KENWOOD KA801 - kind request of info.

[Kuja]

" We have all the time in the world "
It is not a short time project anyway.
I do not remember if the 907 has the pre-main splitting option.
If so have you tried just the pre section playing CDs?
I think that Kenwood is author of very nice solid state line stages (like that of the mythical 700C preamp that I already have. A masterpiece).

Thank you sincerely for your kind support.
Kind regards,

beppe61

Yes, the 907 has the pre-main splitting option.

I didn't try the preamp section alone - I don't have another power amp to connect it to.

I was toying with the idea to connect the pre-outs of my Cyrus III to 907 power amp inputs though.

Cyrus is minimalist design with only volume, balance and input selector.

Furthermore, all those controls on a Cyrus III are "computer" controlled by a microchip, so there are no noise and contact problems as in traditional pots and switches...

But I didn't do it - I just have sent it to be overhauled.

Aleksandar

 

[beppe61]

Dear Aleksandar,
thank you again fro your always kind and valuable reply.

>

Yes, the 907 has the pre-main splitting option.
Lucky you. Very nice option.

> I didn't try the preamp section alone - I don't have another power amp to connect it to.
I was toying with the idea to connect the pre-outs of my Cyrus III to 907 power amp inputs though.

I do not know what is the impedance of the main input of your 907.
If it is high enough you should try a tube preamp. Just for fun.
A tube preamp can give soul to voices and a nice reproduction of the soundstage.
Just check the impedance. >50Kohm would be better.

> Cyrus is minimalist design with only volume, balance and input selector.
No buffering after the volume? so it is a passive stage.
Then it should be very transparent.
Check again the main input impedance.

Furthermore, all those controls on a Cyrus III are "computer" controlled by a microchip, so there are no noise and contact problems as in traditional pots and switches...
But I didn't do it - I just have sent it to be overhauled.
Aleksandar

Dear Aleksandar,
I think you have a very good amp in your hands.
Congratulations!
Not that the 801 is poor. It is very well built and very interesting.
I have to trace a service manual just to understand something about its circuitry.
It should be not that difficult to find the main input points.
I have already three line preamps to try: two SS the other tubed.
I will see.

Thank you very much indeed.
Kind regards,

beppe61