINE IN terminal
6 Speaker level input terminals
7 Fuse (20 A 2 : KAC-728)
Fuse (25 A 1 : KAC-628)
Fuse (15 A 1 : KAC-528)
8 Battery terminal
9 Ground terminal
0 Power control (REMOTE) terminal
! SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals
Stereo Connections:
When you wish to use the unit as a stereo
amplifier, stereo connections are used.
The speakers to be connected should have
an impedance of 2 or greater. When
multiple speakers are to be connected,
ensure that the combined impedance is 2
or greater for each channel.

Bridged Connections:
When you wish to use the unit as a highoutput monaural amplifier, bridged
connections are used. (Make connections
to the LEFT channel (+) and the RIGHT
channel () SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals.)
The speakers to be connected should have
an impedance of 4 or greater. When
multiple speakers are to be connected,
ensure that the combined impedance is 4
or greater.
2CAUTION
The rated input of the speakers should be
no less than the maximum output of the
amplifier. Otherwise malfunction may
result.

MONO (Lch) position

Amplifies the signal input from the left side
only. Set to this position and make bridged
connections to use as a high-power
monaural amplifier. (The input right signal is
not output.)

4 INPUT SENSITIVITY control

Set this control according to the pre-output
level of the center unit connected with this
unit, or to the maximum power output of
the genuine-accessory car stereo.
Use the diagram on the
10
0.5 0.3
right as a guide.
NOTE

15

1.0

For the pre-output level or

MIN
MAX
the maximum power output, 25
(W)
refer to the Specifications
in the instruction manual of the center unit.

Connection
RCA cable connection
2CAUTION

Do not connect cables and leads to both RCA cable input jacks and the speaker input terminals
simultaneously, for this may cause malfunction or damage.
Right input
Left input
RCA cable ground terminal

FILTER

D
GN

OFF

LPF

SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT

LEFT
RIGHT

OPERATION
STEREO

MONO(Lch)
0.5

LINE IN
L

0.3

1.0

GND

MIN

MAX

INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)

To Power control
(REMOTE) terminal
CENTER UNIT
(Cassette receiver,
CD receiver, etc.)

RCA cable
(Commercially
available part)

Left output (White)

Right output (Red)

RCA cable ground terminal

When using an RCA cable with a ground lead attached, connect the ground lead to this
terminal.
2CAUTION

Do not use this terminal for power source grounding. This unit will be damaged if the power
source grounding wire is connected to this terminal.

Speaker level input connection

Connect the unit by inserting it in the connection between the genuine-accessory car stereo
and speakers.
2CAUTION

Do not connect cables and leads to both RCA cable input jacks and the speaker input terminals
simultaneously, for this may cause malfunction or damage.
Left input

Right input

T
U

ER
K

P
IN
L IGHT
VE R
LE

EAT
SP LEF

FILTER
OFF

LPF

SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT

LEFT
RIGHT

OPERATION
STEREO

MONO(Lch)
0.5

LINE IN
0.3

1.0

GND

MIN

MAX

INPUT
SENSITIVITY(V)

Lead terminal
(Commercially available parts)
Genuine-accessory
car stereo

To Power control
(REMOTE) terminal
Left output
Right output
Battery

2CAUTION

The genuine-accessory car stereo shall have a maximum power output of no more than 25 W.
Do not connect the speaker output leads from a power amplifier (Optional) to the speaker input
terminals of this unit, for this may cause malfunction or damage.
Connect the power control lead to a power supply which can be turned ON/OFF by the ignition
key switch (ACC line).
With this connection, shock noise may be generated when the power of the genuine-accessory
car stereo is switched ON/OFF.

 Speakers cable connection

(Stereo Connections)
Left output

Right output
ED
IDG
BR

POWER IN

GND
BATT

LE

BRIDGED

P.CON(REMOTE)

LEFT

RIG

HT

FT

RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT

POWER AMPLIFIER

Lead terminal
(Commercially available parts)
Right
speaker
Left
speaker

(Bridged Connections)
ED
IDG
BR

POWER IN

GND
BATT

LE

BRIDGED

P.CON(REMOTE)

LEFT

RIG

HT

FT

RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT

POWER AMPLIFIER

Lead terminal
(Commercially available parts)

Speaker Selection
The rated input power of the speakers that are going to be connected should be greater than
the maximum output power (in Watts) of the amplifier. Use of speakers having input power
ratings that are less than the output power of the amplifier will cause smoke to be emitted as
well as damage.
The impedance of the speakers that are going to be connected should be 2 or greater (for
stereo connections), or 4 or greater (for bridged connections). When more than one set of
speakers are going to be used, calculate the combined impedance of the speakers and then
connect suitable speakers to the amplifier.

