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Kenwood L-09M vs Nakamichi PA7 mkii

M

Malakipaa

New Member
Hello I got hit by audio bug again and itching to try Nakamichi power amp the likes of PA7. I love my Kenwood L-09M with Basic C2 preamp. Warm sound but not overly detail.

Anybody had the chance to compare the sound quality of this Kenwood to Nakamichi PA7 or something similar? My guts tells me to sell Kenwood and buy the Nak cause it might be much more detail and dynamics?
 
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I have a couple of the Nak PA-7 amplifiers along with the matching CA5 preamp in my collection. They are well-designed, and nice sounding amps when new. Mine sound very nice and not overly detailed but actually a little rolled off in the highs. They are not performing at their best due to them needing to be serviced and brought back up to spec. I intend to rebuild them both and upgrade the input section according to the recommendation on DIY audio. Be advised that any amplifier as old as the PA7s are will need to be serviced to sound their best (complete recap, replace the bias pots, etc.). The PA7 has very large power capacitors that are now difficult to source and very expensive.

Unless you are wanting to stay with vintage gear (nothing wrong with that at all) you might want to consider the Galion TS-A75 amplifier. I am blown away with the build quality and the sound for the price. Not sure what kind of power your speakers need, but I have not even come close to needing all 75 watts/ch driving a set of Thiel CS3.5s on one of my vintage systems. Lots of soundstage depth and width. Instrument placement outstanding. No harshness on bright passages or female vocals (unless it is recorded badly). I like mine so much, I purchased the new 25watt/ch Galion TS=A20. It has lower gain,so it takes some getting used to, but the sound is amazing.

Not sure if I helped any, but good luck with your decision.
 
I'd try a different preamp. See if you can borrow one to see if the L-09M can fit your needs.

I have a C2 with all the updates and don't use it often.

Swing by if you want to try a couple :cool: .
 
Decibel_116 said:
I have a couple of the Nak PA-7 amplifiers along with the matching CA5 preamp in my collection. They are well-designed, and nice sounding amps when new. Mine sound very nice and not overly detailed but actually a little rolled off in the highs. They are not performing at their best due to them needing to be serviced and brought back up to spec. I intend to rebuild them both and upgrade the input section according to the recommendation on DIY audio. Be advised that any amplifier as old as the PA7s are will need to be serviced to sound their best (complete recap, replace the bias pots, etc.). The PA7 has very large power capacitors that are now difficult to source and very expensive.

Unless you are wanting to stay with vintage gear (nothing wrong with that at all) you might want to consider the Galion TS-A75 amplifier. I am blown away with the build quality and the sound for the price. Not sure what kind of power your speakers need, but I have not even come close to needing all 75 watts/ch driving a set of Thiel CS3.5s on one of my vintage systems. Lots of soundstage depth and width. Instrument placement outstanding. No harshness on bright passages or female vocals (unless it is recorded badly). I like mine so much, I purchased the new 25watt/ch Galion TS=A20. It has lower gain,so it takes some getting used to, but the sound is amazing.

Not sure if I helped any, but good luck with your decision.
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Hey Decibel,

Thanks for nice and detail info. Ye you are right the old parts on vintage gears affects their sound. I have watched few review of the Galion TS-A75 and majority of conclusion it punch above its weight and cheap for what it can do. I will definitely give it a try someday. Now do you think the CA-5 preamp can match modern preamp that you like? Can you suggest modern preamp that might work good for my Kenwood L-09M
 
rickl said:
I'd try a different preamp. See if you can borrow one to see if the L-09M can fit your needs.

I have a C2 with all the updates and don't use it often.

Swing by if you want to try a couple :cool: .
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Yep exactly what I plan to do first. I used C2 on it and I think its too warm and flat on details. I still like it but you know how this hobby goes
 
Malakipaa said:
Im actually aiming to try modern preamp. Can you suggest any? Do you really think sticking with Kenwood pre is a better choice?
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Have you ever heard a L-07C or L-07C II ?

Ever seen the inside of one? The build quality inside is amazing.
Do a search on here of peoples opinions of them.
 
jackflack said:
Have you ever heard a L-07C or L-07C II ?

Ever seen the inside of one? The build quality inside is amazing.
Click to expand...

I wanted a 07c to go with my lab mono blocks but didn't have the $600 or so budget.

They can be difficult to work on but build quality looks great.

OP hasn't said what updates have been done to the C2. I thought a few simple updates improved my C2.
 
jackflack said:
Have you ever heard a L-07C or L-07C II ?

Ever seen the inside of one? The build quality inside is amazing.
Do a search on here of peoples opinions of them.
Click to expand...
Hi Jack,

I actually have Kenwood L-07C but it need refurbishing. ause I found C2 sounds better. Thr 07C I have to max bass tone controle just to get a good sound to my taste. So in general it lacks bass.
 
rickl said:
I wanted a 07c to go with my lab mono blocks but didn't have the $600 or so budget.

They can be difficult to work on but build quality looks great.

OP hasn't said what updates have been done to the C2. I thought a few simple updates improved my C2.
Click to expand...
The C2 is untouched and I find the high not detail enough.
 
Any of the vintage amps/preamps mentioned in this thread would need a recap at minimum to sound anywhere near their best, and is probably why your not getting the high details on the C2, and would also explain the lack of bass on the L-07C.
 
Plus one on the L-07C I use it daily with a pair of L-09M's Pleny of bass with tone controls at middle. Bass is firecly tight, solid state at its finest. Rock, DUB, Reggae pumps like 70's disco.
Maybe your ear likes more of a warm tube like bass in that case any Mcintosh preamp might fit the bill.
 
I can say from experience that a well rebuilt L-0M9 / L-07CII combination is impressive. My only experience with the L-07C was that the particular unit needed a restoration.
If you are not brand conscious, there is no need to stay within Kenwood. If you are, you will probably also object to the aesthetics of the L-07CII with the L-09M. I know it bugs me. The color is one thing, but the whole faceplate and controls are different.
Best to close your eyes! :music:
 
Hi I had basic C2 and compared with L-07C.
07C is better even being original parts. Maybe after recap of C2 will match.
 
Well keep in mind that C1 or C2 is around 150, and a 07C is maybe $500.
The C-2 and C-1 they give very good performance
 
I would have kept my L-08C in my main system if it weren't for the fader volume control, and the awful plastic case, absolutely stunning sounding preamp apart from that.
 
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