Kenwood KAF-7002 (c. 1997)
The Kenwood KAF-7002 is a half-width integrated amplifier from Kenwood's K's series, introduced around 1997 at ¥75,000. It was the top model in its lineup, sitting above the KAF-5002. Collectors call the two "two brothers," with the 7002 set apart by higher output. It was designed as a companion to the Kenwood DPF-7002 CD player and meant to be stacked with it. Both share a small, unassuming chassis that hides what's inside.
The big feature is TRAITR - Kenwood's Thermally Reactive Advanced Instantaneous Transistor. It builds temperature detection and correction circuits right into the power transistors. Power comes from a ring-core toroidal transformer. The design also uses relay-based input switching, gold-plated jacks, and an electrostatic coupling prevention structure for a clean ground line. It has a full tone block and a built-in DAC, and a Russian owner specifically wanted those when replacing a Technics SU-D5000.
Rated output is 50W + 50W into 6 ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.06% THD), with a maximum practical output of 110W + 110W (EIAJ, 3Ω). Distortion is rated at 0.009% (1 kHz, 25W, 6Ω). Signal-to-noise is 77dB on phono MM and 100dB on line (CD). It measures 270 × 143 × 345 mm and weighs 7.5 kg. One owner calls it a "reduced-size copy" of the flagship Kenwood KA-7090R.
The documentation on this model is thin. No service manual or schematic has surfaced, and production years beyond "around 1997" aren't confirmed. What reception exists is positive. One owner on Drive2 reported that after servicing, the KAF-7002 sounded "wonderful" compared to his previous Technics. He recommended the 7002 for speakers that demand real power, and noted the 5002 is enough for medium-efficiency pairs. A commenter observed that nobody paid attention to these "small, nondescript boxes" before the hype began, and that auction prices of 10-15 thousand yen per lot made them a genuine bargain. A single Yahoo Auctions listing shows one selling at ¥12,650.
- Integrated amplifier, half-width chassis, silver front panel
- TRAITR output transistors; ring-core toroidal transformer
- 50W + 50W (6Ω, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.06%); 110W + 110W max (EIAJ, 3Ω)
- Built-in DAC, full tone block, remote control included
- Original price: ¥75,000 (c. 1997)
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