I just bought a pair of these from HiFiDo in Japan(I haven't got them yet).

http://www.hifido.co.jp/KW/G/P0/A10/E/20-10/S0/C09-43130-46610-00/

The price seemed reasonable.The main reason I wanted to hear these amp,was that they and their brothers the L-02A integrated and the L-08M monoblocks are the only 'L' Series Kenwood amps which include the 'Sigma Drive' feature.

Kenwood made other amps with the Sigma Drive,but as is well known they didn't apply the 'L' designation to everything they manufactured.

I bought two Altec Subwoofers recently.Both utilise the 411 driver.A post regarding these drivers on the Altec Users' Board stated amongst other things that they work much better with an amp with a high damping factor,and they don't come much better in that department than Kenwood's Sigma Drive amps.

I have had prior experience with Kenwood Sigma Drive concept courtesy of the Kenwood Basic M2 which I used for at least three years,and still have a high regard for.I have only used the Kenwood Basic M2 as the 'Bass amp' in my diy active Altec system.Other amps I have used in that position are the Kenwood Basic M2A,prior to getting the M2(they are quite different amps),the Denon POA 4400 monoblocks(nice but lacking the M2's magic) and lately the Kenwood L-1000M(bloody amazing).
The L-06s won't be taking the place of the L-1000M as the bass amp for my Valencias.I want to try the L-06s with the Altec 411 subs.
I know that no-one here will be able to tell me about these amps,because there is next to no information about this series from Kenwood outside of Japan(and next to none from within Japan).

I managed to find this page and as per usual the Google translation is hard to follow:

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://sky.geocities.jp/fxgps/sub1-1.htm&ei=XYxESvidEJWIkQW5_uGxDw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DKenwood%2BL-06M%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26start%3D10

As is usual with the rare components that I get from Japan,I'll attempt to give you folks some impressions of them when I get them.

Very cool! I love the Kenwood L-series gear, especially the esoteric stuff that doesn't make it to the US often (L-08 especially). I look forward to your impressions.

Very nice! I wouldn't mind having 6 of those for my home theater...and 6 more for my tri-amp setup!

Very nice snag, theophile. :thmbsp: That looks like a very good deal from hifido.

Time and again you come up with something rare and intriguing for us lesser-experienced AKers to vicariously enjoy. Kudos, sir. And thanks. :music:

Was wondering (if you don't mind me asking) how you deal with the different AC line voltages on the gear you bring in and what impact it has on the sound quality?

Always cool to see the rare Kenny's, Thanks!

I believe Theo has a rather largish step-down tranny. As far as sound quality, the only drawback of the lower voltage models is the extra current it draws from the home AC outlet...but any issue this might present would be nullfied since he's in Oz and running on 240V and the higher current is only a factor from the step-down tranny to the amp.

I love seeing these rare units, but servicing is problematic. Damn near impossible to find service data (a full manual, or even a schematic).

Congrats, Theo! Those are interesting and unusual amps.

All hail the L-Series! I played my L-09M's last night!:music:

I've got a pair of these too a month ago, also from hifido (I'm in Japan at the moment). Only mine are much more scratched up but were 10000 yen more expensive (cheers!).

Can't say too much about the sound as I don't have a decent source here and it's not worth getting one given how much it'll cost to ship back, but they seem very good. They run very cool (cooler than my preamp, in fact) but there is rather a lot of noise through the speakers when nothing is playing, nothing terrible but more than there should be. When I get back to the UK I'll service them and see how they sound then.

The L-o5, o6, o7, o8 and o9 amplifiers all seem to be completely different physically. This is my first view of the o6 which does have some family characteristics of the o7. But the o8 and rack mounted o9 are completely different.

Kenwood seems to have kept the chassis group busy designing this line of amps.

What is the power output of these o6 units?

The L-o5, o6, o7, o8 and o9 amplifiers all seem to be completely different physically. This is my first view of the o6 which does have some family characteristics of the o7. But the o8 and rack mounted o9 are completely different.

Kenwood seems to have kept the chassis group busy designing this line of amps.

What is the power output of these o6 units?

Just for the record, the only rack-mountable unit was the L-09M.

As for the different chassis, Kenwood spent a lot of time designing gear from the ground up for their L-series, and as such it was a HUGELY expensive undertaking...fortunately they were able to "trickle down" much of the technology into lower cost units.

Must of been pretty neat before all the best engineers went to work for computer companies and financial organizations ;)

Just for the record, the only rack-mountable unit was the L-09M.

As for the different chassis, Kenwood spent a lot of time designing gear from the ground up for their L-series, and as such it was a HUGELY expensive undertaking...fortunately they were able to "trickle down" much of the technology into lower cost units.

Must of been pretty neat before all the best engineers went to work for computer companies and financial organizations ;)

Not much trickled down from the L-09M. The 09 had dual transformers for a monoblock! One tranny handles the HF and one for the LF. The L-09M comes close to deserving the mil-spec label.

Thanks fellas. :thmbsp:

I've been impressed by the Kenny Basic M2,therefore I have no trepidation that the L-06s will be letdowns.

I have many foreign voltage units here,and many step-down transformers.I will probably get two made-up for the L-06s.500Va each should take care of all requirements.It'd be interesting as to whether the transformers enhance the situation or degrade it. :scratch2:

I'll never know.

EW touched upon the most problematic aspect,which is servicing.However I'm certain that I'll find manuals for them.I got a service manual for the L-1000Ms,so I'm optimistic.

I'm absolutely rapt in the L-1000Ms. :yes:

I will substitute the L-06Ms for the L-1000M doing Treble duty in my system.I want to hear what a L Series Sigma Drive amp sounds like(and not just below 70Hz which is what I bought them for).

I'll post on this thread.Until then wish me luck. :D

The elusive L-06M. Nice find!

Now a pair of 8,s?

The elusive L-06M. Nice find!

Thanks man.

Now a pair of 8,s?

totem,I doubt if I could have afforded the 8s.Probably the one thing that made me pull the trigger on the L-06Ms was the price.Which I thought was reasonable.

The Altecs I have(the subs)need an amp with high damping factor.The figure which Kenwood quote for the L-08Ms is 15000(that's correct,I didn't punch-in an extra zero).The thought also that Kenwood liked these amps enough to place their 'L' Series brand on them,intrigued me.

I think some prospective buyers might balk due to the fact that there are no glowing user-reviews to accompany these amps.Google L-08M or L-06M and if it's not in Japanese,there isn't much to go on.So I'm gonna trail-blaze on this one.Nothing ventured....

The L-08M has a DF of 15,000! Wow! The L-09M has a DF of 200.

The L-08M has a DF of 15,000! Wow! The L-09M has a DF of 200.

Here's the k.nisi page translated:

http://66.102.11.132/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ja|en&u=http://www.niji.or.jp/home/k-nisi/l-08m.htm&prev=/language_tools&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgO9gnPBFLjBWciZpV-XmqeLinlKw

Here's the k.nisi page translated:

http://66.102.11.132/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ja|en&u=http://www.niji.or.jp/home/k-nisi/l-08m.htm&prev=/language_tools&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgO9gnPBFLjBWciZpV-XmqeLinlKw

The L-08M must have perfect square wave reproduction.

The L-08M must have perfect square wave reproduction.

Sam,did you see the oscilloscope shots in the Kenwood brochure I linked into my first post on this thread?

That brochure was very interesting. :yes:

The L-08M must have perfect square wave reproduction.
What do you base that on?

Here are the L-08M specs. Sorry I don't have the L-06M specs or schematic.

Sam,did you see the oscilloscope shots in the Kenwood brochure I linked into my first post on this thread?

That brochure was very interesting. :yes:

The images didn't download onto my old computer:no: but I bet the traces look great.:yes:

What do you base that on?

DF, slew rate, rise time should tell a lot about how fast and accurate an amp is. Your PC5002M specs should be exceptional considering how good the square wave traces look. However, good specs does not guarantee good performance. For example, my KA-907 rings at the corners so it doen't have the same sonic impact as my L-09M's.

