Iam Own a KA 907 at the beginning of the 80 ths. Its really heavy and i import that direktly from Hong Kong. A great Peas of amplier from the 80 ths. Great Job to bring it back to life.
I'm the original owner of one of these KA-907s and recently replaced the 14 capacitors in the audio section. It brought the amp back to sounding like it did when new. I used Nichicon gold audio caps replacing the older Elna caps. The sound is once again sharp clear and powerful. The amp is rated at 150 wpc but my amp like others test out to be 180 wpc I did have mine tested by McIntosh many years ago. I've always loved this amp. I have other high end amps that I own Krell EV302 and a pair of Luxman M117 amps and the Kenwood certainly holds it's own against these other amps.
Hi, I've got a trio kd 650 direct drive turntable.. Had it since 86 and I love it, tho not playing it much these days due to the ease of Bluetooth. Really enjoy ur channel and gr8 to see the old gear. Cheers Rob.
Thanks Rob, you are very lucky to own one of the best consumer turntables from the golden age of analog. Decks like this, properly set up, are still capable of delivering the highest resolution audio possible, enjoy!
Hi and thanks for your question. I'm often asked this and there are a couple of reasons I don't generally show the process. The main reasons relate to safety and legal concerns. I use processes that rely on experience and must be done correctly to avoid the risk of electric shock and possible death. I'd hate to find myself in a position where someone tried something they saw on my channel and there was a bad outcome. Anyway, much more on my website and I will probably make a video showing these processes at some point!
Mike, you indicated at the beginning of the video that you would give it “ a good wash.” Did you spray it all down with a non- residue contact cleaner? Sure came out looking nice! Great vid as always.
Hi Virgil, thank you, glad you enjoyed the vid. I use a washing process I've developed over the years which removes grease and grime from really dirty chassis like this one. It doesn't rely on contact cleaners, though they are required after everything is dry. Just for the record, for safety and legal reasons, I don't recommend folks at home wash electronic equipment, but there are ways it can be made safe to do so!
@Conor Hanley Thanks for your comment but no, this is generally not a good idea, for several reasons. Dishwasher detergents are quite harshly alkaline in most cases and cause degradation of unprotected (ie not anodised or coated) aluminium parts, heatsinks etc. Additionally, relays or other parts sensitive to water ingress may also be damaged using this approach and component and board markings and designators may be removed. From a parts manufacturer's perspective, immersion for this long at high temperatures is also often contraindicated - ie should not be done, according to manufacturer data. There is no one solution or process that works in all cases. The dishwasher is OK in very specific cases, with certain types of boards but more for plastics, panels and other structural stuff. As always, there's more to know the further you dig!
Love your channel. Just subscribed to it. I have both the KA-907(and a KA-600) and KD-550 turntable (came with tone arm, KD-500 did not). Bought the KA-500 and KD-550 back in 1977 or 78. Both integrated amplifiers need caps replaced. I've lost any schematics that I had. Where did you find the schematics? I haven't looked online yet but just asking. On my really old (1970) Kenwood receiver it had the schematics on the inside cover. I'm curious how you "washed" and cleaned the amplifier. Sometimes trying to clean these older amps causes more problems, especially with the pots and controls.
Glad you are enjoying the channel! I've collected thousands of schems and service data over the years working on this gear, from various sources. I use a proprietary cleaning process. You are quite right about poor cleaning techniques, the gear I see has often never been cleaned in its life!
Hi Andre, I use a method that I've developed over the years with parts that vary according to the type of contamination, components on the board etc. I will say that yes water can be used, as long as the person cleaning has excellent knowledge of how to use it safely, access to a drying oven etc.
Really cool amp and well done! On unrelated note, maybe you could give me advice on this boombox i have, it has weird problem. Left channel doesn't work on radio when in stereo and opposite on tape-right channel doesn't work on stereo! Can't figure this out!
This a Trio Kenwood. Best integrated Amp over Generations. Trio was, let me not lie, One of technikans is now Accuphase, one is Sansui and one to Luxman. Is was an projekt, realy ons of the best Amps ever, i had one too. Im an Idiot, ive sold him, cause of a nesecary defekt. Greetings
Hi and thanks for you comment. I have trade suppliers that can often source obsolete semiconductors, but modern parts must often be chosen where old parts are no longer available. I don't supply service parts alone though, I only supply and fit as part of the work I do @ Liquid Audio. Good luck getting it sorted though.
You want one ? I know how to get and ship them from Japan . I can probably get anything but the table at good prices .... Look up Hardoff , Ship using Tenso -
The Sony TA -N7B , Hitachi L-0D , And Yamaha M3 are honestly probably good alternatives also . Kenwood also made a really nice integrated in the 90's I forget the model . Recap and usually there are jumpers inside for 120v Otherwise just get a Pillinius 9200 Yes the Labs division gear from Kenwood was that good , look at Accuphase and your basically looking at the "L" series from Kenwood .
