Description

Kenwood KT-33 AM/FM Stereo Tuner – Tested, Working Perfectly

Discover the reliable tuning and classic design of the Kenwood KT-33—a compact AM/FM stereo tuner from the early 1980s that delivers clean, straightforward radio reception. Fully tested and working perfectly, this vintage tuner is ready to complement any classic audio system or vinyl setup.

The KT-33 exemplifies Kenwood’s no-nonsense approach to tuner design—simple, functional, and built to last. With solid FM sensitivity and selectivity paired with full AM coverage, the KT-33 provides dependable access to broadcast radio without excessive complexity. The clean analog design means minimal digital noise and interference—attributes that make vintage tuners like this particularly valued by analog purists and vinyl collectors.

Straightforward Feature Set:

FM tuning range: 88–110 MHz (standard FM broadcast band)

AM tuning range: 500 kHz–1600 kHz (standard AM band)

Analog dial tuning with smooth, easy-to-use mechanical controls

Stereo indicator light for FM stereo reception

Signal strength meter for optimizing antenna placement

Standard RCA audio outputs (left/right)

Antenna connections: 75Ω (coaxial) and 300Ω (twin-lead) terminals

Compact, lightweight design perfect for modest shelving or system integration

Original design approximately 1981—built in an era of meticulous Japanese craftsmanship

Why Vintage Tuners Matter:

In the streaming era, vintage tuners like the KT-33 remind us of the pleasure of exploring radio discovery—stumbling upon unexpected stations, enjoying uninterrupted musical programming, or catching live broadcasts. The KT-33’s simplicity means it will function reliably for decades with minimal maintenance. No software updates, no connectivity issues—just honest radio tuning.

Key Features:

Full AM/FM broadcast coverage

Clean analog tuning circuitry

Stereo indicator and signal strength meter

Dual antenna inputs (75Ω and 300Ω)

Compact, space-saving form factor

Mechanical tuning control (no touch-sensitive surfaces to fail)

Fully tested and working perfectly

Specifications:

FM Range: 88–110 MHz

AM Range: 500 kHz–1600 kHz

Frequency Response: 30Hz–15kHz (FM)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Approx. 70dB (FM), 50dB (AM)

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% (FM)

Output Level: Approximately 0.75V (standard RCA level)

Antenna Impedance: 75Ω (coaxial), 300Ω (balanced/twin-lead)

Power Consumption: Approximately 10W

Dimensions: Compact shelving unit (approximately 15.75″ × 5.5″ × 12″)

Weight: Approximately 3.25 kg (7.2 lbs)

Year: Circa 1981

Made in: Japan

A solid, dependable tuner for anyone seeking straightforward FM/AM radio reception without complications—perfect for vintage audio collectors, analog enthusiasts, or anyone rediscovering the joy of radio, asking just $75; buy with confidence and benefit from Radique’s “Bumper to Bumper” warranty and Perpetual trade back policy.

Additional information
Weight9 lbs
Dimensions16 × 19.75 × 9.5 in
About brand
Kenwood at Radique
We service Kenwood, too. Bring us your own Kenwood receivers, amplifiers, preamps, tuners, CD players and cassette decks for repair, servicing or restoration (solid-state gear; we don't take in tube equipment), with a 90-day warranty on the work. See our Audio Service page

Kenwood began in 1946 as Kasuga Radio in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As Trio, it sold its products in America under the Kenwood name, and took that name worldwide in 1986. We carry Kenwood stereo receivers and AV receivers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, tuners and CD players. We've had nearly 60 Kenwood listings so far, covering about 50 different models. Every used Kenwood here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.

Kenwood models we've sold more than once include the KM-208 power amplifier and the KA-550D integrated amplifier.

The Kenwood story, 1946 to today

Kasuga Radio was founded in 1946 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, making radio components, and opened a mass-production plant in Tokyo in 1955. It was renamed Trio around 1960.

Where the name came from. Kenwood was coined in America. Bill Kasuga and George Aratani set up Kenwood Electronics in the early 1960s to sell Trio products in the US, and Kasuga said he chose "Ken" because it works as both a Japanese and an American name. Trio later bought Kenwood Electronics, and in 1986 the whole company became Kenwood Corporation.

The hi-fi years. Trio-Kenwood built KR receivers through the 1970s, the KA-1000 integrated amplifier with heat-pipe cooling in 1980, and late-1980s amplifiers with Sigma Drive, which takes the feedback loop out to the speaker terminals. The KR-A receivers ran from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s.

Today. Kenwood merged with JVC between 2008 and 2011, and JVCKENWOOD Corporation now owns the brand. In Canada, Kenwood today sells car audio, two-way radios and earbuds rather than home hi-fi.

Which Kenwood is which?

1970s KR receivers: such as the KR-2600 of 1976 to 1978, at 15 watts per channel.

KA integrated amps: the KA-1000 of 1980, and the late-1980s "D" models such as the KA-990D, KA-880D and KA-550D, with Sigma Drive.

Power amps and separates: such as the KM-208 power amp of 1987 to 1988, the high-end L-series, and the Basic M and C separates.

KR-A receivers (1984 to 1996) and later AV receivers such as the KRF-A 4020 of 1999.

Tuners and CD players: KT tuners and DP CD players and changers.