Kenwood KD-5070

This unique turntable is the Kenwood KD-5070. It hit the market in 1978 and retailed for about $285.00. As you can see the plinth, or cabinet as Kenwood calls it, is a little different and is composed of two parts. The top is an anti-resonance compression base (ARCB) made from a mixture of limestone particles, glass powder and unsaturated resin. The bottom is an injection molded cover. The whole thing is heavy! 10.34 pounds (4.7 kg) just for the ARCB. The entire cabinet assembly weighs in at 12.10 pounds (5.5 kg). The resin has a marble appearance to it and gives the KD-5070 a distinct look.

KD-5070 is similar to Kenwood’s KD-500 except that the KD-500 is a completely manual turntable while the KD-5070 is fully automatic.

Specifications:

• Drive system: direct drive
• Motor: 20-pole, 30-slot brushless DC servo motor
• Platter: 1.50kg, 316mm, aluminium alloy
• Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
• Pitch control: +-3%
• Wow and flutter: less than 0.025% WRMS
• Rumble: -73dB weighted
• Tonearm: static balance type
• Effective length: 225mm
• Overhang: 15mm
• Stylus pressure: 0 to 3g
• Usable cartridge weight: 3 to 10g
• Dimensions: 480 x 156 x 367mm – 18.9 x 6.1 x 14.4 inches
• Weight: 11.5kg – 25.35 pounds
• Auto-Repeat

The precision tone arm on the KD-5070 is a medium weight, s-shaped arm with detachable headshell. It is a static balance type with anti-skate correction as well. It’s not a fancy arm but very functional nonetheless. There is, unfortunately, no height adjustment on it for setting the vertical tracking angle (VTA). So, if you want to use a lower profile cartridge then an extra mat or headshell shims may need to be used.

The 20-pole, 30 slot brushless DC motor turns at precise servo-controlled speeds which results in great specs for rumble, wow and flutter. Kenwood uses power-line frequency as the reference for the variable speed control but the user can still vary the pitch by +-3% with the on board controls. The stroboscope indicates the precise speed setting.

The KD-5070 is fully automatic but there is a manual override. Just set the size selector to Manual and move the tonearm to wherever you want on the record and then press the Play button. To repeat a record just push the Repeat button. Simple as that!

One drawback of the KD-5070 is that it does not have adjustable feet. However, if desired, the originals can be replaced with Vibrapods which can provide even more vibration dampening. Options are to use the Vibrapods under the existing feet, in place of the existing feet, or probably the best solution, use them under a shelf that your turntable sits on.

Vibrapods are sold in 5 different models depending upon the amount of weight they will be supporting.

Take the weight of your turntable and divide by four and that is the weight each vibrapod will support. The Kenwood KD-5070 for example is roughly 25 pounds so each vibrapod will be supporting 6 pounds or so. That means the model 2 version of the vibrapod would work best. Most lighter turntables are better suited to model 1. A higher weight rating for the pod isn’t better as the more dense the pod is the less it will dampen vibration when supporting a light component. So, you need a vibrapod that isn’t too dense to reduce vibration and is not too soft that it compresses too much.

Overall, the Kenwood KD-5070 is a very nice, sturdy turntable. It’s unique look and excellent performance make it very desirable. If you’re looking for a high performing, fully automatic turntable then the Kenwood KD-5070 may be for you.