Is Kenwood still top of the line (1 Viewer)

[vintagestuff]

Kenwood equipment is very well made

 

[Joseph DeMartino]

I don't think Kenwood was ever considered "top of the line." Yes, they make good stuff that is well-built, but I would consider them "middle-teir" rather than top shelf equipment. True "top of the line" brands are things like McIntosh, Krell Labs and other gear that you will never even see on the shelves of a Big Box store like Best Buy. Among the more mainstream brands I'd rank several a bit above Kenwood (Denon and Onkyo come to mind immediately, I'm sure I'll tink of other later.) And yes, I've owned Kenwood equipment. (Which I thought did a good job. I upgraded when I needed features it didn't have.) I've also owned a Denon receiver and currently have an Onkyo.

Regards,

Joe

 

[Randy Ghost]

Kenwood no longer makes home audio or video equipment and they haven't for a few years now. The only piece Kenwood made that would be considered high end would be the KC-Z1 Pre/Pro.

 

[JohnRice]

Yeah, I don't think Kenwood was ever top of the line, though about 30 years ago, it was considered slightly better than the masses. I have one Kenwood receiver from about 10 years ago, and it is distinctly cheap.

 

[Alon Goldberg]

Top of the line AV separates you're looking at the likes of Lexicon, Classe, Krell, McIntosh, Anthem.

Mid-fi you would be considering Rotel, Cambridge Audio, NAD, Integra, Arcam, and newer online retailers like Emotiva and Outlaw Audio.

After this come the vast majority of AV receivers for the mass-market.. Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha, Harmon Kardon, Sony and the likes. Though several of these manufacturers do build very high-end separates and receivers (Denon immediately comes to mind).

Unfortunately Kenwood isn't a contender in home theater. The name has more connection with car audio.

Cheers,
Alon

 

[vintagestuff]

Kenwood should really start making home audio again

 

[Ed Moxley]

Kenwood and JVC merged, didn't they?
So, you may see more from them in the future...........

 

[vintagestuff]

Yes Kenwood and JVC did merge