Kenwood DEM-9991D (1998)

The Kenwood DEM-9991D is an AC-3 RF demodulator for LaserDisc players. It sat between an LD player and a Dolby Digital (AC-3) receiver when the player only put out the raw RF signal. It appeared in 1998 at ¥18,000. It was a direct upgrade to Kenwood's earlier DEM-999D at the same price, presumably refining whatever needed refining. The record on this unit is thin beyond that.

What is documented is mostly the physical and interface basics. The DEM-9991D is a small outboard box - 89mm wide, 35mm high, 101mm deep, and just 0.2kg - with gold-plated RF, optical, and coaxial inputs, and a gold-plated coaxial output. It takes DC 12V from an external adapter (the W08-0665, rated 100-240V 50/60Hz input, 12V 500mA 6VA output). It can switch automatically between a Dolby Digital RF signal and a digital signal.

No frequency response, S/N ratio, or THD figures are recorded, and no period reviews of the DEM-9991D have surfaced. The LaserDisc Database confirms its relationship to the DEM-999D - an upgrade at the same price. Beyond that, the unit's market context and reception are essentially undocumented.

Known specs:

- AC-3 RF demodulator for LaserDisc players

- Gold-plated RF, optical, and coaxial inputs; gold-plated coaxial output

- Automatic switching between Dolby Digital RF and digital signals

- External DC 12V supply (adapter W08-0665, 100-240V input)

- Dimensions: 89 × 35 × 101 mm; weight 0.2 kg

- Original price: ¥18,000 (circa 2000)

- Produced 1998; upgrade to the earlier DEM-999D