2 pin RCA plug connector at the Input Source cable.
The Kenwood CA-C1AUX (sold in North America) and its European equivalent CA-C1AX are auxiliary input adapters that convert the proprietary 13-pin DIN CD-changer connector found on 1999 and later Kenwood KDC-series head units into a pair of female RCA jacks, enabling connection of an external audio source. The adapter carries a 2-metre cable and has been discontinued. Official Kenwood documentation does not publish a pin-level connector map; the pin assignments below are derived from reverse-engineering of the commercial adapter and have been corroborated by independent measurements. The connector is specific to Kenwood and is not an IEC-standard DIN-45329 fitting; non-Kenwood CD changers must not be connected.
| 13 Pin Female Input Name | 13 Pin Female Input Pin | Direction | Input Source Pin | Input Source Name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground | 6 | ← | 2 | Shield | Right Audio Input |
| Right + | 8 | ← | 1 | Center | Common Audio Ground |
| Left + | 12 | ← | 2 | Center | Left Audio Input |
Notes
- On the head unit side, pin 9 is connected to pin 3 via a 10 kΩ resistor; this identifies the adapter type to the head unit and unlocks the AUX source-selection option on the head unit’s display.
- Compatible with Kenwood head units manufactured from 1999 onwards (e.g., KDC-219, KDC-2019V, KDC-29MR). Pre-2001 Kenwood units required a completed digital handshake with a CD changer before accepting audio on this port, so the CA-C1AUX may not function correctly on those earlier models.
- Connecting non-Kenwood CD changers or incompatible equipment to this port risks damaging both the accessory and the head unit.
- Cable length: 2 metres.
Signals
- Ground (pin 6) — audio ground; the outer shield ring of both RCA connectors connects here
- Right + (pin 8) — right audio channel; carries the centre conductor of the red RCA plug
- Left + (pin 12) — left audio channel; carries the centre conductor of the white RCA plug
References
- CA-C1AX Product Page – AUX RCA Adaptor — Kenwood Europe (kenwood.eu)
- Kenwood CA-C1AX Instruction Manual — Kenwood Corporation, archived on ManualsLib