DF, slew rate, rise time should tell a lot about how fast and accurate an amp is. Your PC5002M specs should be exceptional considering how good the square wave traces look. However, good specs does not guarantee good performance. For example, my KA-907 rings at the corners so it doen't have the same sonic impact as my L-09M's.
I question damping factor as a critical factor. You don't want it too low (say < 70) but it's overrated IMO.

I question damping factor as a critical factor. You don't want it too low (say < 70) but it's overrated IMO.

DF in tubes is not important, my MC275V is DF rated at 14 and sounds superb. However in SS gear, the greater the DF, the better the cone control, the sharper the sound.

I had the chance to compare my L-06Ms with an Accuphase P-260 today. The Auccuphase sounds cleaner and more precise (does what it says on the tin..) but is definitely a bit bass-shy compared to the Kenwoods.

On balance I prefer the Accuphase but with some kinds of pop music the L-06Ms sound better. For driving subwoofers they are definitely the right choice ;)

I had the chance to compare my L-06Ms with an Accuphase P-260 today. The Auccuphase sounds cleaner and more precise (does what it says on the tin..) but is definitely a bit bass-shy compared to the Kenwoods.

On balance I prefer the Accuphase but with some kinds of pop music the L-06Ms sound better. For driving subwoofers they are definitely the right choice ;)

Histo,
Were you using the L-06s in Sigma Drive configuration?
The only Kenwood Sigma Drive amp I've used,the Kenwood Basic M2,I only ever used it for frequencies below 800Hz(as the Bass amp).I very much liked what it did for the bass frequencies.I found the Sigma Drive Kenwood Basic M2 to be better(more detailed,dynamic,subtle,nuanced,discriminative)tha n it's brother the non-Sigma Drive Kenwood Basic M2A.
To put some perspective on that last sentence,I find the non-Sigma Drive Kenwood L-1000M to be better(all of the same adjectives)than the Kenwood Basic M2.
I am however intrigued by the fact that Kenwood decided to put the L-06Ms forward as 'L Series' amps,something which they never took lightly(:no:).Also because the Altec 411 drivers in my subs apparently need an amp with high damping factor(and according to the same source,also need to be driven actively)the published figures for the L-08M interested me.
Put that all together with a great price on HiFiDo,and I'm a soon to be-owner of a pair of L-06Ms.Specifically for the purpose of driving a pair of subs(below 70Hz).
Your assessment of them suits my requirements.I will out of curiosity's sake try them on the compression driver/horn of my Valencias(above 800Hz). :yes:

DF in tubes is not important, my MC275V is DF rated at 14 and sounds superb. However in SS gear, the greater the DF, the better the cone control, the sharper the sound.

Now it's getting deep....

Why would DF be any more or less important whether the gear is SS or tube? :smoke:

BTW, that is a rhetorical question.

I question damping factor as a critical factor. You don't want it too low (say < 70) but it's overrated IMO.

I agree in general, but I have recently acquired a SS amp with DF of 20 and I think it sounds quite good (Audio Research 100.2).

Here's a paper on Damping Factor:

http://www.paulspeltz.com/tomcik/index.html

I have many foreign voltage units here,and many step-down transformers.I will probably get two made-up for the L-06s.500Va each should take care of all requirements.It'd be interesting as to whether the transformers enhance the situation or degrade it. :scratch2:

I would like to digress for just a moment. I understand how the step down transformer changes the voltage, but what do you do about the difference in frequency? I have an older Onkyo unit that I got for free, but it is an overseas model. I want to get a step down tranny, but wasn't sure how 60hz would affect the 50hz power requirements of the Onkyo.

All done now. Congratulations to all on the wonderful amplifiers that you are discussing and thanks for the opinions and information regarding damping factor.

I would like to digress for just a moment. I understand how the step down transformer changes the voltage, but what do you do about the difference in frequency? I have an older Onkyo unit that I got for free, but it is an overseas model. I want to get a step down tranny, but wasn't sure how 60hz would affect the 50hz power requirements of the Onkyo.

All done now. Congratulations to all on the wonderful amplifiers that you are discussing and thanks for the opinions and information regarding damping factor.
The frequency of the mains waveform isn't an issue with amplifiers.Where it would be an issue,is with AC synchronous motors which use the frequency of the mains as their reference.

So the tape deck and the CD player would likely have issues?

Here's a paper on Damping Factor:

http://www.paulspeltz.com/tomcik/index.html



And there's a good read on damping factor here (http://www.audioholics.com/education/amplifier-technology/damping-factor-effects-on-system-response) too.

In the link I posted, the conclusion seems to be that very low damping factor can have an effect on system response, since DF is related to apparent output impedance. But, the DF effect isn't about "controlling the cone motion" as many seem to believe.

Also, what many people don't realize, is that their fabulously high DF is completely destroyed the moment they connect speaker wire between the amp and the speakers, unless they're using like 3ft of battery cable.

And there's a good read on it here too.

In the link I posted, the conclusion seems to be that very low damping factor can have an effect on system response, since DF is related to apparent output impedance. But, the DF effect isn't about "controlling the cone motion" as many seem to believe.

Also, what many people don't realize, is that their fabulously high DF is completely destroyed the moment they connect speaker wire between the amp and the speakers, unless they're using like 3ft of battery cable.

For the L-08M monoblocks,Kenwood quote the 15,000 DF figure referenced to 3m of cable.No specification for the cable.

Interesting.

I'm sure they're fine amps, enjoy!!

But, given my experience with high and low DF amps, it isn't near as big of a deal as it's made out to be. YMMV.

In most cases, there are so many differences between the amps being compared that to pin it all (or most) on DF is a big stretch, IMO.

Interesting.

I'm sure they're fine amps, enjoy!!

But, given my experience with high and low DF amps, it isn't near as big of a deal as it's made out to be. YMMV.

In most cases, there are so many differences between the amps being compared that to pin it all (or most) on DF is a big stretch, IMO.

The Kenwood Basic M2 has a DF of 1000(at 1KHz).I prefer to listen to the L-1000M which I'm sure has a lower DF.

I'm getting the L-06s more out of curiosity(that's my nature).I like to have an item in my system,then I can give an opinion of it based on first-hand experience.My opinion is always stated with regard to my system,I don't like to extrapolate that finding to others' systems.
Power amps and their interaction with speakers mean that the conclusion is only really valid with that speaker,in a particular system and room.The Poweramps and the speakers are like palm and fingers/thumb,they operate as one unit.
As much as possible I insert the conditional phrase "in my system" into the text of any listening impressions I post.That is a very important consideration.The interaction of all the components in the system-chain cannot be underestimated.The further down the system-chain that the component being evaluated is,(i.e poweramp/speaker combinations)the greater bearing that the components in the system-chain 'upstream' have upon the evaluation.
I bought these amps with the DF in mind.It was recommended as an important factor in getting the best out of the Altec drivers(411s).I already have the Kenwood Basic M2 as a high(manufacturer specified) DF amp,so I didn't really need to buy the L-06Ms.I was curious about them.Who knows?I may not like them.
They were cheap(ish).They were 'L-Series'.I was advised to use high DF amps.Other than that I have no specific interest in them.I like anything which sounds good.I'm not particularly hung-up on the Brand nor the technicalities.
I must be doing something right.Tonight,I played a Frank Zappa album that I haven't played for a couple of years(I was reading a thread here at AK on the Music Forum) Joe's Garage Acts II and III.I listened first to Side 4 'A Watermelon in Easter Hay'.It sounded much better than I have ever heard it. :thmbsp:
The flip side (Side 3) starting with 'He used to Cut the Grass' sounded similarly spectacular.Much better than I've previously heard it.My system has completely changed (except for the Active Altec Valencias)since I've last listened to that album.
Some people are of the opinion that the loudspeakers are the biggest factor in what one hears.My experience would contradict that.Given a capable pair of speakers to begin with,more fundamental improvement comes from getting a great Source component and ensuring that the following components don't f*ck-up that signal.If they do replace them with components which don't.
That's my philosophy.I reckon it'll hold me in good stead for a long time to come.

