Kenwood KA-D1100EX - User Manual

DIGITAL INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
KA-D1100EX
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
KENWOOD
Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to acquaint you with the
operating features of your new unit. You will notice that
in every detail of planning, engineering, styling,
operating convenience, and adaptability, we have
sought to anticipate your needs and desires.
We suggest that you read this manual carefully. Know-
ing how to set up your unit to the best advantage will
enhance your listening pleasure right from the start.
You will also become aware of the ease with which you
can adjust your unit to meet your special requirements.
Ge
Rear panel safety precautions
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
©PRINTED
IN JAPAN B50-8653-00(U,E,M,1)(1)
88/2 11098
7654321 87/21
For your records
Record the serial number, found on the back of the
unit, in the spaces designated on the warranty card,
and in the space provided below. Refer to the model
and
serial
numbers
whenever
you
call
upon
your
dealer
for information or service on this product.
Model KA-D1100EX Serial number
Unpacking
Unpack the unit carefully and make sure that all ac-
cessories are put aside so they will not be lost.
Examine
the
unit
for
any
possibility
of
shipping
damage.
If
your
unit
is
damaged
or
fails
to
operate,
notify
your
dealer
immediately.
If
your
unit
was
shipped
to
you
directly,
notify
the
shipping
company
without
delay.
Only
the
consignee
(the
person
or
company
receiving
the
unit)
can
file
a
claim
against
the
carrier
for
shipping damage.
We recommend that you retain the original carton and
packing
materials
for
use
should
you
transport
or
ship
the unit in the future.
CAUTION:
TO
REDUCE
THE
RISK
OF
ELECTRIC
SHOCK,
DO
NOT
REMOVE
COVER
(OR
BACK).
NO
USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS
INSIDE.
REFER
SERVIC-
ING
TO
QUALIFIED
SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
The
lightning
flash
with
arrowhead
symbol,
within
an
equilateral
triangle,
is
intended
to
alert
the
user
to
the
presence
of
uninsulated
‘’dangerous
voltage’’
within
the
product's
enclosure
that
may
be
of
sufficient
magnitude
to
constitute
a
risk
of
electric
shock
to
persons.
appliance.
The
exclamation
point
within
an
equilateral
triangle
is
intended
to
alert
the
user
to
the
presence
of
important
operating
and
maintenance
(servicing)
instructions
in
the
literature
accompanying
the

Summary

Introduction and Initial Setup

Introduction to the Amplifier

Provides an overview of the amplifier's features and purpose.

Record Your Amplifiers Serial Number

Instructions for recording serial number for warranty and service.

Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Steps for safely unpacking and checking the unit for damage.

Rear Panel Safety Precautions

Safety warnings related to the rear panel of the unit.

Pre-Operation Setup Procedures

Setting the AC Voltage Selector

Guide to selecting the correct AC voltage for the unit's operation.

UK Power Cord Wiring Safety

Safety instructions for connecting the power cord in the UK.

Operation Guidelines and Safety

Proper Installation and Placement

Recommendations for installing the unit in a suitable environment.

General Safety Precautions

Essential safety guidelines for operating the amplifier.

Handling Abnormal Smell or Smoke

Steps to take if the unit emits unusual smell or smoke.

Cleaning the Amplifier

Instructions on how to clean the unit's exterior safely.

System Connectivity

Connecting Speaker Systems

How to connect speaker systems to the amplifier.

Connecting Audio Components

Diagrams for connecting various audio sources.

Component Connection Details

Speaker Impedance Requirements

Specifies required speaker impedance for proper operation.

Connecting Analog Sources

Details on connecting turntables, tuners, and other analog devices.

Connecting Tape and DAT Decks

Instructions for connecting tape recorders and DAT decks.

Connecting Digital Sources

How to connect digital audio components like DAT decks.

Digital Input and AC Outlet Usage

Connecting Digital CD Players

Guide to connecting CD players via digital outputs.

DAC Switch Functionality

Explains the purpose and operation of the DAC switch.

Using Rear Panel AC Outlets

Information on the switched and unswitched AC power outlets.

Controls and Indicators Overview

Front Panel Control Descriptions

Identifies and explains the function of front panel controls.

Adjusting Bass and Treble

How to use the Bass and Treble controls for tone adjustment.

Mode and Balance Adjustments

Using the MODE and BALANCE controls for sound settings.

Subsonic Filter and Loudness Features

Details on the subsonic filter and loudness compensation features.

Additional Control Functions

Cartridge and Dubbing Controls

Explains the cartridge selector and dubbing controls.

Volume, Muting, and CD Direct Features

Details on volume control, muting, and the CD Direct function.

Input Selection and Speaker Output

Line Straight and Analog Input Selection

How to use the Line Straight and Analog input selector switches.

Selecting Digital Input Sources

Guide to selecting digital inputs for CD, DBS/AUX, and DAT.

Selecting Speaker Outputs

Instructions for choosing speaker outputs A and B.

Operating the Amplifier

Listening to Input Sources

Basic steps for listening to connected audio sources.

Listening to Radio Broadcasts

How to tune and listen to radio broadcasts.

Playing Records

Instructions for playing vinyl records.

Listening to CDs via Analog Output

Steps for playing CDs through analog connections.

Advanced Operations

Listening to Digital Audio Sources

How to listen to digital sources like CDs and DATs.

Listening to AUX and DBS;AUX

Instructions for using AUX and DBS/AUX inputs.

DAT Deck Operations (Listening & Recording)

Guide to listening to and recording with a DAT deck.

Tape Deck and Recording Functions

Tape Deck Operations

How to operate tape decks for playback and recording.

Dual Recording and Dubbing

Using the DUAL REC OUT switch for simultaneous recording.

Recording Scenarios

Simultaneous Recording Scenarios

Performing multiple recordings concurrently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Sound or Low Volume Problems

Solutions for sound output issues.

Record Playback Troubleshooting

Resolving problems specific to record playback.

Important Precautions and Specifications

Protection Circuit Explanations

Information on the unit's internal protection circuits.

Dyna-pneumatic Suspension Details

Details about the unit's suspension system.

Technical Specifications

Power Output and Distortion Specs

Technical data on power output and harmonic distortion.

Frequency Response and Noise Specs

Specifications for frequency response and signal-to-noise ratios.

General Unit Specifications

Overall specifications including dimensions, weight, and power.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Kenwood KA-D1100EX is a digital integrated amplifier designed to provide high-quality audio amplification and versatile connectivity for various audio components. Its primary function is to receive audio signals from different sources, process them, and amplify them to drive loudspeakers or headphones, ensuring an enhanced listening experience.

Function Description:

The amplifier serves as the central hub for an audio system, integrating several key functions:

• Amplification: It amplifies audio signals from various input sources to power speaker systems (A and B, which can be used simultaneously or individually).
• Digital-to-Analog Conversion (DAC): Equipped with a built-in DAC circuit, it can process digital audio signals from sources like CD players and DAT decks, converting them into analog signals for amplification. This allows for the reproduction of high-quality digital audio.
• Input Selection: The unit features multiple input selectors for both analog and digital sources, including PHONO (for turntables), CD, TUNER, AUX, TAPE1, TAPE2/DAT, and DBS/AUX. This versatility allows users to connect a wide range of audio equipment.
• Recording and Dubbing: The DUAL REC OUT switch enables recording from various sources onto tape decks or DAT decks, as well as tape-to-tape dubbing between two connected tape decks. This is particularly useful for archiving music or creating mixtapes.
• Tone Control: It includes BASS and TREBLE controls with selectable turnover frequencies (200 Hz/400 Hz for bass and 3 kHz/6 kHz for treble) to allow users to adjust the frequency characteristics of the sound to their preference.
• Balance Control: A BALANCE control is provided to adjust the left and right sound balance of speakers and headphones, ensuring a centered stereo image.
• Subsonic Filter: The SUBSONIC filter helps eliminate low-frequency noise (18 Hz or less) that can be caused by warped records or stylus contact, improving sound clarity, especially when playing vinyl.
• Loudness Compensation: The LOUDNESS switch compensates for the human ear's reduced sensitivity to low frequencies at low sound levels, enhancing the bass and treble response for a fuller sound at quieter volumes.
• Line Straight Function: The LINE STRAIGHT switch bypasses the tone control circuitry, providing a flat frequency characteristic for a purer, uncolored sound.
• Muting Function: A MUTING switch temporarily attenuates the signal by 30 dB, useful for quickly lowering the volume without changing the main VOLUME CONTROL setting.
• Analog CD Direct: This feature allows direct signal input from a CD player, bypassing tone control circuits for a high-quality, uncolored sound.

