Best Sounding Vintage Kenwood Integrated?

S

Slapshot

Member
I know Kenwood made some great equipment back in the 70's, in partocular. I'm looking for a vintage Kenwood integrated amplifier that would provide that warmer, rich classic sound without giving away too much in other areas.

Some Kenwqood integrated amps that appeal to me (granted I don't know a great deal about them) or their sound signatures, are:

KA-8004
KA-8150
KA-9100
KA-9150
KA-9077/907
L-03A

I understand that the 500-600 series are uobtainium unless you manage trust funds, but were likely the ultimate models.

You guys are the experts, what would you recommend as best options? I only need 40-50wpc. I can spend up to $1k, or up to $1500 if it's been serviced. Thanks for any recommendations or assistance.
 
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I have a KA-7002 that I bought in the late 70's I like it for a couple of reasons. First, it is well built with great looking and feeling controls. Second ,it is all discrete components so it is easy to upgrade and repair if needed. I have only had to work on it due to my own misbehavior. I did need to take apart the power switch and clean it. I then put a triac in the circuit to take the load off the contacts. Third, repair information is readily available, i.e., service manual and schematic.
I use it almost every day and enjoy it still after all these years.
Good luck finding "your" Kenwood.
 
Ok, OK, I'll put in my $.02 and that's being generous on its value. I've had/have a number of Kenwood integrated amps with my first being a KA-7100 new in 1978, my older brother purchased a KA-3500 at the same time.

Both great amps but neither would I call warm, and certainly not sterile or clinical but neutral to the source.

An outstanding value in Kenwood integrated amps the KA-7300 with the clean architectural layout of its true dual mono design paying obvious homage to the Legendary Supreme 600.

kenKA7300.jpg

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Another very schveet integrated amp but again not what I would describe as warm.


If looking for a more laid back presentation then the line of Kenwood integrated amps that preceded these outstanding models I've already mentioned should be just what you're looking for.

Kenwood-KA-4006 (1).jpg

Purchased my first KA-4006 for my brother in laws bday around 2013, liked it so much I purchased two more for myself. When John passed the other amp came back to me so now I have three of them. I found they worked outstandingly well with my series one Klipsch Heresys.

The KA-8006 was Kenwoods TOTL model at the time, I've never heard one but I'm thinking it would have a similar SQ being from the same line of amps if you need the extra power.
 
There have been a few “best integrated amps” in the kenwood forum which are not that old, so those would give you some great options. Supreme series would be the choice of many, myself included, but prices are pretty crazy if you can even find one.

Love my 8006 which I’ve had for almost two years although I haven’t seen many of them since. The x006 line would be my recommendation.

I just picked up a KA-7300 over the weekend for a decent price and while it needs some service, it does sound nice. Visually it’s a nice step up from my 8006 IMO. Finding a tech to go through it will be the next challenge.
 
The Supreme series is not beyond your budget. With patience, a quality 500 or 600 can be had for under $1k. One went within the past few months for that. But those also come with some other costs. They are finicky about replacement devices, so are challenging to recondition.

I think the suggestions here are excellent. I want to put in my plug for the 8100/8150. I think is is underrated and a good value. I’m in the middle of a 8150 upgrade and find it a pleasure to work on.

I liked my 6004 (now moved on) , the smaller sibling to the 8004. It needed substantial reconditioning to make it sound its best. Therefore, I’d steer toward a newer model.

I adore my KA-6000. But it required major surgery to make it listenable. As found, it was noisy and flat sounding. But with a lot of upgrade it’s great. But while 45 wpc fits your specs, it is low compared to the other amps your list.

If someone said I could have whichever Kenwood integrated I wanted, it would be a toss-up between a 600 and a KA-9300 (Japan only, 100 volts). That would be followed by a KA-907.
 
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Regarding the KA-9100/9150, I have never owned this unit. I’ve shied away from it because of the TA-100WA output block. Until recently, the death of that IC meant the death of the unit. Recently someone has been offering replacements at auction. No telling how long that will last, so if you go that route, expect to spend additional $ to get some spares.

The KA-9100, by all accounts, is an outstanding amplifier. If you want meters, this is your baby.
 
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Of the amps I own, the 9100/9150 is my second favorite behind the 500/600 Supremes. Great sounding and powerful, and the external heat sinks are very cool.

Keep an eye out for the Model 500. Seems to go for a bit less than the 600 and is every bit as good in my opinion.
 
I appreciate everyone's thoughts and contributions. A lot of this, of course, depends on what amps, of those selected, that you might come across that are in exceptional condition, one owner, etc. etc.

While not completely decided, I had been starting to home in on the KA-8004 and 8006, since numerous people talked about them having a sound that I most prefer. I'm also attracted to the fact that the same team that designed this series left right after to form Accuphase, and the amps are known for exceptional design, and great and massive build quality. A really deep search caused a KA-8006 to pop up, in absolutely beautiful condition, owned by the same guy since he bought it new. It had literally even been on the same shelf since the 70's, and was never even moved. And the price was almost too good to be true, and left plenty of financial room for a full service. I sent him a note that I was more than happy to meet his price, and asked how he wanted payment. Sadly, today, he got back to me, and due to a friend's recent negative experience shipping a vintage component and having it fail once the buyer received it, the seller of the 8006 that I wanted has now decided that he will only accept local pickup to spare the equipment handling issues for something of this age. And, he's over ten hours away from me. :( So much for that idea. What a disappointment.
 
In a completely different vein, how good is the L-03A? And can anyone describe the L series sound? I know these are legendary components, but suspect they are big, dynamic performers? And, while I've heard of the L-02, I did not realize there was another integrated in the series.

Also, do you have hesitancy in buying Kenwood equipment from Japan that requires a step down transformer?

Many years ago, a famous amplifier designer told me that once you go to a stepdown converter, the sound quality is never the same. At least unless you used a mega dollar converter.
 
Slapshot said:
I appreciate everyone's thoughts and contributions. A lot of this, of course, depends on what amps, of those selected, that you might come across that are in exceptional condition, one owner, etc. etc.

While not completely decided, I had been starting to home in on the KA-8004 and 8006, since numerous people talked about them having a sound that I most prefer. I'm also attracted to the fact that the same team that designed this series left right after to form Accuphase, and the amps are known for exceptional design, and great and massive build quality. A really deep search caused a KA-8006 to pop up, in absolutely beautiful condition, owned by the same guy since he bought it new. It had literally even been on the same shelf since the 70's, and was never even moved. And the price was almost too good to be true, and left plenty of financial room for a full service. I sent him a note that I was more than happy to meet his price, and asked how he wanted payment. Sadly, today, he got back to me, and due to a friend's recent negative experience shipping a vintage component and having it fail once the buyer received it, the seller of the 8006 that I wanted has now decided that he will only accept local pickup to spare the equipment handling issues for something of this age. And, he's over ten hours away from me. :( So much for that idea. What a disappointment.
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I currently see 2 on eBay, one comes with a schveet KT-7300 tuner but the buy it now price is too high in my opinion.

This is the other one, might want to watch this auction maybe you can snipe it at a great price right at the end.

Screenshot_20220516-214703.png
 
Slapshot said:
I appreciate everyone's thoughts and contributions. A lot of this, of course, depends on what amps, of those selected, that you might come across that are in exceptional condition, one owner, etc. etc.

While not completely decided, I had been starting to home in on the KA-8004 and 8006, since numerous people talked about them having a sound that I most prefer. I'm also attracted to the fact that the same team that designed this series left right after to form Accuphase, and the amps are known for exceptional design, and great and massive build quality. A really deep search caused a KA-8006 to pop up, in absolutely beautiful condition, owned by the same guy since he bought it new. It had literally even been on the same shelf since the 70's, and was never even moved. And the price was almost too good to be true, and left plenty of financial room for a full service. I sent him a note that I was more than happy to meet his price, and asked how he wanted payment. Sadly, today, he got back to me, and due to a friend's recent negative experience shipping a vintage component and having it fail once the buyer received it, the seller of the 8006 that I wanted has now decided that he will only accept local pickup to spare the equipment handling issues for something of this age. And, he's over ten hours away from me. :( So much for that idea. What a disappointment.
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Where’s he located?
 
Grenadeslio said:
I currently see 2 on eBay, one comes with a schveet KT-7300 tuner but the buy it now price is too high in my opinion.

This is the other one, might want to watch this auction maybe you can snipe it at a great price right at the end.

