Hey everybody! I’m considering upgrading from my Marantz 2220b to something with a little power. I’ve actually got my eye on a Sansui 5000x. I’m currently running a pair of AR 2ax on the Marantz. I don’t really need it for higher volume as I rarely crank my Marantz passes 11 o’clock on the volume dial. This might sound a little dumb, but I’m wondering if higher watt receivers will provide more full sound at lower volumes or if higher watt receivers are just for better sound at higher volume. Any info would be great. Thanks.
Amp/Receiver Question
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fill35u
Super Member
If your current amplification isn't struggling, and you're not interested in higher playback volume, a more powerful receiver would just be paying for more watts that you don't need.
That's not to say that a different receiver couldn't sound different, regardless of power. Shop for features and sound, and power only if you need it.
That's not to say that a different receiver couldn't sound different, regardless of power. Shop for features and sound, and power only if you need it.
wmgwizard
Addicted Member
The Sansui has almost 3x the power as the Marantz, 55wpc vs 20wpc.
Will you hear a difference at low volume, probably not.
Will you hear a difference when the volume is turned up, probably. The increase in power will provide additional headroom for musical peaks or transients that may begin to sound compressed or flat with your Marantz. I'm going to imagine that at "11o'clock" the Marantz is pretty close to running out of steam where the Sansui would still have power in reserve. Keep in mind the "11 o'clock" reference is not universal, the Marantz will have "x" output at that setting on the volume knob, the Sansui may put out more or less at the same position of the volume knob.
Irrespective of power, chances are you will hear some sort of difference between the two as each has their own sound signature. Better or worse depends on you. Only you know what sounds good to you, the rest of us are just guessing.
Will you hear a difference at low volume, probably not.
Will you hear a difference when the volume is turned up, probably. The increase in power will provide additional headroom for musical peaks or transients that may begin to sound compressed or flat with your Marantz. I'm going to imagine that at "11o'clock" the Marantz is pretty close to running out of steam where the Sansui would still have power in reserve. Keep in mind the "11 o'clock" reference is not universal, the Marantz will have "x" output at that setting on the volume knob, the Sansui may put out more or less at the same position of the volume knob.
Irrespective of power, chances are you will hear some sort of difference between the two as each has their own sound signature. Better or worse depends on you. Only you know what sounds good to you, the rest of us are just guessing.
That is good info. Thank you!
The guy I’m looking to buy the Sansui off of said it has not been recapped. It does have the F-6013 driver boards tho and seems to be in pretty good shape otherwise. He’s asking $350. Do you think that seems fair?
bigaltx24
Super Member
$350 sounds a tad high for one that hasn't been recapped. It wasn't too many years ago you could pick them up for a third of that price. I have two Sansui receivers a 6060 and a 881. I bought the 881 in 94 and the 6060 in 07, neither one of them is going anywhere soon. I've had numerous Marantz receivers and amps over the years, they usually don't stay around long though, I'm not a fan of the Marantz sound. If the only receiver I could get was a Marantz I would get one of the 10 or 20 watters, to me they sound better than the higher watt receivers. One thing to remember is that in the early sixties when your ARs came out 20 watts was a powerful amp.
Good point. I offered the guy $300 and I haven’t heard back. We’ll see what happens. Thanks for the insight!