Kenwood KM-Z1 Guide

Setting up and
using your KM-Z1
Power Amplifier
KENWOOD

1 Table of Contents 1
2 Safety First. 2
3 Welcome 6
• About this manual 6
• Unpacking vour amplifier 6
• In this box. vou should have 7
• Vou will need to purchase 7
• For vour records 7
4 About Your Amplifier 8
• Using the controls 8
5 Setting Up Your Amplifier 9
• Placing your amplifier 9
• Connecting vour amplifier 10
• Connecting the system control cabie 11
• Connecting vour speakers 12
• Using Speaker Wire 13
• Using banana plugs 13
6 Troubleshooting Guide 14
■ No sound from one or more speakers 14
• I he sound cuts in and out 14
• the STANDBY indicator Mink- but there I- .,v i n d 14
• I he S I AN DB\ indicator does not turn ON when the
amplifier is plugged into the wall outlet 1 5
• 1 he amplifier (connected with a Svstem Control Cable)
does not turn ON or OFF when the Kenwood controller
or reciever is switched ON or OFF 15
• Other problems not listed here 15
7 Specifications 16
1

Warning:
To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain
or moisture.
Caution:
To prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the
wide slot in a wall socket, and insert fully.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Caution:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the unit's cover.
There are no user-servicable parts inside. Have the unit serviced by
qualified service personnel.
Safety Symbols
Weve placed these safety symbols on the hack of the unit.
I he lightning bolt symbol ts to alert von to the danger of electric
shock from the operating electric parrs inside rhe unit.
The exclamation point symbol is to let vou know that there are
important operating and servicing instructions in this manual that
vou should read before vou operate this unit.

About the power supply
I h is unit is designed lor operation in the L SA and Canada n.sin>i a power suppiv ot
AC 1 20 volts onlv.
Safety Precautions
Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.
Please read all of the safety and operating instructions before operating this unit. Adhere
to all warnings on the unit and in this manual. Follow all the safety and operating
instructions. These safety and operating instructions should he retained for future
reference.
1 Power sources. ; lie unit should be connected to a power supply onlv ot the tvpe described
in this manual or as marked kin the unit. It you are not sure of the tvpe of power suppiv to
your home, consult your unit dealer or local newer company. For units intended to operate
from batterv power, or orher sources, refer to the instruction manual.
2 Power-cord protection. Power suppiv cords mould he routed so that they are not likely to
he walked on or pinched hv items placed upon or against them, paving particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience recept.ic.es. ana me point where thev exit from tlie unit.
3 CAUTION—Polarization. I'his unit mav be eoumped with a polarised alternating-current
line plug a plug having one blade wider that the other*. This plug will fit into the rower
outlet oniv one wav. I'his is a safety feature, if you are unable u> insert the pine fuiiv into the
outlet, irv reversing the ring. If the plus; should rail to lit. contact vimr electrician to
replace vour outlet. Ho not detent the sjtetv rurpose ot the polarized plug.
4 Ventilation, slots and openings m the cabinet are provided for venrilation and to ensure
reliable operation ot tile unit and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not
he blocked or covered. I he unit should he situated so that ir.s location or position does not
interfere with its proper ventilation.
• To maintain good ventilation, do not put records or a table-cloth on the unit. Place the
unit at least 4 inches avvav from the wails.
• Do not use the unit on a bed. sofa, tug or similar surface that may block the ventila¬
tion openings. Ibis unit should not Pe placed in a huik-in installation such as a
bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturers instruc¬
tions have been adhered to.
5 Water and moisture. I he unit should not he used near water, for example, near hathtuh.
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pooi. etc.
6 Temperature. The unit mav nor function proper!'. - if used at extremely low. or freezing
temperatures. I he ideal ambient temperature is above -4 IT.
7 Heat, The unit should he situated avvav from neat sources such as radiators, heat 'cei-tcrs,
stoves, or other units 1 including amplifiers., that produce heat.
8 Electric Shock. Dare mould he taken mi that opiect' do not fall and liquid is not spilled
3

