Great news! Another highly collectable Kenwood item. This is a small story about my Kenwood KA-5700 integrated amplifier manufactured in 1978. This is a matching unit for the previously reviewed tuner KT-5500. Actually, both units are from the same model line and both have gorgeous wooden cases. As to the original price – I could not find the information about the price for new amplifier. I believe the price range was in the 250 – 350 dollars.
Demonstration video on YouTube:
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.04%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 76dB (MM), 100dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 380 x 140 x 297mm
Weight: 7.5kg
SWEET FEATURES
Phono Stage Input
You may connect up to 5 sources (including two tape decks)
Tone controls including Loudness and Subsonic filter useful for vinyl records listening
Headphones Input
Analog Meters
Shiny faceplate
Big aluminum tuning dial
Nostalgic wooden case made of natural walnut
Very simple layout with just a few buttons to push
You can connect two pairs of speakers and control them with Speakers selector
SOUND
Kenwood has its own signature sound. It is warm, but still is detailed and layered. Lows are a bit punchy and energetic, but not too overbearing. Mids are excellent, with so much life to them. Highs are nice, not harsh, may be just a tad on the bright side, the sound stage is very accurate as well. Obviously, there are better sounding devices, but for the vintage component of that age the sound is just excellent!
I Love the Kenwood sound and quality. For an old school integrated amplifier it sounds very clean and neutral and has proven to be very reliable. And it has unbeatable looks!
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1 Comment
REVINTAGES.COM
Hi Caleb, thanks a lot for your interest. We strongly believe that there is no need to touch and replace any parts of vintage electronics that function properly. We are aware, that re-capping is a very popular these days, but we think it makes sense only in certain conditions and only for certain models. Our motto – “do not replace it if it works”. As to your question about KA-5700. The capacitors are original. Probably everything is original, except one bulb (I’m not sure though). I had many Kenwoods and I remember I’ve replaced bulbs in some Kenwood amps. Frankly, I can not guarantee it will work another 10 years, it is used equipment. It is OLD. Sooner oк later capacitors will be dried out and potts will be noisy. It is natural process, alas… I’d love to give you 30 years warranty, but as honest and realistic man I can not give you this promise.
Hi Caleb, thanks a lot for your interest. We strongly believe that there is no need to touch and replace any parts of vintage electronics that function properly. We are aware, that re-capping is a very popular these days, but we think it makes sense only in certain conditions and only for certain models. Our motto – “do not replace it if it works”. As to your question about KA-5700. The capacitors are original. Probably everything is original, except one bulb (I’m not sure though). I had many Kenwoods and I remember I’ve replaced bulbs in some Kenwood amps. Frankly, I can not guarantee it will work another 10 years, it is used equipment. It is OLD. Sooner oк later capacitors will be dried out and potts will be noisy. It is natural process, alas… I’d love to give you 30 years warranty, but as honest and realistic man I can not give you this promise.