Kenwood KA 5000 (1970–1972)
At a special price of $150 in the early 1970s, the KA 5000 offered 28 watts of power per channel with a variable impedance selector.
Overview
At a special price of $150, the Kenwood KA 5000 enters the 1970s market as an integrated amplifier built for the specific demands of that era. Production ran from 1970 to 1972 according to available documentation. The unit delivers 28 watts per channel into 8 Ω, a power rating that sits firmly within the standard for the time. One user describes it as "Trouble-Free Vintage," suggesting a reputation for reliability that distinguishes it from other competing units of the period.
The amplifier features an impedance selector that includes a 4 Ω mode. This specification implies a design capable of driving speakers with varying load requirements, a practical consideration for the diverse speaker options available in 1972. The 4 Ω mode is a distinct feature available alongside the standard 8 Ω setting. This flexibility allows the device to interface with equipment beyond a single standard specification. The unit was built as an integrated amplifier, housing the preamp and power amp sections within a single chassis. This integration was common practice during the production years of 1970 to 1972.
Documentation does not specify the materials of the chassis or the internal layout, focusing instead on the electrical performance and the operational modes. The 28 watts per channel rating is sourced from Vintage Technology Archive, which serves as the primary reference for this model's identity. While other sources reference different power figures, the Vintage Technology Archive specification is used as the authoritative value for the table. This consistency ensures that the recorded data reflects the most documented version of the Kenwood KA 5000.
The product is not associated with a specific lineage or a successor model in the available documentation. There are no explicit statements found regarding why it was built or named competitors in the fact sheet provided. The focus remains on the specific attributes of the KA 5000 itself. The unit remains a distinct entry in the Kenwood catalog, separate from the AV surround amplifiers or cassette decks that share the 5000 series numbering in other contexts.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Kenwood |
| Model | KA 5000 |
| Type | Integrated Amp |
| Production Years | 1970–1972 |
| Rated Output | 28W per channel (8Ω) |
| Impedance Selector | 4 Ω mode included |
Collectibility & Value
Original price listings indicate a "spécial $150" tag, reflecting the market value at the time of release. This price point places the unit in the mid-range category for 1970–1972 audio equipment. No other original price data is confirmed in the fact sheet. The "Trouble-Free Vintage" description from a user provides insight into the perceived reliability of the unit among owners. No specific maintenance procedures or common failures are documented in the available data.
Collectors note the impedance selector as a key feature. The 4 Ω mode adds versatility to the amplifier's capabilities. The 28W power rating suggests a solid performance level for home audio systems of the era. There are no explicit statements found regarding its place in a lineup relative to other models, but it is confirmed as an integrated amplifier. No complete specifications are found for other metrics such as frequency response, THD, or dimensions.
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