At 8.5 kg, it sits on the shelf like a compact block of analog intent—solid, no-nonsense, and ready to drive a pair of vintage speakers with quiet authority.
Overview
The Kenwood KR-4200 is a solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver built in Japan during the early 1970s, a period when integrated receivers were becoming the centerpiece of home audio systems. It's a no-frills unit, but one that carries the weight—literally and sonically—of its era’s engineering ethos.
With a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 20kHz and a total harmonic distortion of 0.8%, it meets the standard performance benchmarks of its time. The receiver includes both phono and auxiliary inputs, with a phono input sensitivity of 2.5mV—indicating compatibility with moving magnet cartridges—and an aux sensitivity of 150mV, which aligns with typical line-level sources of the period. Signal-to-noise ratios are rated at 60dB for phono and 70dB for aux, figures that suggest acceptable background noise performance, though not class-leading even for its day.
Outputs include Tape 1 Rec via both Cinch and DIN connectors, Tape 2 Rec via Cinch, and a 6.3 mm headphone jack, offering basic but functional signal routing for tape dubbing and private listening. The tuning range covers FM and MW (medium wave), providing standard broadcast reception. Despite its modest power rating—reported as 15 watts per channel into 8 ohms—some sources suggest higher outputs of 19 or 20 watts per channel, and one listing claims 75 watts, though this discrepancy remains unresolved. The speaker impedance is specified at 8 ohms, indicating it was designed to work with the most common speaker loads of the era.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Kenwood |
| Model | KR-4200 |
| Type | AM/FM Stereo Receiver |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Power Output | 15 watts per channel into 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.8% |
| Input Sensitivity (Phono) | 2.5mV |
| Input Sensitivity (Aux) | 150mV |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (Phono) | 60dB |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (Aux) | 70dB |
| Speaker Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Tuning Range | FM, MW |
| Outputs | Tape 1 Rec (Cinch, DIN), Tape 2 Rec (Cinch), Headphones (6.3 mm jack) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 440 x 140 x 320 mm |
| Weight | 8.5 kg |
Collectibility & Value
A tested, fully functional unit was listed at $159.95 on a Classic Receivers price list in December 2024, while a Reddit user reported a local asking price of $150. These figures suggest it holds steady as a budget-friendly vintage option rather than a sought-after collector’s item. Owners note it outputs “powerful clear” sound, and one Facebook listing emphasized that “EVERYTHING WORKS! all bulbs changed to LED,” indicating that modernization of the dial lighting is a common and practical upgrade.
Common service issues include both channels cutting out, tone quality problems, and bad solder joints—issues documented in a YouTube restoration video. One repair account noted the need to drill a new hole in the PCB to replace capacitor Ck1 (470µF 63V), suggesting that component access or layout may present challenges during servicing. As with many receivers of this age, aging electrolytic capacitors and dirty controls are likely maintenance points, though no comprehensive failure patterns are documented in the available sources.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Kenwood KR 5150 (1977-1979)
- Kenwood KR 3200 (1973-1975)
- Kenwood KR 3400 (1977-1979)
- Kenwood KR 4070 (1977-1979)
- Kenwood KR 4130 (1977-1979)
- Aiwa CS-250 (1978)
- Denon TU-1500RD (1995)
- Denon TU-280 (1976)
- Denon TU-501 (1977)
- Denon TU-550 (1978)