redcoates7
still learning...
I've always really enjoyed the industrial design of some of the 90s THX Kenwood gear.
The KC-X1 and KM-Z1 echoed the classic lines of the L-02A, and KA-3300, while the Kenwood Stage 3 gear is just bananas. 5 vertical bars give an almost art deco severity to the faceplate, which is about as interesting as anything you'll find from the 90s...some cool curving elements and pastel blue text. Very 90s.
The amp is a beast too. Weighs over 50 pounds, and features Two massive power transformers, each feeding an identical 3-channel power amplifier block. All six channels are a robust discrete design, with the output devices mounted along an aluminum "tunnel" which is cooled by a pair of quiet fans. No visible heatsinks!
The six-channel design isn't just for surround sound either: You could bi-amp your stereo mains and use the extra two channels to drive some passive subs in a stereo rig, with no drop in performance...it's six identical amplifiers after all!
Sonically, I've always really enjoyed this amplifier too. A little lean in the upper midrange maybe, but it can sound truly wonderful with a speaker that isn't super bright. Perhaps more importantly though: boy does it like to rock!
Keep an eye out for these- they're now regularly selling under $250 these days and are an absolute steal IMO. Gotta love a sleeper!
The KC-X1 and KM-Z1 echoed the classic lines of the L-02A, and KA-3300, while the Kenwood Stage 3 gear is just bananas. 5 vertical bars give an almost art deco severity to the faceplate, which is about as interesting as anything you'll find from the 90s...some cool curving elements and pastel blue text. Very 90s.
The amp is a beast too. Weighs over 50 pounds, and features Two massive power transformers, each feeding an identical 3-channel power amplifier block. All six channels are a robust discrete design, with the output devices mounted along an aluminum "tunnel" which is cooled by a pair of quiet fans. No visible heatsinks!
The six-channel design isn't just for surround sound either: You could bi-amp your stereo mains and use the extra two channels to drive some passive subs in a stereo rig, with no drop in performance...it's six identical amplifiers after all!
Sonically, I've always really enjoyed this amplifier too. A little lean in the upper midrange maybe, but it can sound truly wonderful with a speaker that isn't super bright. Perhaps more importantly though: boy does it like to rock!
Keep an eye out for these- they're now regularly selling under $250 these days and are an absolute steal IMO. Gotta love a sleeper!
