Dilemma - purchase a 771 or 881 based on price/value

[Dahdeeyo]

Hello AK

I’m new to the site and it’s been a fun journey learning about all the great receivers out there from the 70’s. After many hours, days, weeks of research, I’ve narrowed down my want list to a couple of Sansui models (obviously ). I have an opportunity to purchase either the 771 or the 881. The dilemma for me is the price. It’s not that I’m not willing to pay more for a better product but these two receivers get a lot of love (as do most Sansui’s from what I‘ve read ). From the posts I’ve been reading, it appears (I could be wrong and that’s ok) the audio quality between the two are very comparable and on the surface, it comes down to the watts (almost double). I’ve read the specs and appreciate the detailed differences.

A little context. I live in Canada and the prices stated are in CAD$. Also, I have not contacted either of them yet to ask if/what work has been done (recapping) or if they have the hum issue.

- The 881; they are asking $600 and they indicate it’s in excellent condition with only one tuning display bulb out.
- The 771; they are asking $450 (firm) and state it’s in ”incredible“ condition with all functions working and no issues.

So now the question………is the 881 a better “value” for $150.00 CAD more or is the 771 a better value at $150.00 CAD less? I don’t need the TOTL for any particular model, I’m looking for the best bang for my buck (knowing these are both great receivers). Any input (no pun intended) or feedback (whoops, did it again) is greatly appreciated. I’ve got thick skin so if there is a comment in my thread that warrants a Homer Simpson “Doh!” or “what are you thinking, of course you should get the xx1”, fire away!

thanks for taking the time to read the post and hopefully provide some guidance to a newb.

 

[Dan13105]

Welcome to Audiokarma. 771 owner here, never plan on selling. If your speakers are relatively efficient, the difference between watts isn't a big point (to me). Double the power is only 3Db louder, so relatively speaking the power difference isn't that big. I'd look at the features too, the 881 has more features I believe than the 771, but if you aren't going to use them, it's irrelevant. Tough choice. I've only owned a 771, so I haven't been able to A/B compared them sound quality wise. Maybe someone that's owned both will chime in. Always remember too, condition matters a lot, especially with vintage equipment. You cannot easily repair cabinet or faceplate damage, and they are only mint condition and original once. They are 45 years old at this point, so operating condition and maintenance is also a concern. I cannot say if the prices are good or not, because I'm not familiar with prices in your area, and they can fluctuate wildly, only you or someone familiar with your local market can be the judge of that

 

[eiraved]

So now the question………is the 881 a better “value” for $150.00 CAD more or is the 771 a better value at $150.00 CAD less? I don’t need the TOTL for any particular model, I’m looking for the best bang for my buck (knowing these are both great receivers). Any input (no pun intended) or feedback (whoops, did it again) is greatly appreciated. I’ve got thick skin so if there is a comment in my thread that warrants a Homer Simpson “Doh!” or “what are you thinking, of course you should get the xx1”, fire away!

thanks for taking the time to read the post and hopefully provide some guidance to a newb.

Welcome to AK!!
I would negotiate a lower price on the 881 and get it. Not a lot of difference between the two receivers, but TOTL will always retain its value better then the little brothers.

 

[stereofanboy]

I haven't been keeping track, but those prices seem way high to me. I'm speaking as a former 881 owner.

My estimation doesn't just take into account what I'd be willing to pay, but also what I'd ask if I were selling.

 

[eiraved]

I haven't been keeping track, but those prices seem way high to me. I'm speaking as a former 881 owner.

The OP's prices are in Canadian dollars, so the 881 is actually about $440 US. Pretty close to the lowest "Sold" prices shown on the large auction site.

 

[quadmatrix82]

They are both excellent i think the 881 is worth the extra $150 it’s a keeper and end game for many happy listeners!

 

[ConradH]

I can't disagree that the 881 sounds good but it has some technical issues that would prevent me from ever paying a lot for it. The hum is the result of a poorly implemented grounding scheme. It uses odd transistor arrays so it's halfway between discrete and opamps. The arrays are noisy and there's little to be done about it without inventing a new circuit to plug in. I question how thermally stable the output stage is. So, it's Sansui and it's solid, but technically you can do better. Now, to a serious Sansui fan, none of that may matter.

 

[Monicker1]

You'd be okay to purchase the 771, but spring for the 881. The extra power lets you drive less efficient speakers, plus you get the center tuning meter. I can't speak as a technician, but as a user of higher end Sansui equipment, the biggest important difference between the 771 and the 881 is the midrange control. You won't miss it if you never used one, but having a midrange gives you more control over the output frequency response which you can really come to appreciate. The cost difference between the two is not enough to even remember after you've had the unit a couple of months. And I wonder if a design flaw in the 881 isn't also part of the 771 circuitry.

BTW Don't know where you are, but an 881 has just posted on Kijiji.ca in Montreal for $450 Cdn. Looks in good condition. But of course there is always the shipping issue.

