Kenwood Brings Small Power, Big Sound to International CES

 Download PDF

 More from Kenwood

Tony Mercado • (310) 

• Kenwood introduced 4 subwoofers, 3 amplifiers, 4 sets of speakers at CES

• Outdoor-ready amps optimized for small spaces; speakers feature weatherproofing for land / water use

New recreation-ready amplifiers fit tight spaces but pack a multitude of features

LAS VEGAS – January 8, 2015 (SDG MEDIAWIRE) – Kenwood is announcing four new subwoofers, three marine / outdoor amplifiers and two color options for two sizes of outdoor-ready speakers at the 2015 International CES. The premier producer of quality autosound products for the aftermarket expanded its line of gear built for outdoor play, and upgraded four woofers with enhanced performance characteristics.

The new Kenwood woofers all feature an oversized design to provide more cone area in a smaller space, and a redesigned spider that improves sound integrity. A dual ventilation basket smoothes airflow within the basket and lets it out from the back and sides of the subwoofer, resulting in improved heat dissipation and superior bass reproduction. The square array pattern cone design helps with cone rigidity.

The KFC-W3016PS 12-inch subwoofer (MSRP $120.00) can handle 2,000 watts peak power and 400 watts RMS at 4 ohms. Its smaller companion, the 10-inch KFC-W2516PS (MSRP $110.00) is rated at 1,300 watts peak and 300 watts RMS at 4 ohms. From the Kenwood eXcelon line, the KFC-XW-120 12-inch subwoofer ($MSRP $140.00) specs out at 2,000 watts peak power 400 watts RMS at 4 ohms. The KFC-XW-100, which is the 10-inch version at $130.00 MSRP, boasts 1,300 watts peak and 300 watts RMS power handling at 4 ohms. All woofers are shipping in March and April.

The new amplifiers tout a small design that allows them to fit into the storage compartments of motorcycles, quads or boats. The circuit boards from the CEA-2006-compliant amplifiers are treated with conformal coating to deter damage over time from the elements.

The KAC-M1824BT (MSRP $300; March ship date) is designed to allow a Bluetooth-enabled device to act as a source unit. The amplifier includes an IPX5-certified wired remote control that enables volume and media selection, and features built-in Bluetooth with sound-enhancing aptX® and AAC technology, as well as a USB port that charges the paired device. In addition to Bluetooth, high-and low-level inputs work with factory or aftermarket radios, and an RCA output allows the user to expand the system with an additional amplifier. The amplifier is rated at 45 watts per channel at 4 ohms (peak output at 100 watts per channel). If the two channels are bridged for two-speaker applications, the output is 90 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms.

At $200 MSRP, the KAC-M3001 is a single-channel amplifier designed for use with a subwoofer. It includes a variable low-pass filter to optimize bass output and both speaker-level and low-level inputs for installation flexibility.  Power output is rated at 200 watts at 4 ohms; 300 watts at 2 ohms. The companion KAC-M3004, also with an MSRP of $200, runs 4 channels and includes high- and low-pass filters. It is rated at 50 watts per channel at 4 ohms; 75 watts per channel at 2 ohms. The three amplifiers are expected to ship between February and March.

Built to handle harsh water environments, the new 6.5-inch and 8-inch coaxial speakers include UV- and water-resistant grilles and surrounds, gold-plated terminals and stainless steel fasteners. A 1-inch balanced dome tweeter and polypropylene cone deliver quality sound reproduction. The 6.5-inch model (MSRP $100) is rated at 150 watts peak and 50 watts RMS power and comes with a white grille (KFC-1653-MRW) or black (KFC-1653MRB). The 8-inch version (MSRP $250) comes with a stainless-steel grille in white (KFC-2013MRW) or black (KFC-2053MRB), and handles 300 watts peak and 100 watts RMS power.

See the new models, as well as the complete 2015 line at Kenwood booth No. 1702 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during International CES. For more information, visit kenwood.com/usa.

About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation

JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment, and navigation products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa and www.jvc.com.

(Click for larger version)