Given a capable pair of speakers to begin with,more fundamental improvement comes from getting a great Source component and ensuring that the following components don't f*ck-up that signal.If they do replace them with components which don't.
That's my philosophy.I reckon it'll hold me in good stead for a long time to come.

Well...yeah, if you've found your "sweet heart" speakers, and aren't going to change, then you have no other choice but to twiddle with the electrionics side.

However, that doesn't change the overall view that the speakers can/will change the sound of ones system more than pretty much anything else that can be changed.

Well...yeah, if you've found your "sweet heart" speakers, and aren't going to change, then you have no other choice but to twiddle with the electrionics side.

However, that doesn't change the overall view that the speakers can/will change the sound of ones system more than pretty much anything else that can be changed.

Oh speakers will change the sound,alright. :yes:
Change doesn't necessarily equate with 'improve'.A huge mistake many make is to place a superbly resolving speaker on the end of a less well-sorted system.

They get a change.Not necessarily an improvement.

Agreed. Change isn't synonymous with improvement.

Histo,
Were you using the L-06s in Sigma Drive configuration?

No, just regular cable. Plus the L-06s are probably in need of a service (light humming etc.) while the Accuphase is in excellent condition.

Theo- did you receive these yet? Would love to see an internal view when they get to your place!

Theo- did you receive these yet? Would love to see an internal view when they get to your place!

Not yet. :no:

Nor am I likely for a while.I paid for these to be sent via surface freight,so it could be a long wait.
The other fly in the ointment,is that I dropped my camera.Actually,it fell off a stack of records atop on of my Valencias during a rockin' listening session. :smoke:
I'll have to get another camera.That's way down on my list of priorities.
I will however post some nudes(when I get a camera)on this thread.They'll probably be the only nudes of the L-06Ms available.:sigh:

'coates,
Did you ever get your L-1000M fixed?

I haven't had it fixed yet...I'm just getting the the last of my 700 stack repaired/restored by EW, but the L-1000M is surely next!

I haven't had it fixed yet...I'm just getting the the last of my 700 stack repaired/restored by EW, but the L-1000M is surely next!

Given your experience with all things Kenwood,I'll be looking forward to your assessment of the 1000M. :yes:

My own take,is that it is a remarkably able yet self effacing amp.Most who would use it,would never have the upstream components to do it justice.Analogue is a must,and well-sorted.

It should be remembered that Kenwood included special speaker cable with their amps at one time- the DF was factored with that special cable as part of the circuit. It may be worthwhile to try and track down a set of them or try and duplicate them.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6672&d=1138858024

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6673&d=1138858024

It should be remembered that Kenwood included special speaker cable with their amps at one time- the DF was factored with that special cable as part of the circuit. It may be worthwhile to try and track down a set of them or try and duplicate them.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6672&d=1138858024

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6673&d=1138858024

I would be using the 'Sigma Drive' capability of the L-06Ms,which differs considerably from the L-07Ms.
The only consideration I could see with the 'Sigma Drive cables(and there were such things),was that the cable which connected to the 'Sigma terminals' were of a thinner gauge than the ones which connected to the non-Sigma terminals.
Use of a sufficient gauge for both will ensure a low-enough resistance.

Okay,
It's 08:35 Monday 24th August(Aussie time).I got a card stuck in my letter-box on Firday to pick these things-up,but I didn't find the card until after the Post Office was shut. :tears:

So after doing a night-shift at the hospital(22:45 Sunday to 07:15 Monday),I went straight away to the Post Office and picked them up. :yes:
As I said earlier,I don't have a camera,however I did open one of them up to have a gander at the innards.

Each Mono has a largish non-toroid transformer mounted in a frame not touching the bottom of the chassis(air all around).There are two x 12,000uf 79v caps.The transistors are 2 x Toshiba 2SC 2565,and 2 x Toshiba 2SA 1095.The circuit boards are 'milk chocolate brown' coloured.I can't recall ever seeing that colour circuit board before. :no:

The aren't particularly heavy and the circuitry doesnt look too complex.There's a nice big output inductor(zobel?).Altogether neat,but the chassis of the L-1000ms are 'The Incredible Hulk' to the L-06m's 'Bruce Banner'.The 1000Ms have thick sturdy cast panels(everywhere without exception).The L-06Ms have a lot of folded metal. :sigh:

I won't get a chance to listen to these for a little bit.I have to buy some adaptors for the Japanese mains-plugs.

I cant wait to hear them on my Altec 411 subs(think the size of a small fridge...each!).

My friend AKer timofred has a pair of 411s.He reckons they "kick-arse". :banana:
He has never complained about the bass of the Valencias even without the subs(his last visit here was 6 weeks ago).They don't go lower than 40 Hz at all.They do however driven actively with the L-1000Ms have very,very nice output down to there.



Something tells me,this should be good....... :D

This is a different type thread here. My jaw dropped at the specs on this amp.

Exciting times, Theo! Good luck with the Kennies, can't wait for your impressions; your opinion is highly regarded!

Exciting times, Theo! Good luck with the Kennies, can't wait for your impressions; your opinion is highly regarded!

Thanks.

hoyt,
how can I accept what you have said about my opinion in light of your signature?

Humility is the #1 virtue.All other virtues which measure a man have to be stated as important only after humility,as the prime measure.

When it is understood that all good qualities(that are expressed through an individual)are channelled from the SOURCE of ALL GOOD,and that the individual is therefore only,in that moment,a channel for that GOOD then the individual realises that the credit for the good done can never be claimed for themselves,and they therefore (correctly)give back credit to THE SOURCE to Whom the credit is due.

Humility is the #1 virtue.All other virtues which measure a man have to be stated as important only after humility,as the prime measure.

When it is understood that all good qualities(that are expressed through an individual)are channelled from the SOURCE of ALL GOOD,and that the individual is therefore only,in that moment,a channel for that GOOD then the individual realises that the credit for the good done can never be claimed for themselves,and they therefore (correctly)give back credit to THE SOURCE to Whom the credit is due.

You get it. :yes: :thmbsp:

I did manage to get the international mains adaptors for these amps before I had a sleep(of which I have only had 2 hours).

The L-06Ms were subtituted for the L-1000M I am using on the Treble section of my diy activated speakers system.Therefore what I write next as a preliminary evaluation of the amp in my system applies to the L-06M when used from 800Hz and up.

I like them. :yes:

I think that it may sound a tiny bit 'clearer' than the L-1000M,and that is from stone-cold straight out of the box.There's not a lot in it.Given that my reaction is positive(I listened to them for about 3 hours),I will leave the L-06Ms in place for the time being and give them a chance to settle-in.

I have not used the Sigma Drive function.That will come next.Unlike the other Kenwood componenets that I have used which offer the Sigma Drive function,the L-06Ms have a switch on the rear to specify which mode they are to be used in.The L-1000M does not utilise or come configured for Sigma Drive,therefore I used the L-06M that way(Edit: here I mean in non-Sigma mode)at first in an attempt to compare 'like with like'.When I feel that the L-06M has had time to shake-off it's slumber,I will connect another set of leads and switch over to Sigma Drive.

I have noted with all the other Japanese voltage(100v) equipment that I have here(the Yamaha GT 2000 and the Accuphase F-25)that the Japanese mains plug,which is completely symmetrical and capable of being inserted to operate in opposite polarity,sounds better to my ears on one of the polarities.The L-06M gave the similar result of sounding 'different' depending upon which way I used the mains plug(both monoblocks being used with the same polarity at the same time).One orientation gave a brighter result which sounded more upbeat with tighter bass.The other orientation sounded smoother,less upbeat but seemed to offer slightly more natural instrumental timbres.

I'd like the(impossible) best of both worlds.

I'm going to leave the L-06Ms in place for at least a month and give them a chance to speak for themselves.It would appear the they merit the 'L Series' designation that Kenwood gave them.I wonder whether Kenwood awarded that designation after they had listened to their creations.In other words when they deemed that an amp they made sounded perticularly good(prior to mass production)that they agreed that it was good enough to call it a 'L Series'.

Just ruminating....

