The Kenwood KR-8050 Monster Receiver FM/AM Hi-Speed DC receiver as Kenwood called it was introduced in 1979. It was an advanced stereo electronically and fit into the monster receiver category by pushing out 120 watts per channel in ‘normal’ mode and 150 watts per channel when the ‘Power Boost’ feature was turned on. The Power Boost is, of course, that bright orange button on the left side of the front panel. Push that button and all hell breaks loose. Well, not really, but you do get an extra 30 wpc. The KR-8050 produces no more that 0.02% total harmonic distortion which is very good. The KR-8050 was part of Kenwood’s last line of silver faced receivers and retailed for a hefty $820.00.

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The power boost feature works only with speakers that are higher than 8 ohms. Running the boost with 4 ohm speakers will result in the protection circuit engaging. Some 8 ohm speakers may have lower impedance at some frequencies which can also cause the protection circuit to activate. So, it should really only be used when you need the extra power and are driving 8 ohm or lower impedance (8+ ohm) speakers. Otherwise just leave it off so it doesn’t consume as much electricity.

One control that is a little confusing on the KR-8050 is the DC Coupled button. What does it do? Well, it’s basically what other manufacturers call a subsonic filter (technically an infrasonic filter) which filters out low frequencies in the inaudible range like rumble from a turntable. Why Kenwood labels it DC Coupled I’m not sure. I guess it sounds more impressive.

The tone controls on the Kenwood KR-8050 are extensive. Aside from the Bass, Mid and Treble controls there is also a defeat switch and a 50Hz Boost switch which can provide a low frequency boost at 50Hz when using smaller speakers or the room acoustics require it.

The Stereo Sens button is usually kept in the 2 position when a signal is strong enough to produce good stereo. If the signal is weak then try position 1.

The IF band selector switch is used when a really strong adjacent signal interferes with the signal you’re trying to receive. In that case switch it to Narrow. Otherwise just leave it on the Wide setting.

The Mix Level control is interesting. It lets you mix in a microphone input with whatever source music you are playing. You can control the volume of the mix. Somewhat similar to today’s karaoke. Increase the mix level and the mic volume will increase relative to the input source volume. Turn the Mix Level to min then plug in your mic. Then turn the Mix Level knob to set your input level.

The Kenwood KR-8050 has large, fast-acting, detailed power meters for both the left and right channels as well as signal strength and tuning meters. They are situated above the tuning dial which makes them easy to see.

Specifications
Tuning range: FM, MW

Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%

Damping factor: 85

Input sensitivity: 2.2mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 200mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 85dB (MM), 108dB (line)

Output: 200mV (line), 30mV (DIN)

Dimensions: 571 x 172 x 411mm

Weight: 18kg

Year: 1979

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Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:14 Yamaha CA-1000
00:31 Dynaco Mark 3 / Pioneer 780
00:50 Pioneer SX-737
02:02 Sansui 9090
03:13 AR-3a
05:22 Small or Monster Receivers
05:40 Found it! The Kenwood KR-8050!
06:08 Light off test
06:33 The front of the Kenwood KR-8050
09:54 More on the power boost
10:32 The back of the Kenwood KR-8050
11:23 A little Kenwood KR-8050 history/Outro

Description info from ClassicReceivers.com & HiFiEngine.com