Kenwood KA-1080 (1996)

The Kenwood KA-1080 is a stereo integrated amplifier from around 1996, sold new in Japan for ¥25,000. Documentation is thin. The most complete record is a single Japanese audio database entry, with a brief secondhand listing to back it up. What it shows is a plain, no-frills integrated amp that Kenwood described as "simplified and shortened thoroughly," an orthodox design built around clean signal transmission.

The engineering notes that survive mention a pure signal ground line, a logical flow construction to keep the signal path short, and a PCB mounted softly to resist vibration. A source direct circuit bypasses the tone, balance, and subsonic circuits entirely. There's also a loudness control and an MM phono equalizer on board. Nothing exotic.

Specs from the database: 50W + 50W into 8Ω (40 Hz-20 kHz, both channels driven, 0.06% THD), with a higher 105W + 105W figure quoted at 4Ω under EIAJ conditions. Distortion is rated at 0.06% (20 Hz-20 kHz, 8Ω, 30W) and 0.01% (1 kHz, 8Ω, 60W). Damping factor is 42 at 50 Hz. Frequency response on CD, tuner, AUX, and tape runs 10 Hz to 60 kHz +0/-3 dB. Signal-to-noise is 88 dB on line inputs and 72 dB on phono MM. Phono sensitivity is 2.5 mV/47kΩ. Line inputs are 200 mV/47kΩ. Tone controls are ±10 dB at 100 Hz (bass) and 10 kHz (treble). It draws 140W and weighs 7.0 kg, measuring 440 × 123 × 395 mm.

One caution: a secondhand listing claims "60 watts per channel," which conflicts with the 50W figure above. The detailed spec sheet is consistent and complete, so the 50W rating is the one to trust.

The KA-1080 was Japanese-built for the domestic market (100 VAC supply), which explains why it's relatively uncommon outside Japan. Used prices have been modest: a ¥4,000 auction bid in early 2024 and a €40 sale in Germany in 2026. No production years beyond 1996, no service manual content, and no detailed owner reviews have surfaced in the record.

Known specs at a glance:

- Integrated amplifier, MM phono stage, source direct, loudness

- 50W + 50W (8Ω, 40 Hz–20 kHz, THD 0.06%); 105W + 105W (4Ω, EIAJ)

- 7.0 kg; 440 × 123 × 395 mm

- Original price: ¥25,000 (Japan, ~1996)

If you own one and have the owner's manual or measured performance data, the Archive would welcome the addition.