Kenwood L-09M Mono Block

[RogerRef]

I'm a Yamaha guy with complete Yamaha system. Having problems with my M-65. Friend had same NS-1000's but was using a pair of Kenwood L-09's to drive them. I am considering the same but wondering about reliability. Except for my speakers. I've had to fiddle with amy, pre etc. because it's vintage and electronics break. What is expected of L-09's? I'm about to the point of ditching the vintage electronics but really lost as what to replace it with to get as good of sound for the money. I'm in a small town and really 6 hours from any major metro area that has folks to work on vintage gear. I can do some basic work like soldering but parts all have to be ordered on line. Let me know your experiences with the L-09M's. THank you in advance.

Roger

 

[ivandezande]

Super rare. They might have corrosive glue and 2SC1451's if they're anything like the L-07Ms.

 

[ghamilton]

The L-09 is worth keeping and restoring!

 

[Roadrash]

My L-09Ms were gone through a couple of years ago. They both needed some soldering of cold or cracked joints, and they were set to specs. The tech who went through them said they checked out fine and a recap was unnecessary, and to take them home and enjoy them. There are a lot of people on here who insist that caps are bad if they're old no matter what, but all caps are not created equal apparently. Keep in mind the same tech who serviced and tested these amps recommended recapping my Citation 16 after testing it. Anyway, my L-09s have been dead reliable and sound absolutely incredible, and they are just loafing along while driving the Allisons as hard as I'm comfortable with. Unless you're driving a ridiculously difficult speaker a pair of L-09Ms should be all the amps you'll ever need, good luck finding a pair though. I stumbled onto mine when I went to buy the Citation.

 

[ghamilton]

They are a great match for the Dahlquest DQ-10 & 20 & Vandersteen 2 & 3!