Well, if you decide that you dont want those L-1000m's........ :scratch2:

Well, if you decide that you dont want those L-1000m's........ :scratch2:

Back-off !! :D

They aren't going anywhere..... :nono:

When used with the plug polarity in the 'upbeat tight bass' mode,I find my self missing the L-1000Ms.Used this way the L-06ms sound clear and upbeat but emotionally a smidgen 'distant',not as 'involving' as the L-1000Ms.

I know that my posting this will dismay some people,but I know the sound of my system and it majors on emotional involvement.That quality is missed when it is absent.

More to come.

Sigma Drive to the rescue!

Signature changed. :smoke: :D

I initially tried only one channel Sigma'd.The difference was obvious.The sound was much more 'alive' in that channel.More low-level detail.Much better bigger soundstage,more 3D.i switched the other channel over....WOW this will do me.

I guess I'll use my Kenwood basic M2 for the subwoofers. :D

Congrats on your latest L-06M. I enjoy following your posts as we seem to have the same taste for fast and forward amps. I don't recall from any of your posts or signature whether you have tried Yamaha NS-1000's with your Kennies. I bet you your L-1000M or L-06M would be superb with the Yammies. I've also played the 700's on them and the sound is sublime in its subtlety. My favorite combo has to be the L-09M and NS-1000M. For clarity and depth, the L-09M has it all.

Have you tried the M2 in both Sigma and non-Sigma? I'm curious if the difference would be as stark, as with the L-06M. One of my first amps (long gone) was an M1, with Sigma Drive, but I never ran it in that configuration. :nono:

Back-off !! :D

They aren't going anywhere..... :nono:

Can't blame a guy for trying.... :D

Have you tried the M2 in both Sigma and non-Sigma? I'm curious if the difference would be as stark, as with the L-06M. One of my first amps (long gone) was an M1, with Sigma Drive, but I never ran it in that configuration. :nono:
No i have never tried the M2 in non-Sigma mode.I bought the M2 after having used the M2A which does not have Sigma Drive.The M2(which was only ever used as the bass amp,below 800hz)was much more subtle than the M2A,it had a more deft touch.All of the 'slam' of the M2A but more fine-detail.
I also have the M1 I used it in Sigma mode,but ended-up replacing it with the Yamaha B-2 which I vastly preferred.I've still got all those amps.i should try them again one day,however that eats away at good listening time. We get horribly humid temperatures here outside of winter.It is going to be a horrendous Summer.It is still(only just) Winter here and we have had temperatures of 30 Celsius and above in the last week.i will expect a 40 degree Summer.What that means is only 1 hour of listening per day.I have to take advantage of the remainig cool weather and get as much listening in as possible.


Can't blame a guy for trying.... :D

You certainly can't.
I would have to take a liking to Kenwoods rarest amp ranges.The L-1000M and the L-06Ms are harder to find than the 700 Series. :tears:

I'm thinking of buying another two of these. :scratch2:

I can't help but consider fellow AK member,and L-06M owner 'historicist''s comments that the bass was very good.

Maybe I should buy 4 more and do the subwoofers at the same time. :sigh:

I may have just bought 2 more on Yahoo Japan auctions. :thmbsp:

I am awaiting confirmation.

http://66.102.11.132/translate_c?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r58503463&prev=/search%3Fq%3DKenwood%2BL-06M%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D10&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgfTg5Te3SMJYmmmzzAqxa8f3hfRw

This need not go to the 'Dollars and Sense' forum,because the auction is finished.

Congrats! I guess I should try my ears on the Kenwood L-06M too. You have so many of them already. :D

You single guys! :D

well,I haven't heard whether I won the auction yet so I'm buying a pair from HiFiDo.

If I end-up with 6 of these(that is if I've won the auction)I won't be unhappy. :thmbsp:

I just played the best recorded LP I own(the one on Salvatore's 'Divinity' list).Amazing.These(in Sigma mode)are high-resolution amps. :yes:

Once again,I have to wait to hear back from HiFiDo,but I just bought another pair of the L-06Ms. :D

http://www.hifido.co.jp/KWkenwood/G0104/P0/A10/E/0-10/S0/C09-42406-26808-00/

Theo, you are on a roll :thmbsp:.

Nutzzzzzzzz....:smoke::smoke::smoke:In a good way. :yes::yes::yes::banana:

Glad to hear that you're enjoying the L06M's. Kenwood made some great amps.

Glad to hear that you're enjoying the L06M's. Kenwood made some great amps.

Thanks Mark.

In Sigma mode,these amps have made a bigger impression on me than the L-1000Ms.I love the L-1000Ms,and in no way did I envision that what I thought would be an audition,in place of the L-1000M doing duty above 800Hz,would turn into a coup detat. :no:

Non-Sigma mode had me wanting to put the L-1000M back into service. :yes:
Sigma mode said "No way,man!!These babies are here to stay". :smoke:

Thus it remains.I've only heard more confirmation of that decision.

Intriguingly,so-so recorded albums still sound so-so(with more resolution).The great sounding ones sound like I've never heard them before.I wonder how much of the L-06Ms' ability is revealed on a lesser system with a digital front-end.They may well sound dire in such a system(honesty can reveal,what one would rather not have found-out).

well,I have given HiFiDo the authority to bill me for the set and hopefully they will arrive in a month or so.

When I get them,I'll tell you how the system sounds with Sigma Drive mode L-06Ms 'Top and Bottom'. :yes:

Cool stuff theophile. The Kenwood rage continues :) Glad you are enjoying the ride!

Besides being top performer, they also look really neat! :D

I was just listening to a Sony CBS Japanese pressing of Loggins/Messina 'Mother Lode' and thinking how much better it sounds than the US pressing.It occurred to me that Sony must have had great electronics in their mastering facilities. :yes:

These amps continue to completely blow me away.They are much better than any poweramp I've ever owned(not that I've owned that many :no:).

Okay,I have 2,and 2 to come...... :scratch2:

I want 6. :D No,make that 8.

I will make my 'dream' active speaker.I have found the amps. :thmbsp:

I see hifido has 2 more for only $424 + $149 shipping.... the price is for both monoblocks. I contacted them and they said "It is a little bit scratchy condition. But it works very fine with no defects. When you wait for it,please send order email. I will inform you when it is released." Reading your post made me want to try out a pair.

(edit) I just realized that the pair I inquired about is the pair that you 'bought' (although I find it weird they seem willing to send them to me) I will not pursue them! Let us know how they sound!

I see hifido has 2 more for only $424 + $149 shipping.... the price is for both monoblocks. I contacted them and they said "It is a little bit scratchy condition. But it works very fine with no defects. When you wait for it,please send order email. I will inform you when it is released." Reading your post made me want to try out a pair.

(edit) I just realized that the pair I inquired about is the pair that you 'bought' (although I find it weird they seem willing to send them to me) I will not pursue them! Let us know how they sound!

Very noble of you.I hadn't confirmed with HiFiDo when you enquired about them.

Considering that my impressions of these ampa are the only thing on the internet about them,I have created a situation where I have competition for what is available where none existed previously.

However,in my mind these amps deserve to be praised.

I used the word 'honesty' about their sound.I wonder whether(their being poweramps) they would necessarily flatter a so-so Source component and preamplifier...:scratch2:

All I can say,is that given a good Source and preceding system,they do sound markedly better than my Yamaha B-2,and the Kenwood L-1000M.Both of which are not at all poor performers.

I would love to see your photo once you get all 6 monoblocks set up. I like the honeycomb design up top... I have been looking for Kenwood monoblocks - it's surprising that a pair of these shipped from Japan is cheaper than the L-07M and mkII's that pop up on eBay with relative frequency.

Well,almost 3 days after the end of the Japan yahoo auction,I get a message that I have won the 2 L-06Ms......

So it looks like I will have 6 of these after all !!

These people are certainly slow to respond.

I have paid for the Yahoo Japan L-06Ms. :yes:

For the moment,I will use the 3 stereo sets of L-06Ms in this configuration:

1 each for my 2 Altec 15 inch 411 subs(which come up to my chest in height).

2 for the 15 inch 416 driver in each Valencia,

2 for the compression driver/horns in the Valencias.

