Help choosing a receiver or integrated for my needs(Sansui or Pioneer)

[SSTPIERRE]

Hello, I am hoping someone can lead me in the right direction in choosing an amp or receiver I can love, use and cherish for life. I am searching for a piece I can use in a medium sized basement that has a lush and dynamic sound. I would likely be pairing it with a pair of Wharfedale Linton's or something similar. This would be used primarily when working out or just hanging out playing games.

I currently own:
-Marantz 2216B
-Pioneer SX-440
-Toshiba SA-2500

The Pioneer has my favorite sound but is a bit lacking in bottom end power and is more ideal for a bedroom/office. The Marantz sounds pretty good but I just don't like it as much, it has a brighter sound to it. The Toshiba is the cleanest sounding and has the biggest bottom end but seems to sound more modern(more clinical, less thickness) than what I'd prefer (Thick, lush, warm yet detailed sound)

I have been looking into:
Sansui-7070, 8080, 9090, Seven, Eight, Eight Deluxe
Pioneer-SX-990, 1500 TD, 2500, 828, 939, 1010
Onkyo- TX 4500, 6500, 8500 MKI & MKII

Ideally I would be adding a modern subwoofer to my setup. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I'm drawn to Sansui as it seems to be the most unique and rare but I think I might like the looks of Pioneers best with excpetion of 7070,8080,9090 which has similar style to Pioneer. But I see so many people saying the Sansui Seven, Eight and Eight deluxe sound the best and have the best build quality but they are so much uglier than the x0x0 series. Sound>Looks but they both matter. I know nothing about Integrated amps they look less appealing but would be open to them, especially if they have a real wood case.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[playittwice]

Well now, I wouldn’t say the Single Digit series is uglier! They each have a “look” to them.
I’ve had a 9090, still have the Seven. Both sound great, but my ears prefer the Seven.
To answer your question, Sansui amps have a sweet sound to them. Would be worth your while to seek one out.

 

[Guido57]

As one of the tags is "Tube-Like Solid-State" why not consider a Sansui 5000x (or 5000a or 5000 provided it has the 6013 boards)? One of my 5000a units has displaced two NAD integrated amps and an Adcom 535 in my listening room. The other is waiting for someone who deserves it. Yes, I am prejudiced to the 5000 family.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

Why not a schveet Kenny?

The clean architectural layout of it's true dual mono design paying obvious homage to the 600 Supreme





Keep in mind the D7 rack handles were an accessory so most will not have them.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

The SX1010 is a fine receiver, many consider it Pioneer's best sounding, I don't know about that as I'm not a receiver guy. I did have an SX-1010 inherited from my father in law and can attest to it's great sound, my youngest boy now has it. Thought it fitting he have his grandfather's receiver for his first stereo.

 

[rickb119]

I'll second the votes for both the Sansui 5000 series, and especially the Pioneer SX-1010.

I still have a 5000a, which is used in a garage system. Very nice sounding, and reasonably priced receiver. I sold the 1010 just prior to moving, a little over a year ago. It's the only piece I've ever sold that I have some regrets about. I seriously thought about keeping it and selling my Sansui AU-919. Two reasons I didn't. 1) the 1010 is much heavier, and I'm an old man with a weak back. 2) The Sansui had been recapped, whereas the 1010 was original (although I did recap the power supply).

The 1010 definitely has a lush and dynamic sound, while still being reasonably detailed. Not as detailed as the 919, but more enjoyable to listen to.

 

[SSTPIERRE]

Thanks so much for all the replies, I had no idea I would get so much feedback.

As far as the Sansui 5000x I would be very open to that line but apparently some had recalled boards that caught fire so that's why i didn't look too much into them. Maybe the 2000x would be a good alternative? 40 watts per channel seems plenty for my needs. My question about the sansui x000x line is would I like it as much as their direct coupled counter parts? I hear cap coupled isn't as high fidelity.

