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Help...Onkyo tx2500mkii vs Kenwood ka-7100???

S

SPOautos

Active Member
I'm looking at a Lab 80 turntable and need power for it...I'm looking at a Onkyo TX-2500mkii receiver (dont need the radio but I suppose nice to have) and a Kenwood ka-7100 integrated amp. Onkyo rated at 40wpc and Kenwood rated at 60wpc....both most likely a little underrated. I have NO idea how either of these sound.

I still have to buy speakers as well....looking at Advent Large or Nove 8b with modded crossover. Also open to other speakers.

Will be listening to jazz, classical, some classic rock.

Amps are similarly priced and both have been cleaned up and work perfect. Does anyone have any opinions between the two or think I should go in a different direction for $200 or less? Has to be vintage....that's part of the wife factor compromise for setting up a vinyl only system.
 
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Does anyone have any comparison of sound between these two units? Is one more musical than the other? It looks like the Onkyo goes to 30000Hz while the Kenwood only to 20000Hz. I read that freq over 20k Hz isnt that audible but that those freq do help to shape tones and clarity....so I'm wondering if theres a difference in sound between these two?

I'm wanting to feel like I'm 'there' with a clarity but not harshness. I know these are not high end equipment but I'd like to get the one that's best sonically and not going to be a weak link regarding sound.
 
SPOautos said:
Does anyone have any comparison of sound between these two units? Is one more musical than the other? It looks like the Onkyo goes to 30000Hz while the Kenwood only to 20000Hz. I read that freq over 20k Hz isnt that audible but that those freq do help to shape tones and clarity....so I'm wondering if theres a difference in sound between these two?

I'm wanting to feel like I'm 'there' with a clarity but not harshness. I know these are not high end equipment but I'd like to get the one that's best sonically and not going to be a weak link regarding sound.
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Purchased a KA7100 new in 78, always regretted letting it go, very nice amp with lots of drive. It was the catalyst for my recent purchase of a KA7300. Another thing to consider is how great these look with the rack handles if so inclined.


KA7100
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Grenadeslio said:
Purchased a KA7100 new in 78, always regretted letting it go, very nice amp with lots of drive. It was the catalyst for my recent purchase of a KA7300. Another thing to consider is how great these look with the rack handles if so inclined.


KA7100
View attachment 1734101
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Yes they certainly look great! Unfortunately no rack handles.

How would you describe the sound and 'stage'? Have you had other amps/receivers that you thought the 7100 was better than?

What speakers are you using with it?
 
SPOautos said:
Yes they certainly look great! Unfortunately no rack handles.

How would you describe the sound and 'stage'? Have you had other amps/receivers that you thought the 7100 was better than?

What speakers are you using with it?
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I don't have the 7100 anymore, but I used it with a pair of AR12's. Currently using the 7300 with a pair of AR58s. The 7100 is very accurate without being harsh or strident, plenty of power for most applications. The only reason I have the 7300 instead is the included pre outs/main ins allowing it to be used as a preamp with another power amp.

As for the handles, they do show up on eBay etc, the D7's will fit your amp, but be ready for sticker shock lol. But here's the thing, they look great and really won't cost you a dime. Can always resell them down the road, maybe for a little profit too lol.

Here's my setup with the Kenny, matching tuner, era correct table, and a Belles Model I stereo amp doing the heavy lifting.
20181028_164303.jpg
 
Grenadeslio said:
I don't have the 7100 anymore, but I used it with a pair of AR12's. Currently using the 7300 with a pair of AR58s. The 7100 is very accurate without being harsh or strident, plenty of power for most applications. The only reason I have the 7300 instead is the included pre outs/main ins allowing it to be used as a preamp with another power amp.

As for the handles, they do show up on eBay etc, the D7's will fit your amp, but be ready for sticker shock lol. But here's the thing, they look great and really won't cost you a dime. Can always resell them down the road, maybe for a little profit too lol.

Here's my setup with the Kenny, matching tuner, era correct table, and a Belles Model I stereo amp doing the heavy lifting.
View attachment 1734317
Click to expand...

Looks great. I'm working on a budget (but decent) setup just for vinyl. I had really decided on getting the Onkyo TX-2500mkii because everyone praises it so highly. But the Kenwood with its 50% more wpc has been picking away at me and I'm leaning toward it.

I wish I could put the Onkyo and Kenwood side by side and see which sound I like best (without buying them both haha). I'm am looking for clear transparent sound where it sounds like I'm listening to instruments instead of a speaker....I wont get that with my budget, but that's the goal....I'd like to get as close as possible lol.
 
No one with any direct comparison between these two? Does either sound similar to the Sansie G series? The G series sound excellent but outside of my budget....just wondering how these compare
 
SPOautos said:
Looks great. I'm working on a budget (but decent) setup just for vinyl. I had really decided on getting the Onkyo TX-2500mkii because everyone praises it so highly. But the Kenwood with its 50% more wpc has been picking away at me and I'm leaning toward it.