Based upon how the L-06Ms sound currently(only used on the compression driver/horns),it should be something else. :yes:

I have all the necessary crossover modules to procede.I merely await the other 4 L-06Ms.They will be shipped via 'Surface freight'.I will get 2 more 240V > 100V step-down transformers made-up while I am wating for them to arrive.

Nice thing about going all mono blocks and active triamping is the large quantity of amps. More amps = better, imo.

Let us know impressions once received.

Nice thing about going all mono blocks and active triamping is the large quantity of amps. More amps = better, imo.

Let us know impressions once received.

Roger that.

...So it looks like I will have 6 of these after all !!...

Wall of Sound under construction...

Later today,I'm hoping that if I'm successful,I'll have another announcement to make about the Kenwood Sigma Drive 'L' Series.

I heading-off to work now.More to come this afternoon....:yes:

I put a bid on a pair of Kenwood L-08Ms for an auction which ended today.

I haven't found-out yet whether or not I have won the auction.No word yet.

The L-08Ms will serve as my subwoofer amps(should I have won them).The other six L-06Ms will see service initially as the amps in my active Valencia system.The L-06Ms will eventually power my three-way active project.

I did indeed win the auction for the two kenwood L-08M monoblocks. :yes:

There are a pair for sale on german ebay(eBay store)for 2500 Euros($4220 Aussie dollars).I've paid for my pair(not the shipping yet),they cost me $750 Aussie dollars.

The German can hold-out for the outrageous 2500 euros merely because these things don't show-up everyday.If one wants them NOW,one has to pay his price.

Thankfully,I didn't. :thmbsp:

I was looking over TVK's L-Series. Based on rarity and availability, it seems the L-05M, L-07M, and the L-09M were U.S. models and the L-06M and L-08M were international models. Any thoughts?

I was looking over TVK's L-Series. Based on rarity and availability, it seems the L-05M, L-07M, and the L-09M were U.S. models and the L-06M and L-08M were international models. Any thoughts?

Sam,
I would be interested to see whether there are any L-06Ms or L-08Ms which were not 100V(Japan).
I have read about instances where models which were otherwise not released outside of Japan,had a limited release in the European(specifically German)market but were not seen in any other market.

There seem to be quite a few examples of Japanese products which did see limited releases around the world,with the exception being the USA which never saw those products.

The sheer dearth of non-Japanese information about the L-08Ms and L-06Ms would lend one to believe that they hardly saw release outside of Japan.

So,since starting this thread,I now own 6 Kenwood L-06Ms and 2 Kenwood L-08Ms.

Two L-06Ms are presently operating as the 'treble' amps in my system(above 800Hz).Two more L-06Ms are in transit from Japan to my address.The last two L-06Ms and the L-08M pair are in storage in Japan,having been paid for purchase-wise.Not shipping-wise.

I will need to purchase two more 240V to 100V step-down transformers.One each for the left and right channels.Each step-down transformer will be supplying stepped-down power to 2 x L-06Ms plus 1 x L-08M or if I don't like the L-08Ms,the transformer will supply power to 3 x L-06Ms per channel.
I plan on each of the transformers being rated to 1.5KVa.There is a transformer manufacturer about 60K(100 miles) away that I get to make my transformers for me.The drive there is beautiful.Twisting,winding up and downhill roads with beautiful views.

I'm a long way from listening to these amps the way I envisage using them.I will get the second pair of L-06Ms(the ones which are currently in transit) and then I will order the transformers.When I get the transformers I can then substitute the second pair of L-06Ms for the Kenwood L-1000M presently performing 'bass' duty(below 800Hz).That will give me L-06 monoblocks top and bottom on my Altecs.It will be interesting to hear that.The L-1000M is a very satisfying amp when the system is resolving enough to show just how detailed and musical it can be.The L-06Ms are however(in Sigma Drive mode only)clearer,more natural,more explicit,more detailed,more dynamic and have better imaging soundstage and better retrieval of low-level detail.It will be interesting to see how the combining of two pairs of L-06Ms in this way will affect the overall sound of the Altecs.Who knows,the combination of the L-06Ms and L-1000M might just be the most synergistic for this particular speaker? :scratch2:

So,since starting this thread,I now own 6 Kenwood L-06Ms and 2 Kenwood L-08Ms.

Two L-06Ms are presently operating as the 'treble' amps in my system(above 800Hz).Two more L-06Ms are in transit from Japan to my address.The last two L-06Ms and the L-08M pair are in storage in Japan,having been paid for purchase-wise.Not shipping-wise.

I will need to purchase two more 240V to 100V step-down transformers.One each for the left and right channels.Each step-down transformer will be supplying stepped-down power to 2 x L-06Ms plus 1 x L-08M or if I don't like the L-08Ms,the transformer will supply power to 3 x L-06Ms per channel.
I plan on each of the transformers being rated to 1.5KVa.There is a transformer manufacturer about 60K(100 miles) away that I get to make my transformers for me.The drive there is beautiful.Twisting,winding up and downhill roads with beautiful views.

I'm a long way from listening to these amps the way I envisage using them.I will get the second pair of L-06Ms(the ones which are currently in transit) and then I will order the transformers.When I get the transformers I can then substitute the second pair of L-06Ms for the Kenwood L-1000M presently performing 'bass' duty(below 800Hz).That will give me L-06 monoblocks top and bottom on my Altecs.It will be interesting to hear that.The L-1000M is a very satisfying amp when the system is resolving enough to show just how detailed and musical it can be.The L-06Ms are however(in Sigma Drive mode only)clearer,more natural,more explicit,more detailed,more dynamic and have better imaging soundstage and better retrieval of low-level detail.It will be interesting to see how the combining of two pairs of L-06Ms in this way will affect the overall sound of the Altecs.Who knows,the combination of the L-06Ms and L-1000M might just be the most synergistic for this particular speaker? :scratch2:

When running multiple amps in a single system, I like to run all of the same make and model. Eventually, you will be able to with your six L-06M's. The reason I like uniformity is amps have different speeds and sound signatures and I want consistency to reduce phase error to a minimum. This is my rule of thumb when running multiple speakers. In a biamp or triamp setup, this is less critical but still a concern.

When running multiple amps in a single system, I like to run all of the same make and model. Eventually, you will be able to with your six L-06M's. The reason I like uniformity is amps have different speeds and sound signatures and I want consistency to reduce phase error to a minimum. This is my rule of thumb when running multiple speakers. In a biamp or triamp setup, this is less critical but still a concern.

Sam,
I once saw an opinion on the 'net which stated that the amps for an active set-up should be identical 'top and bottom'.For similar reasons to the ones that you mentioned in your post.

I don't want 3 pairs of L-06Ms for that reason.I want 6 L-06Ms because(in Sigma Drive mode) they are the best sounding poweramps that I have had in this system.I like what they do very much and I want more of it.The reason for purchasing the L-08Ms is to see whether the talent of the L-06Ms is shared with their bigger brother.If it isn't,I have two rare boat anchors.

If it isn't,I have two rare boat anchors

Not overly likely that the 8,s would be to hard to move along if you decide to let them go. Rarity and all. :no:

Sam,
I once saw an opinion on the 'net which stated that the amps for an active set-up should be identical 'top and bottom'.For similar reasons to the ones that you mentioned in your post.

I don't want 3 pairs of L-06Ms for that reason.I want 6 L-06Ms because(in Sigma Drive mode) they are the best sounding poweramps that I have had in this system.I like what they do very much and I want more of it.The reason for purchasing the L-08Ms is to see whether the talent of the L-06Ms is shared with their bigger brother.If it isn't,I have two rare boat anchors.

6 PAIRS of L-06M's!!! Definitely a WALL OF SOUND under construction.

I'm thinking about standardizing on the L-09M but everyone I've had over for a listen loves them and goes away saying "I'm going to get a pair." Good for the L-09M but bad for me.

6 PAIRS of L-06M's!!! Definitely a WALL OF SOUND under construction.

I'm thinking about standardizing on the L-09M but everyone I've had over for a listen loves them and goes away saying "I'm going to get a pair." Good for the L-09M but bad for me.