Examples:
Stereo Connections (4)
200 W or greater
100 W or greater
70 W or greater

Model
KAC-728
KAC-628
KAC-528
200W
(4)

200W
(4)

4
Maximum output of
the amplifier

Bridged Connections (4)

600 W or greater
300 W or greater
200 W or greater
200W
(2)

200W
(4)

200W
(2)

4
Combined
impedance

100W
(8)

200W
(4)

100W
(8)

Rated input power and

impedance of the speakers

Connection
Power cable connection
2WARNING

To prevent fire caused by a short in the wiring, connect a fusible link or breaker nearby the
batterys positive terminal.

POWER IN

GND
BATT

BRIDGED

P.CON(REMOTE)

LEFT

RIGHT
SPEAKER OUTPUT

POWER AMPLIFIER

Power terminal

Round terminal (Small)

Round terminal (Medium)
CENTER UNIT

Terminal cover

Car fuse box

Power control cable
(Commercially available parts)
Battery cable
(Commercially available parts)

ACC

Ground cable
(Commercially available parts)

Round terminal (Large)

Protective
Fuse

Battery

Power terminal
Connect to their respective terminals the power control cable, power supply cable, and ground
cable, all of which pass through the associated terminal cover. Once the connections are
complete, place the cover on the terminal section.
Wiring
If a buzzing noise is heard from the speakers when the engine is running, connect a line noise filter
(optional) to each of the battery cable.
Do not allow the cord to directly contact the edge of the iron plate by using Grommets.
Connect the ground cable to a metal part of the car chassis that acts as an electrical ground
passing electricity to the batterys negative - terminal. Do not turn the power on if the ground
cable is not connected.
Be sure to attach a protective fuse into the battery cable close to the battery. Use a protective fuse
having a capacity that is about 10 A higher than the maximum current drawn by the amplifier.
Use vehicle-type (fire-resistant) power supply wiring cable for the battery cable and the ground
cable. The current capacity of the power supply wiring cable should be about 10 A higher than that
of the protective fuse capacity (which means about 20 A higher than the maximum current drawn
by the amplifier).
When more than one power amplifier are going to be used, use a power supply wiring cable and
protective fuse of greater current-handling capacity than the total maximum current drawn by each
amplifier.

Example: One Power Amplifier Is Used

Model
KAC-728
KAC-628
KAC-528

Maximum Current
Drawn
28 A
19 A
16 A

Protective Fuse
50 A 1 [25 A 2]
30 A 1
25 A 1

Cross-sectional Area of Wiring

Cable (AWG)
5 mm2 (AWG 10) or greater 1
3 mm2 (AWG 12) or greater 1
3 mm2 (AWG 12) or greater 1

25 A
50 A

25 A

25 A

25 A

Installation
Self-tapping screw
(4 16 mm)

Installation board, etc.

(thickness : 15 mm or more)

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Since the power amplifier has no parts which require operation, it can be installed at a position
away from the drivers seat without any hindrances.
As generally accepted positions for its installation, places such as inside the trunk, etc. can be
considered.
Use the extension cables. (Optional.)
Length
0.5m
1m
2m
4m
5m
6m
Type
RCA cable
CA-2SL
CA-12SL CA-22SL
CA-52SL
RCA cable (7mm)
CA-3WL CA-13WL CA-23WL
CA-53WL
RCA cable (12mm)
CA-15W
CA-45W
CA-5W
CA-25W
CA-65W
2CAUTION
Do not install the unit under the carpet. Otherwise heat build-up occurs and the unit may be
damaged.
Install this unit in a location which allows heat to easily dissipate.
Once installed, do not place any object on top of the unit.
The surface temperature of the amplifier will become hot during use. Install the amplifier in a
place where people, resins, and other substances that are sensitive to heat will not come into
contact with it.
When making a hole under a seat, inside the trunk, or somewhere else in the vehicle, check
that there is nothing hazardous on the opposite side such as a gasoline tank, brake pipe, or
wiring harness, and be careful not to cause scratches or other damage.
Do not install near the dashboard, rear tray, or air bag safety parts.
The installation to the vehicle should securely fasten the unit to a place in which it will not
obstruct driving. If the unit comes off due to a shock and hits a person or safety part, it may
cause injury or an accident.
After installing the unit, check to make sure that electrical equipment such as the brake lamps,
turn signal lamps and windshield wipers operate normally.

