Kenwood KA-501
A Japanese-built integrated amplifier with illuminated VU meters, rated at 65 watts per channel.
Overview
The Kenwood KA-501 is a high-speed integrated amplifier built in Japan. It came in silver and black finishes. It has a phono input, tone controls, and big illuminated VU meters. It belongs to Kenwood's KA series, but nobody has documented where it sits in the lineup. It puts out 65 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.
Specifications
| Power output | 65 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo) |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Power Consumption | 270 Watts full scale power rating |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 440 x 153 x 407mm |
| Weight | approx. 10.7 kg |
| Production years | 1979–1980 (per Facebook, HiFi Engine); 1979–1981 (per hifi-wiki.com) |
| Made in | Japan |
| Color | Silver, Black |
Design
The KA-501 has a phono input and tone controls. The illuminated VU meters are what you notice first, and they give you a visual readout during playback.
Market
Service and instruction manuals are available through online archives. Recent market listings show units selling between $199.50 and $450.
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