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Kenwood KA-7100 vs Marantz 1060

kenwood1986

kenwood1986

New Member
Hello AK , I have a Kenwood KA-7100 that I love but there is a Marantz 1060 on my local craigslist and was wondering how you all would compare the two . If I were to get the 1060 would it be a step up from my 7100 ? Thanks for any and all opinions !
 
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Personally I'd be inclined to stay with the Kenwood if as you say you are very happy with it. Depending on your speaker requirements the obvious difference in the power may affect your decision, the Marantz being only 30 wrms per side compared to 60 with the Kenwood. I have both but I've never (yet) run them as a direct comparison. Both have pretty good phono if you're into TTs.
Decisions,decisions. Have fun.
 
Kenwood ka 7100 is one of the best kenwood amplifier. Some says it performs very well compare to the top of the series Ka 9100. This amplifier will be in my list to look for in the future.
 
The Marantz cannot be very expensive, so why not buy it, and either use it as a second system amp, or keep it in case you have trouble with the Kenwood? The extra power cannot hurt, and you can do the only comparison that means anything: in your own listening area, with your own components.
 
Owned a 7100 for many yrs, loved it and miss it now. That said, the 1060 has one feature missing on the Kenwood, pre outs and main ins. This would allow you to at a later date use the Marantz as a stand alone pre for a future power amp, I like this. As to the sound of the Marantz, I have no personal history but it is a Marantz after all so should sound warm and musical.
 
I'd stick with the Kenwood and wait until something considerably better than the Marantz came along as it's not really a step up.. It's OK though if you wanna spare amp.
 
Hey, if it won't kill your budget, just buy it for the looks. ;) It's small, you can tuck it away anywhere.

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Daunia 70 said:
I'd stick with the Kenwood and wait until something considerably better than the Marantz came along as it's not really a step up.. It's OK though if you wanna spare amp.
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What would be an example of something you would consider a step up from a 7100 ? Thanks for your opinion !
 
kenwood1986 said:
What would be an example of something you would consider a step up from a 7100 ? Thanks for your opinion !
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Some recommendations would be:
Kenwood KA-8100
Kenwood KA-9100
Kenwood KA-907
Kenwood 600 Supreme
Sansui AU-919
Sansui AU-X1
Sony FA50ES
Pioneer SA-8800
Pioneer SA-9800
Pioneer A-91D
Technics SU-V900
Technics SU-V9
 
I recently restored a KA-7100 thanks to the help from several AK members, and now is part of mi hifi combo, together with a pair of BWs 683 and a cambridge audio azur 740C Cd player. Cambridge Audio 740 A amplifier now is out of sevice. I prefer the sound of the kenwood. It took me almost a year to repair it. I'll never get rid of it.
 
Vintage ss integrated amplifier? Personal faves: Yamaha CA-1010 or CA-1020. Sansui AU-717. Luxman, Accuphase (don't know model numbers offhand).

Those'd be good steps up from the KA-7100. The KA-7100 isn't half bad; one nice feature is the use of dual secondaries in the power transformer -- sort of pseudo split power supplies for the two channels.

As said above... the 1060 is cute. They tend to be overpriced for what they are, as far as I am concerned (it's that weird Superscope-era "Marantz" mystique, which has always kind of baffled me).
 
Does it have to be an integrated amp? There are lots of nice separates out there, some not too expensive, and lots of good high-powered receivers. I'd keep all options open, and look for a good deal on something that meets your needs.

I personally favour Sansui amps, but everyone is different. The CA-2000, BA-2000 combo can sometimes be found at a reasonable price.
 
kenwood1986 said:
What would be an example of something you would consider a step up from a 7100 ? Thanks for your opinion !
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A modest step up in price, but huge step up where it counts, Kenwood KA7300. It has the pre outs and main ins, and is dual mono designed. I've owned both amps and this is definitely a keeper. But I wouldn't get rid of the 7100, it's a great amp that will be hard to beat unless you need more power, and unless it's lacking features that you need I don't see the point. Yes the 7300 is a better amp, but as for sound, only just so. So unless you're not happy with the 7100, enjoy it's musical offerings.

ka7300.png
 
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Lot's of good reply's....:thmbsp:

I have a KA-8100 Recapped and 1060 Recapped and Parts Upgraded....

1060 has that Smooth and Bass filled Marantz sound...I guess you can say "Tube" sound.

KA-8100 has a Strong Clean Sound and Packs a Punch (After the Recap).

Each piece has it's place in my setup...I have Both and Will keep both....:yes:
 
Kingshead said:
A modest step up in price, but huge step up where it counts, Kenwood KA7300. It has the pre outs and main ins, and is dual mono designed. I've owned both amps and this is definitely a keeper. But I wouldn't get rid of the 7100, it's a great amp that will be hard to beat unless you need more power, and unless it's lacking features that you need I don't see the point. Yes the 7300 is a better amp, but as for sound, only just so. So unless you're not happy with the 7100, enjoy it's musical offerings.

ka7300.png
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Yep,the Kenwood KA-7300 is a real nice sounding amp that hits well above the KA-7100.. I always tend to forget it for some strange reason (probably because it's still a 7 series model).

Also,a few others that would be cheaper and easier to acquire than in my 1st list would include the AKAI AM-2650 or perhaps a Sony TA-1130 or even a Sony TA-5650 V-fet.. And last but not least a more modern (late 80's) Technics SU-V90D.. The latter can sound really great in power-amp direct mode (just like the SU-V900) if CD's are your main source of listening enjoyment.
 
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Thanks for all the comments everybody ! I believe I will pass on the 1060 and stick with the 7100 until something even better comes along .
 
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