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Kenwood Trio KA-828 - Amplifier Condition Details:
Kenwood Trio KA-828 - Amplifier
This Kenwood Trio KA-828 - Amplifier is in excellent condition and has been thoroughly inspected to ensure optimal performance. Our comprehensive testing process verified that all seven tested functions operate correctly, confirming this amplifier's reliability and readiness for immediate use. The unit shows minimal signs of wear and maintains the build quality that Kenwood is renowned for.
What's Included:
This listing includes the original box, which adds significant value for collectors and audiophiles who appreciate complete vintage audio packages. Having the original packaging not only protects your investment but also demonstrates the care this amplifier has received throughout its life.
About the Item:
The Kenwood Trio KA-828 represents the exceptional engineering and attention to detail that made Kenwood a respected name in hi-fi audio during the golden age of analog amplification. This model appeals to serious audiophiles and vintage audio enthusiasts who seek the warm, musical sound signature that only quality analog amplifiers can deliver. Kenwood's reputation for building durable, high-performance audio equipment makes their vintage amplifiers highly sought after in today's market.
This is an excellent opportunity to own a well-maintained piece of audio history that combines Kenwood's legendary build quality with exceptional condition at a competitive price point.
With “Excellent w/ Original Box” in the title, this listing implies top-tier condition and full accessory inclusion, which usually justifies a premium, but the US$282 asking price is ambitious. It sits well above the 75th percentile of US$209 and is far higher than the median of US$120 for 448 recent comparable USD listings, making it a clear overpay unless the box and condition are museum-grade.
The Kenwood Trio KA-828 is a respected 1984 solid-state amplifier delivering 130W per channel into 8Ω with exceptionally low 0.007% total harmonic distortion and a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, making it a strong performer for vintage hi-fi. Its 9.2kg build and original-box status add collectible appeal, but at US$282, you’re paying well into rare-condition territory; a fair deal would hover near US$120–US$150 unless provenance is exceptional.
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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