I'll continue this thread to save from starting a new one as my question is related. My question is basically: "Pioneer SA-500a vs Sansui AU 101 vs higher end Sansui"
I'm looking for a warm sounding amp. I just had a Pioneer SA-500a for testing but returned it. For me it sounded mostly fantastic, this is how I found the sound:
PROs: warm, rich and smooth, soundstage very wide; more than enough power for my low volume 25 m2 living room listening
CONs: Not much punch, transients a bit too soft, sometimes even too saturated. The phono preamp is not that good, a bit muddy, and my CDs actually sounded better.
Now I've never heard a Sansui. From what I've read the 101 might be just what I'm looking for. I've understood that it's more airy than comparable Pioneers. But I'm afraid the upgrade bug will hit me if I just get the entry level 101. So should I be going straight for a better Sansui instead, all the way to the 999? What would be a good mid way option, the 555a? Again, it's the 'warmer' Sansuis I'm after.
As background, I have a Quad 303 which had just been recapped when I bought it. I suppose due to the recapping, the Quad has lost some of its original warmth but I like its punch and clarity. The 4 big caps were apparently replaced with more powerful caps than the originals (something, uh, like 85 vs 120 ...). The Quad sounds great with my turntable but for CDs the Pioneer's richness and wide sound stage made me wanting to look for an upgrade. If I could retain the clarity and sharper transients of my Quad and get the richness /warmth and wideness of the 500a I would be happy.
Thanks.