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1-800-297-9469

Our hours

Monday-Friday:
9 am - 6 pm est
Lunes a viernes:
9 am - 6 pm este
Estamos disponibles 5 días a la semana
Looking for International Support?
Connect ID #
143 836 08

Shop smart & save time when you connect with an advisor

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Call us at 1-800-297-9469
2.
Mention Connect ID number:
143 836 08
3.
Your advisor will be able to share relevant pages and add items to your cart
Your security and privacy are ensured. Our advisors cannot see anything that is on your computer. They only have the ability to "serve" a page from our site and put items in your cart. You’re in control at all times, and you can disconnect at any time by closing your browser window.

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Kenwood KAC-M1804 Compact 4-channel amplifier — 45 watts RMS x 4 (New stock)

Kenwood

Item # 113KAM1804

Kenwood's KAC-M1804 4-channel amplifier will pump up your car's audio system with 45 watts RMS per channel —...

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Kenwood's KAC-M1804 4-channel amplifier will pump up your car's audio system with 45 watts RMS per channel —...

Item # 113KAM1804

About the Kenwood KAC-M1804

Buck Pomerantz

by Crutchfield's Buck Pomerantz

Power your speakers on land or sea

Kenwood's KAC-M1804 4-channel amplifier will pump up your car's audio system with 45 watts RMS per channel — that's more than twice the power of most car stereos. The super-compact KAC-M1804 will add new clarity and impact to the basic sound system of almost any kind of vehicle on land or water, and it'll fit in a lot of places when space is tight. The amp uses plastic covers to protect its connections and features a conformal coated circuit board that keeps out moisture and salt, so the party won't stop just because of a little wetness.

Power your speakers on land or sea

Kenwood's KAC-M1804 4-channel amplifier will pump up your car's audio system with 45 watts RMS per channel — that's more than twice the power of most car stereos. The super-compact KAC-M1804 will add new clarity and impact to the basic sound system of almost any kind of vehicle on land or water, and it'll fit in a lot of places when space is tight. The amp uses plastic covers to protect its connections and features a conformal coated circuit board that keeps out moisture and salt, so the party won't stop just because of a little wetness.

Hooks up to almost any system

The KAC-M1804 comes with an RCA cable for connecting to an aftermarket receiver, but it can handle speaker-level signals as well, so you can still get input from a radio without RCA outputs (Crutchfield recommends using the Kicker KISL adapter to allow you to keep the RCA leads from your amplifier). The amp senses incoming high-level signals and turns itself on, eliminating the need to install a separate remote turn-on wire.

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Product highlights:

  • compact 4-channel amplifier for car, motorcycle, and boat
  • 45 watts RMS (100 watts peak) x 4 at 4 ohms
  • non-bridgeable, 4-ohm stable per channel
  • CEA-2006 compliant
  • MOSFET power supply and Class D amp technology
  • conformal-coated circuit board — suitable for marine applications
  • preamp and speaker-level inputs
  • signal-sensing turn-on on speaker-level inputs eliminate need for a separate remote lead
  • RCA cables and short power/speaker harness included
  • 10-gauge power and ground leads recommended
  • fuse rating: 15A x 1
  • dimensions: 6-1/2"W x 1-3/8"H x 3-9/16"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # KAC-M1804

What's in the box:

Kenwood KAC-M1804 owner's manual

  • 4-Channel amplifier with a 15A ATM fuse installed
  • Two 38" RCA stereo patch cables
  • 5' Power and speaker output harness
  • 4 Self-tapping screws (Length=5/8")
  • Two 13.5" plastic wire ties
  • Two 4" plastic wire ties
  • Instruction Manual/Warranty sheet

Featured review

I bought this amp to boost the sound on my pontoon boat and am very pleased. Sound quality is fantastic. I can run 20 mph and hear my radio now over the water and wind noise. Great amp for the money.

Eric from whitesburg ga

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Customer reviews for Kenwood KAC-M1804

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4.5 out of 5 stars
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More details on the Kenwood KAC-M1804

Mark G.
Researched by Crutchfield's Mark G.

Product Research

Features
Connections

Features

Compact Amplifier: The Kenwood KAC-M1804 compact Class D 4-channel amplifier is designed to boost the output and clarity of your car stereo. The amp features a conformal coating on the circuit board to protect it from moisture. This allows you to use the amp for marine applications, or on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The KAC-M1804 delivers 45 watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 ohms. It cannot be bridged or operated at impedances less than 4 ohms.

Protection Circuitry: The amplifier features protection circuitry for thermal overload, DC offset, and short circuits. The amp stops operating when it goes into protection mode. (There are no LED indicators.)

Signal-sensing Turn-on: When the amplifier is connected to a factory head unit, or an aftermarket unit without preamp outputs, you can cut off the amp's RCA input connectors and splice the head unit's speaker wires to the input wires. In this case, the amplifier's Signal-sensing Turn-on feature will turn on the amp when a signal is detected on the input. This eliminates the need to connect a turn-on lead to the amp's Power Control (blue) wire.

