Kenwood KAC-501

Name: Kenwood KAC-501
Brand: Kenwood

A vintage 2-channel amplifier made in Japan, later associated with a high-power monoblock car audio amplifier

Overview

The Kenwood KAC-501 shows up in listings and forums as two different amplifiers: a vintage 2-channel amp and a high-power Class D digital monoblock MOSFET amp. That points to the model name being reused across eras or product lines. One version was sold as a 2-channel amplifier with 15 watts per channel and an original retail price of $95 in 1985. The later or alternate version is described as a 1000-watt peak power monoblock with 500W RMS at 2 ohms and 300W RMS at 4 ohms, with a low-pass filter and Class D digital technology. The unit was made in Japan, and at least one known vintage example has been restored and tested.

Specifications

Product type	2 channel amplifier
Product type	Car Stereo Power Amp Amplifier
Product type	Class D Digital Monoblock MOSFET Amplifier
Country of Origin	Japan
Power output	15 watts per channel
Power output RMS	500W RMS x 1 @ 2
Power output RMS	300W RMS x 1 @ 4
Power output	1000W MAX monoblock
Frequency Response	20Hz - 200Hz (+0, -3dB)
Features	Low-Pass Filter
Class	Class D
Type	Monoblock
Original price	$95

Design

The amplifier is described as a Class D digital monoblock MOSFET design. That means efficient switching technology and MOSFET output devices. It has a 90-ampere power supply, which supplies the high current needed to drive subwoofers.

Market

One restored unit was listed as "vintage Old School SQ OG RESTORED TESTED," which points to collector interest. A Facebook listing from Kenya priced a KAC-501 with accessories at 13,000 Kenyan shillings, so these amps are still in use in car audio. A Best Buy Q&A mentions a user running two 12” Kenwood subwoofers on the amplifier, who says it “hits pretty well.”