Kenwood KX-9010

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Kenwood
• Model: KX-9010
• Type: Compact Cassette Tape Deck
• Type: Front loader
• Years of manufacture: 1989 - 1992
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Black
• Mains connection: 220 V / 50 Hz
• Power consumption: 25 W
• Dimensions: 440 x 127 x 321 mm (WxHxD)
• Mass: 6.7 kg
• Original price approx.: 1.200 DM

Technical Data

• HF premagnetization: 105 kHz
• Audio heads: 1 x recording head, 1x playback head (amorphous alloy), 1 x erasing head (ferrite-sendust)
• Motors: 3
  • Direct drive (FG servo runner for tone shaft drive, double capstan, coupled via flat belt),
  • DC drive for winding plate,
  • DC drive for control functions and head carriage.
• Synchronous drive fluctuations: 0.024 % (WRMS) / 0.06 % (DIN) / (Audio 7/1989: 0.03 % DIN, evaluated).
• Tape types: IEC Type I, II, IV
• Frequency response:
  • Type I: 20 to 18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB).
  • Type II: 20 to 18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)

Type IV: 20 to 21,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)

• Distortion factor: < 0.6 % (1 kHz, type IV))
• Signal-to-noise ratio (Type IV):
  • with Dolby C: 74 dB
  • with Dolby B: 67 dB
  • without Dolby : 59 dB
• Input sensitivity/impedance:
  • Line RCA/Cinch R/L = 77.5 mV / 50 kOhm
  • Microphone 6.35 mm jack R/L = 0.3 mV / 600 Ohm
• Output level/impedance:
  • Line RCA/RCA R/L = 490 mV / 2 kOhm
  • Headphones 6.35 mm jack = 30 mW / 8 Ohm (level control max.)
• Rewind time (C-60): 80 seconds
• Noise reduction Dolby B, C, dynamic extension HX-Pro

Special Features

• ATCS (Automatic Tape Calibration System = automatic tape calibration)
• Dual-Capstan drive with closed tape guide

MPX filter (switchable)

• Infrared remote control (RC-X9010)
• CD synchro recording (via Kenwood system bus)
• Tape counter with real-time display
• Memory stop (counter reading 0000)
• Timer switch for recording/playback
• Headphone output gold-plated, with level control
• Microphone input R/L gold-plated
• RCA/Cinch line in/out gold-plated
• Auto eject (open/close): No
• Repeat playback: entire band
• Peak Hold - peak level remains "stationary" for a short time - for better recording control
• Automatic tape tightening when inserting the cassette (not yet a matter of course in 1989)

Remarks

Other models of the same series:

• KX-1010
• KX-3010
• KX-3510
• KX-5010
• KX-9010

Predecessor model: KX-1100 HX

Successor model: KX-9050 / KX-9050 S

• Apparently there were unit versions with and without microphone inputs (see photos below). These are located on the front left of the headphone jack on units sold in FRG Germany.

• The KX-9010 is a top class deck in terms of sound and construction and is on the level of Sony TC-K 770 ES/Sony TC-K 870 ES or Nakamichi CR-4 E or Nakamichi LX-5. However, self-recordings depend on the proper function of the automatic tape calibration, and this, due to very low-capacitance and age-susceptible electrolytic capacitors in its circuit, sometimes loses precision over the decades. If you are not afraid to do it yourself, you will get an absolute top class deck after a complete overhaul of the unit. However, pure opamp-prolling is not the best.

The unit has no extra bias control. The automatic calibration does all the calibration work during recording. The result can be listened to with backband control. There is no title search

Pictures

• Picture: Kenwood KX-9010

• Picture: Kenwood KX-9010

• Image: Kenwood KX-9010

• Picture: Kenwood KX-9010

• Excerpt from Kenwood catalog Hifi '89/'90

Reports

• Audio 7/1989: Upper class, 75 points - 4 ears, test winner before Denon DRM-800. 1st place of the upper class devices.
• Stereo 5/89: Absolute top class *** - Excellent
• Stereoplay 7/89: Top class III reference. 2nd place after Denon DRM-800
• Hifi Vision 10/1989: Top class, 5th place, overall rating: Very good.