Gervais Cote
Predator
Most of Kenwood’s dual mono integrated are very good sounding and probably one of the best sound for the money you can have. They are also built like a tank with components that will last a lifetime.2021 saw Tannoy Berkeley’s replaced with Proac D15’s which suit my listening area better. I continued to refine my DAC/streamer by adding an Allo USBsignature and some improved linear power supplies.
The most surprising purchase I’ve made this year is a vintage, Trio (Kenwood) KA-6100 for the princely sum of £175. It effortlessly drives my Proac’s and has a brilliant MM phono stage, not to mention some rather hypnotic VU meters. It has resigned my other amps to the spare room for now. Next year I will restore it and possibly seek out one of Kenwood’s top of the line amps from the same era.
Just make sure the output transistors are in good condition as some of them are no longer available.
Once recapped with new Nichicon or similar quality, they will outperform many today’s integrated.