Is it possibile to put IEC on the back pannel so I can put better power cable, if it possibile can you please recommend something best for this amp. Thank you very much
Hi Danilo, yes but just keep in mind the best connection is a hardwired one, so a good quality soldered-in cable is always the best option and usually cheaper.
Fantastic job. This amp is worthy of a complete restoration. One of the best integrated amps ever made, also designed by people who went on to create Accuphase if I’m not mistaken. Have you ever had a chance to work on any Kenwood “L” series gear? L-07M for instance
Good question and this depends on the parameters of comparison. In terms of sound, I've obviously listend to them both, at different times and both sound fantastic. I've not had them, in my reference setup though, just my workshop system, so I can't give much more than that they are both fantastic sounding amplifiers. Both are aimed at about the same point in the market, though the design and execution are different. Both are very well made, so I don't think you could go wrong with either.
@@LiquidAudio Thanks. Can you elaborate a bit more on the differences in design and execution? e.g. is one of them better suited to preserve the pure sound by bypassing sound controls? You said that the Kenwood could only be adjusted coarsly - same for the Yamaha?
@@BorisZech Hi Boris, I'm a little time-limited in terms of responses but maybe do a bit of googling on these and see what you can find. You'll find loads on the CA-2010 in the article on my website and my video - ruclips.net/video/PO6PwjW02uQ/видео.html, so have a look at that. I will be writing an article on the Kenwood, I just need to find the time! From memory, both have tone bypass which is good to utilise in most cases. I'm not sure what you are referring to in terms of coarse adjustment, perhaps you can jog my memory?!
Liquid Audio In the video about the KA-907 you are saying that the bias adjustment (AFAIR) was very coarse. Meaning you had problems to make fine adjustments.
@@BorisZech Gotcha, thanks for elaborating. I think it might even have been an offset adjustment, but either way, this can be addressed by using multi-turn trimmers. I find this overkill in most domestic gear, but sometimes it's a good plan.
Our turntable same model KD 3100 will not auto-return at end of the album. The cue main button will lift the arm and return it home automatically. We had the main power board replaced and recapped. The motor and motor board were replaced. It works perfectly otherwise. I did not even know it was supposed to auto-return at end of play on its own I always used the cue button. It was greased at the time of service. Did we miss something? A retired stereo repairman helped us with all this during the pandemic year. Would be cool if it auto returned on its own but not a big deal again I didn't even know it was supposed to. My brother noticed when he brought me over his 2055 for my birthday. So I guess I will be listing this up locally. If anyone wants it hit me up. Loved 1 owner, spare parts for repair and all original parts will be included. We did have the power cord and audio phono cables and ground replaced with audiophile-grade cables at the time of service last year so it's a nice piece.
Hi and yes, unfortunately, this is something I see all the time. Rather than find and fix faults, too many 'repairers' re-cap boards, thinking that shotgun cap or other replacements fix everything. They don't, fault diagnosis and repair is the only way to go. It's a dying art and worth seeking out someone locally who works like this. In my experience, almost all these faults are fixable, in the right hands. If you lived locally you would be most welcome to bring her in! Alternatively, if you can live with it, fair enough!
Just seen one of these on UK ebay (bit.ly/31dfu8r) and the seller comments "the phono stage board had a fault so disconnected internally". Not the same problem, presumably, since both channels still work, but an interesting coincidence.
Iam Own a KA 907 at the beginning of the 80 ths. Its really heavy and i import that direktly from Hong Kong. A great Peas of amplier from the 80 ths. Great Job to bring it back to life.
Amazing job getting this unit to sing again! I have 2 of these KA907 and I love it!
Thank you very much!
I'm the original owner of one of these KA-907s and recently replaced the 14 capacitors in the audio section. It brought the amp back to sounding like it did when new. I used Nichicon gold audio caps replacing the older Elna caps. The sound is once again sharp clear and powerful. The amp is rated at 150 wpc but my amp like others test out to be 180 wpc I did have mine tested by McIntosh many years ago. I've always loved this amp. I have other high end amps that I own Krell EV302 and a pair of Luxman M117 amps and the Kenwood certainly holds it's own against these other amps.
Great work there Mark and yes, these are wonderful amplifiers!
Best Amp ever!!!!
Hi, I've got a trio kd 650 direct drive turntable.. Had it since 86 and I love it, tho not playing it much these days due to the ease of Bluetooth. Really enjoy ur channel and gr8 to see the old gear. Cheers Rob.
Thanks Rob, you are very lucky to own one of the best consumer turntables from the golden age of analog. Decks like this, properly set up, are still capable of delivering the highest resolution audio possible, enjoy!
Wow, thats a very nice amplifier and you've done good job as always Mike!!!!
That is a beautiful couple
Love that old Kenwood logo. The better logo IMO. Awesome work as always Mike!
Terrific repair job ! I like Kenwood gear
I have a KA 9150 (the bronze version) with matching tuner. Hope to do a total overhaul once...
Thats really nice units !
12:33 They need the matching KT-917 tuner though :)
Have a KA-801 and this weighs an incredible amount as well and only way to move is to grab those sharp metal heat sinks.
Hace poco conseguí un 701, sigo en mi búsqueda.
Saludos desde Salta Argentina
Hi There, You mentioned you washed the amp. How did you doe that? with water and soap? How did you dry the amp?
Hi and thanks for your question. I'm often asked this and there are a couple of reasons I don't generally show the process. The main reasons relate to safety and legal concerns. I use processes that rely on experience and must be done correctly to avoid the risk of electric shock and possible death. I'd hate to find myself in a position where someone tried something they saw on my channel and there was a bad outcome. Anyway, much more on my website and I will probably make a video showing these processes at some point!
Mike, you indicated at the beginning of the video that you would give it “ a good wash.” Did you spray it all down with a non- residue contact cleaner? Sure came out looking nice! Great vid as always.
Hi Virgil, thank you, glad you enjoyed the vid. I use a washing process I've developed over the years which removes grease and grime from really dirty chassis like this one. It doesn't rely on contact cleaners, though they are required after everything is dry. Just for the record, for safety and legal reasons, I don't recommend folks at home wash electronic equipment, but there are ways it can be made safe to do so!
Liquid Audio - Thanks Mike. I leave the serious stuff for professionals like you.
@Conor Hanley Thanks for your comment but no, this is generally not a good idea, for several reasons. Dishwasher detergents are quite harshly alkaline in most cases and cause degradation of unprotected (ie not anodised or coated) aluminium parts, heatsinks etc. Additionally, relays or other parts sensitive to water ingress may also be damaged using this approach and component and board markings and designators may be removed. From a parts manufacturer's perspective, immersion for this long at high temperatures is also often contraindicated - ie should not be done, according to manufacturer data. There is no one solution or process that works in all cases. The dishwasher is OK in very specific cases, with certain types of boards but more for plastics, panels and other structural stuff. As always, there's more to know the further you dig!
Love your channel. Just subscribed to it. I have both the KA-907(and a KA-600) and KD-550 turntable (came with tone arm, KD-500 did not). Bought the KA-500 and KD-550 back in 1977 or 78. Both integrated amplifiers need caps replaced. I've lost any schematics that I had. Where did you find the schematics? I haven't looked online yet but just asking. On my really old (1970) Kenwood receiver it had the schematics on the inside cover. I'm curious how you "washed" and cleaned the amplifier. Sometimes trying to clean these older amps causes more problems, especially with the pots and controls.
Glad you are enjoying the channel! I've collected thousands of schems and service data over the years working on this gear, from various sources. I use a proprietary cleaning process. You are quite right about poor cleaning techniques, the gear I see has often never been cleaned in its life!
When you will be doing a repair on onkyo grade integra m-508 power amplifier?
How do you wash this? What are you using? I saw some foame in one still shot but i can't imagine that you were using water and soap 😅
Hi Andre, I use a method that I've developed over the years with parts that vary according to the type of contamination, components on the board etc. I will say that yes water can be used, as long as the person cleaning has excellent knowledge of how to use it safely, access to a drying oven etc.
Love your work.
That is a beast of an amplifier :)
Great video..Just subbed....
Really cool amp and well done! On unrelated note, maybe you could give me advice on this boombox i have, it has weird problem. Left channel doesn't work on radio when in stereo and opposite on tape-right channel doesn't work on stereo! Can't figure this out!
Strange one indeed, I'd really need it in front of me to get a better idea but start with cleaning everything and go from there.
Good job 👍
This a Trio Kenwood. Best integrated Amp over Generations. Trio was, let me not lie, One of technikans is now Accuphase, one is Sansui and one to Luxman. Is was an projekt, realy ons of the best Amps ever, i had one too. Im an Idiot, ive sold him, cause of a nesecary defekt. Greetings
Hi Mike, beautiful work. I have one of this but do not have original TO3s. Do you know where to find the original 2SA1065 & 2SC2489 Transistors?
Hi and thanks for you comment. I have trade suppliers that can often source obsolete semiconductors, but modern parts must often be chosen where old parts are no longer available. I don't supply service parts alone though, I only supply and fit as part of the work I do @ Liquid Audio. Good luck getting it sorted though.
