Safety precautionsWARNINGTo prevent injury or fire, take the followingprecautions:• Mounting and wiring this product requires skills andexperience. For safety’s sake, leave the mounting andwiring work to professionals.• To prevent a short circuit, never put or leave any metallicobjects (such as coins or metal tools) inside the unit.• If the unit starts to emit smoke or strange smells, turnoff the power immediately and consult your Kenwooddealer.• Do not touch the unit during use because the surface ofthe unit becomes hot and may cause burns if touched.CAUTIONTo prevent damage to the machine, take the followingprecautions:• Be sure the unit is connected to a 12V DC power supplywith 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 directsunlight or excessive heat or humidity. Also avoid placeswith too much dust or the possibility of water splashing.• When replacing a fuse, only use a new one with theprescribed rating. Using a fuse with the wrong ratingmay cause your unit to malfunction.• To prevent a short circuit when replacing a fuse, firstdisconnect the wiring harness.NOTE• If you experience problems during installation, consultyour Kenwood dealer.• If the unit does not seem to be working right, consultyour Kenwood dealer.Cleaning the unitIf the front panel gets dirty, turn off the power and wipethe panel with a dry silicon cloth or soft cloth.CAUTIONDo not wipe the panel with a hard cloth or a clothdampened by volatile solvents such as paint thinner andalcohol. They can scratch the surface of the panel and/orcause the indicator letters to peel off.To prevent battery riseWhen the unit is used in the ACC ON position withoutturning the engine ON, it depletes the battery. Use it afterstarting the engine.Protection functionThe protection function is activated in the followingsituations:This unit is equipped with a protection function forprotecting this unit and your speakers from variousaccidents or problems that can occur.When the protection function is triggered, the amplifierstops operating.• When a speaker wire may be short-circuited.• When a speaker output contacts ground.• When the unit malfunctions and a DC signal is sent tothe speaker output.• When the internal temperature is high and unit won’toperate.• When detects a low impedance at the speakerconnections.7 Wiring• If a buzzing noise is heard from the speakers when theengine is running, connect a line noise filter (optional) toeach of the battery wire.• Do not allow the wire to directly contact the edge of theiron plate by using Grommets.• Connect the ground wire to a metal part of the carchassis that acts as an electrical ground passingelectricity to the battery‘s negative · terminal. Do notturn the power on if the ground wire is not connected.• Be sure to install a protective fuse in the power cordnear the battery. The protective fuse should be the samecapacity as the unit’s fuse capacity or somewhat larger.• When more than one power amplifier are going to beused, use a power supply wiring wire and protectivefuse of greater current-handling capacity than the totalmaximum current drawn by each amplifier.7 Speaker selection• Using speakers with smaller input ratings than theamplifier’s output power would result in smokegeneration or equipment failure.• Use speakers that have an impedance of 4Ω or greater.When more than one set of speakers are going tobe used, calculate the combined impedance of thespeakers and then connect suitable speakers to theamplifier.Take the time to read through this instruction manual.Familiarity with installation and operation procedures will help you obtain the best performance from your new poweramplifier.For your recordsRecord the serial number, found on the back of the unit, in the spaces designated on the warranty card, and in the space providedbelow. Refer to the model and serial numbers whenever you call upon your Kenwood dealer for information or service on the product.Model KAC-M1804 Serial numberKAC-M1804COMPACT 4 CHANNEL DIGITAL AMPLIFIERINSTRUCTION MANUALCombined impedanceCANADA KENWOOD ELECTRONICS CANADA INC.KENWOOD WARRANTYKENWOOD ELECTRONICS CANADA INC. (hereinafter called“KENWOOD”), gives the following written warranty to theoriginal customer of each new Kenwood product distributed inCanada by KENWOOD and purchased from a dealer authorizedby KENWOOD.KENWOOD warrants that each new Kenwood product, undernormal use, is free from any defects, subject to the terms andconditions set forth below. If a defect should occur within thewarranty period, repairs will be made free of charge for partsand labour when such defects are determined by KENWOODor its’ authorized service centres to be attributable to faultymaterials or workmanship at time of manufacture. Pleasecontact KENWOOD to confirm if a dealer or service centre isauthorized by KENWOOD.WARRANTY PERIODThis Kenwood product is warranted for parts and labour for aperiod of one (1) year from the date of original purchase, leaseor rental, except for products which are used in a professionalor commercial application, which are warranted for a periodof ninety (90) days for parts and labour and are subject to theterms and conditions of the warranty.WARRANTY EXCLUSIONSThis warranty excludes:(a) Products purchased in a foreign country or purchased inCanada and taken to a foreign country.