3 pairs of L-06Ms = 6 L-06Ms.
Not 6 pairs.
Hmmm.You may have given me an idea..... :smoke:

Nope.3 pairs L-06Ms plus a pair of L-08Ms.I reckon that I have my share of Sigma Drive 'L' Series Kenwoods. :thmbsp:

I'm not gonna have the 3rd set of L-06Ms nor the L-08Ms for at least a month.I've got to pay for the shipping(which'll be crippling :tears:).Then there's the cost of the tranformers(not cheap).

I'll let you all know how the second set of L-06Ms(which are already in transit)sound when they take over the bass duty.If the L-06Ms I already have are any indication,I going to love the L-06Ms in the bass.The bass of my system took a dramatic turn for the better with the introduction of the L-06Ms to the mid/treble section of my system.The extra clarity of the mid/treble makes the bass clearer.Putting another 2 L-06Ms on the bass,is sure to liven things up.

I got one of the L-06Ms from Japan today.The other one should arrive in a few days.

I'll have to quickly arrange for a transformer to be manufactured.That should take a few days.I'm starting to consider an getting an individual transformer for each monoblock.It'll cost a little more,but there should be a benefit.

I'll let you know how the system sounds with L-06Ms 'top and bottom'.

I just picked up a pair of L-09M's and an L-07C.:D

Seems like the even numbered Sigma Drive L's were Asia and the odd number L's were for America and Europe? So far, the following are known to me:

L-05M
L-06M
L-07M
L-08M
L-09M

I wonder if there are L-01 to L-04 models. Anyone know?:scratch2:

Nope.

The L-01A L-02A and L-03A were all integrated amplifiers...haven't ever seen or heard of an L-04

Nope.

The L-01A L-02A and L-03A were all integrated amplifiers...haven't ever seen or heard of an L-04

The number 4 in Chinese numerology is considered bad luck. I wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese had the same superstition.

I just picked up a pair of L-09M's and an L-07C.:D

Seems like the even numbered Sigma Drive L's were Asia and the odd number L's were for America and Europe? So far, the following are known to me:

L-05M
L-06M
L-07M
L-08M
L-09M

I wonder if there are L-01 to L-04 models. Anyone know?:scratch2:

I coulda sworn that you already had the L-09Ms,Sam. :scratch2:

Since we've both(now) lived with the Yamaha B-2,I'll be interested to hear whether you do a comparison between the B-2 and the L-09Ms. :yes:

The L-07C II is apparently the one to look-out for (of it and the L-07C).I can't imagine that the L-07C would be anything less than very good.

Enjoy your new purchases. :thmbsp:

PS Since this is the L-06M thread,I will just say that I am still deleriously happy with the L-06Ms.I have read opinion of the L-08Ms,to the effect that(according to the opinion)they were labelled as 'Bright'.My impression of the L-06Ms is quite the opposite.I find them to be harmonically well developed.Not 'threadbare' or 'bleached'.Very neutral(in the best sense).Very responsive to changes made to the Source(read tweaking,here).

Given that my Altec Valencias are reputed to work best with Tubes,one would think that a Solid State amp which was 'bright' would be fairly unbearable.Quite the contrary.The L-06Ms have bloomed with the Vals.The stereo image and soundstage I'm getting with this combination is the most airy,expansive,defined,deep,wide(etc.etc)that I have had with my system.The Vals aren't noted for stereo imagery and soundstage(by anybody)yet this combination of poweramps,speakers and of course the rest of the system has given(by a country mile)the best that I have had with the Vals.The tonality is very,very natural also,and I have had some nice poweramps in this system(think:Yamaha B-2 and the wonderful Kenwood L-1000Ms).

I actually can't wait to get my L-08Ms out from Japan.They are paid for,but being held in storage for me. :thmbsp: :D

I coulda sworn that you already had the L-09Ms,Sam. :scratch2:

Since we've both(now) lived with the Yamaha B-2,I'll be interested to hear whether you do a comparison between the B-2 and the L-09Ms. :yes:

The L-07C II is apparently the one to look-out for (of it and the L-07C).I can't imagine that the L-07C would be anything less than very good.

Enjoy your new purchases. :thmbsp:

PS Since this is the L-06M thread,I will just say that I am still deleriously happy with the L-06Ms.I have read opinion of the L-08Ms,to the effect that(according to the opinion)they were labelled as 'Bright'.My impression of the L-06Ms is quite the opposite.I find them to be harmonically well developed.Not 'threadbare' or 'bleached'.Very neutral(in the best sense).Very responsive to changes made to the Source(read tweaking,here).

Given that my Altec Valencias are reputed to work best with Tubes,one would think that a Solid State amp which was 'bright' would be fairly unbearable.Quite the contrary.The L-06Ms have bloomed with the Vals.The stereo image and soundstage I'm getting with this combination is the most airy,expansive,defined,deep,wide(etc.etc)that I have had with my system.The Vals aren't noted for stereo imagery and soundstage(by anybody)yet this combination of poweramps,speakers and of course the rest of the system has given(by a country mile)the best that I have had with the Vals.The tonality is very,very natural also,and I have had some nice poweramps in this system(think:Yamaha B-2 and the wonderful Kenwood L-1000Ms).

I actually can't wait to get my L-08Ms out from Japan.They are paid for,but being held in storage for me. :thmbsp: :D

Theophile:

Very true, this an L-06M thread and I am guilty of evolving it into the "L" series thread. It seems there is so much wonderful information and enthusiasm here that all things "L" should be included. I think it is interesting to compare the different Kenwood monoblocks in one thread as it appears we got a different lineup than Asia.

The Nines are my third pair. I got a great deal knowing that one was not good. I took it to the shop today and the outputs are all good so there is something in the protection circuitry not quite right. That's good and relatively inexpensive news. I should have it back in a few days.

Having heard the B-2 and L-09M extensively on NS-1000M's, I can tell you that the B-2 is much more forgiving and somewhat more musical. I think the L-09M's are so exacting that everything comes through where a little rounding of the signal would take some of the edge off. With great recordings, the L-09M's cannot be beat. The L-09M experience engages all of my senses, the resonance is so clear and pure that the music can be felt through my fingertips and my feet. The tones are intense without being saturated and without loss of clarity. The top hat is the best I have ever heard in SS. The ringing of cymbals has to be heard to be believed. For ultra-critical listening, this is the setup.

The B-2 sounds smoother and more relaxed without introducing the slop that comes with slow amps. Upper register detail is not sacrificed and in fact vocals and instruments with brassy overlay are wide and satisfying. I'm told the way VFET's work is similar to how tubes store energy and also how energy is discharged so I am not surprised that the B-2 has tube-like imagery. Although the B-2 does not spec close to the L-09M, the B-2 is much more forgiving of "pop" recordings that are usually poorly recorded and mixed. Older recordings also sweeten up with the B-2 whereas the L-09M ruthlessly exposes them.

Time for your ricochet.:thmbsp: How does the L-06M compare with the B-2?

Sam,
(By way of explanation),The Kenwood L-1000M replaced the B-2,and to my ears(in my system) it was a big improvement.I remain a big fan of the B-2.It is a wonderful sounding amp.The L-1000M was however just better in every parameter.Another woncderful amp. :yes:

The L-06Ms really didn't sound as good as the L-1000M at first.Not much worse,mind you,just lacking a bit of 'musicality'.They seemed a little 'cold',uninvolving.I then tried them in Sigma Drive mode.

Holy Moly. :banana:

I guess that this was how these amps were meant to be listened to.They were much better in Sigma mode.They just sounded a lot clearer than themselves in non-Sigma,and they now sounded appreciably better than the L-1000M.

The real testimony to how I feel about these amps,is the fact that I(in a very short space of time)bought another 2 pairs of them,plus I hunted-down a pair of the L-08Ms(which as I have mentioned are still in storage in Japan).In other words,I put my money where my mouth was.

My interest was piqued over these amps because(along with the L-02A integrated)they are the only Sigma Drive Kenwood poweramps that merited the 'L' Series tag.

Kenwood didn't confer that label lightly(as the L-09Ms are testimony to).