System examples
Full-range 2-channel system
KAC-728/528
OPERATION

FILTER
OFF

LPF STEREO

MONO(Lch)

CENTER UNIT

Left speaker

Right speaker

KAC-628
OPERATION

FILTER

L+R
OFF
HPF
LPF STEREO MONO(Lch)

Switch setting

High-power full-range 2-channel system

KAC-728/528
OPERATION

FILTER
OFF

LPF STEREO

MONO(Lch)

CENTER UNIT

KAC-628

OPERATION

FILTER

L+R
OFF
HPF
LPF STEREO MONO(Lch)

Switch setting

Left speaker (Bridged)

Right speaker (Bridged)

Full-range 2-channel + Subwoofer system

KAC-728/528
OPERATION

FILTER
OFF

LPF STEREO

MONO(Lch)

Left speaker

CENTER UNIT

Right speaker

KAC-628
OPERATION

FILTER

L+R
OFF
HPF
LPF STEREO MONO(Lch)

Switch setting

Subwoofer
(L + R)
(Bridged)

Tri-mode

KAC-728/528
OPERATION

FILTER
OFF

LPF STEREO

MONO(Lch)

CENTER UNIT

High
pass

Subwoofer
(L + R)
(Bridged)

KAC-628
OPERATION

FILTER

L+R
OFF
HPF
LPF STEREO MONO(Lch)

Switch setting

Principle of Tri-mode
Method of frequency band division using a coil and capacitorin case of 6dB/oct. slope
Crossover Frequency
0 dB
-3 dB
L

Frequency

Coil (L): Passes low frequencies and blocks high

frequencies. (Low pass)
Capacitor (C): Passes high frequencies and blocks low
frequencies. (High pass)
159000
C=
(F)
fc=Cut of Frequency (Hz)
fc x R
R=Speaker Impedance ()
159 x R
L=
(mH)
fc

Example:
When it is required to set a crossover frequency of 120 Hz using speakers with an
impedance of 4 ohms.
Prepare commercially-available coil and capacitor with the closest ratings to the results
calculated from the formula above. The capacitor rating should be as close as possible to 331.25
(F) and the coil rating should be as close as possible to 5.3 (mH).
2CAUTION
If you wish to bridge-connect a speaker, the speaker impedance must be no less than 4 ohms.
Connecting a speaker with an impedance lower than 4 ohms may damage the unit.
Be sure to connect capacitors to speakers to which high frequencies will be passed. Failure to
do so will result in a drop of the combined impedance with the subwoofer.
Ensure that the withstand voltage and current ratings of the capacitors (C) and coils (L) are
sufficient.

10

Troubleshooting Guide
What might appear to be a malfunction in your unit may just be the result of slight
misoperation or miswiring. Before calling service, first check the following table for possible
problems.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

SOLUTION

No sound.
(No sound from one side.)

Input (or output) cables are

Connect the input (or output)
disconnected.
cables.
Protection circuit may be
Check connections by referring
activated.
to "Protection function".
The fuse may be blown because Replace the fuse with a new
the volume was too high.
fuse and use a lower volume.

The output level is too

small (or too large).

The input sensitivity adjusting

control is not set to the correct
position.

Adjust the control correctly

referring to Controls.

The sound quality is bad.

(The sound is distorted.)

The speakers cable are

connected with wrong + / polarity.
A speaker cable is pinched by a
screw in the car body.

Connect them properly checking

the + / - of the terminals and
cables well.
Connect the speaker cable again
so that it is not pinched by
anything.
Set switches properly by
referring to "System examples".

The switches may be set

improperly.

11

Specifications
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Audio Section ..............................................KAC-728

Max Power Output (4 )

Normal ..............................................................200 W 2
Bridge ..............................................................600 W 1
Rated Power Output (4 )
Normal (DIN45324, +B=14.4 V) ......................100 W 2
Bridge (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ..............................300 W 1
Rated Power Output (2 )
Normal (1 kHz, 0.8 % THD) ..............................150 W 2
Frequency Response (+0, 1 dB) ........................5 Hz ~ 50 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio ............................................100 dB
Sensitivity (MAX) (rated output) ..........................0.2 V
Sensitivity (MIN) (rated output) ............................5.0 V
Input Impedance ..................................................10 k
Low Pass Filter (12 dB/oct.) ................................80 Hz
High Pass Filter (12 dB/oct.) ................................

General..........................................................KAC-728

KAC-628

KAC-528

100 W 2
300 W 1

70 W 2
200 W 1

50 W 2
150 W 1

35 W 2
100 W 1

75 W 2
10 Hz ~ 45 kHz
100 dB
0.15 V
4.0 V
10 k
80 Hz
150 Hz

50 W 2
5 Hz ~ 50 kHz
100 dB
0.2 V
5.0 V
10 k
80 Hz

KAC-628

KAC-528

Operating Voltage (11 ~ 16 V allowable) ..............14.4 V

14.4 V
Current Consumption (1 kHz, 10% THD) ............28 A
19 A
Dimensions (W H D)[mm] ..............................220 56.1 300 220 56.1 228
Weight..................................................................3.6 kg
2.7 kg

12

14.4 V
16 A
220 55 160
1.8 kg