The Kenwood KR-3600 receiver was one step up from the bottom of the line KR-2600. Both the KR-2600 and the KR-3600 utilized slightly lower grade components relative to their upper end brothers the KR-5600, KR-6600 and the top of the line KR-9600. They had JT-FET transistors as opposed to the better MOS-FET and SIL-IC in the amp circuit instead of the Dual Range Operational Amplifier used in the larger models. Still, the KR-3600 is a good receiver. It’s 22 watts per channel can fill a room with sound.
It has the signature styling of the mid 1970’s Kenwood stereos with fat push buttons and a big weighted tuning knob. It also has the basic features any music listening would need with a high filter button, loudness control, tape monitoring facilities, a protection circuit and connections for two sets of speakers, a tape deck, phono, auxiliary jack as well as headphones.
The dial face has the beautiful Kenwood blue and amber glow to it and incorporates a dual purpose signal strength tuning meter as well. The KR-3600 was introduced in 1974 and was on the market until around 1978. It retailed for around $250 and, as mentioned above, was at the lower end of Kenwood’s receiver line.
Made in Japan by known as Trio most everywhere but the US it was probably one of the best values at its price point at the time. For those interested, it does have an Aux input which can be used for an MP3 player if you have a 3.5mm to dual RCA connector cable. Make sure your player uses the 3.5mm plug. Most do but there may be variations.
Kenwood is one of the iconic names in vintage audio. While their lower end models aren’t heavily sought after they are still in demand from anyone wanting to build a good performing vintage system on a budget. With good performance, good build quality and the basic features one would need it’s a pretty good choice for entry level vintage audio enthusiasts.
I have a kenwood kr3600 mint condition. But after a while of play it gets hot by the vent. Should it get hot? When it does the sound is not effective. Sounds Amazing still. But gets hot.
Hi Ross, I have also a KR3600, and indeed it gets hot. Someone said that his KR3600 works very well until a capacitor explodes – RIP! Let’s hope ours have a longer life. Cheers!
Can you use 2 sets of 8ohm speakers at 40watts With This Unit? And Not Worry About Heating Up?
Hi I have kenwood kr3600 and out of nowhere it doesn’t turn on or even get power l plugged it into other inputs and it still doesn’t work
I Have Kenwood kr3600 Wondering About The Radio Tuner Needle Out Of Alinement? Like tuning in 96.3 but over by 92.5.
KENWOOD ,DAS MINHAS MARCAS PREDILETAS,TIVE 5 RECEIVERS ,1 TAPE DECK E UM TOCA DISCOS ,ERAM MARAVILHOSOS . SO TENHO ELOGIOS PARA CLASSIFICAR A MARCA . ´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´É UMA PENA A MARCA TER DESCONTINUADO A SUA LINHA DE PRODUCAO DE RECEIVERS.
I have kenwood kr-3600. I got it from my dad after he passed away. I hope that it will be awakened again .
Despite Pioneer being my favourite brand, I also have a Kenwood KR 4600 in my collection. It offers very good quality and suberb looks. Sound quality is quite good, however not as good as such as a Pioneer SX 850. Nevertheless, a very nice receiver to take care of with all splendor of 1970’s audio equipment.
I still have the KR-3600 I got as a high school graduation present in 1976. My dad got it for me from the “legendary” Long Island, NY stereo store Crazy Eddies. Very noisy now, tone pots definitely need to be cleaned, among other issues. Looks like it’s worth about $200 on eBay. Worth more to me in sentimental value. Thinking about getting an estimate to get it fixed from a local electronics repair shop.