RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This is a genuine buyer’s opportunity in the vintage integrated amp market, where the Kenwood KA-3500 at £126 is a strong bargain, sitting at the 25th percentile of recent GBP listings and well below the £193 median. With comparable UK asking prices ranging from £126 to £260, this listing hits the floor of the market, making it an excellent entry point for enthusiasts seeking solid vintage performance without the premium tags seen on restored or accessorized units.
The KA-3500 is well-regarded for its 40W per channel output, remarkably low 0.2% THD, and clean, musical phono stage that still competes with modern budget gear. It’s a robust, 7.5kg unit from 1976 that delivers warm, full-range sound with minimal distortion. At this price, even if condition is unverified, the upside is substantial: a working example could be a hidden gem, and any needed restoration costs are easily covered by the £67 gap to the median. This is a buy-now deal for those who value vintage Kenwood reliability and sonic character.
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.
See all Kenwood listings on RADAR.
