
( Brand: Kenwood ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 6146B-5BY12 ), ( Compatible Brand: For Kenwood ), ( Type: Tube Set ), ( Band: Hf ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( To Fit: Ham Radio Transceiver )
The Kenwood 6146B series of portable speakers represents a refined blend of cutting-edge audio technology and uncompromising portability, designed to deliver studio-quality sound in any environment. At the heart of this system lies the **5-by-12" woofer and 12-by-7" binocular (dual) subwoofer**, a powerhouse combination engineered to produce deep, resonant bass and crisp, detailed highs with remarkable clarity. The **6146B** is built with Kenwood s signature durability, featuring rugged, weather-resistant materials that ensure reliability whether you re setting up for an outdoor festival, a corporate event, or a high-end home audio installation. The **TS-520, TS-530, TS-820, and TS-830** amplifiers within this lineup offer versatile power options, ranging from **500 watts to 1,000 watts RMS per channel**, allowing for seamless integration with a variety of sound systems, from live performances to professional PA setups. The **TS-520** and **TS-530** models provide compact yet powerful solutions for smaller venues, while the **TS-820** and **TS-830** deliver high-end performance for larger-scale events, all while maintaining Kenwood s reputation for precision engineering and low distortion.
What truly sets the Kenwood 6146B apart is its **binocular subwoofer design**, which eliminates phase cancellation and enhances bass response with a wider dispersion pattern, ensuring a fuller, more immersive soundstage. The **6146BS** variant further refines this experience with optimized tuning for even deeper, more accurate low-end performance, making it ideal for applications where bass fidelity is paramount. Each speaker is meticulously crafted with **high-efficiency drivers**, **low-impedance voice coils**, and **Kenwood s proprietary crossover networks** to maximize efficiency and minimize power loss, resulting in a system that is as energy-efficient as it is powerful. The **TS amplifiers** are equipped with **class-D technology**, reducing heat output and improving reliability, while their **adjustable gain controls** and **balanced XLR inputs** allow for seamless integration with professional audio consoles and mixers.
Beyond its technical prowess, the Kenwood 6146B series is designed with practicality in mind. The **rugged, all-weather construction** ensures resistance to moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The **foldable and lightweight design** of the speaker cabinets simplifies transportation and setup, while the **durable carrying handles and wheels** on the bin subwoofer enhance mobility. Whether deployed as a standalone system or as part of a larger array, the **6146B** delivers a **consistent, high-fidelity audio experience** that rivals that of much larger, more expensive systems. With a **starting price of just $69.95** for the bin subwoofer (when paired with the full system), this package offers an exceptional value combining professional-grade performance with the reliability and versatility needed for demanding audio applications. Perfect for sound engineers, event planners, and audio enthusiasts alike, the Kenwood 6146B series is a testament to how compact, well-engineered systems can redefine portable audio excellence.
### **Kenwood 6146B (5x12) and TS Series (TS-520, TS-530, TS-820, TS-830) Pros and Cons**
#### **Kenwood 6146B (5x12) Pros and Cons**
**Pros:**- **Compact and Portable:** The 5x12 design makes it highly portable, ideal for field operations, emergency communications, or mobile use in vehicles.
- **Reliable Build:** Kenwood is known for durable construction, and the 6146B is a well-regarded workhorse in the amateur radio community.
- **Good Power Output:** Delivers clean, strong signals, suitable for local and regional contacts.
- **Versatile Connectivity:** Features multiple inputs (mic, line-in, speaker) and a headphone jack for flexibility.
- **Affordable:** Compared to larger rigs, it offers solid performance at a reasonable price.
- **Long-Term Availability:** As a classic model, spare parts and support remain widely available.
**Cons:**- **Limited Bandwidth:** The 5x12 size restricts internal tuning range, requiring external antennas for full coverage.
- **No Built-in Digital Modes:** Lacks built-in support for digital modes like FT8, JT65, or PSK, requiring external interfaces.
- **Outdated Interface:** The front panel lacks modern digital displays or touch controls, which may feel dated.
- **No USB or Bluetooth:** No direct computer connectivity or Bluetooth integration, limiting integration with modern software.
- **Weaker Performance on High Bands:** May struggle with weak signals on higher HF bands compared to larger rigs.
---
#### **Kenwood TS Series (TS-520, TS-530, TS-820, TS-830) Pros and Cons**
##### **TS-520**
**Pros:**- **Classic Reliability:** A proven workhorse with a strong reputation for durability.
- **Full Featured for Its Time:** Includes a built-in VFO, memory channels, and a decent front panel.
- **Good for Beginners:** Intuitive controls and solid performance make it a great entry-level rig.
- **Portable Design:** Compact enough for field use but not as limited as the 6146B.
- **Strong Signal Handling:** Clean amplification and good sensitivity for its class.
**Cons:**- **Older Technology:** No digital mode support, limited connectivity options.
- **No USB or Computer Interface:** Requires external interfaces for digital modes or logging.
- **Smaller Display:** The front panel is basic, with no backlighting (TS-520 lacks a backlit display).
- **Limited Bandwidth Coverage:** Some bands may require external antennas for full performance.
- **No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi:** No modern wireless connectivity features.
##### **TS-530**
**Pros:**- **Improved Over TS-520:** Features a backlit display and slightly better performance.
- **More Memory Channels:** Expanded channel storage for better organization.
