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View Full Version : Revisiting the Kenwood KD-770D


Ammonite Audio
09-04-2010, 12:49
Many here will be aware that I have long had a soft spot for an old Kenwood KD-770D that I bought in Germany a few years back. It has been displaced by the Technics SL-1210 and has lain unused for some time. But now, emboldened by the purchase of a woodworking router, I have at last sorted armboards out for the old thing, using the ones that I have for the Technics. So, by simply swapping one board for another, I have the correct geometry for either Jelco SA-750D or Michell Tecnoarm. Other than this, the Kenwood is unchanged from the last time it was used, eg it has a SRM acrylic mat, peripheral damping ring and the same Paul Hynes PSU that I also use with the Technics (although set to a different voltage).

The first listening session has been with the Jelco, lifted straight from the Technics, with Ortofon 2M Black fitted up front:

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/hugocass/Kenwood%20KD-770D/DSCF0559.jpg

Set to true level and tracking at the recommended 1.5g, I put on "Transformer" as this is one LP that's been used to evaluate all sorts of things recently.

You know sometimes when you're in real need of a good cup of tea, and you get that "aahh, that's good" feeling as soon as you take the first gulp? Well, the Kenwood is definitely my cup of tea. It sounds so "right" even though it's probably less precise than the Technics, but it is an immensely satisfying sound that's truly "analogue" in the best sense of that word, without being at all syrupy. Portrayal of small details is lovely - nothing shouted out but presented with real delicacy. Now I can remember why this deck displaced my old NA Spacedeck/Spacearm/Heavy Kit/Wave Mechanic - it goes about playing the music in a very similar way.

I feel like I've just come home after a long stay away!
DSJR
09-04-2010, 14:04
What didn't you like about the NAS? - Was it too literal and a bit stark by comparison? I quite like that as long as it's tuneful and I was always able to get that on the few I had dealings with (one of which I hope to again).

BTW, did you get my PM about the mat? It's good to me and I've no inclination to remove it from its current home... :)
Rare Bird
09-04-2010, 14:09
Dave i've never heard a NAS..What i have owned was the old Dias from the early 80's hows the sound compared between the two?
Ammonite Audio
09-04-2010, 14:27
What didn't you like about the NAS? - Was it too literal and a bit stark by comparison? I quite like that as long as it's tuneful and I was always able to get that on the few I had dealings with (one of which I hope to again).

BTW, did you get my PM about the mat? It's good to me and I've no inclination to remove it from its current home... :)

There was nothing that I didn't like about the NAS, apart from its bulk; a term that also applied to its packaging! The arm might have been a weak point, but overall it was a stunning combination, properly engineered where it needed to be, and finished in a distinctive fashion;) It was a search for something compact and with a lid that took me firstly towards the Kenwood, and latterly to the Technics. When I reflect on how much I've spent on this little odyssey since parting with the Spacedeck, I do feel somewhat embarrassed.

Yes, I did get the PM, thanks, and I'm glad that you're happy with it!
Ammonite Audio
09-04-2010, 15:28
For Marco (particularly)

The Kenwood passes the Giselle test magnificently. Not only does it convey the most delicate parts of the piece in a most beguiling manner, it also does those drums too! Now, my Avalons with their 7" drivers are never going to shift as much air as your old Tannoys, but scale aside, the drama and feeling of those crashing drums is very well put across. The sonic texture of the drums being walloped is there too, along with a heavy hint of their majesty.
Magna Audio
09-04-2010, 16:01
Sure looks nice...
Ammonite Audio
09-04-2010, 16:09
Sure looks nice...

Thanks - it's a bit rough and ready in places, and underneath the classy ebony-u-like finish is a rather cheap chipboard plinth. Yet it works!
Ali Tait
09-04-2010, 18:46
Looks the biz Shug!
DSJR
09-04-2010, 20:15
There was nothing that I didn't like about the NAS, apart from its bulk; a term that also applied to its packaging! The arm might have been a weak point, but overall it was a stunning combination, properly engineered where it needed to be, and finished in a distinctive fashion;) It was a search for something compact and with a lid that took me firstly towards the Kenwood, and latterly to the Technics. When I reflect on how much I've spent on this little odyssey since parting with the Spacedeck, I do feel somewhat embarrassed.

Yes, I did get the PM, thanks, and I'm glad that you're happy with it!

If the Spacedeck comes to fruition I'm going to have a dust trap too.... The Dual has lasted this long for the reason you suggest - it's compact and the lid is easily removable for a playing session.. The herbies mat just seems to bring subtle details out well, and slightly better than the darker sounding Spacemat (and so it bloomin' well should for four times the retail cost...).

Your deck looks great and should perform better than when introduced 'cos we know a bit more about isolation, mats and so on..:)