Kenwood L-09M and L-07C In Rotation, FINALLY!

I finally dusted off my Kenwood L-09M's and L-07C and have them playing. I bought them on reputation and played them briefly to check for function and then off to the shelf they went. After several hours of play, the Kennies are still reawakening and getting better. Wow is all I can say right now!

The L-09M is rated at 300 watts and they feature dual tranformers PER monoblock! One tranny is for the HF and the other is for the LF! They weigh about 50 pounds each. Hifi-Museum has some nice photos here:

http://www.hifi-museum.com/temp/KenwoodL-09m.htm

According to this site:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/louds...h-enough-part-3

They measured 380 watts 20-20 at 8 ohm. POWER!!!!!

This post has been edited by socal sam on June 12, 2009 01:00 pm

i've never had the pleasure, but as you noted they are preceded by reputation. Sam do you have an idea of what it would take in todays $$ to replicate the function and build of the L-09M?

Sam- how do these compare to the "supreme" series of Kenwood?

The Supremes are stunning to look at and I have heard they perform greatly (not including the tuner) but I have a feeling these Kennys you have are better performers.

What's the scoop?

I have no idea what it would cost to build today but I would imagine a few thousand. "Over kill" would not be inaccurate when describing the L-09M. I can tell you I've played them for hours today at medium/high volume and the L-09M is barely warm to the touch. IMO, no amp should ever run warmer than skin temperature.

This post has been edited by socal sam on June 12, 2009 08:54 pm

Thed: The L-09M was one of the first truly fast amps and can be thought of as a statement piece for Japanese audio. It sounds significantly faster than the 700M. The L-07C is definitely faster then the 700C although according to EW, the 700C can be modded to an extreme level. The 600/650 isn't as good as the 700M. The KA-907 (Supreme in spirit but technically not) has power but not the same level of attack. The L-09M amplifies any music with the greatest disdain. There is an impression of never ending power but also finesse and separation that makes listening at any volume a joy.

outstanding! so why did you have them riding the shelf until now?

outstanding! so why did you have them riding the shelf until now?

They sat for almost 2 years! Can't tell you why, there is no explanantion. I have a set of Accuphase which are also waiting patiently...

BTW, my neighbor is having a loud party so I have the GREEN LIGHT to pound the decibels!

These can't be too common.

Nice pieces indeedy.

They are. That's why I have two sets.

I always thought the L-09M was a sister to the Accuphase M-60 monoblock, also rated at 300 watts. After all, Accuphase was started by Kenwood engineers.

http://www.revox.info/pics/Accuphase%20M-60/index.html

The L-09M is totally different...

Have your L-09M's been refurbished? The 1st pair that I had sounded very tired. I sold them and bought a pair that were rebuilt by EchoWars. I think they hold their own with most of my Yamaha amps.

Holy Gotham, Batman! L-09M's rebuilt by EW!!! Do you the L-07C and was it rebuilt?

Mine are totally stock and not tired sounding. I tried going to the amps directly but the gain control is not suitable as the lowest setting is way over 90 dB. However, the sound was exceptionally clear so I have to think the L-07C is a little tired, as you say. I have put on about 12 hours since taking them out of mothballs. They are getting better as I presume the caps are reforming or whatever.

This post has been edited by socal sam on June 13, 2009 08:01 am

I hooked up the Kennies to my NS-1000M's and my initial impression is superb. There is so much more to discover about this combo, it is that interesting and involving. The first thing I noticed is the NS-1000M seems to be made to handle the power and finesse of the L-09M. The L-09M's 300 watts open up the Yammies with ease and energize the Be domes in a way few others can. The woofers are much more active delivering plenty of clean tight bass. Some NS-1000M owners have commented on the perceived bass deficit but IMO, the choice of amp is the fault and not the speaker. I'm playing Diana Krall and her voice is indescribably good. In addition to the expected great midrange and HF components, the amp delivers the lower mids and upper bass components that gives Diana's voice depth and projection. I can sense the projection and chest of her voice, which are nuances that set this combo apart. What amazes me is this combo was available new in 1979, which is 30 years ago!

This post has been edited by socal sam on June 13, 2009 09:38 pm

Holy Gotham, Batman! L-09M's rebuilt by EW!!! Do you the L-07C and was it rebuilt?

Mine are totally stock and not tired sounding. I tried going to the amps directly but the gain control is not suitable as the lowest setting is way over 90 dB. However, the sound was exceptionally clear so I have to think the L-07C is a little tired, as you say. I have put on about 12 hours since taking them out of mothballs. They are getting better as I presume the caps are reforming or whatever.

I tried the L-09M's with several preamps. A Kenwood 700C, a Yamaha C-2x and a Yamaha C-1. All rebuilt by Glenn. The 700C was decent, but I preferred the C-2x and the C-1. I've since sold the 700C. The L-09M's are definitely keepers.

Just wanted to chime in and say that my recent purchase of an L-09M is what made me join the forum. I own 5 Kenwood L-07M (series I & II) for many, many many years now. The L-07's have been more than powerful enough to handle my needs, I never thought I'de ever find an L-09M, let alone buy one! They are beasts in terms of size and power output, I've always considered this amp to be overkill.

I got one at a pretty reasonable price (500.00 USD) and its in near-mint condition. No scratches, gauge, lights, everything works really well. I've got it on work-horse duty powering my 15" subwoofer, first amp that was able to make this JBL sub get *close* to its limitations. Note that I said close, because I've still been unable to find its achilles heel.

Mike

does anybody got a picture of the l-09m?