8080 vs 9090

[reggaenaut]

Is the Sansui 8080 a better sounding receiver than the 9090?

 

[LBPete]

The amplifers are identical except for output power. The 8080 doesn't have the tone range selector switches and some think that improves the sound of the preamp. I've had both and can't say that I heard a difference.

- Pete

 

[CDFixer]

The amplifers are identical except for output power. The 8080 doesn't have the tone range selector switches and some think that improves the sound of the preamp. I've had both and can't say that I heard a difference.

- Pete

I am one of those that think that the 8080 does sound better due to the switches on the tone board (or lack of them). I am going to shortly install a 9090DB transformer and power output section in an 8080DB I will have them both completely recapped and will have a test of which is the better sounding, I will invite a couple of other AKers over for the test and let them listen.

 

[LBPete]

Are we talking about the 8080/9090 or the 8080DB/9090DB? The general comments apply to both but they have very different amplifier sections.

- Pete

 

[CDFixer]

They both have identical tone boards, so I think the test on the DB version would apply to the non-DB version

 

[nosirrah]

8080/9090

Interesting thread, doing a shootout with an 8080 versus a 990 {9090 in dark garb}
When tuned to the same FM station, walking from spare bedroom the master bedroom I truly cannot hear noticable differance, it would be more telling if the rooms were the same size, but the 2 units hooked up to the same model speakers {SP-30's} the sound is the same to my admittedly poor ears...
The real advantage is the 9090 has a wood case, the 8080 simulated wood grain vinyl, the one in my spare room has sports a 9090 case...fits perfect.
Casey

 

[approse]

There's a noticable diffence to my ears between the DB and none Db series though slight. Between the 9090 and 8080 of each series I'd be lying to say I can hear a dif - but - I almost always run tone flat, that is no loudness on or other tone modifications. Due to lack of original replacements I've been running my 9090 "technically" as a hot 8080, only 4 outputs. Made no dif to it's actual sound I can tell. Ker ching..... two cents!