They are still bargains(if you buy them from Japan)because they fly under the radar of the Kenwood-Seekers.There is nothing on the 'net about them in English(other than this thread :D),therefore no-one is prepared the investigate something which hasn't been endorsed by somebody else. :no:

Posts like this one I'm typing at this moment may change all of that.

My guess is that they sound better(as poweramps do)when the upstream components are of a calibre to allow them to really show-off just what the can do when fed with an exemplary signal(as opposed to one which is struggling with it's own problems).

Some people are put-off by Sigma Drive,and probably wouldn't want to use them in that configuration.In which case I would opine that they haven't heard what the L-06Ms(and I speculate,the L-08Ms)can do.

That is pretty-much my 'ricochet'.

Thanks for your thoughts vis-a-vis the B-2 and the L-09Ms. :thmbsp:

Oh yeah.

You have my permission to hijack any thread of mine,anytime you feel the urge Sam. :thmbsp:

I enjoy reading your posts. :D

Oh yeah.

You have my permission to hijack any thread of mine,anytime you feel the urge Sam. :thmbsp:

I enjoy reading your posts. :D

Thanks Theo. What you say is good enough to take as a recommendation in my book. I will not hesitate to buy a Sigma Drive Kenwood.

My interest was piqued over these amps because(along with the L-02A integrated)they are the only Sigma Drive Kenwood poweramps that merited the 'L' Series tag.



the L-08M was also a Sigma drive amplifier (and the matching preamp also had the preamp-equivalent of a Sigma drive output!)

I'd LOVE to see some nudies of one of thes amplifiers Theo...buy a digital camera willya ;)

In my first post in this thread,I linked to a Google translation of a Japanese blog-page which was discussing the Kenwood Sigma Drive circuitry.

I had to revisit that post to look at that link because it was relevant to my reply given in another thread.Hence,I discovered that the main content of that link did not come-through the Google translation process.

I really thought that those who take an interest in all things Kenwood,especially along the amplification components,would be interested to see the parts that Google translate omitted.

Firstly I will re-post the Google Translate page:

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://sky.geocities.jp/fxgps/sub1-1.htm&ei=XYxESvidEJWIkQW5_uGxDw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DKenwood%2BL-06M%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26start%3D10

Next,the untranslated page with the photos,graphs and oscilloscope shots(obviously taken from Kenwood literature of the day):

http://sky.geocities.jp/fxgps/sub1-1.htm

It might be cumbersome to 'to-and-fro' between these two pages and reading these Google translations can be hard going,however ther is some intersting discussion of models etc.

The interesting part for me,is the oscilloscope captures of the harmonic analysis with and without Sigma Drive(10Hz and 30Hz).

I am aware that every Japanese Major had a 'technological advance' that they could trot-out as evidence of the superiority of their product.Marketing playing a large part in the scheme.MY goal is not to trumpet the superiority of Sigma Drive,merely to provide a tiny bit more of the almost unavailable literature that Kenwood released at the time.

Scored another pair of L-07M's this morning!:banana::banana::banana:

Scored another pair of L-07M's this morning!:banana::banana::banana:

That's a 'L' of a score. :yes: :thmbsp:

Scored another pair of L-07M's this morning!:banana::banana::banana:

What do you think of the L-07m amps ? Are they also sigma drive amps ? I have located a set that I am interested in. I dont know much about monoblock amps but after reading this thread for some reason I think I should own atleast 1 pair !

Don

What do you think of the L-07m amps ? Are they also sigma drive amps ? I have located a set that I am interested in. I dont know much about monoblock amps but after reading this thread for some reason I think I should own atleast 1 pair !

Don

With Theo's permission to detour from the L-06M...

The L-07M does not have the sigma drive. The 05-07-09M series was the previous generation before the 06-08M's which according to TVK came out in 1980. The L-07M's are not as fast as the 9's but this can be an advantage with poorly recorded music. I find the 7's to be much more forgiving and therefore more versatile. The 7's are slightly warmer than the 9's but cannot reproduce the 9's nuances. This is not a 7 weakness, few can in comparison, the 9 is that good. However, with cruddy CD's, the 9's are TOO GOOD and can be harsh and crashy. This is not the fault of the amp because with great recordings, the 9 is a full body experience like no other amp I have heard. (Sigma Drive amps get an exception because I have not heard one yet.)

The 7 is beautifully made and a great listen. The 7 has a loyal following so trading out will not be a problem and makes buying them low risk. See if you can try them in your home. I think your will like them very much.

That's a 'L' of a score. :yes: :thmbsp:

"L-O" Theo from California!:D Yes, I got them at a "L" of a good price!:banana:

"L-O" Theo from California!:D Yes, I got them at a "L" of a good price!:banana::lmao:

Yes.That was my reaction. :D

With Theo's permission to detour from the L-06M...

The L-07M does not have the sigma drive. The 05-07-09M series was the previous generation before the 06-08M's which according to TVK came out in 1980. The L-07M's are not as fast as the 9's but this can be an advantage with poorly recorded music. I find the 7's to be much more forgiving and therefore more versatile. The 7's are slightly warmer than the 9's but cannot reproduce the 9's nuances. This is not a 7 weakness, few can in comparison, the 9 is that good. However, with cruddy CD's, the 9's are TOO GOOD and can be harsh and crashy. This is not the fault of the amp because with great recordings, the 9 is a full body experience like no other amp I have heard. (Sigma Drive amps get an exception because I have not heard one yet.)

The 7 is beautifully made and a great listen. The 7 has a loyal following so trading out will not be a problem and makes buying them low risk. See if you can try them in your home. I think your will like them very much.

Interesting you should say that about the 9s.

I'm finding much the same about the L-06Ms.Some albums which I thought were really good,are just alright.Some that I thought were competent,are turning-out to be amazing.

The L-06Ms have come along after a string of really good amps(Yamaha B-2,Kenwood L-A1,Kenwood L-1000M)which all sounded really good,yet my system has leaped ahead sound-wise with the L-06Ms.

The difference is really quite amazing,and I promise you,I was very,very impressed with the L-1000Ms.I thought they would be the amps I'd be using for a long time.The purchase of the initial L-06M pair was a whim.An opportunity to investigate a 'dark-horse' member of the Kenwood family.I still shake my head at what the L-06Ms bring to the party.They can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.That's not their game.They do have the ability to take a high-quality signal and really make a strong showing of just how high quality it is.

When they are in Sigma Drive mode.

So, the question has to be asked:Why did Kenwood ditch this technology? :scratch2:

It was good enough that they released three 'L' Series components with it(L-02A,L-06Ms and L-08Ms)then followed that up with the original Basic series,The KA-1000 and it's smaller brothers,the KA-900/KA-1100/KA-2200 etc.

Kenwood put a lot of effort into a lot of components(good components)with this technology.Then they dropped-it like a hot potato.

My thoughts...The public just didn't get Sigma Drive.It was too strange.Too easy to fry the amp if one wasn't careful.I'm wild-arse guessing here.I really don't know.The previous conventional 'L' Series was very high quality,very popular and very successful. :yes:

How many people do you know who own L-6Ms and L-08Ms? :smoke:

Sigma Drive tanked for Kenwood. :tears:

What a shame.They actually had a Winner(with a capital W)on their hands,but it was different from the formula,and the public(when it all boils down to it)are sheep.They don't like to stray too far from the flock. :yes: :nono:

Threads like this one I've started aren't going to change that,either. :no:

They will continue to be shunned and ignored.That's just the reality.

That's Life. :D

I like 'em.

I tried to re-read the Japanese website translation on how the Sigma Drive works but sadly my pigeon English is not so good. As close as I can tell, Sigma Drive used a feedback or loop sensor to detect the load impedance caused by the speaker itself. It then somehow compensated for the conditions at the cone to "correct" the signal and increase the breaking force for superior cone control. In theory, this drive technique should work with any speaker regardless of efficiency and ohm rating. In theory, this should also compensate for mismatched drivers. Now that is interesting and innovative.

