Help with a g-9700

[Doctor3165]

Hello, Wanted to see if I could get an opinion or two. I acquired this unit several months ago. It was aesthetically super clean but had the typical scratchy noise when adjusting volume. Took it into a very reputable tech and he cleaned all controls, replaced power amp caps and about another dozen caps based on a full look over. (He did several other minor things as well).

The reciever is fully functioning and sounds fine. I am running it through a pair of ADS L810's.

Here my question. There seems to be a flatness to the sound. Not dynamic. When compared head to head with my Pioneer SX880 it comes up short. Well short.

Assuming the Sansui is working as it should, is this possible? If there was something that could cause this, what may it be?

I want to be prepared before I take it back into the shop..

Thank you!

 

[LBPete]

Welcome to AudioKarma Exclusively Sansui. It's approaching its 40th Birthday. When dealing with vintage gear, how it was used and stored over that time can cause the electrolytic caps to age more or less. Two different examples of the same model can sound quite different. The only real way to compare two pieces of gear is to refresh the caps and bring them back to their original specifications. Even then the sound is subjective it very much depends on what you like in sound.

In some ways, the G-9700 was designed to be "flat," so that it does not "color" the sound at all. What comes out is exactly what goes in. It has extremely impressive specifications but some call the sound clinical.

Please post the serial number for the database. Click on the link in my signature block.

- Pete

 

[Doctor3165]

Pete, posted the serial #. What youre saying makes sense. I am just left underwhelmed.

I can say I trust the tech that did the work 1000%. Has 40 years experience at the highest level and took a particular interest in my unit.

That said, he did fail to precisely match my digital/FM tuning dial. Its off on the high end.

I was reading that the power output transistors should be replaced but dont know if thats true, what effect it may have or even if they were checked by the tech.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[slimecity]

Your tech replaced some - but not all - the caps. The unit would probably benefit from a full recap and audio grade caps in the signal path.

 

[Overundr1]

Welcome to the Sansui forum
The G9700 should not underwhelm check for correct operation of the turnover switches and filter switches, they should make an audible difference in the sound. Most big 'g's do not need much tone control adjustment to sound great and I usually run mine flat through jbl l100's (with loudness engaged only at very low background listening levels).
Also assume you have double checked speaker phasing.
-Lee

 

[kevzep]

Your tech replaced some - but not all - the caps. The unit would probably benefit from a full recap and audio grade caps in the signal path.

Unit would definitely benefit from a proper restoration.
No caps in the audio path on these direct coupled amps, of course when the tone control is engaged....

Sounds like the unit is not performing correctly to me...

 

[Doctor3165]

The tech stated he ran a complete diagnostic on it and it met spec. He mentioned that the unit was in remarkably good condition that was indicative of very little usage. Question. Is meeting spec sufficient?

Here is what tech wrote on my invoice:

*Clean entire unit
*Deoxid all controls
*Lubricated all controls, switches, relay, FM ground
*Re-soldered amp cord
*Tightened heat sink screws
*Replaced 12 capacitors (in amps and power supply)
*Adjusted FM oscillating scale

"Unit tested and deemed fully functioning and operational"

I am on a mission to get this where I believe it should be. It's bothering me to no end to have this magnificent piece of electronic ear candy without being able to take a lick.

 

[ManyMoonsAudio]

If this receiver don't knock your socks off, it ain't right.

 

[kevzep]

If this receiver don't knock your socks off, it ain't right.

Correct!!.....

 

[Doctor3165]

I only know enough on the technical side of things to make me a hazard. I do consider myself to have highly educated hearing however. And and I am on the side of your very brief yet poignant assessment.

 

[ManyMoonsAudio]

It is in need of experienced hands I am afraid, and needs to be tested on some equipment to see what is going on. This one is worth it though, but you better know how to pack or be willing to drive a ways possibly. I don't know anybody close to you.

 

[Doctor3165]

It is in need of experienced hands I am afraid, and needs to be tested on some equipment to see what is going on. This one is worth it though, but you better know how to pack or be willing to drive a ways possibly. I don't know anybody close to you.

Indeed. That is the only viable solution. The place that did the work is fully accredited and qualified. I will be paying them a reluctant visit in the future and circle back when I learn something. Thank you everyone that commented.

 

[LBPete]

There is a big difference between service/repair and a true restoration. Your tech did the repair/service that I would expect any "brick and mortar" repair shop to do. Other than the dial scale being off, I don't think you can fault him for his work. These types of places have to move work through their shops quickly to be profitably and typically can't spend the time that a restoration takes.

- Pete