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Help me pick out my next purchase

K

KiltedCowboy

AK Subscriber
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I have been buying mid ‘70s Sansui units for the past 5 years. So far I started off with a 9090 non db which has been completely restored. Next I wanted an example of an integrated amplifier. Found an AU 7900 with matching TU 7900 tuner. Had both restored. These both sound great. Now I would like to purchase an example of a power amp and preamp. I would like some recommendations on which ones to look for. I like to keep them in the ‘73-78 timeframe. Which ones are most desirable.
 
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I you are interested in older gear, and owning obscurities, the JDM models CA-606 (preamp) and BA-150 (power amp) are excellent gear. You would most likely need to import them from Japan to get them (few ever show up for sale in the US), and will require a step down transformer as they are 100V only. I own the pair, and they are among my favorite pieces (along with the BA-100, CD-5A, and TAC-505 which are of the same series).
 
Sansuiman said:
I you are interested in older gear, and owning obscurities, the JDM models CA-606 (preamp) and BA-150 (power amp) are excellent gear. You would most likely need to import them from Japan to get them (few ever show up for sale in the US), and will require a step down transformer as they are 100V only. I own the pair, and they are among my favorite pieces (along with the BA-100, CD-5A, and TAC-505 which are of the same series).
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If going the JDM route, there is also the TC-505 pre-am/tuner (Japan freq. band) that you could pair with any of the power amps of that era.
 
I own most of the notable Sansui’s and have done all the restorations myself and there is nothing better for knowing their intimate details. If you are building a collection, the CA-3000 / BA-3000 are a great and proper step. If you want something that sounds great even though they are integrated, one of the Alphas should be on your radar. I don’t own the 2301’s or 2302’s but they are highly regarded. I have seen detailed pictures of their circuit boards and have reservations based on what I have seen. The BA-5000 is also very impressive and collectible but weight is excessive which makes them difficult to live with. And, I prefer the sound quality of the BA-3000 vs the sound pressure of the BA-5000 regardless.

If you want to walk on the wild side, the AU-X1 driven by a high quality tube preamplifier won’t disappoint. It’s crazy good.
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