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Equivalent Amp?

rickb119

rickb119

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I've been using my Sansui AU-919 with a separate preamp for some time now. Mainly because I'm old, and need a remote. Recently, I acquired a tube pre that's a big improvement over what I had been using. Just for grins, I replaced the Sansui with my B&K ex4420. And, although B&K sounds good, and has plenty of power, it just doesn't sing like the Sansui does.

Although the 919 is working just fine, and I did recap it several years ago, I'm one of those people that likes to have a backup. And, in this case, it needs to sound at least as good, or better than the Sansui. I realize that with my budget (<$1500), I'd be looking at used. For those who know what the 919 sounds like, what stand alone amp would y'all recommend I keep an eye out for? I know that I could recap the B&K, and I've thought about it, but would prefer to have something that's a little more detailed to begin with. Having grown accustomed to the Sansui, the B&K is just a little too smooth for my liking.

Thanks!
 
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Keep an eye out for TOTL JVC amps, particularly the M-7050, and the later M-L10 that replaced it, still one of the most underrated manufacturers imo, and crucial to repair, they are generally well documented.
 
Just try to find another Sansui, if that is what you want and like, get that! $1500, will get you almost any Sansui SU you want. Even seen a BA preamp for $1500.
 
Mike_S said:
Just try to find another Sansui, if that is what you want and like, get that! $1500, will get you almost any Sansui SU you want. Even seen a BA preamp for $1500.
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Although another Sansui is definitely an option (which I'd thought of), I know that they all sound a bit different; thus my statement "For those who know what the 919 sounds like...". Also, I'd like to be as far < that $1500 as I can get. If push comes to shove, and I can't find a less expensive alternative, I'll take a closer look at one of the Sansui BA amps.

I wonder how one of the Nelson Pass designed Adcom amps would compare?
 
I've had a bunch of SS power amps over the years and the power supply seems to make the biggest difference in how they sounded.
A good amplifier shouldn't sound like anything. It's job is to just amplify what's given to it. However, the better filtered and stiffer the power supply, the better they sound especially at higher volumes.
If you like what the tube preamp brings, maybe it's time to look at tube amplifiers. ;)
 

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rickb119 said:
I'm not that adventurous. I got dizzy just trying to figure out the best (in my price range) tubes for the pre. ;)
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What preamp? There are some decent new production driver tubes that won't break the bank. Seending more for a tube doesn't always equal better.
 
Lavane said:
What preamp? There are some decent new production driver tubes that won't break the bank. Seending more for a tube doesn't always equal better.
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I bought a China made, Zero Zone that another member highly praised; and rightly so! This thing is soooo much better than the Schiit Saga I had been using.

I ordered it with tubes, but ended up buying the basic preferred series from The Tube Store; which are a touch better than the stock tubes. So far, I'm very pleased with the sound, but am thinking of getting the JJ ECC803s (or maybe the Gold version), just to try something different. :dunno:

Thoughts?
 
rickb119 said:
I bought a China made, Zero Zone that another member highly praised; and rightly so! This thing is soooo much better than the Schiit Saga I had been using.

I ordered it with tubes, but ended up buying the basic preferred series from The Tube Store; which are a touch better than the stock tubes. So far, I'm very pleased with the sound, but am thinking of getting the JJ ECC803s (or maybe the Gold version), just to try something different. :dunno:

Thoughts?
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I built a M-7 Zero Zone preamp using a board kit. I had to buy every thing else. Tubes, power trany, input selector, etc. The board and the parts on it was just $34 shipped. So the preamp didn't really cost me that much overall.
Geo-Zone and Zero Zone sell various different tube preamps and board kits. I just used the standard JJ 12AX7's in mine. It sounds pretty good.
I've various JJ driver tubes in other amps as well.
 

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As I was reading this the first thought that came to my mind was one of those Chinese class D amps like the Fosi ZA3.

My brother just put together a system using an Aiyima tube preamp, the FA3, and the Fosi DAC. He can't believe how good this stuff sounds.

He bought the Sparkos op-amps to switch out before he even had the amp.
 
The forte looks like a solid amp. Quite a bit different specs vrs your 919. I would have looked for an alpha 607 MR. Another option is the Luxman M2000 which is fantastic. The alpha Sansui’s are shockingly good. I have the 607 and 907 and the Luxman. I also have a fully restored 919 and most of the notable Sansui’s in my collection.
 
jefferylhenr said:
The forte looks like a solid amp. Quite a bit different specs vrs your 919. I would have looked for an alpha 607 MR. Another option is the Luxman M2000 which is fantastic. The alpha Sansui’s are shockingly good. I have the 607 and 907 and the Luxman. I also have a fully restored 919 and most of the notable Sansui’s in my collection.
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I appreciate the suggestions. Although I've never had the opportunity to experience a Luxman, I've heard nothing but good things about them. Maybe when my piggy bank gets filled back up. ;)
 
Nice amp choice Rick. Are you planning on using the Forte with your KEF 104/2s or different speakers?
 
Yeah the Labratory Reference Series is a great example of a coherent 70's separates range, you can get the meterless 5m20 cheaper, if you like the minimalist look.
 
One of the reasons for buying the Forte (other than the good reviews) is that it was for sale by a fellow member/tech who tested, adjusted and replaced the main filter caps. Buying something online (other than here) is sometimes a crap shoot.

When I bought my B&K, it was advertised as tested-good. However, upon receiving it, I found the volume to be extremely low, no matter what pre I used. I offered to send it back to the seller, on his dime, but he simply issued a refund. I had a tech check it, who replaced several of the smaller caps. Between 4 trips to 2 different techs (the first one's diagnosis was incorrect), and the cost of the repair, it cost almost as much as the original price.

It wasn't the cost that bothered me; it was being lied to about the condition, and the frustration involved in getting it repaired.
 
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