Kenwood DP-3050 (c. 1993)
The Kenwood DP-3050 is a CD player from the early 1990s, introduced at ¥34,800 in Japan around 1993. Documentation is thin. There is one Japanese database entry and some scattered used listings. What the record shows is a mid-priced machine that borrowed heavily from Kenwood's higher-end designs.
Kenwood's own commentary described it simply as a CD player applying the same technology as their high-end models. That meant an 8× oversampling digital filter and a 0-shift noise shaper to push requantization noise out of the audible band. The high-precision master clock was built from an external discrete circuit rather than a single IC. The output amplifier after the D/A converter used a cascode differential arrangement to suppress second-harmonic distortion in the 10-20 kHz range, and the pickup actuator ran an AB-class drive circuit. An RF phase-equivalent compensation circuit dealt with phase errors in the laser pickup caused by AM/PM noise changes. The servo section used what Kenwood called "super optimal servo control." There is also a motorized output volume controlled from the remote, so you can adjust level without leaving your seat.
The specs are respectable for the era, all measured per EIAJ. Frequency response is 4 Hz to 20 kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio is 103 dB or better, dynamic range 96 dB or more, total harmonic distortion 0.002% or less, and channel separation 96 dB or better. Fixed output was 2Vrms into 1 kΩ, with a variable output of 0-2 V. The headphone jack is rated at 20 mW into 16 Ω, and there is an optical digital output (Toslink). The transport uses a Sony KSS-210A mechanism and the DAC is an SM5871AS.
One period review, from Ters Audio, was measured in its praise. It called the DP-3050 "to all intents and purposes, a slightly over-cooked version of its earlier DP-3040," with a warm tonal balance that dulled immediacy and slowed the attack of strings or percussion. Another reviewer at hifi-review.com found the sound balanced and program-independent, and noted that engaging the amplifier's loudness compensation made a strong first impression. Both are single opinions, not consensus.
It's a full-width component: 440 mm wide, 107.5 mm high, 262 mm deep, weighing 3.7 kg. It runs on 100 VAC at 50/60 Hz and draws 10 W. The remote control was included. A used example has appeared on Gumtree at £40, and the service manual is available for purchase from parts dealers.
Known Specs
- CD player, 8× oversampling digital filter
- Frequency response: 4 Hz – 20 kHz (EIAJ)
- S/N ratio: 103 dB or more (EIAJ)
- Dynamic range: 96 dB or more (EIAJ)
- THD: 0.002% or less (EIAJ)
- Channel separation: 96 dB or more (EIAJ)
- Fixed output: 2Vrms / 1 kΩ; variable output: 0–2 V
- Optical digital output (Toslink)
- Dimensions: 440 × 107.5 × 262 mm; 3.7 kg
- Price new: ¥34,800 (c. 1993)
Production years are not documented, and no owner reliability reports have surfaced. If you have one and know how it's held up, the archive would welcome the input.
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