into the enclosure through openings. If .t metal object, such as a hair pm or a needle, comes
mto concact with die inside ol this unit, a dangerous electric shock may result. For families
with children, never permit children to put anything, especially metal, inside this unit.
Enclosure removal. Never remove the enclosure. If the internal parts are touched
accidentally, a serious electric shock might occur.
Cleaning, Unplug this unit from the wall outlet before .leaning. Do nor use volatile
solvents such as alcohol, paint thinner, gasoline, or benzine, etc. to clean the cabinet.
Use a clean dr. cloth.
Lightning, for added protection tor this unit during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of rime, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system. I lus will prevent damage to the unit due ro lightnin
and power-line surges.
Abnormal smell, if an abnormal smell or smoke is detected, immediately turn the power
Old- and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Contact your dealer or nearest service center.
Damage requiring service. 1 he unit should he serviced hv qualified service personnel
when:
• I he power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
• > )bjecrs Have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
• 1 he unit has been exposed to ram or water.
• 1 he unit lias been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
• 1 he unit exhibits a marked change in performance.
1 lie unit cioes not appear ro operate normallv hv following tire instruction manual.
• Adjust unit those controls that are covered hv the instruction manual as ,m improper
aciiusnncm of other controls may result in damage and wiii orten require extensive
wntK :n a qualified technician to restore the unit to tts normal operation.
Servicing. I he user should nor attempt to service the am bevoitd rhat described in the
instruction manual. All other servicing should he referred to qualified sendee personnel.
Power lines. An outside antenna system should not he located in tile vicinitv of overhead
[lower lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where tt can fall into such power lines
or circuits. \\ hen detailing an outside antenna system. extreme .are should be taken to keep
from touching suJ; power lines or circuits as contact with mem might be fatal.
AC outlets. Do ,oi . oit.iecr orb.-r audio equipment w;tn a power consumption larger than
hai -pc\::;.\t v- uv d -Hike; ->n rite rear pane.. Never connecr other eiecrricai units, such as
an iron or toaster, to it to prevent fire or electric shock.
Overloading. Do not overload wall outlets, extension eorus, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Attachment. Do nor use attachments not recommended by the unit manufacturer as they
mav cause hazards.
Replacement parts. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician
has used replacement parrs specified by the manufacturer or have the Mine characteristics as

the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions mav result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
20 Safety check. Upon completion ot unv service or repairs to this unit, ask the service
technician to perform sate tv checks to determine that the unit is in proper operating
condition.
21 Carts and stands. Don't put this unit on a cart or stand that
is unsteady or that can not support the unit s sveight. It vou
move this unit on a cart or stand, he careful—quick stops,
excessive force and pushing over or unev en surfaces, mav cause
the cart to overturn and damage vour equipment.
FCC Warning
I his equipment mav generate or use radio frequence energy, Changes or modifications to this
equipment mav cause harmful interference unless the modifications are expressly approved in the
instruction manual. I he user could lose the authority to operate this equipment if an unauthorized
change or modification is made.
Important
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part ; i ot the K..C. Rules. I hese limns arc designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. Phis equipment mav cause harmful
interference ro radio communications if ir is not installed and used in accordance with rile
instructions. However, (here is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can he determined bv turning the equipment OFF and ON 1 , the user is encouraged to trv to
correct the interference bv one or more or the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiv ing antenna
• increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which rhe receiver is
connected
• ( onsult tire dealer or an experienced radio TA technician for help
Canadian !C Compliance Notice
1 his (.lass B digital apparatus meets all requirements or the Canadian Interference-Causing
F.quipmenr Regulations.
5

Kenwood's KM-Zl Power Amplifier is specially designed lor home theater systems with
multiple channels deft, right, surround, and so on). Superior technology ensures top-
quality high power output:
• HomeTHX'' certification indicates rhar the amplifier adheres to I.ucasfilms
stringent performance standards.
• Dual power supplies deliver the power needed for exceptional performance in
multiple channels, without distortion.
• Twin 2-speed cooiing fans and heat sink tunnels cool the unit during high-power
operation.
About this manual
Setting up vour amplifier isn't hard, bur you should follow rhe instructions in this manual
carefully to get maximum performance.
Use these instructions with those in the manuals for any other equipment you're connect¬
ing like a controller/runer, speakers, CD, cassette, or laser disc players. VCRs or televi¬
sions!.
Unpacking your amplifier
Unpack vour amplifier carefully, and examine i'. fu shipping damage. If it is damaged or
fails to operate, notify your Kenwood dealer immediately. It your amplifier was shipped to
vou directly, notify the shipping company without delay. Only the person or company
who originally received the amplifier can file a claim against the carrier for shipping
damage.
Keep the original carton and packing materials in case you need to transport or ship your
amplifier in the future.
6

