Kenwood KD-5100 (1980–1982)
A quartz direct-drive fully-automatic turntable built for durability and high-fidelity sound at a reasonable price.
Overview
The Kenwood KD-5100 is a vintage turntable manufactured from 1980 to 1982. It was positioned as a higher-end model during its release, offering advanced features for the time. This fully-automatic turntable uses a direct-drive motor with quartz locking and microprocessor control, ensuring precise speed stability. Known for its robust construction, it was described as "built like a tank" and delivers excellent sound quality without breaking the bank. While praised for its performance in manual operation, user reports indicate that 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 features a direct-drive motor with quartz-locked speed control and full electronic microprocessor operation. Its tonearm is a straight, statically balanced design with a counterweight, engineered for precision tracking. The overall build emphasizes durability and mechanical stability.
Context
Positioned as a higher-end turntable in the early 1980s, the KD-5100 was considered top-of-the-line for Kenwood during its production run. It offered advanced automation and sound quality, reportedly a step up from models like the Denon DP-35F.
Market
Original pricing was around $370 or 900 DM. Common issues include non-working automatic functions, sticky tonearm movements, and unintended platter rotation upon power-up. Units have been listed in recent years for around $93 in used condition, though long-term reliability of automation remains a concern among users.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.