Read the AIG FM Tuner Project Introduction

This is the first of 3 KT-7500 tuners, all different in features and cosmetics, this being the beauty of the bunch in its oiled Walnut case that is almost flawless. Another to come will have professional Filter mods for DX reception capability.

The KT-7500 is similar in front panel features to the 7300 lower model, also included in The FM Tuner Project, but here with the addition of FM IF Narrow selection at right front panel beside the Muting control. Tuning is at Centre, and Mode Selector (AM, Auto, MPX Filter, Mono) at extreme right. On the rear panel there are both Fixed and Variable outputs, finger screw-tap antenna inputs, with one for stripped 75-ohm coax cable. There are also RCA scope outputs, a De-Emphasis switch (75/25 microseconds), and dual 120/220 power capability. This 7500 is not only pretty, but is versatile and can cook almost anywhere!

In our reception tests, this 7500 received 45 stations on our tower yagi directional antenna in somewhat poor reception conditions, but did better with the omni Lindsay double dipole with 53. Its improved selectivity over the KT-7300 was the likely cause for this, and it does ferret out more of the close-together stations. The dial calibration was a bit off at the top of the dial, but only by about 100 kHz or less. Sound quality was excellent, typical of the 7000-Series tuners, with a more open quality than some other brands, and good stereo quieting with most weaker signals. It was a tempting tuner to consider keeping, but practicality prevailed, so here it is for your perusal. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying its combination of looks and performance!

This is the 2nd of 3 KT-7500 tuners, all different in features and cosmetics, this being the DX-modded one on its Narrow IF path, these Filter mods for DX reception capability. I’ll talk about the improvements in our test summary below.

The KT-7500 is similar in front panel features to the 7300 lower model, also up for sale in The FM Tuner Project, but with that addition of FM IF Narrow selection at right front panel beside the Muting control. Tuning is at Centre, and Mode Selector (AM, Auto, MPX Filter, Mono) at extreme right. On the rear panel there are both Fixed and Variable outputs, finger screw-tap 300-ohm antenna inputs (that have been disengaged in favor of a single added screw-on 75-ohm coaxial connector). There are also RCA scope outputs, and a De-Emphasis switch (75/25 microseconds). The coaxial connector is the only change in the front or rear panels from a stock KT-7500.

In our reception tests, in narrow mode, this DX KT-7500 received 60 stations on our tower 75-0hm yagi directional antenna in somewhat poor reception conditions on the same day as the other 7500s were evaluated. Its improved selectivity over the other tuners was evident, and it does ferret out many more of the close-together stations. The dial calibration was bang-on. Sound quality was excellent, typical of the 7000-Series tuners, with a more open quality than some other brands, and good stereo quieting with most weaker signals. There was some slight sacrifice of that openness in the Narrow DX mode. But, the fact is, with many such distant stations, the signals will not be quite as clean as closer ones, anyway, though this tuner does its best to maintain stereo separation and low background noise.

Cosmetically, it is excellent, with just a slight and fixable bend in the upper left front panel corner, and very few scratches or dings elsewhere. Flywheel dial action is super smooth even for this generation of Kenwoods. Like the other KT-7500s, it comes with a copy of the full Service manual. I don’t think there’s much to add with respect to KT-7500 #3, except that it came without its rubber feet, but was similar in performance to the wood-encased one.

Andrew Marshall