Kenwood KR-W9000S-B, the all-in-one connected receiver

Fitting an amplifier, network player, three radio modes and a turntable input into a slim 3.5 kg enclosure is an exercise in miniaturization. This connected Kenwood receiver uses the dimensions of a conventional hi-fi component, 43 cm wide and 6.8 cm high, and single-handedly replaces an entire stereo system. A single front panel handles vinyl, television, digital radio and streaming platforms.

A slim aluminium chassis with control dial

The aluminium enclosure adopts the standard 43 cm width of hi-fi components, with a restrained height of 6.8 cm and a weight of 3.5 kg. In the centre of the front panel, a 4-inch (10.2 cm) IPS colour display shows the active source, station information or the album cover of the current track. A control dial complements the display for adjusting volume and navigating without using a smartphone.

This compact design is made possible by the choice of Class D amplification. A Class AB stage delivering 2 × 50 W would require a much heavier transformer and heatsinks; Class D achieves the same power level with high efficiency and reduced heat output, allowing for this slim form factor.

Class D amplification and speaker choice

The amplifier delivers 2 × 50 W RMS and works in tandem with a digital signal processing (DSP) processor. This DSP acts on the signal before amplification: it manages inputs, applies tone adjustments and maintains sonic balance at high volume.

For speakers, Kenwood recommends an impedance of 4 to 8 ohms and a rated power of at least 30 W per speaker. This power output is well suited to bookshelf speakers or small high-efficiency floorstanding speakers in a medium-sized room. To reinforce bass, a subwoofer output allows you to add an active subwoofer and create a 2.1 system.

Three ways to receive radio

The radio section covers three distinct networks. FM with RDS remains the usual terrestrial reception method, with RDS displaying the station name and broadcast information. DAB+ (digital terrestrial radio) provides more stable, noise-free reception and a broader station catalogue than the FM band. Internet radio, accessible via Wi-Fi, gives access to thousands of web radios and podcasts, without being limited by terrestrial coverage.

These three modes coexist on the same device, with the display showing transmitted metadata and stations saved as favourites.

Wireless streaming and network playback

On a network, the receiver can be controlled like a network audio player. Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are controlled directly from their apps: the phone acts as a remote control, with the audio stream passing through the receiver in lossless quality. Apple AirPlay 2 streams audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac, while Bluetooth 5.2 supports occasional sources without setup.

The AURIA platform on which the device is based handles high-resolution files up to 24-bit and 192 kHz. The OKTIV app centralises adjustment of sources, radio favourites and playback services.

Auracast and multi-room streaming

Two mechanisms manage listening across several areas of the home. “Multi-room” mode synchronises the same music in different rooms equipped with compatible devices, like a multiroom system. Auracast, a feature based on Bluetooth LE Audio, adds sharing to multiple receivers at once: a single stream can feed several compatible headphones or Bluetooth speakers, without conventional individual pairing. AirPlay 2 follows the same approach by grouping the receiver with other AirPlay speakers in the Apple ecosystem.

An input for every source

Wired connectivity covers the uses of a complete hi-fi installation. The Moving Magnet phono input accommodates a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge without an external preamp. Two optical inputs and two coaxial inputs accept digital sources: CD player, game console, second device. The HDMI ARC connection retrieves television sound through a single cable, allowing the receiver and a pair of speakers to be used instead of a soundbar.

Also included are an analogue line input, a line output, the aforementioned subwoofer output and substantial speaker terminals. The infrared remote control, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna and power cable are supplied.

Technical specifications

Amplification

• Output power: 2 x 50 W RMS
• DSP (digital signal processing that optimizes sound and manages inputs)
• Robust aluminum enclosure with control knob
• Solid speaker terminals

Recommended speakers

• Impedance: 4 to 8 ohms
• Minimum rated power of 30 W per speaker

Tuner (radio)

• FM with RDS (displays the station name and broadcast information)
• DAB+ (digital terrestrial radio, more stable reception and more stations than FM)
• Internet radio and podcasts via Wi-Fi

Network and wireless connectivity

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 5.2
• Spotify Connect (control Spotify from the app, in lossless quality)
• TIDAL Connect (control TIDAL from the app, in lossless quality)
• Apple AirPlay 2 with multiroom function (direct streaming from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
• Auracast (wireless audio sharing to multiple devices simultaneously)
• Multiroom compatible (synchronized music streaming in several rooms of the home)

Inputs

• DAB+ / FM antenna connection
• Analog line input
• Moving Magnet phono input (to connect a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge directly, without an external preamp)
• 2 optical digital inputs
• 2 coaxial digital inputs
• TV ARC function (audio connection with the television)

Outputs

• Analog line output
• Subwoofer output (for adding a subwoofer)

Display and controls

• 4.0-inch (10.2 cm) IPS color display
• Control from the OKTIV smartphone app

Included accessories

• Infrared remote control
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth antenna
• Power cable

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 68 x 303 mm
• Net weight: 3.5 kg