Kenwood KR-1000 (1974–1976)
The Kenwood KR-1000 was the flagship receiver in Kenwood's lineup during the mid-1970s, and it remains one of the more imposing pieces of the era — a solid-state stereo receiver built in Japan that tips the scales at over 55 pounds. It was positioned to compete with other high-power receivers of the period, including the Pioneer SX-1250 and Marantz 2325.
The record on this model is reasonably good, though it carries some conflicting numbers depending on the source. Production is generally placed at 1974–1976, though one source lists 1970–1975, with an original price of roughly $1,000. Power output is where the sources disagree: hifi-wiki.de lists 160 watts into 8 ohms, classic-audio.com claims 150 watts per channel, and vintage-audio-lovers.com cites 100 watts per channel RMS (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz). Given the conflict, the safer statement is that this was a high-power receiver by mid-1970s standards — but the exact figure depends on which source you trust. The frequency response is consistently documented at 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB across multiple sources, and the damping factor is given as 50.
The design is notable for its dual power supply with separate transformers for the left and right channels, and a direct-coupled amplifier output. The front panel is brushed aluminum with black trim, featuring separate signal strength and tuning meters. It uses an FET front end in the FM tuner section, and the back panel includes switched and unswitched AC outlets. The unit runs hot — a common complaint — and its sheer weight is frequently mentioned by owners. The phono stage is widely regarded as very good for its era.
Known specifications:
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.5 dB
- Speaker impedance: 4–16 ohms
- Phono sensitivity: 2.5 mV
- Line sensitivity: 150 mV
- Damping factor: 50
- Tone controls: Bass ±10 dB at 50 Hz; Treble ±10 dB at 10 kHz
- FM stereo separation: 45 dB at 1 kHz
- FM IF frequency: 10.7 MHz
- FM selectivity: 70 dB
- FM capture ratio: 1.5 dB
- Weight: 55.1 lbs (25 kg)
- Dimensions: 20.4" W × 6.9" H × 18.1" D (vintage-audio-lovers.com); 518 mm × 180 mm × 420 mm (hifi-wiki.de)
- Inputs: Phono (MM), Tuner, Aux
- Outputs: Speaker (2 pairs), Pre-out, Headphone
- Tape monitor: 2 (with dubbing)
- Mains: 110/120/220/240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Power consumption: 400 W
Common issues reported by owners include cracked solder joints on the power supply board, failing ICs in the protection circuit, and leaking electrolytic capacitors in the power supply — recapping the power supply is considered essential maintenance. The tuner string and dial cord may also need replacement due to drying and cracking. The service manual is available for download from hifiengine.com and classic-audio.com.
Current asking prices on eBay and Reverb range from roughly $600 to $1,200 depending on condition, with classic-audio.com listing about $1,500 for a fully restored unit. HiFI-Stereo (February 1982, p.16) noted that receivers of this class typically offered switching for up to three pairs of speakers and two tape decks, with switchable IF bandwidth for the FM tuner section — features consistent with the KR-1000's documented capabilities.
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