View attachment 2568776
Click to expand...
Thanks, and agreed that the price of the one being offered with the tuner is too high. I don't have a good feeling about the one being auctioned, as it has not been tested, and when previously used, some years ago, it was exclusively for karaoke, so it may well have beer spills in its insides! :) But I will watch it in case of a possible great price.

Does anyone know what the 8004 lacks, in terms of design, parts, and ultimately anything that affects sonic character, that the 8006 has? I don't care about the power difference.
 
Slapshot said:
In a completely different vein, how good is the L-03A? And can anyone describe the L series sound? I know these are legendary components, but suspect they are big, dynamic performers? And, while I've heard of the L-02, I did not realize there was another integrated in the series.
Click to expand...
The L series is usually discussed with regard to separates like the L-07M and L-07C. I have not heard the L series integrated, so can;t comment.

As you know, the 80s was a time of great change in this industry, and one has to do a lot of research into devices to determine if something is a fine unit or is BPC. For me, the black anodized is less attractive, partly due to silver face nostalgia and partly because it's hard to differentiate when the metal stops and the plastic starts. I do own some 80's Yamaha gear and it is fine stuff, and the L-03A looks like it's worth following.


Slapshot said:
Does anyone know what the 8004 lacks, in terms of design, parts, and ultimately anything that affects sonic character, that the 8006 has? I don't care about the power difference.
Click to expand...
I don't know the 8006 well, but I can mention a few things:
  • The 8006 for not have any 2SC458's. These are noisy buggers and need to be replaced. If the 8004 has not been reconditioned and you can't audition before you buy, expect to need some transistors replaced.
  • The 8006 does have 2SC1345 and 2SC1451 transistors. These are included in the worst transistors sticky on the Solid State Forum.
  • The 8006 has a 4-channel in/out in place of the 8004's Pre-out/Main-in
  • Topology is very similar with discrete boards for each channel and circuit, some removable, some not. A nice idea, but I still find the boards that are not removable to be difficult to work on.
  • Both have rotary switches for tone control, which I love. They are not trouble-free, though and when they need cleaning, they are more time consuming than potentiometers
I would think that the 8004 and the 8006 are going to sound similar, but I like the styling on the 8006. For me, Pre-out/Amp-in is a must. I would rewire the 8006 to get rid of the 4 channel function and turn it into a Pre-out/Amp-in. This, however, makes the 8006 a project and far from plug and play.

I think you are going to be happy with either, as long as you know their limitations.
 
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Semanon said:
The L series is usually discussed with regard to separates like the L-07M and L-07C. I have not heard the L series integrated, so can;t comment.

As you know, the 80s was a time of great change in this industry, and one has to do a lot of research into devices to determine if something is a fine unit or is BPC. For me, the black anodized is less attractive, partly due to silver face nostalgia and partly because it's hard to differentiate when the metal stops and the plastic starts. I do own some 80's Yamaha gear and it is fine stuff, and the L-03A looks like it's worth following.



I don't know the 8006 well, but I can mention a few things:
  • The 8006 for not have any 2SC458's these are noisy buggers and need to be replaced. If the 8004 has not been reconditioned and you can;t audition before you buy, expect to need some transistors replaced.
  • The 8006 does have 2SC1345 and 2SC1451 transistors. These are included in the worst transistors sticky on the Solid State Forum.
  • The 8006 has a 4-channel in/out in place of the 8004's Pre-out/Main-in
  • Topology is very similar with discrete removable boards for each channel and circuit. A nice idea, but I still find the boards that are not removable to be difficult to work on.
  • Both have rotary switches for tone control, which I love. They are not trouble-free, though and when they need cleaning, they are more time consuming than potentiometers
I would think that the 8004 and the 8006 are going to sound similar, but I like the styling on the 8006. For me, Pre-out/Amp-in is a must. I would rewire the 8006 to get rid of the 4 channel function and turn it into a Pre-out/Amp-in. This, however, makes the 8006 a project and far from plug and play.

I think you are going to be happy with either, as long as you know their limitations.
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The 4-channel hookup becomes quite handy when wanting to connect remote speakers like on a rear lanai to an existing system, the volume control, balance, and tone controls remain inline making it easy peasy.

I'm using one of my KA-4006 for this exact purpose driving a pair of Kicker KB-6 outdoor speakers.
 
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