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Kenwood 700M vs. Supreme 500/600

davstev

davstev

Well-Known Member
I have a 700M (recapped) which I really like. I have always wondered if anyone has compared the sonic character and performance of a 700M against the Supreme 500/600's (assuming the 500 & 600 are very similar sounding to each other).

I know that the 700M is just a power amp and so it's hard to compare with an integrated. Let's assume for the sake of useful comparison that the 700M is paired with a 700C preamp. (Actually in my case it's mated with a C-200 preamp by Accuphase).

Are they very, very similar sounding (700M w/ 700C vs. 500/600), or quite different?

Thanks for your input, folks!
 
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700-series: Mo power, cleaner, more transparent overall sound. Superior looks.
500/600: Unique all JFET preamp, with a resulting unique sound. A superior phono stage over the one in the 700C.
 
Thanks, EchoWars. Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to be able to compare in person. I like the looks of the 500/600's but I find that they are remarkably similar in appearance to some of the much cheaper Kenwood models of the era.
 
EchoWars said:
700-series: Mo power, cleaner, more transparent overall sound. Superior looks.
500/600: Unique all JFET preamp, with a resulting unique sound. A superior phono stage over the one in the 700C.
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So made the best set-up may be a 700m driving it with the preamp section of a 600/500. what do you think of comb?
 
Would sound nice, I'm sure. But seems a waste of talent to have the 500/600 amplifier just idling.
 
EchoWars said:
Would sound nice, I'm sure. But seems a waste of talent to have the 500/600 amplifier just idling.
Click to expand...
Well here a question I've been wondering about for some time now. Because I use my 600 for just a preamp from time to time. Is there a why someone like you could go in and add a switch or two to turn off power amp section of this 600 so just the preamp is powered up?

Scott
 
I'd not worry about it. What you describe would not be practical (the needed 4PDT switch would be large because of the current requirements and the additional wiring necessary would be messy and difficult to do neatly) and all you'd be doing is saving a couple of watts 'O power...nothing really notable.
 
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