- **Better Build Quality:** Slightly more robust construction than the TS-520.
- **Still Reliable:** Kenwood s reputation for durability remains intact.
**Cons:**- **Still Outdated:** No digital mode support or USB connectivity.
- **No Touch Controls:** Front panel remains analog-only.
- **Limited Modern Features:** Lacks Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or app integration.
- **No Direct Computer Interface:** Requires external interfaces for digital modes.
##### **TS-820**
**Pros:**- **Modernized Design:** Features a larger, backlit display and improved front panel layout.
- **Digital Mode Support:** Includes built-in support for FT8, JT65, and PSK, making it more versatile for modern ham radio.
- **USB Connectivity:** Direct USB interface for computer logging and digital mode operation.
- **Better Connectivity:** Includes a headphone jack, line-in, and speaker output for flexibility.
- **Improved Performance:** Cleaner amplification and better sensitivity across bands.
- **Portable Yet Capable:** Still compact but with modern features that make it suitable for both home and field use.
**Cons:**- **Higher Price:** More expensive than the TS-520/530 due to added features.
- **Still Not as Powerful as Larger Rigs:** Not as robust as the TS-850 or TS-990 for high-power operation.
- **No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi:** Still lacks wireless connectivity features.
- **Smaller than Full-Sized Rigs:** Not as feature-rich as desktop models like the TS-480 or TS-990.
##### **TS-830**
**Pros:**- **Near-Desktop Performance:** Offers full-size HF coverage (160m 10m) with excellent sensitivity and clean amplification.
- **Digital Mode Support:** Built-in FT8, JT65, and PSK capabilities.
- **USB Connectivity:** Direct computer interface for logging and digital modes.
- **Improved Front Panel:** Larger, backlit display with intuitive controls.
- **Portable Yet Capable:** Despite its size, it remains portable enough for field use with a good antenna.
- **Strong Signal Handling:** Excellent for weak-signal work and DXing.
- **Modern Features:** Includes a built-in noise blanker and automatic antenna tuner.
**Cons:**- **Bulky for True Portability:** Larger than the TS-820, making it less ideal for extreme field conditions.
- **Higher Cost:** More expensive than the TS-820 due to its full-size capabilities.
- **No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi:** Still lacks wireless connectivity.
- **No Built-in Digital Voice:** No D-STAR or C4FM support (unlike some Yaesu or Icom models).
---
### **Comparison with the Kenwood 6146B**
- The **6146B** is a **true portable** with limited bandwidth but excellent reliability. It s ideal for **emergency communications, mobile use, or budget-conscious operators** who prioritize simplicity and durability.
- The **TS-520/530** are **slightly more capable** than the 6146B but still lack modern features. They re better for **home use or light field operations** where digital modes aren t critical.
- The **TS-820** bridges the gap between classic and modern rigs, offering **digital mode support and USB connectivity** while remaining portable. It s a **great choice for hams who want modern features without a full desktop rig**.
- The **TS-830** is the **most capable portable** in this lineup, offering **full HF coverage, digital modes, and near-desktop performance**. It s ideal for **serious operators** who want flexibility without sacrificing portability.
---
### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
#### **Best Choice Based on Needs:** 1. **For Emergency Communications or True Portability:**- **Kenwood 6146B** is the best pick. Its **compact size, reliability, and affordability** make it ideal for **go-kits, emergency operations, or mobile use** where space is limited. However, its **lack of digital modes and limited bandwidth** may be drawbacks if you need modern features.
2. **For a Reliable, Budget-Friendly Home/Field Rig (No Digital Modes):**- **Kenwood TS-530** (or TS-520 if budget is tight). These are **great for SSB/CW operations** and offer **better performance than the 6146B** without modern connectivity. The **TS-530 s backlit display** is a nice upgrade.
3. **For a Modern Portable with Digital Modes:**- **Kenwood TS-820** is the **best balance** of **portability and modern features**. It supports **FT8, JT65, and USB connectivity**, making it suitable for **contesting, weak-signal work, and digital mode operation** while still being portable. The **larger display and improved front panel** make it more user-friendly than older models.
4. **For a Near-Desktop Portable with Full HF Coverage:**- **Kenwood TS-830** is the **most capable portable** in this lineup. If you want **full HF coverage, digital modes, and near-desktop performance** in a portable package, this is the **best choice**. It s **slightly bulkier** than the TS-820 but still highly portable with a good antenna.
5. **Avoid If:**- You **need Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity** (none of these models support it).
- You **require D-STAR or C4FM digital voice** (Kenwood s TS-480M or TS-990 would be better).
- You **prioritize full desktop features** (consider the **TS-480, TS-990, or Yaesu FT-991** instead).
---
### **Final Recommendation:**- **Best Overall Value for Modern Portability:** **Kenwood TS-820**
- It offers **digital mode support, USB connectivity, and a good balance of size and performance** without being overly expensive. Ideal for **hams who want modern features in a portable rig**.
- **Best for Emergency/True Portability:** **Kenwood 6146B**
- If **space, weight, and reliability** are the top priorities (
I am very happy to answer any and all questions regarding this equipment the best of my abilities. AK, HI, or US Territories may Beau bit more. 2 6146Bs 1 12BY7. BIN $69.95 With Free Shipping.
Tube Set for Kenwood TS-520 TS-530 TS-820 TS-830. That could be UPS, FedEx, or USPS. I try very hard to SHIP FAST.