In this box, you should have:
• Kenwood KM-Zl Power Amplifier ll)
You will need to purchase:
• Speaker w ire
• Audio connecting cable
Ae ask vou to buy speaker wire separately, since we don’t know how much wire you will
need. Vuir home (hearer system will sound better it you use the correct gauge of speaker
wire. Depending on tile length ut the wire van need, I.ucasfilnis THX division recom¬
mends the following:
For wire this long
Use this gauge
Up to 24 feet
16 gauge or larger
Up to 36 feet
14 gauge or larger
Up to 58 feet 12
gauge or larger
The smaller the number, the t hie key
r the wire. so /J ~{[tinge mire is thicker than / 6-^au^c wire.
For your records
Record the serial number (its on the back or the amplifier' on the warrants- card, and in
the space below. It you need to call sour dealer tor information or service, vou 1! need the
mode! and serial numbers. And he sure to save vour original receipt.
Model: KM-Z1
Serial Number:
7

Using the controls
Channel Indicators
Glow blue ',\nen the unit s ON and
turn oft when the unit is in STANDBY
Main Power Button
p ress to turn the oower ON
/
Remote Power Button
Press to cycle the unit between ON
and STANDBY
\
ON/Standby Indicator
Tows 'ed vvnen the unit is m STANDBY
Glows green when the unit is ON
- asnes red when Drotection circuits
~a*e actrvated
8

Placing your amplifier
High-powered amplifiers such as chis can produce large amounts of heat. For that reason,
it's important to allow plenty of ventilation.
• Leave at least 4 inches of space above and behind the amplifier.
• Leave at least 2 inches of space in front of, and on each side of the amplifier.
• Make sure that nothing blocks the fan intakes on the rear panel of the amplifier.
• If you place the amplifier inside a stereo rack or cabinet, make sure that vou leave
the door open slightly while the amplifier is on.

Connecting your amplifier
Preamp Outputs 6-channel output
Note:
• !f you use the DB-25 connector, be sure to buv a n'ieidtul a udio DB-25 cable.
(Most DB-2n cables are designed lor computers and are not shielded). Contact the
dealer where you bought vour K.M-Z1.
• Do not use both the DB-2 t connectors and the individual channel inputs at

Connecting the System Control cable
System Control connects various Kenwood components together to operate as a single
system. When you connect the KM-Z1 Power Amplifier to a Kenwood Controller or
Receiver with System Control, you can turn the amplifier ON and OFF .uitomaticallv
with the rest of the system. Connect the Svstem Control cable as shown in this diagram:
System Control
Connections
KC-Z1 Controller
System Control Cable
- o y-f
■ - —--.v ■ gr ¬
ip'' O O O'
" O. C' 6 O'"
f
Control Mode Switch
Switches between SL ’6 and XS-8
Setting the System Control switch:
• If you re using your KM-/. 1 with a Kenwood KC-Zl Controller or a Kenwood
receiver using SL-16 control, ser the KM-ZI s Svstem Control switch to SI -16’.
* It you re using a Kenwood Controller or Receiver with System Control
connectors labelled XS or 'XS-8', set the KM-Zl s System Control switch to
XS-8 . If the KM-ZI is ON when vou set the switch, vou must turn the
amplifiers MAIN POWER switch OFF and then ON again to change the
System Control setting.
11

Connecting your speakers
important! ft? >un : ■ < unpiun uvpower a>m from :/>e wait ontwt oetore ‘tutting anv connections.
• Place the speakers in their approximate locations first—then leave a little extra
speaker wire so ton can fine-tune their location.
• Use stood quality speaker wire nr cable—it vou're not sure, talk to the staff where
you bought \our amplifier.
• You can use regular speaker wire or speaker cable with banana-plug connections.
• Be sure to connect the positive connections ot the speakers to the positive connec¬
tions of the amplifier, and the negative connections of the speakers ro the negative
connections "t the amplifier. If you reverse some or the connections, you may get
poor stereo imaging and poor bass response.
• Never allow the positive and negative speaker wires to touch each orher vthis will
cause a short-circuit which could damage your amplifier).
• Be sure ro read the manuals that came with your speakers for more specific
instructions.
12