Usage Features:

The KA-D1100EX is designed for user-friendly operation with a logical layout of controls and indicators.

• Power Management: The POWER switch and indicator provide clear status of the unit's operation. The indicator flashes during startup and lights steadily during normal operation.
• Speaker Connectivity: It supports two sets of speaker systems (A and B), which can be used individually or simultaneously. Clear instructions are provided for connecting speaker cables, emphasizing correct polarity and avoiding short circuits.
• AC Outlets: The rear panel includes switched and unswitched AC outlets, allowing users to power other audio components in their system directly from the amplifier, simplifying power management.
• Digital Input Flexibility: The amplifier offers both optical fiber and RCA-type coaxial digital input options for CD players and DAT decks, providing flexibility in connecting digital sources and potentially allowing users to compare sound quality between connection types.
• Recording Versatility: The DUAL REC OUT switch offers multiple settings for recording from various analog and digital sources to tape decks or DAT decks, including options for dubbing between two tape decks while simultaneously listening to another source.
• Monitoring Capabilities: For 3-head tape decks, the TAPE MONITOR switch allows users to monitor the sound being recorded in real-time, ensuring optimal recording conditions.
• Cartridge Selection: The CARTRIDGE select switch (MC/MM) ensures compatibility with different types of phono cartridges, optimizing sound quality for turntable users.
• Volume Control: A large VOLUME CONTROL knob allows for precise adjustment of the sound level for both speakers and headphones.
• Safety Precautions: The manual provides clear instructions on proper installation, avoiding humid environments, ensuring good ventilation, and preventing contact with internal parts or wet hands when handling the power plug. It also warns against connecting other electrical appliances like irons or toasters to the AC outlets.

Maintenance Features:

The amplifier is built with several features to ensure its longevity and reliable performance.

• Speaker Protection Circuit: This circuit protects the amplifier and speakers from damage in case of a short-circuited speaker cable. If activated, the POWER indicator flashes, and the muting circuit cuts off sound. To restore operation, the unit must be powered off and then on again after correcting the short circuit.
• Thermal Protector Circuit: To prevent overheating, a built-in thermal protector circuit automatically turns off power and sound if the internal temperature rises abnormally. Power is restored once the temperature drops to a safe level. Users are advised to ensure proper ventilation and check for short-circuited speaker cables to prevent recurrence.
• Dyna-Pneumatic Suspension: The unit's feet incorporate a specially-designed suspension system to minimize vibrations. To maintain its effectiveness, users are advised not to place other components exceeding 6 kg on top of the unit.
• Cleaning Instructions: The manual specifies using a silicone cloth or a clean dry cloth for cleaning the cabinet, warning against volatile solvents like alcohol, paint thinner, gasoline, or benzine, which could damage the finish.
• Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting section helps users diagnose and resolve common issues related to sound output, noise, and connectivity, providing practical remedies before seeking professional service. This includes advice on checking speaker connections, volume settings, input selectors, and cartridge type.
• Warranty Information: The manual highlights that the warranty does not cover damage caused by excessive line voltage due to improper setting of the AC voltage selector switch, emphasizing the importance of correct initial setup.
• Retaining Packaging: Users are recommended to retain the original carton and packing materials for future transport or shipping, ensuring the unit's safety.

Kenwood KA-D1100EX Specifications

Power Output

minimum RMS power output per channel	125 watts at 8 ohms
dynamic power per channel at 8 ohms	150 W
dynamic power per channel at 4 ohms	270 W
dynamic power per channel at 2 ohms	325 W

Distortion

total harmonic distortion at rated output power at 8 ohms	0.004%
intermodulation distortion	0.004% at rated output power
total harmonic distortion at 1/2 rated output power at 8 ohms	0.003%

Frequency and Signal

frequency response LINE to SPEAKER	1 Hz to 180 kHz/+0 dB, —3 dB
PHONO "RIAA" response	20 Hz to 20 kHz/+0.3 dB
power bandwidth	5 Hz to 50 kHz at 0.04% T.H.D., 8 ohms

Signal to Noise Ratio

PHONO (MM) signal to noise ratio	87 dB
TUNER/AUX/TAPE signal to noise ratio	108 dB
PHONO (MC) signal to noise ratio	70 dB (0.25 mV)

General Specifications

power consumption	350 W
dimensions (W x H x D)	440 mm x 171 mm x 441 mm
weight (net)	19.5 kg