Kenwood KH-KR900 Headphone Review

Kenwood is fairly new to the headphone industry. They have a couple different models. What they included in the shootout is their top of the line KH-KR900, that has a MSRP of $219. Kenwood has made excellent car stereo components for decades. Having a lot of experience with their quality car audio gear, we naturally jumped at the opportunity to include this model in our Headphone Shootout.

Features and specs:

·         Driver:  40mm

·         Magnet:  Neodymium

·         Frequency Response:  7 - 28,000Hz

·         Impedance:  32 ohms

·         Sensitivity:  102dB/1mW

·         Max Input:  1000mW (IEC)

·         Cord Length:  3.94ft (1.2m)

·         Weight:  7.05oz (200g)

·         Remote + Mic:  Yes

·         Plug:  iPhone compatible, gold plated

·         Accessories:  Detachable cable, Carry Pouch

The Kenwood came in a nice looking printed box with photos of the product and it's specs I like the fact that it also had a clear plastic window on one side so you can see the actual product. And they were well protected, held in a custom molded plastic insert. Materials used were mostly plastic, with some metal. Quality of materials used were very good, as was the fit and finish. They were also fairly light weight, which would be nice for long listening periods.

I also liked the design of the Kenwood KH-KR900. The sides of the earcups swivel, which is popular DJ feature. This allows you to hear the music, as well as those around you. At a price of over $200, they can be considered by some as an investment. The use of detachable cables I feel is a huge selling point, that way if you get a short in the cable, all you are replacing is the  cable.  The styling of the outside of the earcups reminded me of the styling of some of their car amps.  The real question though is if they sound as well.

David Bowie: Let's Dance, keyboard sounded natural, vocals sounded natural with good timbre and texture, soundstage was big, kick drum had good depth and output. Journey: Don't Stop Believing, keyboard sounded natural, vocals were natural with nice texture and harmonics.  Percussion had very good dynamics, kick drum had very good depth and played with authority. Also Sprach Zerathustra, had really nice ultra deep base with really good output. Brass was smooth with good resolution and a big soundstage. Tympani had nice dynamics and impact. Junior Wells:Why Are People Like That, showed nice deep bass with good output and authority. The vocals were smooth with really nice timbre and texture. The harmonica had nice dynamics with crisp harmonics and good resolution. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, clarinet was very natural and smooth with very good resolution to hear the breathing technique. Brass was smooth, clean and not too brassy. The bassoon had nice texture and depth. Piano was very natural sounding, with great dynamics. They throw a big soundstage.

Kenwood has a lengthy legacy of providing quality audio products.  They have tapped into that legacy with the Kenwood KH-KR900.  Kenwood showed just how strong their audio roots are in their excellent product of the KH-KR900.  Overall they had very good bass output and authority, yet were not lacking in the detailed mids and clean highs. The quality of sound is one that Kenwood is trusted to provide, and Kenwood delivers.  Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the Kenwood KH-KR900 has earned our Highly Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.kenwood.com.