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The Trio KP-F605 MkII represented one of the most interesting examples of the Japanese school of the late 1970s, a period in which technological research in the turntable sector was reaching remarkable levels of sophistication. Manufactured in 1978, the Trio KP-F605 MkII was a fully automatic turntable that stood out for its balance between technical innovation and aesthetics. With a refined design and solid build, it appealed to both seasoned enthusiasts and vinyl novices, ensuring accurate sound reproduction and great ease of use. Designed to combine practicality with sonic precision, it offered features such as repeat playback and a distinctive design, aesthetically slightly different from the Kenwood KD-5077, with which it was technically identical.
The design incorporated a fully automatic system, which was one of the most appreciated features of this model. The tonearm would automatically position itself over the record at the start of playback and return to its resting position at the end, switching off the motor. This solution was typical of mid-to-high-end turntables of the era and demonstrated the Japanese manufacturers’ desire to combine mechanical precision with practical operation.
Among the most interesting features was the record repeat function. This allowed for continuous playback of tracks thanks to the built-in repeat function, a feature that in the 1970s was a technical solution much appreciated by many vinyl enthusiasts.
The servo-assisted direct-drive system was one of the most significant technical elements of the design. The direct-drive motor provided stable rotation, reducing speed fluctuations (wow and flutter) and ensuring very precise control of the platter’s rotation. This technology was at the height of the golden age of Japanese engineering dedicated to direct-drive systems, which in those very years were redefining the standards of stability and precision in hi-fi turntables.
Although technically similar to the Kenwood KD-5077, the KP-F605 MkII stood out thanks to a different choice of colours and aesthetic details, which made it unique. This aspect helped to give the model its own visual identity within the Trio/Kenwood range of those years.
The ‘S’-shaped tonearm was statically balanced and adjustable, compatible with various cartridges, ensuring precision in reading the vinyl grooves. This type of tonearm was one of the most common configurations in high-quality Japanese turntables, thanks to its tracking stability and versatility in pairing with numerous phono cartridges.
The design also included VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustment, a feature that allowed the cartridge angle to be optimised for perfect tracking and faithful sound reproduction, whilst reducing record wear. This adjustment capability demonstrated the engineering attention paid to correct groove-reading geometry, a fundamental aspect in the design of high-quality turntables.
By choosing the Trio KP-F605 MkII, you were bringing home a piece of vintage audio history, perfect for showcasing your vinyl collection. Its advanced features and distinctive design made it an excellent investment for any music enthusiast and a significant example of the technical maturity achieved by the Japanese industry during the golden age of analogue hi-fi.
The unit has been fully refurbished and is in excellent cosmetic condition. It comes with an Audio Technica AT 3600L cartridge, allowing you to enjoy your new turntable straight away. An upgrade to a higher-performance cartridge better suited to the music you listen to will always be possible.
