Kenwood's best power amps

[theophile]

The K-nisi page states it all.I simply didn't scroll-down far enough.

The Sigma Drive 990 was released in 1982,followed by the (also) Sigma Drive 1100 and 2200 in 1983.

In 1984 the non-Sigma 1100SD was released.

A further two models the 1100D and the 1100EX(both non Sigma)were released in 1986 and 1987 respectively.

Thus,as I thought with the Kenwood Basic M2(Sigma) and the Kenwood Basic M2A(non Sigma),the Sigma models came first,but were quickly superceded by non-Sigma Models which were almost identical to the first Sigma amps the difference being that the Sigma Drive was dropped.

I looked for the L-08M page on k-nisi.

http://translate.googleusercontent....&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhjz2awgZkUZ67no0MZpDJTMZuuT1w

It states that the Sigma Drive L-08M was released in 1980.

To clear-up why Kenwood took all the options that they did around this time,it would be necessary to have the input of someone who knows the inside story.

 

[tbird71]

OK, I see the lineage now.

But, exactly what IS sigma drive?

And...IS IT or, if it was/is better, why did Kenwood go to the Super DLD model, and then the VIG/DLD ones?

The 880 and 1100SD Models then stand alone in this interesting lineup.

My Basic amp, being NOT the M2 but in fact the M2a, then, is NOT sigma equipped...can I hook up the 2 non sigma products now?

 

[theophile]

OK, I see the lineage now.

But, exactly what IS sigma drive?

And...IS IT or, if it was/is better, why did Kenwood go to the Super DLD model, and then the VIG/DLD ones?

The 880 and 1100SD Models then stand alone in this interesting lineup.

My Basic amp, being NOT the M2 but in fact the M2a, then, is NOT sigma equipped...can I hook up the 2 non sigma products now?

Do a search of this forum(Vintage Solid State) using "Sigma" as the search reference term.

As I said in the last sentence of my previous post,the reason why Kenwood did what they did,would have to be answered by someone who knows.

I ain't that person.

 

[tbird71]

Tells me nothing about sigma drive, just a reference to it, most posts are yours...I guess, in YOUR opinion, was Sigma drive better, not as good, or the same as Super DLD drive and why? I'm just trying to understand for future reference is all...Thanks, Mate

 

[theophile]

I've used the Kenwood Basic M2A(non-Sigma) and the Kenwood Baisc M2(Sigma) as the bass amps in my system.

I preferred the M2 over the M2A,because it resolved more information,was more musical.

The L-06Ms,I use now in my system I initially tried in Non-Sigma mode.They were good,but I had a sense that they didn't 'involve' me emotionally in the music.When switching to the L-06Ms Sigma capability,I felt that they sounded like a different amp.Much greater resolution,truer tone,and very emotionally involving.

 

[Pfrullo]

Another Sigma Drive unit is Kenwood KA 1000 (with special power cable and transformer).
Ka 2200 (and not 900 or 1100) features a pre-main input output.
Ka 7X / 9X

 

[theophile]

Since it has been a little over 11 years since this thread had a contribution, I guess I'd better ask: Do you own a Kenwood amp or have you listened to one? Tell us about your impressions.

 

[Pfrullo]

Since it has been a little over 11 years since this thread had a contribution, I guess I'd better ask: Do you own a Kenwood amp or have you listened to one? Tell us about your impressions.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to listen to a sigma drive yet: I am looking for one to test! I am very curious, because I am interested in this technology from a theoretical point of view. I want to understand how it sounds.

 

[Pfrullo]

Yamaha made something similar with their Active Servo Technology.
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/yamaha-ns-sw300

 

[Pfrullo]

Since it has been a little over 11 years since this thread had a contribution, I guess I'd better ask: Do you own a Kenwood amp or have you listened to one? Tell us about your impressions.

But you, today, after using Kenwood with Sigma Drive and after 11 years from this thread, what do you use to listen to music?

 

[theophile]

Power

But you, today, after using Kenwood with Sigma Drive and after 11 years from this thread, what do you use to listen to music?

Powered active studio monitors.

 

[Pfrullo]

Power

Powered active studio monitors.

This is really interesting. I am wondering if these are your choice because of sound quality, or because you like to explore different systems, if I am not too curious about it!

 

[theophile]

This is really interesting. I am wondering if these are your choice because of sound quality, or because you like to explore different systems, if I am not too curious about it!

First, exploration. Now, sound quality.