Quick A-B comparisons reveal very little except for large tonal differences. We simply don't have perfect discernment at an instant. Differences in cleanliness, low distortion, harmonic shading and micro-details don't always make themselves obvious by instant A-B switching. Music itself is changing every millisecond and the brain is trying to hear the musical continuity. Long term listening is the only way to discern subtle differences between electronic components. Long term listening, remember it.
The 8006 is one of the best sounding integrates ever made; warm, effortless, liquid, and dynamic with lot's of burst power. It sounds like a tube amp but with slam in the bass. It came from a time when Accuphase and Kenwood were made by the same designers and it has a lot in common with Accuphase amps in both build quality and sound. Parts upgrades can really benefit an aging ka-8006 but even stock it's quite a lovely piece.
The KA-8006 midrange is liquid gold. You can really hear it sounds better than the 801 when you focus on voice. The 8006 has no grain and female voice has a super smooth texture like the surface of glass. I had one back in the mid 70s I used to drive Monitor Audio MA4s, one of my first good hifi systems and I'm sorry I ever parted with it.
I'm still using a KA-8006 purchased in the mid 70s. Kenwood created a real gem here, one that successfully combines unusually beautiful features, outstanding sound quality, and apparently eternal reliability.
They both sound superb, 8006 has more treble is the only difference. My Pioneer SX 750 vs SX 780 perform the same way. I use the SX 780 on brighter speakers to tame them down 🔊 & the SX 750 on speakers that need extra sizzle on the top end. Neither is “ Better “ Just different, Kenwood’s sound great
Quick A-B comparisons reveal very little except for large tonal differences. We simply don't have perfect discernment at an instant. Differences in cleanliness, low distortion, harmonic shading and micro-details don't always make themselves obvious by instant A-B switching. Music itself is changing every millisecond and the brain is trying to hear the musical continuity. Long term listening is the only way to discern subtle differences between electronic components. Long term listening, remember it.
Since I own a KA-801 found this interesting. Very similar, 801 a little brighter with the highs.
KA-8006 the best
The 8006 is one of the best sounding integrates ever made; warm, effortless, liquid, and dynamic with lot's of burst power. It sounds like a tube amp but with slam in the bass. It came from a time when Accuphase and Kenwood were made by the same designers and it has a lot in common with Accuphase amps in both build quality and sound. Parts upgrades can really benefit an aging ka-8006 but even stock it's quite a lovely piece.
Thank you for your comment sweetsweatyfeet KA-8006 has a powerful sound, bass descends low..
I have a similar sentence but better sounds Model 600 :)
The KA-8006 midrange is liquid gold. You can really hear it sounds better than the 801 when you focus on voice. The 8006 has no grain and female voice has a super smooth texture like the surface of glass. I had one back in the mid 70s I used to drive Monitor Audio MA4s, one of my first good hifi systems and I'm sorry I ever parted with it.
I'm still using a KA-8006 purchased in the mid 70s. Kenwood created a real gem here, one that successfully combines unusually beautiful features, outstanding sound quality, and apparently eternal reliability.
It´s dificult to do a test with a video but seems be that KA-801 has more high frecuencies.
They both sound superb, 8006 has more treble is the only difference. My Pioneer SX 750 vs SX 780 perform the same way. I use the SX 780 on brighter speakers to tame them down 🔊 & the SX 750 on speakers that need extra sizzle on the top end. Neither is “ Better “ Just different, Kenwood’s sound great
Ka 8006 better?
You're right :)
8006 the best!!
ka 8006 has harder and more closed sound, ka 801 is more musical and open
i AM FOR 801 - MORE STAGED OPEN AND SOFTER....
POINTLESS vid. No narration, no data, no info, no test opinions ????????