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Kenwood L-07M Vs L-07MII

Connor G

Connor G

Ear conditioned
Subscriber
Hey all!
I've been a happy user of a pair of L-07M monoblocks for the past couple of years. I've had them completely restored and I'm in love with the sound; Honestly better than any other amplifier I have heard, no matter the price.
I recently bought a pair of Mk2's on eBay because of a tip from a regular customer where I work, who said he's owned both the Mk1's and the Mk2's, and says that the Mk2's are a huge step up from the almost perfect circuit design and sound of the Mk1's. I'm still waiting on the Mk2's to come in the mail, and in the mean time, am curious to hear everyone's opinion on the two if you have any. When I get the Mk2's in, they'll be going straight to my tech who will be fully restoring them, including replacing the "Black Flag" caps with silver mica caps, and installing Cardas binding posts and RCA jacks on the back.

Merry Christmas everyone!
 
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I kinda thought the L-07M could be better than the Luxman amp, are you confirming that? Is the Lux rebuilt, too? I'm also interested in your comparison of the two versions of the Kenwood amps.
 
I remember a special edition review of the L-07Ms/ L-07C in an English mag and I could swear that the reviewer was David Berriman. I might again be wrong but I'm also recalling that Berriman reviewed the L-07D. He gave all of them the thumbs up in a big way.
 
Blue Shadow said:
I kinda thought the L-07M could be better than the Luxman amp, are you confirming that? Is the Lux rebuilt, too? I'm also interested in your comparison of the two versions of the Kenwood amps.
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Everything that the Luxman does, the Kenwoods do better. As of now, the Luxman is not serviced. The Kenwoods have much better control over speakers with much more authority in the lower octaves. Also, better imaging and soundstage, and a sweeter, more detailed top end. They are truly "audiophile" grade amplifiers.
I brought them over to a buddies house where he had a ML 23.5 power amplifier and we both agreed that the L-07M's sounded much better overall.
The L-07's are extremely tight and natural. I love them to pieces.
 
The rep of the L-07m new was that it was a stellar amp worthy of the best associated gear. Seems they still sound great when renewed. Curious about a rematch when the M-4000 is done.
 
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I'd love to hear the L-07Ms. I've heard that they are more musical than the L-09s, and the L-09s are among the very best amps I've personally ever heard. I don't know what you're using for a pre, but I can wholeheartedly recommend an L-07C or Cll. I was using a Basic C2 with my L-09Ms and it was a really nice pairing, but the L-07Cll truly brought the amps to life.
 
I still rather regret not getting the pair of refurbished L-O7Ms that were on BT ca three years ago.
Been curious about them ever since they came out.
 
ghamilton said:
Don't forget the little brother. The L-05M. I had a pair.
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I like the L-05M but if I were to go for another pair of Kenwood Monoblocks, I would want to find the uber rare L-08M’s. I also want to find a pair of L-09M’s but I don’t really need the power. I just want to look at them ;)
 
Blue Shadow said:
The rep of the L-07m new was that it was a stellar amp worthy of the best associated gear. Seems the still sound great when renewed. Curious about a rematch when the M-4000 is done.
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I’ll be sure to post back when I compare them head to head when they’re both finished!
 
Roadrash said:
I'd love to hear the L-07Ms. I've heard that they are more musical than the L-09s, and the L-09s are among the very best amps I've personally ever heard. I don't know what you're using for a pre, but I can wholeheartedly recommend an L-07C or Cll. I was using a Basic C2 with my L-09Ms and it was a really nice pairing, but the L-07Cll truly brought the amps to life.
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Currently I’m using a Sansui AU-11000 as a preamp. So sweet and detailed. I’m in love with it but I’m looking out for an L-07CII preamp for them.
 
HackWhite said:
I like the L-05M but if I were to go for another pair of Kenwood Monoblocks, I would want to find the uber rare L-08M’s. I also want to find a pair of L-09M’s but I don’t really need the power. I just want to look at them ;)
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Visit SoCal Samhe has a pile of the L-09M amps.
 
HackWhite said:
I like the L-05M but if I were to go for another pair of Kenwood Monoblocks, I would want to find the uber rare L-08M’s. I also want to find a pair of L-09M’s but I don’t really need the power. I just want to look at them ;)
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I didn't need 300 watt monoblocks either, but when I was presented with the opportunity to own them I pretty much had to buy them.
 
Blue Shadow said:
The rep of the L-07m new was that it was a stellar amp worthy of the best associated gear. Seems they still sound great when renewed. Curious about a rematch when the M-4000 is done.
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So for the past few hours, I've been clinically A/B testing the L-07M's to the M-4000. Everything that I previously said still holds true. The M-4000 is extremely good at instrument separation and spaciousness. That's something that I really like about it. The objective accuracy and bass authority with the L-07M's is still truly something to behold though. I love both amps! If I had to choose though, I'd take the L-07M's any day. I can't wait to get the M-4000 restored so I can do a final testing.
 
ghamilton said:
I believe that "THE ABSOLUTE SOUND" did a review on the L07M in 1977. Good luck on finding a back issue.
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Thanks for the tip! I just found the same Absolute Sound Magazine on eBay and purchased it! In the contents, it lists the L-07M. Can’t wait to get it. I’ll post some images of the review here when I get it.
 
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