mrharrison
Member
Hi all
I find myself ogling images, used listings and forum threads about 70s Sansui receivers recently. I have no idea where this urge came from and I am finding it hard to resist. I think it's a combination about how they look (there's something about the older ones - 2000x, 5000x etc) and the endless positive reports from Sansui-lovers. I also like the idea of using a component from the same era as my speakers.
My speakers are JBL L65As - please don't start an argument about whether they are "Jubals" or not - and I am currently driving them with a modern 100W power amp. The sound is clean and powerful, but perhaps a little clinical and dry. I also want to add FM to my source options. My only other source is my computer. I might add a turntable one day. According to Audio-Database, the JBLs are 89dB and 8 ohm. For context, I am in Europe, where Sansui receivers seem to be harder to find than in the US.
Now we come to the bit about specific models. There seem to be various "series" from particular eras.
Late 60s - early/mid 70s (2000x, 5000x etc)
These have really caught my eye, but I'm not sure how they would pair with my JBLs. Based on what I've read, they tend to have the warmest sound, perhaps coming so soon after the valve era. Plus points for the wood cases too.
Mid - Late 70s (5050, 8080 and the 8080DB and 9090DB etc.)
These seem to be well regarded, and praised for build quality. Still a warm sound, but perhaps less so than the previous series. Wood cases again (I think?), very nice. Not sure if the Dolby ones are a good or bad thing, though.
Mid - Late 70s - Early 80s (G-series)
These also are well regarded, but perhaps slightly lesser build quality than previous series. Also a more "accurate" sound with significantly lower distortion measurements, but also less warmth maybe? I also don't like the all-silver look so much, but if the sound is that much better, then maybe I can learn to...?
Obviously there are others, in particular the "single number series" Seven, Eight etc. and the 221-881 series. I have no idea where either of these fit in.
Anyone care to enlighten me on differences, favourites, compatibility with JBL L65s/Jubals etc.?
I find myself ogling images, used listings and forum threads about 70s Sansui receivers recently. I have no idea where this urge came from and I am finding it hard to resist. I think it's a combination about how they look (there's something about the older ones - 2000x, 5000x etc) and the endless positive reports from Sansui-lovers. I also like the idea of using a component from the same era as my speakers.
My speakers are JBL L65As - please don't start an argument about whether they are "Jubals" or not - and I am currently driving them with a modern 100W power amp. The sound is clean and powerful, but perhaps a little clinical and dry. I also want to add FM to my source options. My only other source is my computer. I might add a turntable one day. According to Audio-Database, the JBLs are 89dB and 8 ohm. For context, I am in Europe, where Sansui receivers seem to be harder to find than in the US.
Now we come to the bit about specific models. There seem to be various "series" from particular eras.
Late 60s - early/mid 70s (2000x, 5000x etc)
These have really caught my eye, but I'm not sure how they would pair with my JBLs. Based on what I've read, they tend to have the warmest sound, perhaps coming so soon after the valve era. Plus points for the wood cases too.
Mid - Late 70s (5050, 8080 and the 8080DB and 9090DB etc.)
These seem to be well regarded, and praised for build quality. Still a warm sound, but perhaps less so than the previous series. Wood cases again (I think?), very nice. Not sure if the Dolby ones are a good or bad thing, though.
Mid - Late 70s - Early 80s (G-series)
These also are well regarded, but perhaps slightly lesser build quality than previous series. Also a more "accurate" sound with significantly lower distortion measurements, but also less warmth maybe? I also don't like the all-silver look so much, but if the sound is that much better, then maybe I can learn to...?
Obviously there are others, in particular the "single number series" Seven, Eight etc. and the 221-881 series. I have no idea where either of these fit in.
Anyone care to enlighten me on differences, favourites, compatibility with JBL L65s/Jubals etc.?
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