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Found my dad's old Sansui 8080... What to do?

SwissTen33

SwissTen33

New Member
Firstly, let me say how stoked I am to finally have something worth posting about on AudioKarma. Usually when it comes to my audio questions, they're so boring or trivial I go with reddit. But now, Sansui Forum here I come. Cleaning out my parents basement yesterday I stumbled upon my dad's old Sansui 8080 and after reading the Sansui forum for hours last night I am conflicted on how to go about dealing with this beast of a receiver. It's been in the basement for the better part of 15 years, and so naturally, when I plugged it in the protection light came on. I'm by no means an expert when it comes to disassembling audio gear, especially something with such a complicated past as the 8080. I'm in the market for a new (old) receiver, so finding this was nice but after reading about them I'm conflicted. I'm tempted to open it up myself to try and troubleshoot the whole protection mode thing, but not sure that's the right move given my lack of technical experience. I have a really great vintage audio shop in town and I trust their skill and they do brilliant resto work. So, my question is... Should I attempt to do some minor trouble shooting/dust it out with air myself before bringing it into them, or just pay the rate for them to give it a once over straight away? Thanks for any tips, comments, etc. Looking forward to getting this thing back to it's original glory.
 
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Given that it’s likely held by you as a “family heirloom”, and that’s it’s an awesome piece of hardware, I’d take it directly to the pros. It’s really not going to save you much, it you tinker with it (over what your service pro would need to do to it anyway), and you definitely don’t want to add to the need for repair, or possibly damage it any further.

Congratulations on your find, now go take care of it for it’s “second life”!
 
By all means, take it to the shop and get an estimate to repair, and clean the pots and switches. Don't know what their rates are, but it shouldn't be that much. A full restoration can get pricey, but may well be worth it. Especially if you plan on keeping it for a long time.

And, welcome to AK, and the Sansui Club. :thumbsup:
 
The Sansui 8080 receiver is listing on ebay from between $700-$900. I think you should do all the clean up work you can within your abilities and then give it to the tech for an estimate. If it's about half what it would cost you to purchase, then you're ahead of the game.
Edit: Oh ya, welcome to AK
 
So the protection light is red? Or green?

If red, could be fuse resistors on the driver board. Could be more than that.

Rob
 
There are no longer receivers built like those were. Any Sansui of that era is well worth getting a full rehab. It will first need repair to find out what is wrong inside. If it were me I would go for the full Monty and have it rehabbed regardless if it will be grabbing at your pocket. Good luck and enjoy.
 
rickb119 said:
By all means, take it to the shop and get an estimate to repair, and clean the pots and switches. Don't know what their rates are, but it shouldn't be that much. A full restoration can get pricey, but may well be worth it. Especially if you plan on keeping it for a long time.

And, welcome to AK, and the Sansui Club. :thumbsup:
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Thanks for the reply and the welcome. Their rates are very fair and they do great work. Everything in my current setup accept my amp has been in their hands for one reason or another now that I think about it. I think the initial once-over and estimate is something like $50, which is well worth it to get a diagnosis.
 
Robisme said:
So the protection light is red? Or green?

If red, could be fuse resistors on the driver board. Could be more than that.

Rob
Click to expand...
Yea, so the protection light flashes red as soon as I power it on. I've read some about people removing the driver board to see if that causes the light to turn off, but with such a complicated piece of gear I'm hesitant to do anything other than dust it out, so may be looking like a trip to the shop to have them take a look off the bat.
 
turnitup said:
Given that it’s likely held by you as a “family heirloom”, and that’s it’s an awesome piece of hardware, I’d take it directly to the pros. It’s really not going to save you much, it you tinker with it (over what your service pro would need to do to it anyway), and you definitely don’t want to add to the need for repair, or possibly damage it any further.

Congratulations on your find, now go take care of it for it’s “second life”!
Click to expand...
Thanks! Super excited to see what this thing can do. My dad was an audio nut back in the day before he had kids and gave up the whole "having nice things" game, so when I lugged it up from the basement he was happy to see it. Of course, the sight of it initiated a conversation about all of his old gear, now gone, absolutely none of which I would currently be able to afford... If only I had found some of the Nakamichi and Mcintosh gems I've seen pictures of him with, sigh.
 
gizzyman47 said:
Agree. take it to the shop. Looks like you'll be searching for some speakers and a source in the near future!
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Luckily I'm set up pretty nicely in that department, although I am thinking of adding a second set of speakers to the family. I've got my eye on Heresy's, love the way they sound.
 
SwissTen33 said:
Yea, so the protection light flashes red as soon as I power it on. I've read some about people removing the driver board to see if that causes the light to turn off, but with such a complicated piece of gear I'm hesitant to do anything other than dust it out, so may be looking like a trip to the shop to have them take a look off the bat.
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The protection light WILL flash red for 4-10 seconds, approximately. Even if it is working correctly. Then it'll turn to green if the voltages are O.K.

Sorry in advance if you realize this. You just have it worded that the red light comes on WHEN you turn it on.

Which is normal.
 
Ah got it, good to know. Before I knew about the protection light altogether, I hooked up some speakers and a turn table and got nothing so that lead me to realize there was an issue somewhere haha.
 
You wouldn't believe how much damage I've seen inflicted on gear by people with good intentions and not much knowledge Good for you for realizing your limits and stopping short before it was too late! The 8080 is fantastic piece of gear, I think you will really enjoy it.
 
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infullview said:
The Sansui 8080 receiver is listing on ebay from between $700-$900. I think you should do all the clean up work you can within your abilities and then give it to the tech for an estimate. If it's about half what it would cost you to purchase, then you're ahead of the game.
Edit: Oh ya, welcome to AK
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At the high end. And on Ebay.

But yes, if you like it fix it. Probably around $300 or maybe a little less for a service.
 
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