Kenwood KD-5100 (1980–1982)
A quartz direct-drive, fully automatic turntable built to last and to sound good at a reasonable price.
Overview
The Kenwood KD-5100 was made from 1980 to 1982. Kenwood positioned it as a higher-end model, with advanced features for the time. It is fully automatic, with a direct-drive motor, quartz lock and microprocessor control, so speed stays put. The construction is heavy. It was described as "built like a tank," and it delivers excellent sound without breaking the bank. Users praise it in manual operation, but they report that the automatic functions often fail over time.
Specifications
| Drive type | direct-drive motor |
| Product type | Quartz Direct-Drive Fully-Automatic Turntable |
| Speeds | 33-1/3 and 45 rpm |
| Power consumption | 19 W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 470 x 142 x 407 mm |
| Weight | 9 kg |
| Tonearm type | static balance type, straight arm |
| Tonearm effective length | 225mm |
| Tonearm weight | 1.5kg (3.3lbs) |
| Tonearm moment of inertia | 330kg-cm² |
Design
The KD-5100 has a direct-drive motor with quartz-locked speed control and full electronic microprocessor operation. The tonearm is straight and statically balanced, with a counterweight, and is engineered for precise tracking. The build favors durability and mechanical stability.
Context
In the early 1980s the KD-5100 was considered top-of-the-line for Kenwood during its production run. It offered advanced automation and good sound, reportedly a step up from models like the Denon DP-35F.
Market
Original pricing was around $370 or 900 DM. Common problems are automatic functions that don't work, a sticky tonearm movement, and the platter turning on its own at power-up. Used units have been listed in recent years for around $93. Users still worry about how long the automation will last.
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