There is not a lot of information on this classic Kenwood KW-70 tube receiver from the early 1960’s. It was also badged as a Trio WX-400 in Japan. As you know, Trio later came to be known as Kenwood. It was also possibly the higher end unit of the line since there was also a KW-44 and a KW-60.
The Kenwood KW-70 has a “Tuning Eye” which was somewhat popular in the older receivers of the time. Basically a horizontally mounted tube glows brighter as the signal strength gets stronger. The unit also featured stereo FM, separate bass and treble controls and a headphone output on the front panel.
The KW-70 uses fairly common tubes in the output section which is a plus as well. Given that the KW-60 has a power output of 30 watts per channel it can be assumed that the KW-70 puts out about 35 watts per channel.
As you can see the under side of this receiver is a rats nest of wiring. This unit has also had all the gray colored coupling capacitors changed out which is pretty much a necessity in this receiver.
Tube receivers are always popular with both collectors and audio enthusiasts. This receiver would also be in demand from mid-century collectors and decorators as well. Because of this prices are relatively high.
Reviewing the factory owner’s manual for the KW-60 model posted on Hifiengine.com revealed the power rating for the KW-60 was 30W per channel. The owner’s manual for the KW-70 is not posted, so you have to use logic to assume if Kenwood named the KW-60 for its 30W/ch rating, then the KW-70 should have 35W/ch, not the 10W or 14W you assume in the description above.
Yes, I think you are right. I just checked hifiengine’s manual for the KW-60 as well and it does state 30 watts per channel. I will make the change to the post. Thanks!
I just had a KW-60 restored and it sounds fantastic!
Hello Allen, I own a Kw-70
Do you know where to find some replacement for it? I’ll need a signal trasformer marked T02-17
Any information should be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Max from Milan
the original ad says 65 watts of total power,37.5 per channel
65 watts of total power means 32.5 per channel not 37.5, as far as I understand
I OWN A KW70. HAS BEEN IN USE OVER TWENTY YEARS..HAD IT SERVICED ONCE..IT SOUNDS GREAT..AS NICE AN OLD UNIT AS ANY…I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE UNIT..
Hello Gentleman, I own a Kw-70 Do you know where to find some replacement for it? I’ll need a signal trasformer marked T02-17 .
Any information should be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Max from Milan