(b) Products purchased from a dealer not authorized byKENWOOD.(c) Products with the serial number defaced, altered ormissing.(d) Periodic check-ups which do not disclose any defectscovered by this warranty.(e) Defects resulting from disaster, accident, abuse, misuse,lightning, power surges, neglect or lack of periodicmaintenance, unauthorized modification or failure to followinstructions in the owner’s manual.(f) Defects or damage as a result of repairs performed by aperson or party not authorized by KENWOOD.(g) Defects resulting from the use of parts or devices that donot conform to KENWOOD specifi cations.(h) Damage or deterioration occurring to any exterior fi nishes,cosmetic parts, tape heads, adaptors, antennas, cables,tapes, discs or faults or damage caused by defective orleaking batteries.(i) Defects or damage occurring during shipping (claims shouldbe presented to the shipping company).(j) Product voltage and /or line frequency conversions.(k) Product installation or removal charges.TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICEShould your Kenwood product require warranty service, deliverit to any authorized KENWOOD service centre and presentthe original copy of your bill of sale and this warranty cardas proof of warranty, or send your product fully insured andfreight prepaid to the nearest authorized KENWOOD servicecentre. To avoid possible shipping damage, make sure theproduct is properly packed. Include a copy of your originalbill of sale and this warranty card as proof of warranty alongwith your name, home and /or work telephone number(s),a complete return address and a detailed description of thefault(s). Products repaired within warranty will be returnedfreight prepaid to destinations within Canada. The customeris responsible for all freight and related costs for the return ofproduct(s) to destinations outside Canada.ENTIRE WARRANTYThis warranty constitutes the entire written warranty givenby KENWOOD. No person, party, dealer or service centreor their agents or employees are authorized to extend orenlarge this warranty on behalf of KENWOOD by any writtenor verbal statement or advertisement or promotion, includingany extended warranty program or plan that may be offeredby the dealer or service centre, unless approved in writingby KENWOOD.DISCLAIMERKENWOOD disclaims any responsibility for loss of time or useof the product or any other indirect, incidental or consequentialdamage to other products or goods, inconvenience orcommercial loss.NOTICE TO CONSUMERThe provisions contained in this written warranty are not intendedto limit, modify, take away, disclaim or exclude any warrantiesor rights you may have which are set forth in any applicableprovincial or federal laws or legislation.IMPORTANTThis warranty card by itself is not considered by KENWOOD asa valid proof of purchase. When applying for warranty repairs,you must present the original copy of your bill of sale and thiswarranty card as proof of warranty, so we recommend that they bekept in a safe place, should they be required in the future.U.S.A. KENWOOD USA CORPORATIONThis warranty will be honored only in the U.S.A.KENWOOD LIMITED WARRANTYFOR CAR STEREO COMPONENTSHOW LONG IS THE WARRANTYKenwood U.S.A. Corporation (“Kenwood”) warrants thisproduct for a period of one (1) year from the date of originalpurchase.WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT ISNOT COVEREDExcept as specified below, this warranty covers all defects inmaterial and workmanship in Kenwood car stereo components.The following are not covered by the warranty:1. Any product which is not distributed in the U.S.A. byKenwood or which is not purchased in the U.S.A. from anauthorized Kenwood car stereo dealer or an automobiledealer, unless the product is purchased through the U.S.AMilitary Exchange Service.2. Any product on which the serial number has been defaced,modifi ed or removed.3. Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:a. Any shipment of the product (claims must be presentedto the carrier).b. Installation or removal of the product.c. Accident, acts of nature, misuse, abuse, neglect,unauthorized product modification or failure to followinstructions supplied with the product.d. Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorizedby Kenwood.e. Any other cause which does not relate to a productdefect.WHO IS PROTECTEDThis warranty is enforceable only by the original purchaser.WHAT WE WILL PAY FORWe will pay for all labor and material expenses for covereditems. Payment of shipping charges is discussed in the nextsection of this warranty.HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTYSERVICEIf your KENWOOD product ever needs service:1. Take or ship it to any KENWOOD Authorized Service Centerin the U.S.A. along with & complete description of theproblem.2. Although you must pay any shipping charges if it is necessaryto ship the product for warranty service, we will pay the returnshipping charges if the repairs are covered by the warrantywithin the United States.3. Whenever your units are taken or sent for warranty service,you must include a copy of the original dated sales receiptas proof of warranty coverage.LIMITATION OF IMPLIEDWARRANTIESALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIESOF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULARPURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LENGTH OFTHIS WARRANTY.EXCLUSION OF DAMAGESKENWOOD’S LIABILITY FOR ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT ISLIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCTAT OUR OPTION. KENWOOD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:1. INSTALLATION OR REMOVAL CHARGES, DAMAGETO OTHER PROPERTY CAUSED BY ANY DEFECTS INKENWOOD CAR STEREO COMPONENTS, DAMAGESBASED UPON INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE OF THEPRODUCT; OR2. ANY OTHER DAMAGES, WHETHER INCIDENTAL,CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE.SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOWLONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS AND/OR DO NOTALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONSAND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may alsohave other rights which vary from state to state.If a problem develops during or after the Limited Warranty Period,or if you have any questions regarding the operation of theproduct, you should contact your KENWOOD Authorized Dealeror Authorized Service Center.Units purchased through the U.S.A. military exchange serviceoverseas may be serviced under warranty in the continentalU.S.A., subject to the following conditions.1) The original warranty is in effect.2) Proof of purchase is provided to the servicer.WARRANTY FOR MILITARY MARKETKenwood corporation is proud of the quality and workmanshipof its audio equipment. This unit has been properly designed,tested and inspected before it was shipped to you. If properlyinstalled and operated in accordance with instructions furnished,it should give you an optimum reliable performance.WARRANTY PERIODThis product is warranted for a period of (1) year from the dateof the original purchase.SCOPE OF WARRANTYExcept as specified below, this warranty covers all defects inmaterials and workmanship of the Kenwood brand products.During the warranty period, any authorized Kenwood ServiceCenter in the military market listed in the back of this warrantycard will provide you free-of-charge both parts and laborrequired to correct any defect in materials or workmanship.The following are not covered by this warranty.1. Voltage conversions.2. Periodic check-ups which do not disclose any defect coveredby the warranty.3. Cabinets, grilles, other exterior finishes, belts, tape heads,and other non-durable parts and accessories.4. Units on which the serial number has been effaced, modifiedor removed.5. Installation and/or removal charges.6. Damaged magnetic tapes.7. House call charges for any repairs.8. Shipping or delivery charges to or from an authorizedKenwood Service Center.9. This warranty will not cover any failure that is due to any of thefollowing conditions in accordance with the visual inspectionof the authorized Kenwood Service Center:* Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation ofparts or accessories that do not conform to the quality andspecifi cations of the original parts.* Misuse, abuse, neglect, unauthorized product modificationor failure to follow instructions contained in the Owner’sManual.* Accidental or intentional damages.* Repairs or attempted repairs by an unauthorized agency.(All repairs must be performed at an authorized KenwoodService Center.)* Damages or deteriorations caused during shipment (Claimsmust be presented to the carrier).* Damages or deteriorations resulting from removal and/or replacement.PURCHASER’S RESPONSIBILITIESAs the purchased of a new Kenwood brand product, you arerequested to do the following in order to obtain Kenwoodwarranty service.1. Retain your sales slip or other evidence of purchase for provingyour eligibility for requesting Kenwood warranty service.2. Make your unit available to an authorized Kenwood ServiceCenter in the military market for inspection and approvedwarranty service, or ship your unit in its original carton boxor equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid,to the authorized Kenwood Service Center.LIMITATION OF IMPLIEDWARRANTIESAny and all implied warranties, including warranties ofmerchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, shall belimited in duration to the length of this warranty.EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGESKENWOOD’s liability for any defective product is limited tothe repair or replacement of said product, at our potion, andshall not include damages of any kind, whether incidental,consequential or otherwise, expect to the extent prohibitedby applicable law.MILITARY