Kenwood - KAC-835 Class D 5-Channel Power Amplifier - Silver

Firstly, this amp is identical to the Excelon series KAC-X802-5. If you go to the Kenwood website and compare this and that amp, you will see 1.) the specs are exactly the same 2.) the highlighted features are exactly the same including the promo images 3.) they have the same manual. In fact, the manual shows that it is for both this amp and the X802-5. According to the manual, the only difference is that the X802-5 comes with a bass knob. Yet, so does this amp. In other words, this is an Excelon amp for a non-Excelon price point. And, from my experiences with this amp, I am not surprised by the fact that this is very likely an Excelon amp. The sound quality is superb. The power output is exceptional. The overall build quality is on par with the Kenwood quality that has contributed to their reputation for providing class-leading value and performance. And, the advantages of its class D design are clearly evident. It's effortlessly driving Alpine R components in the front, Alpine S coaxes in the rear, and a Kicker 10" sub. I can drove for hours for an extended commute with the music blasting and this amp will barely feel warm to the touch. I haven't had any issues with headlights dimming or the battery being drained. I can recall like it happened yesterday when Class A/B amps would have me going through batteries including Optima Yellow Tops long before their stickered lifespans. This amp is a complete 180 from that experience. It's the perfect balance between Class A/B sound quality and Class D efficiency. Also, as seen in the photo, it's helpful that this amp was designed with all of the connections on one side. This amp fits neatly under the seat, and the arrangement of the wires as shown is a big plus for ease of installation. But, as far as physical layout goes, I do have one complaint. The +/-arrangement caught me off guard during the install. It's (+)(-)(-)(+). I'm accustomed to seeing (+)(-)(+)(-). So, there I was hunched over in the vehicle cabin and sort of going on autopilot due to being fatigued from meddling with the upholstery for the cable routing, and I almost wired the speaker connections on the amp backwards for this reason. I just happened to instinctively take a second glance at the connections before reinstalling the seat when I saw that I had failed to see how the +/- connections were arranged. I'm guessing it's designed that way to make bridging easier, which it would. But, I'm not bridging any channels. Other than that, I have no regrets about this amp and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a 5 channel amp in this price segment.

Great amp to add punch to my audio setup which is a factory radio unit with upgraded door and rear speakers as well as a 12” sub. This amp is small enough to fit in a small space but has transformed the soundinside my vehicle and I could not be more pleased to make long drives with the volume cranked up!

The difference in sound quality is incredible. Now I don’t even want to get out of my car when I get home. Just want to drive and listen all day long!!

I’m running 4 after market speakers and a 12in sub and it works great

Pretty sure this is not pushing it's advertised specs. Would not buy again, like ever.