 

[eiraved]

I've owned the 881 and the rare 9010 (black-faced version). Very nice sounding receivers and fortunately never any hum issues with either unit.

 

[eiraved]

If you decide to get the 881 and encounter hum, take solace in that @ConradH graciously documented a solution for it.

Fix 881 Hum

Fix Sansui 881 Receiver Hum

conradhoffman.com

 

[Dahdeeyo]

Welcome to Audiokarma. 771 owner here, never plan on selling. If your speakers are relatively efficient, the difference between watts isn't a big point (to me). Double the power is only 3Db louder, so relatively speaking the power difference isn't that big. I'd look at the features too, the 881 has more features I believe than the 771, but if you aren't going to use them, it's irrelevant. Tough choice. I've only owned a 771, so I haven't been able to A/B compared them sound quality wise. Maybe someone that's owned both will chime in. Always remember too, condition matters a lot, especially with vintage equipment. You cannot easily repair cabinet or faceplate damage, and they are only mint condition and original once. They are 45 years old at this point, so operating condition and maintenance is also a concern. I cannot say if the prices are good or not, because I'm not familiar with prices in your area, and they can fluctuate wildly, only you or someone familiar with your local market can be the judge of that

Thanks for taking the time to read the thread and provide the info. I’ve always leaned to having items that are less common (more rare) but at the same time I don’t feel a need to overspend to get it. If they are both strong performers, then the value appears to be the 771 (but I could be wrong, hence the question). I’ve seen them on my local CL site for a while so I think I still have some time to mull it over.

 

[Dahdeeyo]

I've owned the 881 and the rare 9010 (black-faced version). Very nice sounding receivers and fortunately never any hum issues with either unit.

I usually can make a decision based on the regret factor. I feel like I’ll have some level of regret regardless of which one it is. I love the idea of being able to set up 3 sets of speakers and switching based on music being played. Thanks for the feedback and the link to the post on the 881 hum.

 

[eiraved]

I usually can make a decision based on the regret factor. I feel like I’ll have some level of regret regardless of which one it is. I love the idea of being able to set up 3 sets of speakers and switching based on music being played.

I hope you decide on the more powerful 881, you'll have no regrets!

 

[Guido57]

IMAHO the biggest consideration in vintage equipment is condition. If the stated descriptions are accurate I'd say the 771, but that is a very big if. If the 881 had been recapped it seems unlikely to me that it would have a bulb out. Actually, if it isn't mentioned in their descriptions it is unlikely either has been recapped.

 

[Who Cares]

Hello AK

I’m new to the site and it’s been a fun journey learning about all the great receivers out there from the 70’s. After many hours, days, weeks of research, I’ve narrowed down my want list to a couple of Sansui models (obviously ). I have an opportunity to purchase either the 771 or the 881. The dilemma for me is the price. It’s not that I’m not willing to pay more for a better product but these two receivers get a lot of love (as do most Sansui’s from what I‘ve read ). From the posts I’ve been reading, it appears (I could be wrong and that’s ok) the audio quality between the two are very comparable and on the surface, it comes down to the watts (almost double). I’ve read the specs and appreciate the detailed differences.

A little context. I live in Canada and the prices stated are in CAD$. Also, I have not contacted either of them yet to ask if/what work has been done (recapping) or if they have the hum issue.

- The 881; they are asking $600 and they indicate it’s in excellent condition with only one tuning display bulb out.
- The 771; they are asking $450 (firm) and state it’s in ”incredible“ condition with all functions working and no issues.

So now the question………is the 881 a better “value” for $150.00 CAD more or is the 771 a better value at $150.00 CAD less? I don’t need the TOTL for any particular model, I’m looking for the best bang for my buck (knowing these are both great receivers). Any input (no pun intended) or feedback (whoops, did it again) is greatly appreciated. I’ve got thick skin so if there is a comment in my thread that warrants a Homer Simpson “Doh!” or “what are you thinking, of course you should get the xx1”, fire away!

thanks for taking the time to read the post and hopefully provide some guidance to a newb.

They're both good but the 881 is a top of the line model and will hold it's value better than the 771. People want TOTL and will pay up to get it. If I'm in your shoes I get the 881 and avoid the second guessing that comes from "settling".

 

[TomD62]

I currently own a 661 and 881, sorry no 771 to compare. My first receiver as a young teenager was a 331. I have restored both the 661 and 881, absolutely no hum, and enjoy the sound of both. Not sure the size of your listening space or the volume level you normally listen to, so that could matter. The 661 is currently doing duty in a 12 x 16 bee shed with Infinity bookshelf speakers. The 881 is in a spare bedroom driving a pair of restored AR 2a. Both are adequate for their current situation.

When I went to buy the 881, the seller had listed both a 771 and 881. If I could have gotten a good package deal I would have purchased both. The 771 was missing some button covers and the 881 was in perfect shape. I went with the 881 as it was in cosmetically perfect shape and it is the TOTL for this line of receivers. In case you decide to move on in the future, the 881 will be a quick sell.

