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Need Kenwood ka recommendations

Got_Horns

Got_Horns

Active Member
I really want a Kenwood ka series ia with pre outs. I'm becoming numb from all the different models and variations.
Could any Kenwood gurus recommend a ka 7300 or equivalent or better. That is no more than 600$. Using flea Bay as pricing guide.
I'm looking at the 7300 because of the pre and it's just so clean and sexy. Love the duel mono. Eventually I'll be running separates.
I have a line on a minty 8100 but that may fall through.
So far I'm on the lookout for ka 7300 and ka 8100. Any others I should consider?
Thanks!
 
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Got_Horns said:
I'm becoming numb from all the different models and variations.
Click to expand...

You can make a list of the models and then search images for pics of the rear panel to find I/O you want and in your list put the wpc. Shouldn't take too much time to get that done if you have a real computer or good with the small devices many use.

The 7100 doesn't have pre/power but has been added by EW.

Kenwood Manuals | HiFi Engine
 
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ivandezande said:
That would be double his budget, if not more.


OP, I think the 7300 would be great. I like it better than an 8100, only thing is the power packs....
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I'm worried about that also. How often do they fail?. They are close to unobtainium, from what I've read. But there is a seller on flea Bay that has them for 270$...ouch.
Am I correct that the 8100 doesn't use the stk?
 
Got_Horns said:
I really want a Kenwood ka series ia with pre outs... Eventually I'll be running separates.
Click to expand...

i'd look at a c1 or c2 preamp and m1 or m2 power amp. my guess these will fit your budget.

if you were closer, i'd let you try out mine.
 
rickl said:
i'd look at a c1 or c2 preamp and m1 or m2 power amp. my guess these will fit your budget.

if you were closer, i'd let you try out mine.
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never even heard of these. But a quick search.... very interesting. Do they sound sterile? Lacking the classic Kenwood warmth? I do like some coloration of say vintage speakers vs the newer ultra accurate reference types. Speaking of Klipsch speakers in particular.

Do they come in silver?
 
my experience with Klipsch speakers you will not need a lot of power.

i'd look at a 3500/5700/6100/7100. i doubt any of these have pre/power jumpers.

your pre/power jumper requirements kind of implies you want to use a kenwood pre or kenwood power amp with something you have. maybe a kenwood pre and a tube amp for your klipsch speakers.

my guess a c2 and a m1 would work great for you. my klipsch speakers (kg something) are driven by a ka-7100 and it seems fine.

i'm using a c2/m1 with some infinity bookshelfs (rs-2000 i think but may be a 2001). i haven't tried the c2/m1 with the klipsch speakers. I used el84 SE amp with the klipsch but sold the it and dropped in the ka-7100.

i think the kenwood rack system on your local CL is over priced but have heard that kc-208/km-208 combo. some really like the km-20x power amps (i have a km-208 and km-209). And pair it with a better preamp.

lots of choices...
 
rickl said:
my experience with Klipsch speakers you will not need a lot of power.

i'd look at a 3500/5700/6100/7100. i doubt any of these have pre/power jumpers.

your pre/power jumper requirements kind of implies you want to use a kenwood pre or kenwood power amp with something you have. maybe a kenwood pre and a tube amp for your klipsch speakers.

my guess a c2 and a m1 would work great for you. my klipsch speakers (kg something) are driven by a ka-7100 and it seems fine.

i'm using a c2/m1 with some infinity bookshelfs (rs-2000 i think but may be a 2001). i haven't tried the c2/m1 with the klipsch speakers. I used el84 SE amp with the klipsch but sold the it and dropped in the ka-7100.

i think the kenwood rack system on your local CL is over priced but have heard that kc-208/km-208 combo. some really like the km-20x power amps (i have a km-208 and km-209). And pair it with a better preamp.

lots of choices...
Click to expand...
. Yes, I'm exhausted from all the choices, research, model numbers and rabbit holes....sigh.

My ultimate goal for my main system, is to have tubes for the HF and solid state for the lows. I have Klipsch klf 20s that are biampable.
I just got a pair of ASW betas that also are biampable...so?? Maybe the same for them? Anyway, I really enjoy them in 4 channel stereo. I only listen to music on this system. Hence why I'm thinking of separates.
 
Got_Horns said:
I'm worried about that also. How often do they fail?. They are close to unobtainium, from what I've read. But there is a seller on flea Bay that has them for 270$...ouch.
Am I correct that the 8100 doesn't use the stk?
Click to expand...
No there’s drop in replacements for $80 that work great.
Yes, 8100 and down does not.
 
STK modules can be replaced with an adapter set up with discrete components. TA modules are only available as pulls, so there are mid 80's Kennys you need to avoid for that reason (880SD for instance, and matching Basic series amp, don't remember which one).

Kenwood amps are very clean -- what goes into the input comes out the output with very little changed other than the amplitude of the signal. "Warm" sounding they are not, and never have been.

Kenwood speparates from that era are, quite literally, exactly the same as the integrated amps of the same output with the pre-amp in a separate box -- the amps often have the same board as the integrated, just no controls or parts on that section. Some have modules, some do not, would have to check, but as far as performance goes they are all good, including the "rack systems".
 
HPMguy said:
STK modules can be replaced with an adapter set up with discrete components. TA modules are only available as pulls, so there are mid 80's Kennys you need to avoid for that reason (880SD for instance, and matching Basic series amp, don't remember which one).

Kenwood amps are very clean -- what goes into the input comes out the output with very little changed other than the amplitude of the signal. "Warm" sounding they are not, and never have been.

Kenwood speparates from that era are, quite literally, exactly the same as the integrated amps of the same output with the pre-amp in a separate box -- the amps often have the same board as the integrated, just no controls or parts on that section. Some have modules, some do not, would have to check, but as far as performance goes they are all good, including the "rack systems".
Click to expand...
All TA’s are available. Not true.
Look up chrisautosound on eBay. I’ve used almost all of his modules and they’re great.
 
Choice for the Kenwood TA 2040 seems to be new Chinese manufacture or used pulls. New may indeed be fine, may not, only way to tell is install and try.

Same deal on STKs, new manufacture is sometimes as good as original and sometimes junk.
 
I have recently ordered the new drop in TA-100 modules for my KA-8300. Specs and reviews are very good about them. Far better than originals.

I sent the Amp to the tech I use for him to install the TA-100's and do a recap.
I'll post about it when I get it back. (Might be a while)
 
I have seen several KA-8300 circa 1975 that were sold on fleabay for under 600.00. It was the TOTL at that time. They are not that rare but with a little patience you'll find one. I bought a KA-9077 (EURO VERSION OF KA-907) for under 300.00 and had it repaired for 165.00. Many options.
 
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