SANSUI LOVERS ... !

[the record spot]

Hi recordspot , witch amplifier you got and witch one your recommend. I understand you been looking for some sansui some time ago , wit h model did you go for and why?

I first bought the AU-217, which is a terrific amp. Partnered it for a while with a pair of Mission 752 speakers and they worked a treat. I picked up an AU-717 a few months later and it too was excellent. I've not heard the 5900, 7900 or 9900, so can't comment on how good they are. I can say that the 717 did not sound coarse or unrefined. Like I said, I'd say it was easily comparable with amps like the Leema Pulse II, Exposure's 3010s and Harman's HK990 and wasn't shamed by any of them. It was nearer to the Leema soundwise than the other two.

The amp I use now is Onkyo's TX-NR818, which is an AV amp and which I've used to bi-amp my Tannoy DC4 speakers. I wanted something that enabled me to use the various sources I have, plus access to the internet, an onboard high quality DAC and the means to dispense with a power amp. Performance is excellent. Here's the review from Gramophone:-

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/editorial/onkyo-tx-nr818

 

[the record spot]

I got my eyes on roksan caspian integrated and power amplifier M1 witch is both got pretty good review .for sansui i m thinking to get the AU-9900 , it s amp seem to be compareto some serious high end amplifier cost around 1500£ -2000£.

what do you thing ? Witch Is one are better to go for, and can you explain why?

thank you everybody for you time , i really appreciat .

I'd go for the new amp unless you like vintage and are happy to have it serviced and/or take the risks of running an older amp. It's one of the potential pitfalls in buying older gear. I'd also suggest that prices for Sansui amps, especially the higher end ones, are potentially inflated at the moment. That said, amps like the AU9900, and moreso the 11000 and 20000 are pretty rare. The last two are like hen's teeth and I've only seen one of each on Ebay once in the last five years. Prices were not surprisingly extremely high, but they had been serviced by a reputable Sansui specialist restorer in the US.

 

[spinaltap]

My first stereo system was based on a Sansui 210, but I soon upgraded to a quadraphonic Sansui QRX3000 and then QA7000 alogside 4 x Celestion Ditton 15 loudspeakers.

I often visited the Sansui demo rooms located at the base of the GPO tower, just off Tottenham Court Road - and still own a copy of a Sansui recorded demo disc.

I now run a Meridian anlogue based system that has served me well since originally purchased in 1993.

I suggest looking out for a Meridian 551 integrated amplifier, which, in my opinion is still a very good ampifier. The added benefit is that additional power amplifers can be added (biamplification).

 

[anis93]

Thank s for all you reply , for what i understand going for modern is more reliable. I get that , as for the sound wise , everybody agree that sansui is a good amplifier.

Some suggest to go for denon 720ae , i m not a denon fan really, i use to have 2 denon dual mono amplifier 4400a , they sound very very good , but it s wasn t was i was looking for. The sound stage was good , clear and rafined but not musical as much as i like.

leema pulse i can t demo them unfortunatly . So can say much.

I heard some meridian one s with some epos 12.2, its was with a sansui amplifier , and meridian cd player. I remember that i was impress by the sound .

so meridian +1

for what i understand meridian , leema , roksan caspian , and sansui AU 9900 / AU 11000 etc... Are considerate as high end product . It s is right to say that?

Why i m so confuse is because most people on on forum say sansui pro model are really really good , and they considere them as high end gear but not as middle entree level.

my question is in term of value ( price point) and electronic, witch brand and model are in the same class ( league today) of a sansui AU9900, so i will know where i should put my money on a new modern amplifier?

as i can demo please be specifics as much as you can ?

 

[anis93]

Hi spinaltap,

when you say there is a demo room , you mean i can go there and have a demo with sime sansui amplifier?

Do you have the full adress?

 

[plastic penguin]

Thank s for all you reply , for what i understand going for modern is more reliable. I get that , as for that...

for what i understand meridian , leema , roksan caspian , and sansui AU 9900 / AU 11000 etc... Are considerate as high end product . It s is right to say that?

Why i m so confuse is because most people on on forum say sansui pro model are really really good , and they considere them as high end gear but not as middle entree level.

my question is in term of value ( price point) and electronic, witch brand and model are in the same class ( league today) of a sansui AU9900, so i will know where i should put my money on a new modern amplifier?

as i can demo please be specifics as much as you can ?

Leema, Caspian etc etc are mid range amps... all very good IMO. High end, these days, starts around 2k mark. In terms of value Sansui can be good value for money, assuming it isn't being repaired every other day.

Recently I ahd my Naim and Leema back at the makers (nothing serious), and believe me it ain't much fun. Got so EDITED off with It almost sold the Leema.

FORGET SANSUI! Not because they're no good but because of age. Which car would you buy for everday use? A 1975 Ford Capri or a modern Fiesta?

 

[gowiththeflow]

I still have an AU4400 boxed up in original packaging. Bought new in 1975 and served me well until I started upgrading in the early 80's.

All the amps I've had, except my current one have all been sold on, but for some reason that escapes me now, I've left that Sansui in its box and it's moved with me from house to house over the years without seeing the light of day.

After reading this thread, I think I'll go up into the loft and fish it out !

 

[anis93]

Hi gowitheflow, , sansui amp are very good, and this thread it s to figure out , in witch league (price wise and middle high end or high end system) the sansui AU9900 . I found some on ebay around 700 £ 1000£.

i also read some sansui owners , say they should never sold they ampli sansui as they didn t find any better in middle high end modern system.

i like to ask you what is your experience with your sansui again modern one?and witch current ampli do you have ?

 

[anis93]

Thank for your advice plastic penguin.i will love to buy a modern ampli, i just need to figure witch one.i use to have cyrus system witch is i compare toba sansui AU7700 and the sansui beat cyrus by miles.he was a big surprise.with a Nad amplifier , the same, sansui was much better.

right now i am a bit confuse a this sansui beat some very good amp who have 5 star winning award in they C.V.

hopefully when i will demo the roskan caspian , i will be happy with the outcome.

Stay tuned.