I have heard so many people say the best sounding Pioneer is the SX-1010, the thing that turns me off is the push buttons and the double tone controls which i don't understand. I also hear many people say they prefer the Pioneer Sx-828. There is a restored 828 I could purchase locally at a vintage audio shop and I am very tempted. They are asking $1200 in mint condition with box included. I actually like the Pioneer speaker plugs so that might be a good fit.

Th Sansui single digit line is at the top of my list. There are a few mint condition Sevens on ebay for $700-800. I think I would hold out until I found a 8 or 8 deluxe though cause I want no temptation to upgrade later on. I want this to be the 'one' cherished piece I own.

I would be open to Kenwoods but am pretty ignorant about them. The Super Eleven looks amazing! according to Kevin from Skylabs YT channel they don't have the same build quality as the big three (sansui, pioneer, marantz).

My local vintage shop also has a restored Sansui Au-7700 not in mint condition but in very good condition. They are asking $1100 or $925 if I trade in my Marantz 2216B. I will probably go in someday and compare the SX-828 with the Au-7700. I think they are both worthy of being a cherished center piece I just wish they weren't so flipping expensive.

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

Thanks so much for all the replies, I had no idea I would get so much feedback.

As far as the Sansui 5000x I would be very open to that line but apparently some had recalled boards that caught fire so that's why i didn't look too much into them. Maybe the 2000x would be a good alternative? 40 watts per channel seems plenty for my needs. My question about the sansui x000x line is would I like it as much as their direct coupled counter parts? I hear cap coupled isn't as high fidelity.

I have heard so many people say the best sounding Pioneer is the SX-1010, the thing that turns me off is the push buttons and the double tone controls which i don't understand. I also hear many people say they prefer the Pioneer Sx-828. There is a restored 828 I could purchase locally at a vintage audio shop and I am very tempted. They are asking $1200 in mint condition with box included. I actually like the Pioneer speaker plugs so that might be a good fit.

Th Sansui single digit line is at the top of my list. There are a few mint condition Sevens on ebay for $700-800. I think I would hold out until I found a 8 or 8 deluxe though cause I want no temptation to upgrade later on. I want this to be the 'one' cherished piece I own.

I would be open to Kenwoods but am pretty ignorant about them. The Super Eleven looks amazing! according to Kevin from Skylabs YT channel they don't have the same build quality as the big three (sansui, pioneer, marantz).

My local vintage shop also has a restored Sansui Au-7700 not in mint condition but in very good condition. They are asking $1100 or $925 if I trade in my Marantz 2216B. I will probably go in someday and compare the SX-828 with the Au-7700. I think they are both worthy of being a cherished center piece I just wish they weren't so flipping expensive.

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Hogwash, did you not see the interior of the Kenwood KA-7300 posted earlier? The frame structure of the casing alone says enough about how they felt about build quality.

Check out the 600 Supreme, keep in mind these are just integrated amps, they have quite the following.

Their tuners are some of the highest regarded in the industry.

They built some pretty impressive turntables too, like the legendary LO7D which used still commands north of $5G


Or for mere mortals the KP-1100


What's hiding under that beautiful exterior


Some like to run them nude and with multiple arms


If manufactured today these decks would be $5G+

I have the baby of this audiophile line of tables

Kenwood KD-770D


If you would like one with an exotic wood veneer there's some on eBay for around $2600 and worth every penny


Not my top table but it does have the 2nd spot out of 6

 

[Guido57]

Would the cap coupled Sansui's sound the same as the DC units. No. But one of the tags said 'tube-like' which is a good reason to consider cap coupled. Most of the 5000x have the revised boards, i.e. F-6013 from the factory. Many of the 5000 series with the problem F-1040 boards that went in for factory service, early 5000x, 5000a and 5000, were retrofitted with the 6013 boards and have no problem. The identifying printing on the 6013 boards can be seen through the vents. (I got really lucky and picked up a 5000a with the 6013 boards for $50, sellers were downsizing and definitely were in a financial position where they really didn't need top dollar so didn't bother checking ebay for pricing.)
And to follow up on Sgt. Shultz I've never heard of build quality issues on vintage Kenwood.

