At 8.5 kg, it sits on the shelf like a compact block. Solid, no-nonsense, and ready to drive a pair of vintage speakers.
Overview
The Kenwood KR-4200 is a solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver built in Japan during the early 1970s, when integrated receivers were becoming the center of home audio systems. It's a no-frills unit, and it's heavy.
Frequency response runs 20Hz to 20kHz, with total harmonic distortion of 0.8%. That meets the standard benchmarks of its time. It has phono and auxiliary inputs. Phono sensitivity is 2.5mV, which points to moving magnet cartridges, and aux sensitivity is 150mV, which fits typical line-level sources of the period. Signal-to-noise ratios are rated at 60dB for phono and 70dB for aux. That is acceptable 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. That gives basic but functional routing for tape dubbing and private listening. The tuning range covers FM and MW (medium wave). The power rating is modest, 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. That discrepancy remains unresolved. Speaker impedance is specified at 8 ohms, the most common speaker load 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, and a Reddit user reported a local asking price of $150. That looks like a budget-friendly vintage option rather than a sought-after collector's item. Owners note it outputs "powerful clear" sound. One Facebook listing said "EVERYTHING WORKS! all bulbs changed to LED," which suggests that swapping the dial lighting to LED is a common and practical upgrade.
Common service issues include both channels cutting out, tone quality problems, and bad solder joints, all 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), so access or layout may be a problem during servicing. As with many receivers of this age, aging electrolytic capacitors and dirty controls are likely maintenance points. No comprehensive failure patterns are documented in the available sources.
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Related Models
- Kenwood KR 3200 (1973-1975)
- Kenwood KR 3400 (1977-1979)
- Kenwood KR 4070 (1977-1979)
- Kenwood KR 4130 (1977-1979)
- Kenwood 55-FM
- Marantz 1515 (1976-1978)
- Marantz 4220 (1974-1976)
- Marantz 4230 (1974-1976)
- Marantz HD 440 (1976-1977)
- Pioneer SX 300 (1971-1972)