KENWOOD KAC-M8005 5-Channel Marine Power Amplifier

The KENWOOD KAC-M8005 is a Class D five-channel power amplifier built for marine and motorsports audio systems. It provides dedicated amplification for four full-range speakers plus a subwoofer from one compact chassis. This makes it a practical choice for boats, ATVs, side-by-sides, and other 12-volt systems that need a complete amplified speaker-and-subwoofer setup.

At 4 ohms, the amplifier delivers 50 watts RMS to each of four main channels and 300 watts RMS to the subwoofer channel. It can also run the main channels at 2 ohms for 75 watts RMS per channel, while the subwoofer channel supplies up to 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms. The result is flexible power matching for a system using marine speakers with a dedicated subwoofer.

The KAC-M8005 uses a Class D design with a Power MOS-FET switching power supply and an extruded aluminum heat sink. Its conformal-coated circuit board supports use in marine and powersports environments, while the manual specifies mounting the amplifier away from direct water splash, excessive heat, humidity, and dust. A built-in protection circuit helps safeguard the amplifier and connected speakers in certain fault or overheating conditions.

Separate adjustable high-pass filters for the A and B speaker channels help remove low bass from full-range speakers when a subwoofer handles the lower frequencies. The dedicated subwoofer channel includes an adjustable low-pass filter and variable bass boost. Independent gain controls for the A, B, and subwoofer sections allow the system to be balanced for the connected source, speakers, and subwoofer.

RCA line-level inputs and speaker-level input capability support installations with either aftermarket or compatible factory audio sources. Signal-sensing turn-on can switch the amplifier on when it detects an input signal, which can simplify integration in systems without a conventional remote-turn-on lead. Its 9-inch-wide footprint is suited to installations where space is limited but five amplified channels are needed.

Key Features

• Five-Channel Layout: Powers four speakers and one subwoofer from a single amplifier.
• Class D Amplification: Delivers multi-channel power in a compact amplifier chassis.
• Conformal-Coated Circuit Board: Supports marine and motorsports-oriented installation environments.
• Adjustable Crossovers: Tailor high-pass and low-pass frequency ranges to connected speakers.
• Speaker-Level Input: Enables connection with compatible factory or aftermarket source outputs.
• Signal-Sensing Turn-On: Can activate when an input signal is detected.

Design & Installation

The KAC-M8005 combines a conformal-coated circuit board with a Power MOS-FET switching power supply and extruded aluminum heat sink. It measures 9 inches wide by 2-3/16 inches high by 7-3/8 inches deep and weighs 4.5 pounds. Although designed for marine and motorsports applications, it should be installed in a protected location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, high humidity, dust, and water splash.

Use it in a 12-volt negative-ground electrical system and run the battery lead directly from the battery with an appropriately placed protective fuse or circuit breaker. The manual calls for automotive-grade power and ground wiring of AWG 10 or larger, while the amplifier supports 2-ohm stereo/subwoofer loads and 4- to 8-ohm bridged loads. Four self-tapping mounting screws and one hex wrench are supplied; source wiring, terminals, speakers, subwoofer, and protective fuse or breaker separately.