• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Kenwood KR-5150 Question and photos

kermit z

kermit z

Loud Music saves Lives!!
Subscriber
Hi guys, I picked up a Kenny KR-5150 today at a local thrift. It did not turn on when plugged in but I found the fuse was burnt out so I stole a fuse from a Sherwood 7100A right next to it and fired it up. Most bulbs were burnt out but it seemed to pull in some stations. It is missing a volume knob and 2 rubber feet. I tried to haggle with the manager but no go so I took it anyway. Question is, how do I get the face plate off. I got what appears to be all the screws out but on both sides it appears to be held in the middle. I hooked it up to some Altec 886As and do get music but it goes from loud to soft. I am guessing at the least some cleaning needs to happen. It will get loud again when playing with the knobs. I know there was some one on AK that had bulbs but forget who. Any way, this should be a fun little project. Oh, here are the pictures :)
Also. there is little on the net about this receiver other than built from 1971 to 1973. Anyone know the wpc?
 

Attachments

  • CIMG1778.jpg
    CIMG1778.jpg
    58.8 KB · Views: 562
  • CIMG1782.jpg
    CIMG1782.jpg
    58.9 KB · Views: 175
  • CIMG1784.jpg
    CIMG1784.jpg
    82.5 KB · Views: 186
  • CIMG1791.jpg
    CIMG1791.jpg
    72 KB · Views: 176
  • CIMG1797.jpg
    CIMG1797.jpg
    109.5 KB · Views: 269
Register to hide this ad
there are usually a couple of nuts hidden behind the knobs that hold the faceplate on, in addition to screws on the top and bottom. if wiggling the knobs makes the sound work, you need to use deoxit on the controls. should cure the problem. bulbs can be tough to find, i believe dwojo is the resident bulb expert. i'll take a wild guess at about 45 wpc. good luck with your project!
 
Thanks guys. 40 wpc seems right. I cleaned the pots and switches. Now the sound is smooth but one channel is not playing. More cleaning is due :)
 
Sweet unit. I especially like the "NORMAL-SEPARATE" switch on the preamp/main section, so you don't need jumpers.
 
Robisme said:
Don't forget the switch on the back.

Rob
Click to expand...

Rob, are you refering to the "Normal-Seperate" switch? Does that need to be cleaned too? I realize this may be a dumb question of course:stupid:

Edit: That did it. Thanks Rob:banana:

Too bad its too early for some normal volumes. I really want to give it a try out.
 
Nice find.

When lamped up he looks the business and I love the push buttons with slider for balance.

They must have sold a lot of these because I keep bumping into them all the time.

I still put mine in the rotation.

 
chasaboo said:
Nice find.

When lamped up he looks the business and I love the push buttons with slider for balance.

They must have sold a lot of these because I keep bumping into them all the time.

I still put mine in the rotation.

Click to expand...

Thanks :) I have to say that the tuner section is real nice. With no help from an antenna it pulls in stations strong. My Technics SA-303 needs an antenna, my Sansui G-7700 needs an antenna aswell. My 2 Pioneers do not. This Kenny seems a little warmer than the Pioneers too. I will post up some pictures when its done with lamps replaced and case cleaned up:thmbsp:
 
Its a nice unit. My dad bought one new years ago from the BX. Its sitting in my closet after some early adolescent tinkering caused the destruction of the volume pot.

But, I figure it was my first foray into engineering...and I will resurrect it once I finish revamping another receiver.
 
Yeah, my foray into "engineering" killed my dads Bell Howell Super 8 projector:sigh: I don't think he ever found out thou since I never got in trouble. The only "cool" gear my dad got though was an All-in-One RTR AM/FM player with speakers. Panasonic, he picked up on his return from Vietnam. I don't know what happened to that thing but I would like to find it.
 
NutBucket said:
Kermit, you reminded me I need to look for a belt for the Elmo Super 8 sitting in the closet. Thanks!
Click to expand...


Glad I could help:thmbsp:

Sam, these seem like nice quality peices. So far the sound is very nice. I almost passed on it but decided to give it a shot. I had found a KR-6160 on Craigslist for not a bad price, but decided to give this one a go. I really did'nt need another project, but its looking good so far. I can't wait to see this one all lit up:yes:
 
I met the seller and picked up the one I bought from eBay tonight. Right now it's running on the cheapskate Variac, but the only problems I've seen are burned out bulbs behind the small meter and the stereo indicator. It came with the manual and the electrical schematic. Best part, he tossed in a Sony HP-510 (missing the POS Dual 1211 turntable) for free!
 
Sam Cogley said:
Update: the "Stereo" light works fine. Only dead bulb is behind the fine-tuning meter.
Click to expand...

Good to hear :thmbsp:

The funny thing is my fine tuning light was on when I first fired it up. Now its dead but the FM indicator light works when it did'nt in the beginning:sigh:
 
What was this thing designed for? With three speaker outputs, twin aux and phono inputs, a mono amp output that the manual says is to add a center channel when your stereo speakers are two far apart, two microphone inputs, and a weird channel splitting/mixing setup, "home use" doesn't seem to have been the top of the priority list. Were these made to be used in places like banquet halls?

It does sound excellent, and it will play loud. At about "8" on the volume dial, it was causing the woofers in my speakers to go nuts with feedback through the turntable.

One weird note - I can't even figure out where the fine tuning meter light is. Kenny hid it well.

Kermit, is the case on yours wood or just woodgrain on metal? Mine has a black "camera" finish metal case with vent holes over almost the entire top. If you don't have it, I'll try to get the manual and schematic scanned in the next few days if you want a copy.
 
Sam Cogley said:
Kermit, is the case on yours wood or just woodgrain on metal? Mine has a black "camera" finish metal case with vent holes over almost the entire top. If you don't have it, I'll try to get the manual and schematic scanned in the next few days if you want a copy.
Click to expand...

Mine is the wood case. I had read somewhere that some did not come with the wood. Apparently this was a 19.00 option back then. I really would like to get a scan of the manual and schematic if possilble:thmbsp:. I am trying to figure out what lamps are needed in the indicators. The fine tuning lamp is kinda under the fine tuning gauge which is held in by one screw. The lamp is held in by a black rubber mount and blac lead wires as opposed to the other "indicator " lights that have white wires and white rubber holder. Its right above the "Stereo indicator".
 
KR-5150_QL-L2.jpg


Strange bedfellows. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom