If you’re on the hunt for a vintage Kenwood amplifier, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best vintage Kenwood amplifiers on the market, as well as providing some helpful reviews to guide you in your purchase. Kenwood is a Japanese electronics company that was founded in 1946.
The company is best known for its audio equipment, and its amplifiers are highly sought after by audio enthusiasts. Kenwood’s amplifiers are known for their high quality, durability, and reliability. When shopping for a vintage Kenwood amplifier, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
- Power output: How much power does the amplifier provide?
- Frequency response: What is the amplifier’s frequency response range?
- Inputs: What type of inputs does the amplifier have?
- Outputs: What type of outputs does the amplifier have?
- Size: How large is the amplifier?
- Weight: How much does the amplifier weigh? Keep these factors in mind when reading our reviews below.
Top 6 Vintage Kenwood Amplifier Comparison in 2022
| # | Image | Title | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | KENWOOD KFC-1666R Road Series Car Speakers (Pair) – 6.5″ 2-Way Car Coaxial Speakers, 300W, 4-Ohm Impedance, Cloth Woofer & Balanced Dome Tweeter, Heavy Duty Magnet Design | 4.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | Kenwood KAC-M1814 4-Channel Compact Bridgeable Marine/Motorsports 400W Max Power Digital Amplifier | 4.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Kenwood KFC-1665S + KFC-6965S 6.5″ 300W 2-Way Plus (2) 6×9 400W 3-Way Car Speakers | 4.78 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  | Kenwood KDC-X304 eXcelon CD Car Stereo Receiver w/ Bluetooth Hands Free Calling, AM/FM Radio, USB, Amazon Alexa Built Ready, Variable Color Illumination | 4.91 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |  | Kenwood Excelon P-XW1221SHP 12″ Preloaded High Power Subwoofer Enclosure | Ported Enclosure with One 2-ohm 12″ Subwoofer | 4.76 | Buy on Amazon |
| 6 |  | Kenwood KAC-HQR1004 Reference Series 1200W 4-Channel Car Amplifier | 4.78 | Buy on Amazon |
Top 6 Vintage Kenwood Amplifier List
1. KENWOOD KFC-1666R Road Series Car Speakers (Pair)
If you’re looking for high-quality car audio speakers, the Kenwood KFC-1666R are perfect for you. Featuring a nominal power of 30W RMS and a 40Hz – 22kHz frequency response, these speakers deliver pristine highs, deep lows, and powerful bass without compromising sound quality or experiencing any distortion.
They’re also a great addition to your car audio system, as they feature a heavy duty magnet design with lower tweeter heights and a shallow depth for easy installation and durability. Finally, the speakers have grilles for protection and are a perfect addition to your car audio system.
Things We Like:
- – 300W peak power
- – 4-ohm impedance
- – cloth woofer cones
- – balanced dome tweeters
- – sharp-looking grilles
- – easy installation Cons:
- – nominal power of 30W RMS
2. Kenwood KAC-M1814 4-Channel Compact Bridgeable Marine/Motorsports 400W
The digital amplifier technology in this product provides a cleaner and crisper sound when streaming music or watching videos. The speaker level input with signal sensing turn-on allows you to connect your device directly to the amplifier, eliminating the need for an additional audio receiver.
Additionally, the amplifier features a high pass filter with a 50Hz-200Hz, -12dB/oct (A/B) range, making it perfect for use with any speaker.
The power MOS-FET switching power supply ensures that the amplifier can handle any audio demand, while the 1m (3.3ft) RCA cable makes connecting the amplifier easy.
Things We Like:
- -Digital amplifier technology
- -Speaker level input with signal sensing turn-on
- -2 ohms load capability
- -High pass filter: 50Hz-200Hz,
- -12dB/oct (A/B)
- -Power MOS-FET switching power supply
- -1m (3.3ft) RCA cable
3. Kenwood KFC-1665S + KFC-6965S 6.5″ 300W 2-Way
The Kenwood 6.5″ speakers provide 300 watts of power while the 6×9″ speakers provide 400 watts of power. The 6.5″ speakers have a cutout diameter of 4-7/8″ and a mounting depth of 1-11/16″. The 6×9″ speakers have a cutout diameter of 6-1/16″, 8-3/4 inch and a mounting depth of 3 inch.
