Kenwood L-01T (1980)
An FM stereo tuner built with non-magnetic materials and advanced detection circuitry for high-fidelity reception.
Overview
The Kenwood L-01T is an FM stereo tuner produced in 1980, built for high-performance audio systems. It uses a direct conversion system that skips the RF amplifier stage, which gives it excellent two-signal handling and wide dynamic range. Detection is by pulse count, with improved waveform shaping and drift protection. Double conversion goes first to 10.7 MHz and then to 1.96 MHz. It also has a synchronized touch tuning system and a sample-and-hold MPX circuit derived from the KT-9900, which improves stereo separation. The housing is non-magnetic: reinforced nylon panels, aluminum side frames, a wooden bottom plate and a smoked acrylic front panel.
Specifications
| Receiving frequency range | 76 MHz to 90 MHz |
| Antenna impedance | 75 Ω unbalance |
| Sensitivity (75 Ω) Normal | 10.3 dBf (new IHF) / 0.9 μV (IHF) |
| Sensitivity (75 Ω) Direct | 20.7 dBf (new IHF) / 3 μV (IHF) |
| SN ratio 50 dB sensitivity: normal mono | 15.8 dBf (New IHF) / 1.7 μV (IHF) |
| SN ratio 50 dB sensitivity: stereo | 37.2 dBf (new IHF) / 20 μV (IHF) |
| SN ratio 50 dB sensitivity: direct mono | 26.7 dBf (New IHF) / 6 μV (IHF) |
| SN ratio 50 dB sensitivity: direct stereo | 48.1 dBf (new IHF) / 70 μV (IHF) |
| Harmonic distortion factor: wide mono | 100Hz: 0.02%, 1kHz: 0.02%, 6kHz: 0.04%, 15kHz: 0.04%, 50 Hz to 10 kHz: 0.04% |
| Harmonic distortion factor: wide stereo | 100Hz: 0.03%, 1kHz: 0.03%, 6kHz: 0.05%, 15kHz: 0.18%, 50 Hz to 10 kHz: 0.08% |
| Harmonic distortion factor: narrow mono | 100Hz: 0.04%, 1kHz: 0.15%, 6kHz: 0.2%, 15kHz: 0.05%, 50 Hz to 10 kHz: 0.3% |
| Harmonic distortion factor: narrow stereo | 100Hz: 0.3%, 1kHz: 0.2%, 6kHz: 0.3%, 15kHz: 1.3%, 50 Hz to 10 kHz: 0.4% |
| SN ratio (100% modulation): mono | 86dB |
| SN ratio (100% modulation): stereo | 80dB |
| Image interference ratio | 120dB |
| Selectivity (IHF): wide | 45dB |
| Selectivity (IHF): narrow | 65dB (300kHz) |
| IF interference ratio | 120dB |
| Spurious interference ratio | 120dB |
| AM suppression ratio | 65dB |
| Capture ratio: wide | 0.9dB |
| Capture ratio: narrow | 2.5dB |
| Subcarrier suppression ratio | 70dB |
| Stereo separation: wide | 1kHz: 60dB, 100 Hz to 10 kHz: 48dB, 15kHz: 45dB |
| Stereo separation: narrow | 1kHz: 47dB, 100 Hz to 10 kHz: 35dB |
| Frequency characteristic | 15 Hz to 15 kHz ± 0.5 dB |
| Output Level / Impedance: FM (1 kHz, 100% modulation) Variable | 0 ~ 1.5V/150 Ω |
| Output Level / Impedance: FM (1 kHz, 100% modulation) Fixed | 0.75V/150 Ω |
| Output Level / Impedance: Multipath output (1 kHz, 30% modulation) Vertical | 0.1V/1k Ω |
| Output Level / Impedance: Multipath output (1 kHz, 30% modulation) Horizontal | 0.3V/10k Ω |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Rated power consumption | 50W (Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law) |
| Maximum external dimensions | Width 440 x Height 136 x Depth 452 mm |
| Weight | 9.1kg |
Design
The L-01T is the first tuner with a non-magnetic housing. The sub and back panels are reinforced nylon, the side frames are aluminum, and the bottom plate is wood. The front panel is smoked acrylic. Structural and bus-earth parts use 99.96% pure oxygen-free copper. An independent power source oscillator prevents power-related sound degradation. The input signal goes directly to the mixer stage with no RF amplifier. Double conversion goes first to 10.7 MHz and then to 1.96 MHz. The MPX section has a sample-and-hold circuit from the KT-9900, a clean subcarrier system and a pilot canceler. The low-output impedance design draws on Trio's direct drive amplifier expertise. The power supply provides 20 VA for the local oscillator and 24 VA for RF, detection and MPX circuits, with regulated voltages of +14V, ±16V and +12V, backed by large electrolytic capacitors.
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