I have been seriously considering outsourcing an entire system to upgrade, but I do not know where to go from what I currently have. I am running a Sansui AU-919, Sansui SE-7, Sansui TU-717, and a pair of MINT condition JBL L80T's that have recently been re-foamed to perfection. I feel like the only way to move up from a MINT upgraded Sansui AU-919 would be to move into the Tube world. I am open to any suggestions. I would be forced to sell the Sansui pieces to upgrade to something else based on a financial situation. I do not feel like I will ever part with the speakers, so I feel like if I were to sell all 3 of the Sansui's with their handles i'm looking at a 1300$ budget at best. Is there anything even in that price range that could be considered in the same zip code as the AU-919. Or did I just catch the audio bug. I would consider investing up to 2000$ on a decent tube amp if anyone knows of a great one at that price.
Did I Catch The Bug!
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SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
I've owned the AU-919 and the L-80T. While the AU-919 is an excellent amp, the slightly less powerful AU-717 sounds better to my ears. I also think your L-80T can be improved upon. They are boomy and not as well controlled as some Yamaha speakers such as the NS-690, NS-1000M, NS-200M, etc. This being said, your greatest improvement will come from a speaker swap.
I don't know, I have never enjoyed Yamaha speakers. I could very easily get my hands on a pair of vandersteen's or JBL l100t's. However, for the area of listening space I have in the apartment loudspeakers tend to draw attention of my neighbors. What would your thought on Tubes be? Same speakers, but would the tubes brighten the speakers up a bit
aileenamegan
Super Member
I agree with SoCal Sam.
Even with the JBL 100 you don't improve your system. Try other speakers, there are so many great loudspeakers available. And you don't really need the SE/ - its a nice toy, but not more.
With the right speakers you'll be able to make new experiences. Surely!!
The JBL's aren't suitable with your equipement.
Even with the JBL 100 you don't improve your system. Try other speakers, there are so many great loudspeakers available. And you don't really need the SE/ - its a nice toy, but not more.
With the right speakers you'll be able to make new experiences. Surely!!
The JBL's aren't suitable with your equipement.
cnh2
Super Member
JBL L80ts are a placement hazard and very "room" dependent but they are a pretty nice speaker. Of course I'm biased since I've had my pair for over 22 years. There is not much that I have NOT experienced with these.
They are only boomy if you haven't spent the requisite time figuring out the very best placement, but believe me, that doesn't mean a month or two--that's NOT long enough.
And the right room is also important.
That said. I have a lower Sansui AU-517--never tried the JBLs with it because "tubes" are your friend when it comes to these. Find yourself a 'nice tube amp" and the right tubes and you'll hear another level to these.
Also, see the threads here on redoing the crossovers for L80t3 equivalents--makes the lower end tighter and less finicky regarding placement (I haven't done this myself, yet).
Good advice above. I like my Sansui but it will never replace tubes. Close though?
cnh2
They are only boomy if you haven't spent the requisite time figuring out the very best placement, but believe me, that doesn't mean a month or two--that's NOT long enough.
And the right room is also important.
That said. I have a lower Sansui AU-517--never tried the JBLs with it because "tubes" are your friend when it comes to these. Find yourself a 'nice tube amp" and the right tubes and you'll hear another level to these.
Also, see the threads here on redoing the crossovers for L80t3 equivalents--makes the lower end tighter and less finicky regarding placement (I haven't done this myself, yet).
Good advice above. I like my Sansui but it will never replace tubes. Close though?
cnh2
Bill S
Thread Killer
Nice gear! If the photos are actual shots of your listening room setup, then I agree that you need to experiment with placement. Those speakers are too close together and won't be able to develop any kind of soundstage at that meager distance. Get a nice spread on them but try and keep them away from corners. Try to stay a couple/few feet from a side wall. Experiment with straight on and slight toe in. You might be surprised.
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Room acoustics will be tough to create in my apartment. I am attempting to manage space to the best of my ability. The only reason I am using the SE-7 EQ is to compensate for my lack of space in my room. I have not encountered any issues with sound stage with my l80t's yet, however, I have also not been able to open them up to extreme volumes either. It is tough for me to outsource the JBL's- They hold a sentimental value to me. I picked them up for 60 bucks on craigslist and now they are mint condition. I would like those speakers to be a part of my life for a very long time. That said, I would sell the 3 Sansui Pieces if I were able to get an awesome tube amp for the price or trade value I receive. Keep in mind, I am 23 years old and in college so money is in very short supply. Every action I take has to be either clean trades or sales to take the edge of the price. I have other equipment I can use momentarily while I undergo the change
Bill S
Thread Killer
The limitations of your room will be there with tubes as well. I once shared your frustration. In the early 80s, I had a decent system with some JBl 100s pumping out sound. I lived in a rather large upper flat. Problem was, there were 2 single women living in the flat below and one must have been a nun in training or a spinster - she never went out. Every time I started putting even a little volume through my system, I'd hear them banging on the ceiling for me to turn it down. I'd see them both leave for somewhere and I'd quickly grab an album or a CD and let-er-rip. Those moments were too few and between. If I were you, I'd save up and put the money towards a new place instead if and when you're able.
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
Again, I think you are hung up on your L80T's. They are not bad speakers but the long side panels are not braced and cause the boom that tubes will not remove. Your idea that tubes would brighten up your JBL's indicates you perceive your sound to be muddy. Having owned more speakers and brands than I care to admit, I can tell with certainty that your speakers can be improved upon. Tubes alone will not give you what you are looking for. Too bad you are not open to acoustically suspended Yamaha's. NS-1000M's are pure magic with tubes, even the Chinese kind.
Again, I think you are hung up on your L80T's. They are not bad speakers but the long side panels are not braced and cause the boom that tubes will not remove. Your idea that tubes would brighten up your JBL's indicates you perceive your sound to be muddy. Having owned more speakers and brands than I care to admit, I can tell with certainty that your speakers can be improved upon. Tubes alone will not give you what you are looking for. Too bad you are not open to acoustically suspended Yamaha's. NS-1000M's are pure magic with tubes, even the Chinese kind.
It's not that i'm unwilling to go Yamaha, I have heard and loved multiple Yamaha amps including currently M-65, and M-60 model amps. I have just never been a fan of their speakers. Everyone has their own preference, I have just been dreaming about buying a new Mcintosh MC275. Once I have the amp, it will all be uphill from there just trying to find a good deal on a great set of speakers on CL
Les Lammers
Well-Known Member
Yeah, you got da bug. However, there are quite a few new and affordable tube amps that will outperform most vintage SS. Perhaps try another pair of speakers first though. :scratch2:
Thanks for the advice. Guys, I will do my best to get my hands on a great set of speakers I was thinking vandersteen model 2's. I have heard a pair of those and they played ball in an a-b against b&w 801's. If I were to order them brand spanking new they are the best bang for the buck I think
