Go for Kenwood KA-4004 with KT-4005?

[Victor_g]

Hi all,
I was wondering if I should go ahead and purchase a KA-4004 and matching KT-4005 (275 euros/$330) or should I skip it and look for a bigger Kenwood receiver/amp as the ones heralded in these threads? These would be only my second hifi purchase after the Sansui 771.
I am attracted to these early integrated amps because of their inner
simplicity. Not looking for a lot of power, but the big receivers look awesome.

Thanks for your viewpoints

Here is an image of the units... and they work!

 

[432HzBob]

Well, depends what you're driving and how loud you want to go..
The old early 70's KA's do sound very good but aren't the most powerful out there.
I use a KA-6004 in the bedroom and it's fine for the job, but you'd never get me to take the big silver Luxman receiver from the main room.

 

[Victor_g]

mmm, thanks. Your 6004 is all original?

 

[432HzBob]

Yes, all original and works, but after so many years it probably needs a re-cap...
I already have the complete recap kit waiting to pull and do it but with so many amps now, I am considereing selling it all off and letting someone else make a project of it...
I will say, for a 40 watt integrated it has a sound I find to my liking... Smooth, clear but not harsh, and seems to have more power than it's specs...I pre-amp it using a Luxman R-113 receiver.
But I don;t push mine.... easier to re-cap a working unit than one that has already produced the magical smoke.

 

[Victor_g]

Thanks again ... I am trying to avoid amps with ICs in the circuits and these are quite old now. I wished I knew the electonics I need.

 

[Semanon]

Yes, all original and works, but after so many years it probably needs a re-cap

Do recap it! And replace some of the noisy transistors. I did mine recently and the recap really helped, but it really needed some transistors replaced on the preamp and tone boards. Huge difference in background noise.

I have not heard the 4004, but this series creates some nice sounds!