Skip to main content

Kenwood KD-3070 Turntable

It's been awhile since I've had a direct drive by Kenwood to come though my hands.  While it doesn't belong to me, it's quite interesting to be in one after all the the belt drives Kenwoods I've been in as of late.  While the base is not corian like the KD-2055 that we have for sale, there is a concrete block inside the plinth to give it the weight and I am sure it probably act as a dampener against vibration as well.

Some other odd features is the the anti-skate, there is actually a device that will hold it in place when being transported, neat feature.  As well, the mechanism inside that starts the platter and the automatic return mechanism is exactly the same as the KD-2055, which if my memory serves me right is also the same mechanism on a Telefunken (made in Japan of course) turntable.  Neat little tidbit.

It has an excellent motor with a very nice tone arm.  It is a 2-speed direct drive turntable with automatic return, what's not to love?  It has good platter mass, a nice clean design and in great shape.  It's been serviced and comes with a new headshell with leads and also one of my favourite Audio Technica cartridge, the AT12E with brand new stylus.

One side note, the strobe markings on the platter are only for the 33rpm for both 50hz and 60hz.  The 45rpm strobe is actually on the mat, the silver disc that sits on top.  Took me a while to figure out when I was adjusting the controls.

Specifications:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/kenwood/kd-3070.shtml





Popular posts from this blog

Micro Seiki MR-622 Turntable

This is one of my greatest prize possessions, well for turntables.  The Micro Seiki MR-622 is a fabulous turntable, and definitely has been one of my favourite tables that I had the pleasure of owning. Everything about this turntable screams quality.  Even the 45rpm adapter seemed to be milled aluminum.  It has adjustable feet, a side pocket for accessories , a nice heavy die cast platter and even the top part of the plinth is cast.  All wrapped in a beautiful smoked dustcover and real wood sides. The Micro Seiki MR-622 is a fully manual, 2-speed, direct drive turntable.  This means, it's low maintenance and high reliability as there is less moving parts within the turntable.  It's just a huge motor, speed controls and Micro Seiki MA-202 tone arm, placed in a overly built plinth just like what one would expect from Micro Seiki. The MA-202 tone arm is a S-shaped tone arm with excellent tracking ability.  It has an adjustable counterweight and the...

Hitachi HT-45 Turntable

I know this turntable isn't of the norm that most people want as it doesn't give that vintage vibe. However, the Hitachi HT-45 is still a very capable turntable of the early 80s. Despite having a straight tone arm, it does mean it's a low mass tone arm and generally favours high compliant cartridges like Shures and Audio Technica. Since it was made during the early 80s, it is relatively slim line. However, it still has all the goodies of a capable turntable. It is a 2-speed, direct drive turntable with automatic return and pitch control. The overall build quality is pretty much standard of the 80s. And it's quite reliable. There isn't a lot of information out there, however, there's been a few rendition of this turntable, like the earlier or later HT-40S and the Baycrest models. The tone arm shaft is aluminium, and it's relatively easy to service so it's of decent quality. As well, the hinges are quite nice. It also features Hitachi's unitorque...

Sanyo TP-1020 Turntable

That's right, I got myself a Sanyo! It's actually not a bad unit when you start stripping it down. I know, the overall black motif isn't awe-inspiring but, it is quite the performer. It's definitely better built than some other turntable I've come across. The motor, especially, is quite good. So, what can I say about this Sanyo? Well, it's definitely a CEC built table. Apparently, it as a twin called the Grundig PS-1020, tonearm looks different but, probably performs the same. It's your typical Japanese made direct drive turntable, 2-speed, pitch control and automatic return/reject (semi-automatic). It was a quite easy to work, everything was laid out nicely and everything was within reach to get too. Definitely better built than some of the Japanese turntables of the late 70s and into the 80s. I think one of the more common features with the Sanyo is the mirror at the base of the platter. It's an inspection mirror for the needle and I like it! I f...