Things We Like:
- -300W RMS power with speaker
- -400W RMS power with speaker
- -35Hz
- – 22K HZ frequency response
- -1-11/16″ cutout diameter with mounting depth of 3″
- -6-1/16″ cutout diameter with mounting depth of 4-7/8″ Cons:
- -No cutout for the speaker grill
4. Kenwood KDC-X304 eXcelon CD Car Stereo Receiver
With Amazon Alexa, you can ask her to do different things such as play music, place calls, listen to audiobooks, hear the news, check the weather, control smart home devices, get directions, find parking, and more!
You can also connect your iPhone or Android device to access and control Spotify and/or Pandora. While you are connected through Bluetooth, you can switch between two phones with a touch of a button.
Things We Like:
- -Can talk to Amazon Alexa
- -Can connect to iPhone and Android devices
- -Can control music playback
- -Easy front panel connection
5. Kenwood Excelon P-XW1221SHP 12″ Preloaded High Power
The Kenwood Excelon P-XW1221S ported subwoofer enclosure is constructed of injection-molded Polypropylene for rigidity and accuracy, 5/8″ thick MDF for strength and durability, and nickel-plated spring-post connectors for speaker wire up to 8AWG.
This ported subwoofer enclosure can handle 500W RMS with peak power up to 2000W, ensuring powerful, impactful bass at high volumes.
Things We Like:
- -Can handle 500W RMS with peak power up to 2000W
- -Injection-molded Polypropylene cone
- -Extra thick legs support the weight of the system when installed in a down-firing application
- -Constructed of 5/8″ thick MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) with a 3/4″ thick baffle
- -Includes a single pair of nickel-plated spring-post connectors that can accept speaker wire up to 8AWG
6. Kenwood KAC-HQR1004 Reference Series 1200W 4-Channel Car
The HQR Kenwood 4-Channel Amplifier is a great choice for those looking for a powerful amplifier with a slim profile. It has a combined Rms power output of 540 RMS and a combined peak power output of 1000W, making it a great choice for powering speakers up to 4 ohms.
It also features custom made capacitor gold-plate terminals, high density construction and a cooling fan, making it a powerful amplifier that will last.
Things We Like:
- -4 channels
- -2 ohm minimum impedance
- -4 ohm minimum impedance
- -500 watts per channel
- -4 gauge series
- -full crossover
- -540 rms output
- -100 watts per channel
- -270 watts per channel
- -capacitor
- -gold-plate terminals
How to Pick The Right Vintage Kenwood Amplifier
There are a few things you should consider before purchasing a vintage Kenwood amplifier.
First, consider the condition of the amplifier. Make sure it is in good working condition and that all the parts are intact.
Second, consider the price. Vintage amplifiers can be quite expensive, so be sure to do your research and know how much you are willing to spend.
Finally, consider the sound quality. Make sure the amplifier you are considering is able to produce the sound you want.
The Best Way to Use Vintage Kenwood Amplifier
1. If you are using a vintage Kenwood amplifier, make sure that it is properly grounded.
2. Connect the amplifier to the power source and turn it on.
3. Adjust the volume control to the desired level.
4. Connect your audio source to the amplifier.
5. Adjust the input selector to the proper setting.
6. Play your audio source and enjoy the amplified sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Different Types Of Vintage Kenwood Amplifier?
There are a few different types of vintage Kenwood amplifiers. The KA-100 and KA-200 amplifiers are tube amplifiers, while the KA-300 and KA-500 amplifiers are transistor amplifiers.
What Are Some Things To Remember When Using A Vintage Kenwood Amplifier?
-To get the best sound out of a vintage Kenwood amplifier, it is important to use the correct cable and connectors. -Be sure to clean the amplifier regularly to remove dust and grime, and lubricate the moving parts with a light oil. -Be sure to use the correct speaker setting for your listening environment – a too-loud setting will damage the amplifier.
Are Vintage Kenwood Amplifier Worth For The Money?
There is no definite answer as to whether or not vintage Kenwood amplifiers are worth their value. Some people may feel that they are, while others may not. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s personal preferences.
Why Do You Need A Vintage Kenwood Amplifier?
The reason you might need a vintage Kenwood amplifier is because they are often considered to be of higher quality than other amplifiers. They are also often more versatile, which means they can be used for a variety of different purposes.
How Does Vintage Kenwood Amplifier Work?
The Kenwood Amplifier operates by using a vacuum tube as an amplifier. This vacuum tube is heated up and then used to amplify the sound that is being played.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an all-around great amplifier to use in your home or small studio, then you should definitely consider investing in a vintage Kenwood model. From its great sound quality to its vintage style, these amplifiers will have you enjoying your music to the fullest.