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Kenwood KX-1060 vs. Marantz 5030B

High_Noon

High_Noon

Active Member
I am attempting to decide between the two. I had a Kenwood KX-1060 back in the day and it was a fantastic deck, but it's long gone. I found another in great condition that was serviced, cleaned and had the belts replaced. I am also looking at a Marantz 5030B, which has been similarly serviced but will likely be a bit more expensive.

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks.
 
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Do you have any of the matching pieces for either?

I have a Kenwood KX-1030, well four actually lol, but only one in service. It's a nice deck but not on par with my Nak or Teac, but it does match the other gear in my Kenwood silver stack bedroom system.
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I have a Kenwood KT-7500. No other matching pieces. As I'm sure you know, the KX-1060 is a 3-head deck.

I'd like to get a Kenwood KA-9100 one day.
 
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High_Noon said:
I have a Kenwood KT-7500. No other matching pieces. As I'm sure you know, the KX-1060 is a 3-head deck.

I'd like to get a Kenwood KA-9100 one day.
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The KX-1030 was their TOTL deck in it's time, it's also a 3head deck with calibration.

The other Kenwood pieces are a KA-7300 and matching KT-7300, the rack handles were extra.

If not familiar with the KA-7300 it's quite nice. The clean architectural layout of it's true dual mono design paying obvious homage to the legendary Supreme 600.
kenKA7300.jpg

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Indeed. Very nice.

I will try to make a deal at $400.00 including shipping on that KX-1060 I've got my eye on.

I bet that Marantz 5030B will sell for around $600.00.
 
I made my decision last night and ordered the Kenwood KX-1060, which has been serviced, has new belts, lamps, etc. The other KX-1060 had not been serviced, had the incorrect toggle power switch and the seller would not accept returns if there was a problem. The Marantz 5030B, although very nice, looked to have worn heads, but it was serviced by the seller.

I paid a bit more that I wanted to - $350.00 + $60.00 shipping + that infernal flea-bay tax, but I've been on the look out for one of these in excellent condition for many years. I plan to use it to listen to my old cassette tapes (many of which were recorded on my KX-1060 back in the day) and to record cassette tapes for my nephew, who will be a sophomore in HS.

I think the show Stranger Things got him interested in cassettes. I bought him an old Sony Walkman, which he loved, but the belt broke shortly after. I ordered a new belt from England and when it finally arrived, I had him help me install it. I told him that if he was interested in using this vintage equipment that it would behoove him to learn how to work on them and make basic repairs. I also set him up with an old 13" CRT TV and a VCR, which he loves. He went to the Movie Trading Company and bought a bunch of VHS tapes for .99 ea. All-in-all he's pretty fired up.

I look forward to receiving my "new" Kenwood KX-1060 and I will report back on its operation.

Next is a turntable & receiver for my 13-yr old daughter. I already have a Yamaha CR-240 receiver, which I had serviced for her, and the old Cerwin Vega D3 speakers I had in college. I'm on the lookout for a good automatic turntable for her, but I may give her my old Dual 1225, but maybe a more modern TT would be better for her - not sure yet.
 
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I have owned a marantz 5030 it was a nice looking deck but couldn't compete with my kenwood kx-2060 as far as sound quality on playback
 
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