KRF-V9993D, Codename: “Triple 9”

The KRF-V9993D is the most highly evolved machine of the hi-fi 2000 range. Conscious of the importance of design in the choice of a unit, Kenwood has not let down the side in aesthetic terms. () : The KRF-V9993D effectively has all it takes to seduce the buyer, with its façade in aluminium, its sides in solid timber, its motorised front open/close panel and its LCD “touch screen” ultra high-tech. remote control unit () . The performance of the KRF-V9993D is in keeping with its looks, the technical characteristics announced don’t look like risking to let us down, especially taking account of the price: around 2,100 Euros (14,000 FFR).

It decodes ANYTHING!…

The KRF-V9993D is equipped with the latest “Analog Devices” processor from the SHARC© DSP 32 bit family – the 21065L. Capable of effectuating almost 180 million operations per second, the unit is capable of decoding Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG audio in optimal conditions.

But that’s not all. The KRF-V9993D is also HDCD compatible, which can turn out to be very useful. Another of its advantages is the treatment, via a 32 bit D.R.I.V.E. III Audio converter (straight out of the top of the line Kenwood top-line CD audio range) of all digital signals, including Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG, which enter into the machine. This converter will literally “prepare” the digital signals in such a way as to facilitate the task of the DSP Analog Devices. In addition, three 24 bit 96 kHz stereo digital/analogue (ref. AK4383 by AKM) equip the six channels. All sources whose input to the unit is made in analogue format, such as VCR’s and other satellite and cable decoders, are automatically converted into digital with a view to being treated by the processor. This analogue/Digital conversion is dealt with by a 24 bit 96 kHz stereo converter, also from AKM (ref.: AK5383). In terms of power, the “Triple 9” develops 5 x 130 W under 4 ohms, utilising “TRAIT” transistors. This technology unique to Kenwood is utilised identically on the five channels. Add to this the fact that the large band amplification gives the machine total compatibility with DVD audio.

The KRF-V9993D possesses a () connection coherent with what one would expect from a serious system: Six audio/video/S-video inputs (including one on the façade), 3 audio/video/S-video outputs, as well as a multi-room audio/video output and a switching section for component video signals possessing two inputs and one output. We also find 5 purely stereo audio inputs with three outputs and no less than 14 digital inputs (7 optical, doubled-up with 7 coaxial). In practical terms, this means it’s possible to simultaneously use up to 7 digital inputs, which allows you quite easily to feed your satellite and cable decoders with a digital output. To add the finishing touch, the KRF-V9993D also has two digital audio outputs (one optical and one coaxial).

We might add that the KRF-V9993D is “DVD Audio Welcome”, meaning it can evolve into 5.1 format, and it possesses, among other things, Pre-Out outputs on the six channels, allowing you, for example to add external power amplifiers. All the speaker connector blocks are, of course, the screw-in variety, with those of the main channels being doubled. It’s worth mentioning that all the RCA connectors are gold plated.

It converts everything!…

The top of the crop, the KRF-V9993D possesses a video format converter, meaning it is capable of transcoding composite, S-video and Y.U.V. video signals between themselves. It is thus possible, for example, to input a composite signal, to output it in S-video or in Y.U.V. Attention: In this particular case, the quality of the S-video and Y.U.V. signals will be equivalent to that of the original composite video signal. This exceptional particularity will at last allow one to limit the number of connections between the amplifier and the television, and will also simplify the manipulations of inputs to the TV with the aid of the remote control, during the passage from DVD (S-video) to VCR (composite video).

To summarise, in view of the technical characteristics announced, the KRF-V9993D is a unit which is remarkable value for money. It goes without saying that, as with any unit, you should absolutely listen for yourself before deciding upon purchasing. This being said, if its sound quality corresponds to your tastes and wants, it should be said that unless you have an out of the ordinary system with super top line hi-fi speakers in a room which has a greater surface area than 25 m2, the KRF-V9993D is one of the best buys of the moment on the amplifier market

Audio Section

• RDS Tuner
• 96/24 Converters
• DSP Modes : 5
• Audio Evolutivity : 5.1
• Power (Multi Channels) : 5 x 130 W

Miscellaneous Informations

• OSD

Supported formats

• Dolby Surround Pro Logic
• Dolby Digital
• DTS

Audio Connectors

• Audio Analog Inputs : 11
• Optical Inputs : 7
• Coaxial Input : 7
• Phono Inputs : 1
• Analog Audio Outputs : 4
• Optical Output (TOSLink) : 1
• Coaxial Outputs (S/PDIF) : 1

Video Connectors

• Video Inputs : 6
• Y/C Inputs : 6
• Component Inputs : 2
• Video Output : 3
• Y/C Outputs (SVideo) : 3
• Component Outputs (YUV) : 1

Miscellaneous

• Dimensions : 440 x 170 × 380 (L x H x P)
• Weight : 18.0 kg
• Finish(es) : Silver