What is THE Kenwood TT To Own
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cgutz
AK Member
I would say the KD550. The KD500 was the same table but came without a tonearm.
KD650, KD750 and KD850, etc. are rarer and are said to be progessively better.
If you can find one, the L0-7D is their supreme work, desirable but almost unobtanium.
Here is my KD550 and the second pic shows it alongside my KD5070, which I believe is one of their their TOTL fully auto:
KD650, KD750 and KD850, etc. are rarer and are said to be progessively better.
If you can find one, the L0-7D is their supreme work, desirable but almost unobtanium.
Here is my KD550 and the second pic shows it alongside my KD5070, which I believe is one of their their TOTL fully auto:
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1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
+1 on the KD500/550, but really any of their TTs with the heavy ARCB base are very nice. I have a KD-4100, a couple steps down from the top, still a heckuva table - and fully automatic.
Happy trails,
Larry B.
Happy trails,
Larry B.
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
The SL-1200 is a good turntable. The PL-1000 and Marantz 6300 are adequate but the coveted moniker comes from the Pioneer and Marantz fanatics not the general public.
The tables listed above are correct. The L-07D is a world class table better than anything from the three companies you mention.
The white ARCB turntables, 500/550 armless/armed and 600/650 quartz locked later models are very nice. The 750 and 850 use heavy material under the veneers as does something in the 900 range.
I prefer the armless tables for the added opportunity to put a better arm on the table than comes with it. Yes, this includes the armless 6300, called Marantz 6320. But it had to go so I could install a Kenwood KD-600 with the arm from the 6320, a Magnepan Unitrac I. Yes, a tonearm from that skinny speaker company.
My preference in the Technics line is a semi- or full automatic the SL-1700 II or SL-1600 II for easy use and no need to return the instant the record ends.
Technics made some very nice turntables without arms. Might be nice but I have the KD-600 and a Thorens so I don't need to go that way. And these usually need to have a plinth made to hold the arm.
The tables listed above are correct. The L-07D is a world class table better than anything from the three companies you mention.
The white ARCB turntables, 500/550 armless/armed and 600/650 quartz locked later models are very nice. The 750 and 850 use heavy material under the veneers as does something in the 900 range.
I prefer the armless tables for the added opportunity to put a better arm on the table than comes with it. Yes, this includes the armless 6300, called Marantz 6320. But it had to go so I could install a Kenwood KD-600 with the arm from the 6320, a Magnepan Unitrac I. Yes, a tonearm from that skinny speaker company.
My preference in the Technics line is a semi- or full automatic the SL-1700 II or SL-1600 II for easy use and no need to return the instant the record ends.
Technics made some very nice turntables without arms. Might be nice but I have the KD-600 and a Thorens so I don't need to go that way. And these usually need to have a plinth made to hold the arm.
BadjerJim
New Member
When talking TOTL Pioneer turntables, why does everyone seem to forget the PLC-590? It was a mis-named part of the Pioneer Series 20 equipment, and yeah, only offered for a couple of years. And without a tonearm.
Disclaimer: yes, I'm lucky enough to have one. No, it's not for sale. Ever.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/pioneer-PLC-590.html
Disclaimer: yes, I'm lucky enough to have one. No, it's not for sale. Ever.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/pioneer-PLC-590.html
cgutz
AK Member
Since the 70's I've had "midline" Sony, NAD and Technics turntables. While not owning any, I have "70's" experience with Dual, Hitachi and Pioneer on friend's systems. I've not much experience with Marantz.
In the last few years I have obtained my Kenwoods locally to replace my ailing NAD.
I think Kenwoods are real sleepers, esp. the ARCB models as described. I first picked up the KD550 and was so impressed I later scooped up a local KD5070 for my living room system, which my wife uses, and likes the auto features. Both sound very nice with the vintage Ortofon and Shure cartridges I use.
L07 info: http://www.thevintageknob.org/kenwood-L-07D.html
KD500/550 info: http://www.thevintageknob.org/kenwood-KD-500.html
In the last few years I have obtained my Kenwoods locally to replace my ailing NAD.
I think Kenwoods are real sleepers, esp. the ARCB models as described. I first picked up the KD550 and was so impressed I later scooped up a local KD5070 for my living room system, which my wife uses, and likes the auto features. Both sound very nice with the vintage Ortofon and Shure cartridges I use.
L07 info: http://www.thevintageknob.org/kenwood-L-07D.html
KD500/550 info: http://www.thevintageknob.org/kenwood-KD-500.html
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Balifly
Listening
wrong model number
Sorry, it's actually a kd-770 d as in dog. (.fat fingers on a phone).Eric
Sorry, it's actually a kd-770 d as in dog. (.fat fingers on a phone).Eric