 

[SSTPIERRE]

The kA-7300 looks very well designed and neatly laid out inside. Those turntables look great I especially like the last one, I'm a sucker for real wood veneer and that one is especially nice.
Here is the video that halted me from looking into Kenwoods more seriously:

I appreciate the suggestion of the Sansui 5000x. I've always thought the x000x series are the best looking Sansui receiver line. I'm actually picking up a restored Sansui 2000x tomorrow I found locally on FB marketplace. They are so much cheaper than 5000x and I think it has plenty of power for my needs. As far as tube like sound I've read both my Pioneer SX-440 and Marantz 2216B are "tube-like" these are my only references apart from some tube guitar amps. The Pioneer SX-440 is my favorite receiver I own and is the least powered. There is just something about it. It has a more vintage sound compared to the Marantz and Toshiba I have. The Toshiba has the most modern sound and is way more powerful with much lower THD but dosen't give me that something special that the SX-440 has. The SX-440 just lacks low end depth but it works great with a powered sub. I'm hoping the 2000x does the trick.

I think I'll still be on the lookout for a good Pioneer SX-828,939,1010 or Sansui Eight/Eight Deluxe but for now the 2000x will be more than satisfactory. I'll also start exploring Kenwoods wile I'm at it but so far they haven't drawn me in as much.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Kenwood KR-6600, 7600, 9600 and earlier 6400, 7400 and 9400 as well as a pile of integrated amps in the 4 digit series starting with 7, 8 or 9 and the 600 or 500 sweet pieces those last two.

But for a lush dynamic sound, the Luxman R-1070. Sorry about it not being a brand you listed but it sounds better and looks more sophisticated, maybe not as much a panel from the space shuttle, though. I know many here love the knobs, switches, buttons, dials and meters. Enough power which a number of the smaller ones listed might not have to fill a basement with power hungry speakers.

 

[Guido57]

If you don't need the step up in W/C to feed lower efficiency speakers the 2000x is a great choice from what I've read. Picking up vintage receivers can involve a lot of luck. Personally I wouldn't pay typical Ebay asking prices for the 5000 series myself. The unit I mentioned in my last post was cheap enough that I bought it just to get the wood case, the fact that it was in working condition was a bonus. Dumb luck.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

The kA-7300 looks very well designed and neatly laid out inside. Those turntables look great I especially like the last one, I'm a sucker for real wood veneer and that one is especially nice.
Here is the video that halted me from looking into Kenwoods more seriously:

I appreciate the suggestion of the Sansui 5000x. I've always thought the x000x series are the best looking Sansui receiver line. I'm actually picking up a restored Sansui 2000x tomorrow I found locally on FB marketplace. They are so much cheaper than 5000x and I think it has plenty of power for my needs. As far as tube like sound I've read both my Pioneer SX-440 and Marantz 2216B are "tube-like" these are my only references apart from some tube guitar amps. The Pioneer SX-440 is my favorite receiver I own and is the least powered. There is just something about it. It has a more vintage sound compared to the Marantz and Toshiba I have. The Toshiba has the most modern sound and is way more powerful with much lower THD but dosen't give me that something special that the SX-440 has. The SX-440 just lacks low end depth but it works great with a powered sub. I'm hoping the 2000x does the trick.

I think I'll still be on the lookout for a good Pioneer SX-828,939,1010 or Sansui Eight/Eight Deluxe but for now the 2000x will be more than satisfactory. I'll also start exploring Kenwoods wile I'm at it but so far they haven't drawn me in as much.

Well he's an idiot, have a look at this thread here at AK.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...the-trio-9300-beat-the-sansui-aud11ii.868593/

Purchased my first Kenwood piece in 1978, a very schveet KA-7100, after that I was hooked on the brand. One of my college friends purchased a Marantz integrated around the same time, it might have been the 1090 if memory serves, he always drooled over my Kenny, ya it thrashed it.

Nude pics of a couple of other true dual mono Kenwood integrated amps.


Then there's still the Supreme 600