The L-09M is equally interesting and unconventional. It uses a brick wall filter to divide the program signal into upper and lower halves. The theory is that bass draws disproportionally more power such that with a shared power supply, bass draw can cause mids and uppers to sag resulting in loss of clarity. The 9 solves this by giving each half of the signal its own transformer and amp section making sag impossible. The 9 is the only dual power supply single channel amplifier that I know of. IMO, this is the ideal solution for solid state amplification but it does require twice as many parts which would have gotten the attention of Kenwood's finance department.

The 9 was clearly too expensive to produce so it was destined not to succeed. However, Sigma Drive does not seem to involve too many more components so perhaps cost was not the deciding factor in its demise.

I tried to re-read the Japanese website translation on how the Sigma Drive works but sadly my pigeon English is not so good. As close as I can tell, Sigma Drive used a feedback or loop sensor to detect the load impedance caused by the speaker itself. It then somehow compensated for the conditions at the cone to "correct" the signal and increase the breaking force for superior cone control. In theory, this drive technique should work with any speaker regardless of efficiency and ohm rating. In theory, this should also compensate for mismatched drivers. Now that is interesting and innovative.

The L-09M is equally interesting and unconventional. It uses a brick wall filter to divide the program signal into upper and lower halves. The theory is that bass draws disproportionally more power such that with a shared power supply, bass draw can cause mids and uppers to sag resulting in loss of clarity. The 9 solves this by giving each half of the signal its own transformer and amp section making sag impossible. The 9 is the only dual power supply single channel amplifier that I know of. IMO, this is the ideal solution for solid state amplification but it does require twice as many parts which would have gotten the attention of Kenwood's finance department.

The 9 was clearly too expensive to produce so it was destined not to succeed. However, Sigma Drive does not seem to involve too many more components so perhaps cost was not the deciding factor in its demise.

I know what you are saying about the Google translation.It's almost a case of;if you don't understand what the text says before you read it(ie prior knowledge)it's gobbledygook.

I actually read a review of the L-08Ms around the time they were released in an English mag(I think it was called 'Practical Hi-Fi').The review was very positive.This L series appears to have had very little acceptance outside of Japan.I don't think that it broke sales records there either.I'm looking forward to the day when I eventually get my L-08Ms out of storage in Japan.

Too many things on my plate at the moment. :sigh:

Sam,I saw recently another Mono amp with two transformers(I can't recall the make and model).Having said that,the L-09Ms are amongst a small minority of such designs.

Probably the aspects of the L-06Ms sound that surprised me most,is the naturalness of tone,the holographic soundstage with surprisingly 'solid' images for and aft of the speakers(this using Altec Valencias which are not noted for this ability),the wealth of low-level detail,ambience.They seem to posess much less of an intrinsic character.The amp appears to convey the attributes of the recording itself as opposed to imposing it's own character onto the sound.The difference with some records,cames across with the vocals differing from track to track according to how much artificial reverb was applied,and how forward or recessed the lead vocal was mixed in relation to the other multi-track vocal tracks.Not that these things don't register with other amps that I've owned,but it's the way that the vocals can be very forward in the soundstage with a particular song(even different tracks of the same song),then with the next song the lead vocal will be markedly recessed in the soundstage with the reverb overapplied.The efect being much more pronounced and obvious compared to the other amps I've lived with.

It's not cruelly analytical either.The musical effect doesn't suffer.

I feel with some albums,like I'm listening to a different mix,a remix,Yet other albums,differ very little from how I've heard them over the tears,save for the clarifying of certain details in the mix which are for the first time allowed to display the swirling/panning effects between the channels with a clarity of tone never heard before.

It makes for an interesting listen. :yes:

I know what you are saying about the Google translation.It's almost a case of;if you don't understand what the text says before you read it(ie prior knowledge)it's gobbledygook.

I actually read a review of the L-08Ms around the time they were released in an English mag(I think it was called 'Practical Hi-Fi').The review was very positive.This L series appears to have had very little acceptance outside of Japan.I don't think that it broke sales records there either.I'm looking forward to the day when I eventually get my L-08Ms out of storage in Japan.

Too many things on my plate at the moment. :sigh:

Sam,I saw recently another Mono amp with two transformers(I can't recall the make and model).Having said that,the L-09Ms are amongst a small minority of such designs.

Probably the aspects of the L-06Ms sound that surprised me most,is the naturalness of tone,the holographic soundstage with surprisingly 'solid' images for and aft of the speakers(this using Altec Valencias which are not noted for this ability),the wealth of low-level detail,ambience.They seem to posess much less of an intrinsic character.The amp appears to convey the attributes of the recording itself as opposed to imposing it's own character onto the sound.The difference with some records,cames across with the vocals differing from track to track according to how much artificial reverb was applied,and how forward or recessed the lead vocal was mixed in relation to the other multi-track vocal tracks.Not that these things don't register with other amps that I've owned,but it's the way that the vocals can be very forward in the soundstage with a particular song(even different tracks of the same song),then with the next song the lead vocal will be markedly recessed in the soundstage with the reverb overapplied.The efect being much more pronounced and obvious compared to the other amps I've lived with.

It's not cruelly analytical either.The musical effect doesn't suffer.

I feel with some albums,like I'm listening to a different mix,a remix,Yet other albums,differ very little from how I've heard them over the tears,save for the clarifying of certain details in the mix which are for the first time allowed to display the swirling/panning effects between the channels with a clarity of tone never heard before.

It makes for an interesting listen. :yes:

Another monoblock with dual transformers exists! Interesting.

Judging by your comments, the L-06M seems to have a natural rhythm that makes them more organic (golly I hate that word in this context) than the L-09M. When listening to the 9, they are so good as to be too good. The details are so forward that they grab your attention and do not let you go. I find myself listening for nuances I have never heard before and they are there to discover. Strangely, this distracts me from enjoying the music and getting into the pace and rhythm of the program. This is by no means an indictment of the L-09M and in fact, it is a testament to how good they are. I want to make clear that the forward nature of the 9 does not come with a brightness or fatigue penalty. The sound package remains superbly balanced at low volume, middle volume, and even well above 100 dB.

Also judging by your comments, the 6 and 8 are very good and worthy of my ownership. I don't know if Kenwood made an international version of the 6 and 8 but I would very much like to try Sigma Drive.

Another monoblock with dual transformers exists! Interesting.

Judging by your comments, the L-06M seems to have a natural rhythm that makes them more organic (golly I hate that word in this context) than the L-09M. When listening to the 9, they are so good as to be too good. The details are so forward that they grab your attention and do not let you go. I find myself listening for nuances I have never heard before and they are there to discover. Strangely, this distracts me from enjoying the music and getting into the pace and rhythm of the program. This is by no means an indictment of the L-09M and in fact, it is a testament to how good they are. I want to make clear that the forward nature of the 9 does not come with a brightness or fatigue penalty. The sound package remains superbly balanced at low volume, middle volume, and even well above 100 dB.

Also judging by your comments, the 6 and 8 are very good and worthy of my ownership. I don't know if Kenwood made an international version of the 6 and 8 but I would very much like to try Sigma Drive.

Yeah Sam,

That's the thing about the superb resolution of the L-06Ms.It always sounds like the amp itself is imposing less of itself on the presentation.The impression is always one of hearing the recording,as it is.

Edit after writing this post:The above paragraph has to include the proposition that despite the fact that the L-06Ms give me a greater insight into the recording,what they are reproducing is the way the rest of the signal chain is dealing with the recording.

The holographic soundstage with 'denser' images thrown for and aft of the speakers only manifests on individual tracks on a record,particular records.Some records sound quite the same as they always have,with better insight into low-level details,but otherwise not a lot different.The amplifier doesn't impose a 'holographic' effect upon every track/record.

Even within a particular track there may be a single instrument which 'pops-out' of the mix.The rest of the mix/song sounds exactly as it always have(like I said with better insight into low-level detail).

I get the feeling that this is the most 'honest' amp I've heard.I'm certain that,given the position of poweramps in the signal chain(ie downstream of all the other components),that the honesty of these amps could play against them in some systems.Would everybody really like to be exposed to what their system sounds like?Especially if the previous poweramps in the system were providing a pleasing correction for deficiencies elsewhere in the system.

Just some thoughts.