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1983 Kyocera Lineup

xxbentoboxx

xxbentoboxx

New Member
I got my hands on a Kyocera DA-01 that I’m working on repairing. Optimistically, I’m thinking it would be fun to collect an all Kyocera system based around what was available in mid-1983 (when the DA-01 was released).

According to this May 1983 edition of Audio magazine, I can assume the R-851 stereo receiver was available and therefore fits in this collection.

Outside of that, I have been unable to find primary evidence of what components were available at this time period. Do you know what the lineup was in mid-1983?
I’m specifically curious about cassette decks, turntables, and any odd accessories that may have been around.

Judging by this 1985 catalog, I think I can safely rule out the “6” series (i.e. R-861) because they seem to have been released in 1984 or 1985. I’d love it if someone knew where I could find a 1983 catalog.
 
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The cool thing about the 6 series was the remote. The turntables are kind of pricey as they were well regarded. I think the 84/85 models might be more available. I have a R651 receiver that I bought in 1983.

This list seems to list all the models, but not by year.
 
Oh yeah! I really want to put together a 6 series set after this :) I love the remote.

Thank you for the link, I had not come across that one yet. The dates are so difficult to find!
 
xxbentoboxx said:
Outside of that, I have been unable to find primary evidence of what components were available at this time period. Do you know what the lineup was in mid-1983?
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The magazine you linked is searchable. Get the 1983 or 1984 Directory and search for Kyocera to get the models selling at that time.

Audio October issues and the Stereo Review Buyer's guides will have the different gear listed.
 
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I've been pouring through all the archives in an effort to catalog available models and tie those dates back to primary sources, but along the way I came across a brochure that I think addresses the intent of this thread. I have uploaded the brochure to archive.org. The brochure lists these models as being available at the same time:
  • DA-01
  • R-851/651/451
  • D-801/601
  • B-901
  • C-901
  • PL-901
While I don't have a specific date for this brochure, I do feel reasonably confident that it had to be released in 1983 (early 1984 at the latest). We know the DA-01 was released in 1983, so that provides a minimum date. According to my research through the Audio magazine, the B-901 and C-901 were not offered past the October 1983 Equipment Directory, so that could be considered a maximum date.

So, now that there's an answer for 1983, a hunt for the equipment begins! Thank you all for your help and guidance, especially introducing me to these magazine archives.

In the hunt for understanding which components were available in 1983, I became interested in producing a timeline of all Kyocera equipment backed by primary sources. So many wikis and lists don't have citations for the dates they attribute to certain units. This is still very much an ongoing project, but any primary sources y'all have related to Kyocera would be interesting!

I have been using Audio, Stereo Review, and High Fidelity magazines so far, in addition to collecting Kyocera publications. One thing that I haven't come across yet is a report on Kyocera exiting the audio market.
 
It is an old thread but one of the most recent I could find.
Reading about Kyocera made me jump in and go on a crazy shopping spree.

I will post pictures if interested - once all these arrive
- PL-601
- T-910
- DA-710cx
- B-901

I already have a D-811 cassette deck (n=being serviced) and the RC-101 (will need to find the matching 102 remote)
 
Pretty much any Kyocera are cool gear. I have several pieces myself. Of particular interest for me is your tuner. I bought my pieces from the former President of Kyocera Canada and the tuner does not maintain the station memory for some reason. I am interested to see if yours has any issue.

What are you doing for a preamp?
 
I bought a used Kyocera A-710 integrated amp about 12 yrs ago. Didn't know anything about the brand at the time other than what AK'ers were saying about it. Turns out, it's one of my favorite integrated amps. Also own a cdp but it has issues. Sure wish they were still in the audio business. They made some nice gear.
 
I will check out and report next week once it arrives
I just got home my DA-710cx and listening to it
It sounds great- worth my 4 hours long round trip plus almost an hour chit chat with the seller.
I can’t wait for the other pieces to arrive
 
Oh I may get an R-861 for preamp until I found something
Meanwhile I will start with a tube preamp from Coffman labs most likely
 
IMO, the DA-710CX is one of the best sounding CD players of the era, though some find the earlier ones a bit more natural, if less detailed. Unfortunately, Kyocera CD players seem to have a lot of issues as they get older. There's also the DA-810 and DA-910. I think those are a bit rare, but also quite good and from around the same time period. They used a very different laser assembly than the later players.
 
Yes it seems they can have issues
I also seen posts where owners never had issues
Mine works well so far
I am planning to grab a DA910 if ever comes up for sale
I would love to get a PL 901 or 910 but let’s very low probability to happen - and they cost an arm and leg
 
Yeah I have seen that in the original post you made. Those are amazing. Do you have the RT-102 as well to match the RC-101 remote?
 
Our consumer division sold the product. I found they met specs, sounded great, and stayed out of the repair shop. What more could you ask for.
 
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