No Controls or Crossovers: The KAC-M1804 does not have built-in crossovers or controls. If you are connecting the amp to small speakers, it is recommended that you use the crossovers built into the connected head unit, or use bass blockers on the speaker outputs.

Connections

Amp Wiring: The Kenwood KAC-M1804 is equipped with a 22-pin DC connector on the amplifier. The included 5' DC harness, which plugs into the connector, has wires for +12V battery power, ground, power control (turn-on lead), and four speakers.

Power/Ground: The +12V Power and Ground wires are 16 AWG wires. The power wire can be connected to the car's fuse box or directly to the battery. The amp is protected by a 15A ATM mini blade fuse. If wiring directly to the battery, you can use a 10 AWG wire with an in-line 15A fuse installed no more than 18" from the battery terminal. The ground wire should be attached to a metal area close to the amplifier.

Power Control: The blue Power Control wire should be connected to the head unit's remote turn-on lead when an aftermarket unit is used. This wire does not need to be connected if you're using speaker level inputs. The Signal-sensing Turn-on feature will turn on the amplifier when an input signal is detected.

Line-Level Inputs: The amplifier is equipped with two pair of RCA inputs on 7-1/2" pigtails for connecting stereo RCA patch cables from the head unit to the amp. Two 38" stereo RCA patch cables are included. If using a factory head unit, or a unit without preamp outputs, the RCA inputs will also accept a speaker level signal. The RCA jacks can be cut off, and speaker wire spliced with the existing cable, but adding a speaker level to RCA adapter is much easier (sold separately).

Speaker Outputs: The included DC harness has eight wires for connecting four speakers to the amp: Front left (white + white/black), Front right (gray + gray/black), Rear left (green + green/black), and Rear right (purple + purple/black). The amp is not capable of bridging or connecting to speakers with impedances less than 4 ohms.

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Customer Q&A

15 questions already asked

Q
Does this plug straight into a Kenwood head unit for easy installallation?
eric  Dec 02, 2018
9 answers
A
Yes, it does plug into the head unit. The leads are short. I had to order extension leads.
joseph  Dec 10, 2018
A
Any unit that has the RCA type outputs for the channels (L,R,F,R) you want to amplify. You still have to run new or splice into the speaker wires to the speakers.
mike  Dec 07, 2018
A
Well if you know how to wire anything, yes
max  Dec 05, 2018
A
Yes it does
anthony  Dec 04, 2018
A
Yes it does. No wires to cut or slice, just plug your RCA jacks up to it.
gilbert  Dec 02, 2018
A
Yes it does. RCA in / speaker wire out.
rob  Dec 02, 2018
A
It plugged straight into my Pioneer unit. They are RCA jacks and I'm pretty sure they are all the same.
michael  Dec 02, 2018
A
Yea it does.....working great on my 07 Street Glide
dallas thomas  Dec 02, 2018
A
Yes, make sure your head unit has RCA speaker outputs (Not just subwoofer RCA outputs but front and rear left and right speaker outputs)
william  Dec 02, 2018
Q
Does this plug straight into a Kenwood head unit for easy installallation?
eric  Dec 02, 2018
2 answers
A
Yes
brian  Dec 02, 2018
A
I actually used it with a Pioneer AVIC unit and it did plug into that and I had to wire speakers to the AMP.
travis  Dec 02, 2018
Q
Having Trouble Installing My Kenwood M1804 Amp?Please Help
billy  Jan 09, 2018
1 answer
A
Sorry, had someone put n, a GMC 1500, under the dash installer had no issues but works well want something small 2 hide
daniel  Jan 09, 2018
Q
Can i bridge kenwood KAC-M1804 400 watt amp off my 400 watt 4 channel amp thats what im running my sub off of?can bridge the power wire and the remote wire off my 400 watt 4 channel amp
winston  Apr 09, 2017
1 answer
A
Yes that is possible. You can purchase a T that you'd wire the power into and that has 2 outputs.
clif  Apr 10, 2017
Q
Can you hook it up to a sub?
trayvon  Jul 22, 2016
1 answer
A
The Kenwood KAC-M1804 compact Class D 4-channel amplifier does not have any built-in crossovers or subwoofer controls. It also can't be bridged or operated at impedances less than 4 ohms, so it's not a very good option for powering a subwoofer. I hope that helps! My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159
david  Jul 27, 2016 (Staff)
Q
I've read that users have upgraded the wiring to 10ga for power, and 16 ga for speaker output. How is this done? The connectors are crimped 16ga power and 20ga speaker respectively, which I've been able to remove from the connector although they are reluctant to prying.
scott  Jul 16, 2016
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the connections on the product. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kenneth  Jul 19, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Bought a used Harley Davidson FLHTPI with a Kenwood KDC X500 Head unit, This amplifier, and Kenwood tweeters (not sure of model number). It has the stock harley 2 ohm speakers, however. Looking for recommended upgrades for the main fairing speakers that would be ideal for this amplifier. Any suggestions?
brian  Jul 06, 2016
1 answer
A
While you did not provide the specific year of your Harley, 5.25" is a pretty safe bet for the stock speaker mounts in the fairing. The Kicker 41KSC54 offer great performance, durable build quality, and plenty of power handling for your application: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_20641KS54/item.html I hope that helps! My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Jul 07, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Can I connect this amp to a stock radio that does not have RCA outputs?
bobbylee  Jun 24, 2016
2 answers
A
i don't think so. I connected to a kenwood stereo. If you want to connect to factory stereo, you should probably call one of the crutch field reps. before you purchase.
paul  Jun 25, 2016
A
We did yes
brett  Jun 24, 2016
Q
Can you bridge this amp?
matt  Jun 23, 2016
1 answer
A
It cannot be bridged. We do have amps that can. Feel free to call an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 for help with selecting one that can. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Jun 30, 2016 (Staff)
Q
My head unit only has rear rca outputs for amp my question is can I hook the front up with the speaker leads and the rear thru the RCA outputs or do I need to do front and back with speaker leads ?
joseph  Mar 31, 2016
1 answer
A
No, there are no speaker leads on this amp. Only 2 sets of rca inputs.
steven  Apr 03, 2016
Q
buying this for a motorcycle application. can I install this unit inside the faring behind the radio without hear concerns?
derek  Dec 20, 2015
2 answers
A
if it'll fit, it is not advertised as waterproof, only moisture proof. not sure if there would be any interference from being so close together
jay  Dec 21, 2015
A
Yes you can, however I didn't find it to be powerful enough. I've built a bunch of bike systems and tried this one. I was very impressed in my garage but then to get it loud enough on the bike over the sound of the motor. I also bought from Crutchfield the Alpine KTP 445U amp and IT CRANKS! I have mounted them in fairings and the power it's amazing! Your best bet is to pair it with some Polk DB speakers. Hope this helps.
dennis  Dec 21, 2015
Q
If I only use one pair of RCA inputs, will it automatically amplify that signal to all four outputs? My application doesn't have a four channel source, but I hope this amp can run a two channel signal in parallel to all four outputs. Thanks.
brian  Nov 19, 2015
1 answer
A
This model does require a 4 channel signal when using the RCA pre-amp inputs but this is an easy fix; you can use RCA Y-adapters to create the additional two connections from the single pair of outputs on your stereo: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120RCAY1/T-Spec-RCA-Y1-Y-Adapter.html You won't be able to fade between the front & rear pair from the stereo but you will be able to provide audio to all four channels of the Kenwood. I hope that helps!
ryan  Nov 20, 2015 (Staff)
Q
Thinking about using this amp behind the dash in my Jeep JKU. Does this unit run hot or will it be fine in the dash? Thanks for your response.
david  Mar 06, 2015
4 answers
A
You need to put it somewhere that will get some air circulation or where the amp can freely radiate its's heat, like just under the passenger side dash on the firewall, just above the top of the carpet if there is room, but not in direct line with the heater air. Mount it so the amp can freely radiate its heat. I would not bury it behind the dash. Under a seat is the alternative.
john  Jun 29, 2015
A
I have it in my boat and it does run hot. I need to add some type of cooling system. I'm thinking of adding a fan or some type of ventilation to the current compartment. I think I would have this issue with any system. Not just Kenwood. Sounds great but just gets hot after a little while. Good Luck.
james  Mar 07, 2015
A
Have not noticed it getting hot. Should be fine for an in dash application.
timothy  Mar 06, 2015
A
This will run cool but you WILL be dissapointed with the power. It is in your best interest to get the alpine KTP-445U. Same price, from Crutchfield AND it cranks!!!!!!!!! I own and used both. The ken wood is most sub par, I hate to say.
dennis  Mar 06, 2015
Q
This unit doesn't appear to have a "gain" control. Does it somehow automatically set the input level? Is there no way to compensate for different pre-amp output voltages on head units?
brian  Jul 18, 2014
2 answers
A
I have a 2013 HD Street Glide. Will this amp plug easily into the factory radio or will I need to have it professionally installed?
brad  Jul 23, 2014
A
The input level is set automatically. There are no controls. That said, I am very happy with the unit. It takes up very little space and the sound quality is excellent.
thomas  Jul 19, 2014
Q
My front speakers are only rated for 35 rms and my rears are 55 rms. Since there isn't a way to adjust the gain on this will it hurt front ones since it puts out 45 rms?
jeepfreak13  Jul 10, 2014
1 answer
A
I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: It's perfectly fine to slightly overpower your front speakers, so the 45 watts will work in this application. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  Jul 11, 2014 (Staff)
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