Kenwood KD-4100R - User Manual

The Kenwood KD-4100/KD-4100R is a full electronic control, full-automatic direct-drive turntable designed for high-quality sound reproduction. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for its setup, operation, and maintenance.

Function Description:

The turntable features a coreless and slotless DC motor that operates at precise servo-controlled speeds, ensuring outstanding performance in terms of rumble, wow, and flutter. It is a fully automatic system, meaning that a feather touch of the operation switch is all that is required to activate the tonearm, start playback, and return the tonearm after playback. The unit also includes a repeat mode and an AUTO-CUT function, which can be actuated during playback or to stop reproduction partway through a record. Manual operations are also supported, allowing users to position the tonearm over a desired cut.

Important Technical Specifications:

Drive System: Direct-drive system with a coreless and slotless DC servo motor (2-pole, 3-slot DC micro-motor for automatic functions).
Turntable Platter: Diameter of 31 cm (12-3/16"), weighing 1.15 kg (2.54 lbs.), made of aluminum alloy, die-cast.
Speeds: 2 speeds, 33-1/3 and 45 rpm.
Speed Control Range: Within ±3%.
Wow & Flutter: Less than 0.03% (WRMS).
Rumble: DIN weighted, better than -71 dB.
Tonearm: Static-balance type, S-shaped tubular arm.
Effective Arm Length: 225 mm (8-7/8").
Overhang: 15 mm (9/16").
Tracking Error: ±1.5 degrees.
Tracking Force Variable Range: 0 to 3 grams.
Usable Cartridge Weight: 3 to 9 grams (with supplied headshell).
Furnished Cartridge (V-39 MKIII): (U.S.A., Canada, and U.K. models are not equipped with the V-39 MKIII.)
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz.
- Output Voltage: 2.3 mV (1,000 Hz, 5 cm/sec.).
- Load Impedance: 47 k ohms.
- Stylus: 0.5 mil diamond.
- Optimum Tracking Force: 1.5 +0.3, -0 grams.
- Replacement Stylus: N-39 MKIII.
Power Requirements:
- U.S.A. and Canada Models: AC 120 V, 60 Hz.
- U.K. Model: AC 240 V, 50 Hz.
- European and Military Models: AC 120 V/220V (Switchable), 50/60 Hz.
- Other countries: AC 120 V/240V (Switchable), 50/60 Hz.
Power Consumption:
- U.S.A. and Canada Models: 7.0 watts.
- Other countries: 20.0 watts.
Dimensions: W 440 mm (17-5/16"), H 140 mm (5-1/2"), D 375 mm (14-3/4").
Weight: 7.9 kg (17.4 lbs.).

Usage Features:

Full Electronic Control: The turntable is designed with state-of-the-art technology, requiring only a feather touch to initiate operations.
Variable Speed Control: Allows for precision speed settings with a ±3% variation for music pitch-matching, using the power-line frequency as a reference.
Stroboscope: An illuminated stroboscope indicates precise speed, with two stripe patterns etched into the platter circumference for visual adjustment.
Precision Tonearm: A static-balanced tonearm with anti-skate correction, utilizing an EIA plug-in shell for easy cartridge installation.
Cueing Lever: A viscous-damped cueing lever allows for gentle raising and lowering of the tonearm for pause operations, protecting the stylus tip and record surface.
Massive ARCB Base: The chassis base is constructed from Anti-Resonance Compression Base (ARCB), compression molded from limestone powders, glass powders, and polyester resin, providing an ideal base structure for vibration dampening.
Fully Accessible Controls: The unit can be operated even with the dust cover closed.
Remote Control Jack (KD-4100R): The KD-4100R model includes a remote control jack, enabling automatic playback, repeat playback, auto-cut function, and size selection via a system remote-control center (RC-500).
AC Voltage Selector: For units shipped outside the U.S.A. and Canada, an AC Voltage Selector Switch is located beneath the turntable platter, allowing adjustment for 120V or 220V (240V) AC line voltages.
Record Size Selector Switch: Allows selection of 30, 25, or 17 cm record sizes for automatic operation.
Automatic Operation: The turntable automatically starts rotation, shifts the tonearm to the set position, lowers the stylus, and returns the tonearm to the arm rest at the end of play, stopping the platter.
Manual Operation: Users can manually position the tonearm over a desired cut, with the turntable platter starting rotation automatically upon release of the tonearm from the arm rest.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: The cabinet and dust cover can be cleaned gently with a dry cloth or silicone cloth; for stubborn soil, a cloth dampened in soap suds or mild detergent is recommended. Avoid thinners, alcohol, benzine, or other volatile liquids.
Motor Lubrication: The motor features permanently-lubricated bearings, designed to operate for over 20,000 hours without needing lubrication.
Stylus Life and Replacement: The stylus tip is delicate and should be handled with care, cleaned with a soft brush. A stylus is good for approximately 500 plays of a 30 cm (12 inch) LP record, but this varies. A worn stylus will cause harsh treble tones and should be replaced promptly to prevent record wear. Replacement styli (N-39MKIII for the V-39MKIII cartridge) can be obtained from Kenwood dealers.
Record Handling: Avoid touching sound grooves with fingers to prevent dust and excessive stylus wear. Records should be wiped with a good record cleaner before use and protected from direct sunlight, heat, dust, and moisture. Vertical storage is recommended to prevent warping and damage.
Periodic Check-up: Due to normal wear and misadjustment, a periodic check-up every two years is recommended to ensure a long service life and proper operation. This should be done by a Kenwood dealer or authorized service representative.
Transport: For relocation, the unit should be correctly packed using original packing materials. If these are unavailable, the unit must be disassembled into the turntable, counterweight, and plug-in head (shell + cartridge), and these components packed independently. The DC motor allows normal operation in both 50 and 60 Hz zones.