Jan 9, 2009

Kenwood Launches The New Industry Reference In Mobile Amplification

Known for over 25 years in North America as a leader in premium mobile audio technologies, Kenwood USA Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of two distinctly different lines of eXcelon amplifiers; the Reference Fit Series and the Gouriki “Most Powerful” Series.

The Kenwood eXcelon Reference Fit series share the same miniature chassis dimensions (9-1/4” X 7-9/16” X 2-1/16”) and allow for installation in very small spaces without any sacrifice in power or audio performance. A four-layer circuit board, surface mount device (SMD) technology and a new thermal management system used in each amplifier make this high output, compact design possible. One model incorporates the latest in digital amplifier technology and the other uses advanced Class D technology. Both models include dual power supplies for better current transfer and improved sound linearity at low and high volumes.

Kenwood XR-1S

The XR-1S ($600 suggested retail price) is Kenwood’s smallest monoblock amplifier ever, delivering 600 watts (RMS) at 4 ohms and 700 watts (RMS) at 2 ohms, with a maximum power rating of 1,600 watts. Kenwood’s exclusive Dual Sigma Drive circuitry is included for improved damping factor, better musical dynamics and lower distortion. The XR-1S also has a continuously variable low pass filter (50Hz to 200Hz), along with preamp-level outputs for adding multiple amplifiers in an efficient, level-balanced and frequency-balanced manner. An optional remote bass control (KCA-WR10, $50 suggested retail price) can operate the volume of the XR-1S from the driver’s seat and will provide up to +18dB of bass boost as desired (bass frequency is variable from 40Hz to 100Hz).

The XR-4S ($600 suggested retail price) is the four-channel, full-range companion to the XR-1S. Power is rated at 120 watts (RMS) per channel at 4 ohms, 150 watts (RMS) per channel at 2 ohms and 300 watts per channel (RMS) bridged at 4 ohms. Advanced electronic filtering reduces the inherent noise generated by the dual power supplies, making the XR-4S an extremely musical amplifier that generates none of the harshness that exists in most other competitive full-range digital amplifiers. Sophisticated, continuously variable low-pass and high-pass filters are included, plus a bi-amplification setting allows two channels of the XR-4S to operate in “high pass” mode for front tweeters while the other two channels operate in “low pass” mode to drive the midrange.

The Kenwood eXcelon Gouriki series are designed for a single purpose: To provide unmatched power output for system applications where louder is better. The Japanese kanji characters of (pronounced Gouriki)

stand for “rigidity and strength” and “power and force” respectively, and the two Reference Power models deliver on that promise. Both models incorporate dual power supplies for better current transfer and improved dynamics.

With Class D rated power at 800 watts (RMS) at 4 ohms, 1,200 watts (RMS) at 2 ohms and a maximum power rating of 2,400 watts, the X1200M is stable at 1-ohm operation making it the choice for extreme power output.

The X1200M ($500 suggested retail price) is Kenwood’s most powerful mobile power amplifier ever built. With Class D rated power at 800 watts (RMS) at 4 ohms, 1,200 watts (RMS) at 2 ohms and a maximum power rating of 2,400 watts, the X1200M is stable at 1-ohm operation making it the choice for extreme power output. Dual Sigma Drive circuitry is used to improve the amplifier’s damping factor which means more control over subwoofers. A continuously variable low pass filter (50Hz to 200Hz) helps to tune the subwoofer system for maximum output, while a variable infrasonic filter (15Hz to 40Hz) cuts low frequency output at the point where it is not audible, increasing amplifier efficiency and lowering distortion. A preamp-level output on the X1200M allows for the addition of multiple amplifiers and ensures equally-matched crossover points and input levels. An optional remote bass control (KCA-WR10, $50 suggested retail price) can operate the volume of the X1200M from the driver’s seat and will provide up to +18dB of bass boost as desired (bass frequency is variable from 40Hz to 100Hz).

The four-channel X600F ($500 suggested retail price) uses proven Class AB amplifier output circuitry as well as Kenwood’s K-STAT thermal feedback technology to lower distortion caused by heat and electronically adjust the output biasing circuit to achieve unparalleled sound quality and performance. The X600F uses cooling fans to dissipate heat quickly and ensures performance under the most demanding conditions. The X600F also has continuously variable high pass and low pass filters (50Hz to 200Hz), plus bass boost circuitry (40Hz to 100Hz) with up to +18dB of boost available.

All Kenwood eXcelon amplifiers carry a two-year limited warranty and are available only from authorized Kenwood eXcelon retailers.