8080 or Eight? Which, and why?

[davstev]

If you could have just one, which would it be? Today I picked up an 8080 (not DB). It's in the same excellent condition that my Eight (not Deluxe) is. Neither are recapped. Soon I will be doing sonic comparisons, which I will share with the group. But for now I am just wondering which of these two equally venerable and celebrated models you prefer, mostly based on circuit design, sonics, build, features, etc. Looking forward to your experiences with either or ideally, both.

 

[AnalogueBen]

Hard choice, but I think I'd take the Eight.

 

[davstev]

Hard choice, but I think I'd take the Eight.

Ah. And what gives the edge to the eight for you, anything specific, or just a feeling?

 

[tnsilver]

I'd go for the 8080 for better specs, higher output power, later run, upgradeability and most importantly - popularity. It's lineup is rated right beneath the TOTL 9090 and is one of the most documented and discussed receivers, which is always handy with vintage gear.

 

[Danny Miller]

8080..not familiar with the other model but those buttons can become a problem
looks similar to my 5000X in design..only thing I dont like about the 8080/9090 is the traces can lift in the blink of an eye..

 

[davstev]

8080..not familiar with the other model but those buttons can become a problem
looks similar to my 5000X in design..only thing I dont like about the 8080/9090 is the traces can lift in the blink of an eye..

Good to know about the traces issue. The Eight, is much celebrated, as is the Seven, and Eight Deluxe. A bit cliché, but it's often called "the engineer's receiver". Well built, it is. Looking forward to doing comparisons with my ears, maybe this week.

 

[davstev]

I'd go for the 8080 for better specs, higher output power, later run, upgradeability and most importantly - popularity. It's lineup is rated right beneath the TOTL 9090 and is one of the most documented and discussed receivers, which is always handy with vintage gear.

Absolutely. Thanks for the input. I definitely enjoy reading on AK, people's love for this model. Loads of good info, too.

 

[Danny Miller]

the traces are more likely to lift if you apply heat to the outside part of the trace ..almost every time even with a small tip & braid
I only heat the inside part of the traces which I found to be less less dangerous than the outer parts..I had no Issues like that with the 717 or the Marantz models however..they seem to be much more durable..once they lift its over and I hate having to deal with the aftermath no matter how insignificant the damage..it just looks like a bozo was in there..

 

[ivandezande]

Eight!

 

[MIJ_Pioneer]

I have a 7070 that I recapped - I like it a lot. Very groovy sound. Never heard the eight but I bet it sounds just as good if not better. The 8080 has a massive transformer.

 

[AnalogueBen]

Ah. And what gives the edge to the eight for you, anything specific, or just a feeling?

It's just a feeling, I'm not fortunate enough to have heard either (slim pickings in Aussie). I like the classic era styling of the eight more so than the 8080 plus it's very well regarded sonically. Win win really, looking forward to this one

 

[davstev]

It's just a feeling, I'm not fortunate enough to have heard either (slim pickings in Aussie). I like the classic era styling of the eight more so than the 8080 plus it's very well regarded sonically. Win win really, looking forward to this one

Why so slim pickings for Sansui in Aussie anyway? You're way closer to Japan than North America is.

 

[AnalogueBen]

You guys are the biggest consumers in the world!!!
Nah, but I imagine that you guys motivated the hifi movement somewhat and also having a much larger population would help. We just don't see some models you are fortunate enough to see all the time, speakers are the same. This drives our cost up because everything for sale is claimed as "rare"... this is why I now eat baked beans far too often !!