Using speaker wire
1 Strip 1/2 inch oi the plastic insulation from the end of the wire.
2 Twist the wire to get rid ol the loose strands.
3 Loosen the terminal.
4 Insert the wire.
5 Tighten the terminal.
6 Check to make sure that no strands from one terminal touch anv
other terminal.
Using banana plugs
1 Tighten the terminal.
2 Insert the banana plug into the hole in the rear of the connector.
13

Sometimes things just don't seem to be working right. If this happens:
• First, see if the problem is listed below.
• If you still can't solve the problem, call the store where you purchased your
amplifier or call a kcnwood-authori/.ed repair service.
• If vou have a problem with another component, check the manual for that unit.
No sound from one or more speakers
• Check that the speaker cables are properly connected.
• Check that the input cables (from the receiver or controller) are properly
connected.
• Check chat vour preamplifier or receiver is working properly.
The sound cuts in and out
• Reset the amplifiers microcomputer:
1 Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
2 Press the MAIN POWER button so that it is in the ON position.
3 While you press and hold the REMOTE POWER button, plug the power
cord back into die wall outlet.
The STANDBY indicator blinks but there is no sound
• Check that the speaker cables are not short-circuited (any of the + and - wires
touching each other). If they arc, turn the amplifiers power OFF and get rid of the
points where the wires touch.
• If the amplifier's internal temperature has risen too high, the protection circuitry
m av have activated. If it has. turn the power OFF and wait for the amplifier to cool

before turning it ON again. Check vour installation to make sure that it conforms
to the recommendations listed under Placing Your Amplifier’.
The STANDBY indicator does not turn ON when the amplifier is
plugged into the wall outlet
• Reset the amplifier's microcomputer:
1 Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
2 Press the MAIN POWER button so that it is in the ON position.
3 While you press and hold the REMOTE POWER button, plug the power
cord back into the wall outlet.
The amplifier (connected with a System Control cable) does not
turn ON or OFF when the Kenwood controller or receiver is
switched ON or OFF
• Check that the System Control cable is properlv connected between the
2 components.
• Check that the System Control switch 1 on the rear panell is set in the proper
position.
• Reset the amplifier's microcomputer:
1 Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
2 Press the .MAIN POWER button so that it is in the ON position.
3 While you press and hold the REX 10 I E POWER button, plug the power
cord back into the wail outlet.
Other problems not listed here
If you have problems with vour amplifier that arent listed here, or that you cant solve
yourself, please contact the store where you purchased the unit. They’ should be able to
heip you get the unit to work properlv. or make arrangements to do so.
15

Due to product upgrades, specifications may change without uorie
Continuous Rated Output Power (FTC)
Stereo: Left and Right channels
Surround: All channels
Surround: All channels
Damping Factor:
Total Harmonic Distortion
Surround: All channels
Frequency Response:
Surround: All channels
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF '66):
Surround: All channels
135 watts minimum RMS/channel. both
channels driven at 8 ohms Irom 20 Hz to
20 kHz with no more than 0.02% total
harmonic distortion
130 watts minimum RMS/channel, both
channels driven at 8 ohms txom 20 Hz to
20 kHz with no more than 0.02% total
harmonic distortion
150 watts minimum RMS/channel, both
channels driven at 6 ohms irom 20 Hz to
20 kHz with no more than 0.02% total
harmonic distortion
240 (50 Hz')
0.02 % t20-20 kHz, 130 watts, 8 ohms)
0.001 % i 1 kHz, 65 watts, 8 ohms)
3 Hz-100 kHz, +0, -3 dB
>125 dB
16

Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Surround: All channels
1.1 V/30 k-ohm
Power Consumption: 9 amps
Dimensions
Width: 1 7-5/ 16 inches (440 mm)
Height:
6-1/4 inches
(159 mm)
Depth: 1 - - 1 1 / 1 6 inches
(449 mm)
Net weight:
S2.9 lbs
(24 kgs)
17