Kenwood KX-1060 (1979–1981)
Overview
The Kenwood KX-1060 is a 3-head, single compact cassette deck produced from 1979 to 1981. Marketed under both the Kenwood and Trio brand names, it represents a high-end offering in the company’s cassette lineup during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Owners report a solid, no-nonsense build quality, with a weight of 7.5kg suggesting serious internal engineering and shielding. The deck supports 4-track, 2-channel stereo playback and recording at the standard tape speed of 4.76 cm/s. While not accompanied by extensive historical documentation, its presence in enthusiast circles indicates it was positioned as a serious component for audiophiles who demanded accuracy and reliability from their tape machines.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Kenwood (also marketed as Trio) |
| Model | KX-1060 |
| Type | 3-head, single compact cassette deck |
| Track System | 4-track, 2-channel stereo |
| Tape Speed | 4.76 cm/s |
| Input Sensitivity | 77.5mV (line) |
| Input Impedance | 50 kOhm |
| Output Level | 0.775V (line) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 440 × 153 × 378 mm |
| Original Price | 1'398 DM |
Key Features
3-Head Configuration with Separate Record and Playback Heads
The KX-1060 employs a 3-head design, a hallmark of high-fidelity cassette decks of its era. This setup includes dedicated erase, record, and playback heads, allowing for precise monitoring during recording—a feature valued by users who made custom mix tapes or archived vinyl. The physical separation of record and playback heads enables real-time verification of recording levels and quality, reducing the need for test runs.
Double Dolby Noise Reduction (B and C)
Marketed with "DOUBLE DOLBY" capability, the KX-1060 supports both Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction systems. Dolby B, widely adopted in consumer gear, reduces high-frequency hiss during playback of pre-recorded tapes. Dolby C, a more advanced system, offers greater noise reduction—particularly effective with metal tapes—and was typically found on higher-end decks. This dual support made the KX-1060 versatile for both playing commercial cassettes and recording at higher fidelity.
Line-Level Input and Output with Standard Impedance
Equipped with line-level input (77.5mV, 50 kOhm) and output (0.775V), the KX-1060 integrates cleanly into stereo systems of the period. The input sensitivity matches common preamp outputs, while the output level ensures compatibility with integrated amplifiers and receivers. These standardized connections reflect its design as a component within a broader hi-fi stack, not a standalone unit.
Collectibility & Value
The Kenwood KX-1060 is described by some owners as "well-regarded" with "excellent build quality," and one user reports it "has always played tapes very well." However, collector sentiment is not uniformly positive—on Tapeheads.net, a thread titled "A Kenwood POS" highlights recurring issues, particularly with channel dropout: "that one side does not work or that neither is working." A technician known as vintageaudiodoctor043 notes a "common problem" being "a sound problem with the left channel," suggesting potential issues with head alignment, wiring, or internal relays. On the market, units are listed at $399 (sale price) to $529 (new price), indicating moderate demand among cassette enthusiasts. No data is available on spare parts availability or long-term service support.
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Related Models
- Kenwood kx-600 (1987-1989)
- Kenwood kx-2060 (1980-1982)
- Kenwood BASIC-C-2 (1979)
- Kenwood kx-1200 (1983-1985)
- Kenwood kx-3010 (1988-1990)
- Luxman L-530 (1975)
- Luxman R-404 (1975)
- Luxman RV-371 (1975)
- Luxman SQ-38U (1975)
- Luxman T-14 (1972)