Kenwood KAC-X401M Amplifier

Price Paid:  $0.00 from 0

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 KAC-X401M class D

Summary:
This amp is great, i have 2 12" kicker comps. they slam with this amp, i have 8 gauge wire going from the battery to my amp. never gets to hot.. no loss of power from over draw,

Strengths:
never over heats, will slam your subs if you set it up right.

Weaknesses:
?

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $120.00 from eBay

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 KAC-X401M

Summary:
What can I say about the Kenwood eXcelon KAC-X401M Class D Monoblock sub amp? Well, in my humble opinion, I find it to be outstanding performing the duties it was designed for. Power output at 4 Ohms is specified at 200 watts or 400 watts, at 12.0 or 14.4vdc respectively. At a 2 Ohm load that output climbs to 300 watts or 600 watts - again at 12.0 or 14.4vdc respectively. Kenwood does NOT specify this amplifier designed for use at an impedence below 2 Ohms. While it does take up alot of real estate in its mounting location when compared to its actual, usable, RMS output. However, the advanced heatsink design and the higher-end features incorporated into the eXcelon 401M it really does make good use of the extra space. It has a subsonic filter with multiple, selectable cutoff frequencies. It has a band reject filter that can eliminate unwanted resonances in your listening space. It has a 6dB bass boost with adjustable center frequency. (The bass boost function expandable to 6 or 12dB with connection to a B.M.S. Control-equipped eXcelon head unit...see the installation/instruction manual for your specific eXcelon head unit for further operation and connection details) Also when connected to a compatible eXcelon in-dash receiver you'll get further bass enhancement functions that are not accessible otherwise. Thankfully I've not experienced the undervoltage issues noted by other reviewers. This unit IS a Class D monoblock amplifier capable of over 500 watts RMS, continous output so correspondingly it would have to have a higher-amperage energy draw than units designed for powering smaller speakers. In anticipation of a multiple amplifier system being installed in my personal car I had my alternator rebuilt/upgraded to a 165 ampere output and use the highest quality wiring of sufficient gauge throughout the entire setup to carry the necessary current to the various components so to tell the truth I do already have a leg up over some users in the power-transfer department! :) I am an undeniable Kenwood fan and ever since they began the eXcelon line of higher-end mobile audio components I have been a huge loyalist. I have my KAC-X401M feeding a pair of eXcelon KFC-Xw10dB SVC 10" subs wired parallel to make a 2 Ohm load after receiving signal from an eXcelon KDC-X679 CD/MP3 receiver. THe subs are only rated for 200 watts RMS apiece (400 for the pair) but they take what this X401 is throwing at them without fail or complaint - and my alternator produces its 165 amp output at 14.6vdc so I really am getting all this unit is rated for continously. The PowerSlide door is cool - opening at the touch of a button to access the frequency settings for various functions and to allow the cooling fan to come on. This access panel will also slide open automatically if the internal temperature reaches a preset level then the PowerSlide will slide itself open and the cooling fan will start turning. The cooling fan is a feature worthy of noting by itself: it actually draws air Up and OUT of the interior of the unit while drawing cooler, fresh air in through ducts in the side of the chassis. The makes much more sense that the majority of amplifiers equipped with fans that force air down and into an amp with no ventilation provided for elsewhere in the amp's chassis thus trapping the very hot air it is supposed to be getting rid of! A cooling fan that finally doesn't fight the laws of physics......wonders never cease. While I will admit that one would have to be using a B.M.S.-equipped eXcelon head unit to make the most of this amp's capabilities I would still recommend it as a bass amp to anyone with any other manufacturer's head unit anchoring their system. The bottom line? It's loud, it's strong, and it looks good. Being one of the higher-end eXcelon units gives it reliability. As long as there is room for it where you want to mount it I would strongly suggest you pick one up. They retailed for almost $500 when new - if you search hard enough on eBay they're usually available for $150 to $300 depending on what kind of shape it's in.

Strengths:
Loud, clean power output. Good looks. PowerSlide door is cool in a "gadgety" sortof way. When used in conjunction with a compatible eXcelon head unit this amp has outstanding sound-shaping abilities.

Weaknesses:
Uses alot of space. NOT designed for use at an impendence under 2 Ohms. Unavoidable high current draw

Similar Products Used:
Profile California Series CA600M, Alpine MRV-301M, various multi-channel amps run in a bridged configuration.

Price Paid:  $200.00 from friend

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2002

Summary:
Nice features, voltage light always on. i might need a farat cap. I have two audiobahn 1200Q's I actually was running this amp out at 1 ohm. Did'nt push the 700rms for each subs. Under powered if you want to bump hard.

Strengths:
It's a sturdy amp, doesn't get too warm.

Weaknesses:
Not a whole lot of power. voltage light always on

Similar Products Used:
800a2 lanzar vibe 265 kicker zr1000 kicker zr240 mtx 2100

Price Paid:  $299.00 from Audio King

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001

Summary:
I have this powering two Infinity Kappa perfect 10.1's in sealed enclosers and they sound good.I had to Get a cap and run 4 gauge power wire because the 8 gauge I had wasn't big enough. I wasn't going to by the amp at first, But I already had a kenwood excelon head unit and a kac-x201t amp so I figured I would try it. All in all I think it is a great amp although my system doesn't shake the ground like a pair of 12's in a ported box.It does however sond very clean.I would like to know if anyone has actually had the output of one of these amps measured because it would be nice to know what it really puts out.

Strengths:
Clean tight bass, bass management system, nice looking amp.

Weaknesses:
It's kinda big,It does get warm running at 2ohms,I'm not sure if it puts out what kenwood claims it does even though it is plenty for me.

Similar Products Used:
kenwood 721,821,921,pioneer,power acoustic, profile(what a joke) and kenwood kac-x201t. I still have the 201 and the 821 on my front and rear speakers

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Tweeter

Summary:
Greatest kenwood achievement if u ask me. I personally dont like kenwood but I like this amp. Its capable of running way down at 1ohm. Thats impressive for its price and size. Im not sure what wattage its giving me at this wiring but if my math is right its close to 900watts. Plenty for my single Solobaric. It has never once cut off, never runs too hot(got a neat fan), and is really sharp looking with the sliding door and blue neon. I recomend this amp to anyone who wants reliable power for a fair price.

Strengths:
Runs cool, looks cool, 1 ohm stable, lots of controls easy to access on front of amp.

Weaknesses:
Heavy(if u race), plastic door and logo plate scratch very easily.

Similar Products Used:
Fosgate, alpine, old kenwood models, pioneer