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Kenwood (Trio) produced some amazing amplifiers over the course of the 1970s and the 1975-77 KA series of amplifiers are a superb examples of Kenwood at its finest, combining stunning brushed aluminium minimalist styling with solid performance.
Whats in a Model Number? It’s funny how a model number can give you an impression about a component, and this one leads you to think that this was a low end model. However as you can see by this unit’s original price tag and it’s specifications (and if you actually auditioned it) you would find it to be anything but!
This unit was positioned as a mid-level component amplifier in Kenwood’s 1975-1977 product lineup. The KA-3500 was in direct competition with the likes of Pioneer’s SA-7500 which was also powered at 40 Watts RMS per channel.
This is one of the sweetest sounding little amplifiers I have listened to, with plenty of detail and enough power to be the life of the party. It simply puts a big smile on my face every time I listen to it!
Its features includes inputs for a Turntable, Tuner, two Tape Deck’s and an Auxiliary, with dubbing support provided. IMHO this is one of best sounding amps in its price range, and performs even well beyond it.
Aesthetically I think this is a beautifully presented component. Apple Corporation could learn a thing or two from the 1975-77 design team at Kenwood responsible for the KA series that sported brushed aluminium fascia and minimalist design.
Inspired by another vintage audio enthusiast I decided to experiment with some colour and refinished this Amplifier and Tuner with a professional powder-coat in “Firebox Red”, I think the end result is simply stunning!
KA-3500 Specifications
KT-5500 Specifications
Sensitivity at 30 dB quieting, 1,9 μV- Alternate channel selectivity 60 dB
- Stereo separation 45 dB
- 3-gang phase linear tuning capacitor with FETs for high sensitivity
- 2-gang variable capacitor for AM
- 4-element phase-linear ceramic filter improves tone quality.
- PLL in FM Multiplex for improved stereo separation
- Accurate 2-meter tuning with signal strength and center-channel tuning meters.
- Deluxe dial with easy to read linear tuning scale with 200 kHz calibrations for FM
- FM Auto Muting
- Optional CB-3 walnut veneer cabinet, B-5 walnut veneer side panels or D-5 carrying handles available.
One reviewer:
“Wow is it powerful…I wanted to say every time I turn this system on I still get goose bumps…My wife even love’s it and she has seen a lot of systems go thru our house” http://fullrangedriver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=803
Posted In: Amplifiers, Coming Soon
Ed Webster
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Just bought ka 3500 in ultra clean condition, serviced, de oxit ized, tested from a repair guy selling off all his stuff…..on sf bay area Craigslist..$80.00… I knew it would be at least listenable, if the guy wasnt B. S ing me. This amp sounds GREAT! clear tight better than the st 70/pas I was using for the past few years. so i sold the dyna stuff, not knocking it, but tired of being diy repairman..dyna can be Money eaters too. Very happy with ka3500…..sound reminds me of my old marantz reciever…………long gone. I think I got a bargain……on line reviews etc. seem very favorable.
admin Author
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These amps are sooo sweet! And are one of the best buys out there at the moment IMHO, enjoy!
Jovan Gavrilovski
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This year I purchased Kenwood KA-3500 amplifier, paired with B&W 603 S2. B&W speakers needs power and small Kenwood is running B&W very well. The sound is great, I like it very much. At the moment I am looking for Kenwood tuner KT-1500, not needed urgently, but I would like complete vintage stereo set up, because I just like old school. Beside sound the finish is great that can not be compared with today’s stereos.
Jay
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I have a ka-3500 running through kl-7090 speakers with a kt-5300 tuner and it sounds great! I might change the tuner to a kt-5020 but that’s all.
Will McRae
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I have a Kenwood KA-1500 and even being to lowest in the series i’m amazed by the sound of it , The phono stage in it is not bad at all and it looks great
Sean Votier
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This was my first decent Audio component. I mowed lawns for a summer to buy it. I loved this amp. It eventually died and I gave it away. The friend I gave it to found a bad diode in the power supply and is still using it to the day.
Smithb4
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Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? Theres lots of people that I believe would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks dbdbadbefgeedgec
admin Author
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Sure, cheers!
admin Author
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Sure, cheers!
Thomas Leggate
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I’m picking on of these up on Friday. Apparently it hadn’t been fired up in a decade and the right channel isn’t working but for $30.00, a good gamble that I can get it going and pair with my Kenny receiver.
Nirav
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Do you know what the original MSRP was?
You make a reference to it in the post, but don’t list a range.
Nirav
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Also, how did you spray paint the covers?
Steve Adriance
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I purchased my KA-3500 amp in 1976 just before I left for college. My brother bought me the nice wooden cabinet that came with it for my birthday. About a decade later I located the matching tuner (KT-5300) for $25 in a classified ad. Covered with nicotine, it cleaned up well. I’ve used this pair for more than 40 years now and they’re still going strong. Great product!