KAC-X4D Amp Kenwood Test

Among the big news from the PTS 2009, Kenwood unveiled its first digital broadband amplifier. After many brands such as Alpine, Pioneer, JL Audio, ..., Kenwood began to turn to the Class D technology, which offers many benefits to integrating an amp in a car. So discover the KAC-X4D!

Amp elected in 2009!

For a first attempt in the Class D amplification broadband Kenwood scored a master stroke. Indeed, the KAC-X4D has been awarded the EISA 2009 in the amplifier 2009. Admittedly, the digital amps are very practical, to integrate an amplifier into a car without cluttering up the boot. Compactness to hide the amp, low power consumption, low heat, higher efficiency (80% against 60% for Class D), ..., are the main interests of the Class D

Benefits: Compact and functional!

The KAC-X4D is a 4 channel amplifier. With dimensions of 23,5 x19, 2x5, 2 cm, the KAC-X4D is very compact and takes only little space in the car. We can easily hide in a corner lost (for bags) trunk or under a seat. To facilitate integration, all connections are grouped together on the same side of the amp. The KAC-X4D with forced ventilation, it can be hidden easily in a filling, being careful not to block ventilation openings. Dressed all in black, this amp has a very simple design. Only a small plaque adorned with the logo of the brand, brings a little fun with this amp. Small tip of Kenwood, the plate is removable and reversible: it can have the logo still readable, whatever the direction in which one climbs the amp.

Through its active filter, the KAC-X4D can animate any type of speakers

All orders for amp settings are grouped on the same side. It would have been better to put them on the hood, so they remain accessible when the receiver is embedded in a filling. Also for convenience, we would have liked the knobs are more graduates. For the feature, each pair of channels has an active filter with adjustable high pass and low pass. To effectively facilitate all types of HP, the filters are adjustable over a wide frequency range. Also note the presence of an input selector (2 or 4 channels); useful if the car has only one output line. The essential functions are present, but we would have liked a line out to feed another amp and settings as a small correction serious. But this is not essential.

The logo can be rotated to remain readable regardless of the position of the receiver

Of course, the KAC-X4D is bridgeable and 2 Ohm stability. This will handle all configuration types: conventional 4 HP, 2 HP front and a subwoofer, or two small subwoofers. In short, a simple amplifier and effective to meet the most current!

Discover and use: dynamic and musical!

From a performance perspective, the KAC-X4D delivers power very comfortable: 4x120 Watts RMS into 4 ohms. In bridge mode, power is 2x300 watts RMS into 4 ohms; than enough to host a pair of small woofers. Low distortion, wide bandwidth, power is obtained in good conditions. The KAC-X4D animate without any worries of HP. But more than the power itself is the dynamic that we note first. The attacks are fast, firm and frank. Listening is really lively and enjoyable: music live.

Although very compact, the KAC-X4D offers a very comfortable power

The KAC-X4D stamp well, offers a natural and realistic sound. It lacks a little finesse to be classified as pure hi-fi, but it must be recognized that for a Class D amp, his musicianship is remarkable. Say KAC-X4D prefers a little more dynamic audiophile side. But the musicianship is still very pleasant, and that listening is the expectations of young consumers. Furthermore, its momentum is well suited to modern music. The KAC-X4D asks only send power to the slightest touch of volume. Clearly, there is sure to have fun listening to this amp Kenwood.

The notice 

For a first amp of this type, Kenwood fate is a very good product. Compact, sober, he will be discreet in the car. Versatile, it can host any type of HP. Power, musicality, fast attacks, listening to the KAC-X4D is really nice. Apart from a few features (subsonic filter, phase correction) that we would have liked, there was no major fault with him. Admittedly, this is not an amp audiophile, but this is not an amp "big sound". The KAC-X4D is a very good compromise for those looking for an amp easily integrated, musical and powerful. Clearly, a practical and efficient amplifier to have fun without complicating their lives. In short, it is well worth the price EISA 2009. Finally, the price is average for a product like this.