I wish I could put the Onkyo and Kenwood side by side and see which sound I like best (without buying them both haha). I'm am looking for clear transparent sound where it sounds like I'm listening to instruments instead of a speaker....I wont get that with my budget, but that's the goal....I'd like to get as close as possible lol.
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If looking for accuracy the Kenwood is the right amplifier, check out it's original sales brochures.

kenwood_ka-7100_brochure.pdf_2.png
9856009.jpg

And having purchased one new in the late 70's I can confirm the above.
 
grillebilly said:
No brainer, buy both and flip the loser.
I already know the loser but you need to make the call.
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I considered that! But the Onkyo is a little high priced for what people like to pay so not sure I'll be able to flip it quickly. Its $200+tax so $220, then I'd probably need to sell it online which means shipping....so someone would have at $250 in it.

OF COURSE....your thought on it is I'll be keeping the Onkyo and flipping the Kenwood :D
 
Change of plans....this will now be paired with a Kenwood KD-550 turntable and Advent Large speakers (both of which I bought today).

Does that change anyone's opinions between the Onkyo tx-2500mkii vs Kenwood ka-7100?
 
SPOautos said:
Change of plans....this will now be paired with a Kenwood KD-550 turntable and Advent Large speakers (both of which I bought today).

Does that change anyone's opinions between the Onkyo tx-2500mkii vs Kenwood ka-7100?
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Doesn't change my mind, was always for the Kenwood. Now that you have the Kenny deck it seems like a no brainer eh? Look at my earlier post and see how great the vintage silver faced Kenny gear looks with this period correct table.
 
I have a TX-4500 Mk II and Kenwood KR-7400 which is a receiver about the same wattage but a generation before the KA-7100 amplifier. Kenwood is a good brand, my brother had a Kenwood KA-5700 growing up and I checked one out for a local ebay seller a few years ago. Nice sounding amp, I think that one is about 40 wpc whereas the 7100 is about 60 wpc.

Don't get hung up too much on the specs. Some manufacturers were on the conservative side in their claims others more liberal.

Don't worry you may be like a lot of people here, myself included. You may start with one, get another one later, and then another, ...
 
dly66 said:
I have a TX-4500 Mk II and Kenwood KR-7400 which is a receiver about the same wattage but a generation before the KA-7100 amplifier. Kenwood is a good brand, my brother had a Kenwood KA-5700 growing up and I checked one out for a local ebay seller a few years ago. Nice sounding amp, I think that one is about 40 wpc whereas the 7100 is about 60 wpc.

Don't get hung up too much on the specs. Some manufacturers were on the conservative side in their claims others more liberal.

Don't worry you may be like a lot of people here, myself included. You may start with one, get another one later, and then another, ...
Click to expand...

Really lol?
20181209_083708.jpg

Just a few of the pieces waiting in the wings lol.
 
SPOautos said:
I can not fall into this rabbit hole
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It's easy to do. How else did I end up with having an entire series of anything.
I did have the Kenwood KA-6000 with matching tuner. I think it was 45 WPC. No complaints with it, ended up letting the pair go a couple years ago for $125. They are probably worth a bit more now, like the 2500, anything "vintage" carries a premium these days. People were putting these things at the curb 15 years ago. Just like the tube stuff before it.
 
We are a bunch of audio enablers. Most of us anyways.
I have a VERY short wish list. The Onkyo TX 8500MKII is on it. So is a large Sansui G model (8000 or bigger).
Nothing says 1980 like a receiver with both analog and digital FM readouts (Onkyo TX 8500 MK II). Plus I like the looks and by most accounts they sound good.
That said, the posters in this thread have made a strong argument for the Kenwood and if is indeed working and cheaper than the Onkyo you may want to strongly consider it if you have no need for an AM/FM tuner.. Of course you could add a separate tuner or stream FM with the Kenwood.
 
If you don't hear them side-by-side for a period of time it really doesn't matter as the amp makes the least difference in sound quality. Since you can get the Kenwood for what it will sell for it seems to be the best option and then sell it on when a sweet unit comes up in your budget. The extra 20 wpc might be helpful, too at times. We had both Onkyo and Kenwood and sold both a lot.
 
Well the Onkyo ended up not being able to tune into radio stations properly so that scared me away from it. Then the guy with the Kenwood couldnt meet (I was going to be in his area just for a day, it's 4hrs away so I wont be back).

I ended up while on the road going into a antique mall where there was a booth of vintage audio and getting a real clean Sansui 5000A. Everything on it works, no static in the knobs, all the knobs and switches are nice and tight, all the lights work....and it sounds great. I picked it up for $175 (half what I had been seeing it go for) and it has a 60 day warranty so I can return it if theres any issues.

So that rounds it out....Kenwood KD-550 turntable into a Sansui 5000A into Advent Large with new foam. Now I just need to get some decent speaker wire and cables and a cool looking mid century modern table to set the turntable and receiver on.

Thank you guys for sharing your ideas on it all! Greatly appreciated.
 
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