Kenwood KR-A4030 (1988–1989)

Name: Kenwood KR-A4030
Brand: Kenwood

The Kenwood KR-A4030 is a digital-synthesized stereo receiver from Kenwood's late-1980s lineup. It has a quartz PLL synthesizer tuner and a direct-coupled, high-speed amplifier section. It came out in 1988 with a U.S. MSRP of $300, and sold in Japan for ¥39,800. The model number puts it in the mid-range of the KR-A series. It was part of Kenwood's "U-D" series of components, though at least one source also ties it to Kenwood's top-tier RS (Reference Series) branding. The record doesn't settle that one.

The amplifier is rated at 80W + 80W into 8 ohms (20Hz-20kHz) with 0.04% THD. Music power (DIN) is 100W + 100W. Another source lists the RMS rating at 100W per channel, and the record doesn't settle that either. The preamp has a phono (MM) input at 2.5mV/47kΩ, plus CD, CD2, Video/Aux, and two tape loops, all at 150mV/47kΩ. Signal-to-noise is 110dB (IHF A) for line inputs and 86dB for phono. The FM tuner is solidly specified for the era: usable sensitivity of 11.2dBf, 50dB quieting at 38.3dBf in stereo, capture ratio of 1.5dB, and stereo separation of 40dB at 1kHz. AM coverage goes up to 1700kHz. The unit draws 260W, measures 440 x 125 x 346mm, and weighs 12.5kg.

Audio (1991, p.185) listed the receiver in a period equipment roundup.

Connections are generous for the class. You get phono, CD, CD2, video/aux, and two tape decks in, with front and rear speaker outputs plus a headphone jack. The output stage uses 2SA1265 / 2SC3182 transistors (two pairs). The full semiconductor count is 4 ICs, 1 FET, 31 transistors, and 35 diodes. Kenwood's marketing pushed "optimum low impedance transmission circuitry" and high instantaneous current supply, which fits the high-speed, direct-coupled design.

No user reviews, reliability data, or current collector pricing turned up in the research. The specs are well documented. How it sounded, how it held up, and what it's worth today are not.