Kenwood KA-2600 (1969)
A solid-state integrated amplifier from Kenwood’s early high-fidelity lineup, combining preamp and power amp in one chassis with low distortion and flexible signal routing.
Overview
The Kenwood KA-2600 is a stereo integrated amplifier developed by Trio-Kenwood and marketed around 1969. It belongs to the KA series, sharing technological roots with the higher-end KA-6000 and KA-4000 models. Designed for audiophiles of its era, it features an all-silicon transistor configuration to minimize distortion and includes a tone control cancellation circuit that ensures flat response when controls are set to zero. The unit supports separate use of its preamplifier and power amplifier sections via a Pre-Main jumper, offering flexibility in system configuration.
Specifications
| Rated output (Single channel, 4 Ω) | 33W |
| Rated output (Both channels, 4 Ω) | 22W |
| Music power (4 Ω, IHF) | 55W |
| Music power (8 Ω, IHF) | 70W |
| Frequency response (Power amp) | 15 Hz to 70,000 Hz ±1 dB |
| Total harmonic distortion (8 Ω, rated output) | 0.5% |
| Intermodulation distortion (8 Ω, rated output) | 0.5% |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (Main In) | 100mV / 100kΩ |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (Phono1, 2) | 2mV / 50kΩ |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (Tape) | 200mV / 50kΩ |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (MIC) | 2mV / 100kΩ |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (AUX, Tuner) | 200mV / 50kΩ |
| Recorded output (Tape Rec PIN) | 200mV |
| Recorded output (Tape Rec DIN) | 40mV |
| Recorded output (Dubbing) | 200mV |
| Frequency response (Preamplifier section) | 20 Hz to 30,000 Hz ±1 dB |
| Maximum Input Voltage (Phono) | 180 mV (P-P, 1 kHz) |
| Tone control (Bass) | 100 Hz ±10 dB |
| Tone control (Treble) | 10 kHz ±10 dB |
| Loudness contour | +10 dB (100 Hz), +5 dB (10 kHz) |
| Filter (Low) | 80 Hz, 6dB/oct. |
| Filter (High) | 8 kHz, 6dB/oct. |
| Equalizer accuracy | Within ±0.5 dB of RIAA |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (Phono1, 2, MIC) | 65 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (Tuner, AUX, Tape Play) | 80 dB |
| Residual noise | 0.8 mV (8 Ω) |
| Damping factor | 80 (8 Ω) |
| Accessory circuits | Audio muting switch, Pre-Main jumper, DIN connector, Tape monitor, 2-speaker selector, Dubbing terminal, Power transistor protection, Stereo headphone jack, Tone control |
| Semiconductors | Transistors: 19, Diodes: 11 |
| Power supply | 100 VAC / 117 V, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption (No signal) | 15W |
| Power consumption (Maximum output) | 110W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 408 x 134 x 280 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg |
Design
The KA-2600 uses an all-silicon transistor configuration to achieve low distortion performance. It includes a muting circuit and a tone control cancellation circuit that eliminates response waviness when tone controls are set to the zero position. The preamplifier and power amplifier sections can be used independently via a Pre-Main jumper.
Context
The KA-2600 was developed using technology inherited from the Kenwood KA-6000 and KA-4000. It is part of the Kenwood KA series of integrated amplifiers, positioned as a mid-tier solid-state amplifier during the late 1960s.
Market
Originally priced at ¥37,500 in Japan circa 1969, the KA-2600 is noted for requiring capacitor replacement in the preamp circuit in some units exhibiting channel distortion. While specific collectibility data is limited, servicing can restore performance, with some units offered with warranties post-repair.
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