Kenwood KA-1500
The Kenwood KA-1500 is a compact integrated amplifier from the mid-1970s, known for its vintage silver design and solid performance. It delivers a warm, natural sound typical of vintage Kenwood gear.
The power amplifier section is supported by two 6800µF filter capacitors and uses 2SD525 and 2SB595 transistors in a classic push-pull configuration. Speaker protection is implemented with two 3A fuses placed in series with the speaker outputs. The amplifier supports only one pair of speakers. Tone controls are standard, while the Loudness function boosts only low frequencies.
With simple front-panel controls, solid build quality, and a phono stage for turntables, the KA-1500 is a nice unit that is still useful today.
Manufacturer: Kenwood
Status: Active company
Official website: kenwood.com
General Specifications
Maximum power (8Ω): 30WMaximum power (4Ω): 36W
Frequency response (±1dB): 20Hz-35kHz
THD (30W): <0.1%
THD (1W): <0.05%
IMD (30W): <0.1%
Signal to noise ratio (Line): 90dB
Signal to noise ratio (MM): 70dB
Input sensitivity (Line): 160mV
Input sensitivity (MM): 2.5mV
Damping factor: 30
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω-16Ω
Dimensions (WHD): 380×140×265mm
Weight: 6.7kg
Produced: 1977
Initial price: 500DM
Measured Values
Maximum power (8Ω): 38WFrequency response (20Hz-20kHz): <1.0dB
Channel imbalance: <1.0dB
THD (1kHz, 1W): 0.044%
THD+N (1kHz, 1W): 0.044%
THD (1kHz, 20W): 0.037%
THD+N (1kHz, 20W): 0.038%
IMD (70Hz, 5kHz, 1W): 0.063%
Noise: -63.3dB
Amplification: 91.5
DC offset L: -24.0mV
DC offset R: -50.0mV
Factory Specification Sheet
Factory specification images are sourced directly from the device's original service manual or user manual. These documents are produced by the manufacturer and provide authoritative information on the product's specifications.
Maximum Power
Maximum power is measured using 8Ω resistors on both channels. A 1kHz sine wave input signal is applied and gradually increased until higher harmonics rise significantly. Typically, this is the point at which output clipping occurs.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is measured using several equilizer settings. 'Flat' indicates the tone controls are either turned off or set to their neutral position. 'Max' and 'Min' refer to the maximum and minimum tone control positions, respectively. In the phono section, the expected response follows the RIAA equalization curve.
Residual Noise
These graphs display the noise levels at various volume positions. To eliminate any interference from the input signal, the input lines are shorted during the measurement. Generally, the noise is highest at the mid-point of the volume range (50%)
Distorsion
Total harmonic distortion (THD) is measured using a 1kHz sine wave input, with the output level adjusted to meet different conditions. Intermodulation distortion (IMD) is measured using 'two sine' input signal. THD versus voltage is measured with a 1kHz sine wave input, while THD versus frequency is measured at various output levels.
