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Kenwood KA-9100 unobtainium parts

JoshHendi

JoshHendi

^ElectroNerd^
Subscriber
So when doing some reading a while ago when I got my first KA-9100, I remember reading that their 'power packs' and/or some other parts are essentially unobtainium if they go bad. So I have two questions regarding this...

1. What part(s) are considered unobtainium on the KA-9100 if they go bad?

2. I have a working buy very roughed up KA-8150. Does the 8150 have the same "unobtainium" parts as the 9100? Should I keep the 8150 for 9100 parts? Or sell the 8150? (I have no interest in keeping the 8150 unless it will serve for useful backup parts)

Any input would be fantastic!
 
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1. The TA-100WA is a Sanken-built bias, driver, and output stage. They are a PITA to find, but I'd not classify them as unobtainium. Probably have to come from a unit being parted out, but Kenwood sold a ton of these and they pop up reasonably frequently.

2. The 8100/8150 is nothing like the 9100 inside. Discrete outputs, and a much simpler overall design.

Both amps have a few FET's that might be a challenge to replace, but failures are rare.
 
Go discrete if possible. Easier to maintain over time, and usually better sounding. I'd get a KA 8100 or KA 8159 long term, they're nice.
 
i have access to hundreds of original S-80w Sanken output Hybrids. I beleive they can be used in in place of some of these other devices such as the TA-100's, although not able to produce the 100w. More than willing to send 1 or 2 out to someone to do some testing. These are basically a darlington output stage with on board emitter resistors.
 
The pinout of the Sanken S-80W doesn't match the pinout of the TA-80W or the TA-100WA. Not that it can't be made to work in an amp with appropriate rail voltages, but I'd not be trying it on a 9100 (Vcc max on S-80W is +/-55V, and the given rail voltage on the 9100 is +/-57V and will certainly be higher than that, like closer to +/-60V, under most operating conditions).
 
You guys might be talking over OP's head. I know I'm having kind of a hard time keeping up.
 
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