Would love to own the ultimate Kenwood L-02A one day.......
You want one ?
I know how to get and ship them from Japan .
I can probably get anything but the table at good prices ....
Look up Hardoff ,
Ship using Tenso -
The Sony TA -N7B ,
Hitachi L-0D , And Yamaha M3 are honestly probably good alternatives also .
Kenwood also made a really nice integrated in the 90's I forget the model .
Recap and usually there are jumpers inside for 120v
Otherwise just get a Pillinius 9200
Yes the Labs division gear from Kenwood was that good , look at Accuphase and your basically looking at the "L" series from Kenwood .
Is it possibile to put IEC on the back pannel so I can put better power cable, if it possibile can you please recommend something best for this amp. Thank you very much
Hi Danilo, yes but just keep in mind the best connection is a hardwired one, so a good quality soldered-in cable is always the best option and usually cheaper.
@@LiquidAudio thank you very much, best regards friend 💪💪
Yo quiero uno
Saludos desde Salta Argentina
When I bought this kind of equipment how is the price now.
Prices vary according to condition, service history, market factors and so on.
Fantastic job. This amp is worthy of a complete restoration. One of the best integrated amps ever made, also designed by people who went on to create Accuphase if I’m not mistaken. Have you ever had a chance to work on any Kenwood “L” series gear? L-07M for instance
Hi Connor, agreed, great amp. Yes I have worked on L series gear, lots of L-1000 systems and I own an L-07D for example.
@Liquid Audio: How does the Kenwood KA-907 compare to the Yamaha CA-2010 from your point of view?
Good question and this depends on the parameters of comparison. In terms of sound, I've obviously listend to them both, at different times and both sound fantastic. I've not had them, in my reference setup though, just my workshop system, so I can't give much more than that they are both fantastic sounding amplifiers. Both are aimed at about the same point in the market, though the design and execution are different. Both are very well made, so I don't think you could go wrong with either.
@@LiquidAudio Thanks. Can you elaborate a bit more on the differences in design and execution? e.g. is one of them better suited to preserve the pure sound by bypassing sound controls? You said that the Kenwood could only be adjusted coarsly - same for the Yamaha?
@@BorisZech Hi Boris, I'm a little time-limited in terms of responses but maybe do a bit of googling on these and see what you can find. You'll find loads on the CA-2010 in the article on my website and my video - ruclips.net/video/PO6PwjW02uQ/видео.html, so have a look at that. I will be writing an article on the Kenwood, I just need to find the time! From memory, both have tone bypass which is good to utilise in most cases. I'm not sure what you are referring to in terms of coarse adjustment, perhaps you can jog my memory?!
Liquid Audio In the video about the KA-907 you are saying that the bias adjustment (AFAIR) was very coarse. Meaning you had problems to make fine adjustments.
@@BorisZech Gotcha, thanks for elaborating. I think it might even have been an offset adjustment, but either way, this can be addressed by using multi-turn trimmers. I find this overkill in most domestic gear, but sometimes it's a good plan.
If the owner wants to sell it, give me a yell Mike !!!!!
Our turntable same model KD 3100 will not auto-return at end of the album. The cue main button will lift the arm and return it home automatically. We had the main power board replaced and recapped. The motor and motor board were replaced. It works perfectly otherwise. I did not even know it was supposed to auto-return at end of play on its own I always used the cue button. It was greased at the time of service. Did we miss something? A retired stereo repairman helped us with all this during the pandemic year. Would be cool if it auto returned on its own but not a big deal again I didn't even know it was supposed to. My brother noticed when he brought me over his 2055 for my birthday. So I guess I will be listing this up locally. If anyone wants it hit me up. Loved 1 owner, spare parts for repair and all original parts will be included. We did have the power cord and audio phono cables and ground replaced with audiophile-grade cables at the time of service last year so it's a nice piece.
Hi and yes, unfortunately, this is something I see all the time. Rather than find and fix faults, too many 'repairers' re-cap boards, thinking that shotgun cap or other replacements fix everything. They don't, fault diagnosis and repair is the only way to go. It's a dying art and worth seeking out someone locally who works like this. In my experience, almost all these faults are fixable, in the right hands. If you lived locally you would be most welcome to bring her in! Alternatively, if you can live with it, fair enough!
This is 60 lbs
Just seen one of these on UK ebay (bit.ly/31dfu8r) and the seller comments "the phono stage board had a fault so disconnected internally". Not the same problem, presumably, since both channels still work, but an interesting coincidence.
I used to have this amp until I heard a Naim integrated amp. Sorry it was no turning back