 

[jayvis]

I feel like I’ll have some level of regret regardless of which one it is.

When I feel that way, I look for something else.

 

[Dahdeeyo]

Hey folks. Thank you all for taking the time to weigh in on the topic. I‘ll provide an update on where things are at. I’ve reached out to both sellers. I’ve been open with both of them explaining that I’m very interested in their receivers. I’m not looking to waste their time but that I’m very interested in them both and want to listen and compare them. As Dan13105 stated “Always remember too, condition matters a lot, especially with vintage equipment. You cannot easily repair cabinet or faceplate damage, and they are only mint condition and original once. They are 45 years old at this point, so operating condition and maintenance is also a concern”. This is so true. The 881 could be the better receiver but in worse condition and needing a lot of work so I will definitely take this into consideration when checking them both out.

@Guido57 they both have stated they don’t know if there’s been any recapping done. The gentleman with the 881 says he bought it at an estate sale 6 months ago and did some Deoxing but that’s about it. He says he doesn’t hear a hum so that’s some good news and the updated pics show it’s in really nice condition with only the slightest scuff on the top of the faceplate.

The gentleman with the 771 has had it for a few years and indicated it’s had no issues and no humming noise either. He has not any work like recapping or deoxing and he sent over some additional pics and it super clean. I just couldn’t see any marks or scuffs and everything looks great. Boy do I wish one of them had something wrong that would make this choice easier.

I’m ducking out of work early today to meet the gentleman with the 881 and then later tonight with the owner of the 771. I’m definitely starting to get FOMO so I want to get this sorted asap.

As quadmatrix82 said, the 881 being TOTL would be considered the grail for Sansui collectors in this series and as eiraved said, being the TOTL will usually retain it‘s value better (knowing value is relative to other factors).

@Monicker1, I live on the west coast just outside Vancouver in Richmond. I was looking online to compare prices to see if they are relatively in line with what I could expect to pay. Like you said, there would be shipping costs that I would absolutely consider in the overall cost to buy. Shipping an item that heavy across the country would probably set me back between $130.00 (I went onto Canada Post to calculate based on weight and dimension of a box that would be needed to ship this). The other drawback is it’s buying it sight unseen so it’s a gamble and a risk. I appreciate it was a comparison on price and if I was in Montreal I’d be all over it.

I’ll keep you all posted on how it goes and which one I’ll snag. I’m doing everything in my power to prevent the “just buy both” scenario because I’m sure it’s easy to fall info that rabbit hole. That being said I just saw a 441 pop up in FB market place and they are asking $200.00 CAD$. Maybe I should just jump into the deep end and get the whole series .

 

[Dahdeeyo]

When I feel that way, I look for something else.

LOL! I was actually looking at a slew of receivers. The Pioneer 727, 750, 780, 838 were some. As were numerous Marantz. I actually saw a super clean Luxman R800u that was in Pristine condition with all recapping done. It was a great deal (I think) at $465 but I was too late. The cool thing about that receiver is it had dual phono stage as well. I thought that was pretty cool and haven’t seen many receivers that have the combo of dual phono AND 3 speaker inputs. I image that would be really useful if you like alternating your listening experience between turntables and speakers or doing A/B comparisons.

 

[Dahdeeyo]

I currently own a 661 and 881, sorry no 771 to compare. My first receiver as a young teenager was a 331. I have restored both the 661 and 881, absolutely no hum, and enjoy the sound of both. Not sure the size of your listening space or the volume level you normally listen to, so that could matter. The 661 is currently doing duty in a 12 x 16 bee shed with Infinity bookshelf speakers. The 881 is in a spare bedroom driving a pair of restored AR 2a. Both are adequate for their current situation.

When I went to buy the 881, the seller had listed both a 771 and 881. If I could have gotten a good package deal I would have purchased both. The 771 was missing some button covers and the 881 was in perfect shape. I went with the 881 as it was in cosmetically perfect shape and it is the TOTL for this line of receivers. In case you decide to move on in the future, the 881 will be q quick sell.

I plan on using it in my living room. The size of the room is 13’x18’ so it’s decent. Not sure if this was the right approach or not but the first thing I picked up was a Sony PS 4300 TT I found on FB. The seller was asking $170.00. He did a pi$$ poor job of describing it in the add as I don’t think he knew what he had. It’s in really good shape and I picked it up for $150.00 CAD$. It has the original Cartridge and a Pickering XUV D4500 Stylus. Thst definitely felt like a good deal and value.

Next I picked up speakers. I have a pair of Dyanco A25’s ($150.00 CAD) AR-12’s ($450.00 CAD) and then the AR-18s ($200.00 CAD). After I bought those 3, I spotted a pair of Advent Maestros at my local thrift store. $40.00 for the pair and they need new woofer foams. Still have all the original mids and tweeters. That one definitely felt like a good deal and value. I know this post is about comparing the merrits of the 771 vs 881 based on value but its always fascinating to hear what others have for systems, knowing there is an infinite combo available.