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The Vintage Kenwood/Trio KA-3500 Stereo Integrated Amplifier is a high-quality audio component manufactured in Japan by the renowned brand Kenwood. This amplifier, known for its durability and performance, is a sought-after piece for collectors and audiophiles alike. With its fully tested functionality, this unit offers a classic sound experience for all your vintage audio equipment.The Kenwood KA-3500 is a highly regarded, mid-1970s vintage integrated stereo amplifier. Known among audiophiles as a "giant killer", it delivers 40 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It features a robust, brushed-aluminum faceplate, a dedicated phono input for turntables, and classic tone controls with satisfying, notched knobs. Cleaned, recapped, serviced on both preamp boards, and power amp board. This and drives any speaker I threw at it with authority but with a warm analog sound. One of my favorite Amplifiers of all time.SpecificationsPower output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo) 45 watts per channel into 4 ΩFrequency response: 20Hz to 20kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.2%Damping factor: 50Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)Signal to noise ratio: 76dB (MM), 90dB (line)Output: 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN)Dimensions: 380 x 140 x 255mmWeight: 7.8kgYear: 1977This heavy unit will be double-boxed and wrapped securely in thick bubble wrap/foam to ensure safe transit.Vintage Disclaimer: While this amplifier functions flawlessly right now, it is nearly 50 years old and contains original internal components. Because of this, it is sold AS-IS with no long-term guarantees or warranties.
At US$550, this Kenwood KA-3500 is ambitiously priced, sitting well above the median of US$245 and exceeding the 75th percentile of US$386 from our recent comparable listings. While some external sources occasionally list units near this high end, the bulk of the market clusters between US$167 and US$386, making this asking price roughly double the typical fair value.
The KA-3500 remains a respected late-1970s integrated delivering 40 watts per channel with excellent FM tuning and solid bass, often cited as a “giant killer” against more expensive Pioneer or Marantz amps. However, unless this listing includes original box, manual, or proof of recent recap and pot cleaning, paying US$550 is hard to justify when clean examples regularly appear under US$300. Wait for a unit closer to the median unless the seller can prove exceptional condition and full restoration.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Kenwood traces its origins to December 21, 1946, when it was founded as Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, by a group of entrepreneurs led by William "Bill" Kasuga. Emerging in the postwar era, the company initially produced electronic components and amateur radio gear, renaming to Trio Corporation in 1960 before adopting the Kenwood name in 1986 to appeal to Western markets—blending "Ken," a familiar name across Japan and America, with "Wood" evoking durability and Hollywood. This rebranding fueled rapid international growth, starting with a U.S. office in Los Angeles County in 1963.
The brand built its legacy on high-quality audio and communications equipment, excelling in home hi-fi amplifiers like the acclaimed 1970 Supreme 1 multichannel model, receivers, tuners, and speakers with innovations such as polypropylene cones. Kenwood also pioneered car audio systems, including the first audio/video amplifier for home theater in 1981 and anti-theft cassette decks, alongside professional two-way radios and amateur transceivers. While maintaining roots in consumer electronics, it expanded into automotive infotainment.
Today, as part of JVCKENWOOD since the 2008 merger with JVC, Kenwood holds a solid mid-tier position in car audio and professional communications, prized by enthusiasts for reliable performance and aftermarket upgrades. Its vintage home hi-fi gear from the 1970s and 1980s commands respect among collectors for robust build and warm sound, though it no longer dominates pure hi-fi markets.
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