Kenwood KD-40R

A direct drive turntable from Kenwood. It plays 33 and 45 rpm, has an auto return function, and shipped with the Kenwood V-50 cartridge.

Overview

The Kenwood KD-40R is a direct drive turntable. Kenwood officially calls it a "Direct Drive Automatic Return Turntable", though some sources call it semi-automatic. It runs at two speeds: 33.3 and 45 rpm. One source refers to it as "a piece of Japanese Hi-Fi history (1981)", which points to a release or market presence around that year. No official production dates are confirmed. It originally came with the Kenwood V-50 cartridge. User reports mention recurring problems, including interrupted rotation and very low output on both RCA channels, even when connected to multiple amplifiers.

Specifications

Type	Direct Drive Automatic Return Turntable
Speeds	33 and 45 rpm
Wow and Flutter	DIN = +/- 0.07%, WRMS +/- 0.04%
S/N ratio	rumble
Original cartridge	Kenwood V-50

Market

Replacement styli are available under model KENWKD0040R. Compatibility depends on the original cartridge being present and unmodified. Service manuals exist, and parts such as the cut button with screws are sold separately for repair. Recent resale prices include $99.99, €130, ZAR1,750.00, and R3,450.00 across various regional markets. Users report persistent low output on both audio channels and call the tonearm the weak point of the design.