Champagne Collection
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This series doesn't get much respect, seems most collectors prefer the silver face fluoroscan line. These aren't bad gear actually, but the aesthetic of this series doesn't get a lot of love, as is the case with most lines from the 82-85 timeline. Sansui had styling that wasn't as good as Pioneer in that timeframe; it was a pretty awkward era design wise, with trying so hard to look ultra modern compared to the gear of 1980 and back.
Of course, it was only a couple more years until we entered the era of interminable "black plastic crap", so these have gained some increased popularity of late, as they still look nicer and more interesting than the boring black that eventually took it's place. I've got an SR-9 packed away here somewhere, now that I think about it.
Of course, it was only a couple more years until we entered the era of interminable "black plastic crap", so these have gained some increased popularity of late, as they still look nicer and more interesting than the boring black that eventually took it's place. I've got an SR-9 packed away here somewhere, now that I think about it.
I've had some of the silver face pioneers and I understand why they're generally more sought after. I had an SG-9500 that was built like a tank. I work as a designer for my day job and one thing I've learned in my time is that continuous lines can really bring a design together, that's why I started collecting the communication series, I've always loved their continuous design. It's just a bonus they sound good too. I do have a few components of the sansui black plastic era and yeah they feel pretty cheap, but I got them for the design as well, I love their transparent buttons with light piping. The PL-50 kind of dwarfs all the other components
Funny you mention those transparent edge lit lever controls on that 83-86 Sansui model lineup. It was certainly a neat look, and unique from anything else on the market (as far as I know). I had a few of those 20+ years ago, and while the look had some aesthetic merit, the quality of the electronics was not particularly good, which was their downfall. Especially coming from a company that had enjoyed such a sterling reputation just a few years earlier.
I'll concede that I do actually like a lot to the early to mid 80's designs, with the square buttons, linear sliders, and large, multicolor vacuum fluorescent digital displays. The Pioneer SX-60 and Akai AA-A45 are good examples of this aesthetic. Probably mostly out of nostalgia,.as these were the new, popular thing when I was a kid old enough to pay attention to the marketing materials.
As for the champagne finish, that's an odd one. Luxman was the first to go all in on it in the mid 80's, with models like the C-02 and M-02, CX and MX-100, and related models. I own some of this line, and really like the look. It's pretty subtle, unless you put them right next to silver components. But this remained an unusual finish until the 90's, when it was embraced by most of the Japanese majors, including Sansui, Pioneer, Onkyo and Demon, among others. So, Luxman was well ahead of the trend with that one.
In any case, it's nice to see some appreciation for these less popular lines, as even with the drop in build quality, companies were still making an effort at doing something different and stylish, until everyone decided basic black with a bunch of small plastic buttons was the only thing they'd offer. The BPC era that completely dominated home audio (and video) until the early 2000's is a real disappointment all around. Now in 2025, there is some real effort being made at producing good looking gear again.
I'll concede that I do actually like a lot to the early to mid 80's designs, with the square buttons, linear sliders, and large, multicolor vacuum fluorescent digital displays. The Pioneer SX-60 and Akai AA-A45 are good examples of this aesthetic. Probably mostly out of nostalgia,.as these were the new, popular thing when I was a kid old enough to pay attention to the marketing materials.
As for the champagne finish, that's an odd one. Luxman was the first to go all in on it in the mid 80's, with models like the C-02 and M-02, CX and MX-100, and related models. I own some of this line, and really like the look. It's pretty subtle, unless you put them right next to silver components. But this remained an unusual finish until the 90's, when it was embraced by most of the Japanese majors, including Sansui, Pioneer, Onkyo and Demon, among others. So, Luxman was well ahead of the trend with that one.
In any case, it's nice to see some appreciation for these less popular lines, as even with the drop in build quality, companies were still making an effort at doing something different and stylish, until everyone decided basic black with a bunch of small plastic buttons was the only thing they'd offer. The BPC era that completely dominated home audio (and video) until the early 2000's is a real disappointment all around. Now in 2025, there is some real effort being made at producing good looking gear again.
I had an Akai AA-A45 but decided to part ways with it because the temptation to collect a whole other set of components was too strong. The capacitive touch volume slider and everything worked great and the VFD was stunning. I do regret selling it. I mainly got the Sansui set I have for display purposes as I really appreciate its design. But my favorite designed components in my components has to be my Bang and Olufsen Beocord 5000 and my SABA 9141. The SABA probably being the most beautiful component in my collection with an absurdly complex rotary dial mechanism just to make it feel weighty and nice
Yeah, the desire to collect a full matched set ends up being pretty strong. I ended up with the EA-A7, CD-D1, CD-A7, DT-A2 AND GX-R66 to complete the Akai set up. These may be my favorite 80's model series in terms of looks. Functionally, they are ok gear, even if they contain a lot of plastic, and the amps are all STK modules.
I had to look up the Saba 9141, and have to say that is a sharp receiver. Very industrial looking, fitting of a German marque. Tandberg also did some exceptionally nice gear in that era.
I had to look up the Saba 9141, and have to say that is a sharp receiver. Very industrial looking, fitting of a German marque. Tandberg also did some exceptionally nice gear in that era.