Kipnapped Sansui - Darkhorse Replacement Recommendation

[bttt]

I had a Sansui 5000A, then some things went wrong. She's being held hostage by a repair guy until some functioning controls/potentiometers(?) pop up on the market.

I really liked the sound of the 5000A paired with KLH 17's. Considering I don't have the time/patience or expertise to do any kind of work on vintage gear, should I pay up for a fully recapped piece on Ebay? I'm happy to support those that keep the dream alive, but Marantz's (22xx) are garnering ridiculous prices, and early Sansui's are close behind. Any recos for under-the-radar amps or receivers?

I don't want to exceed $300 unless it'll make me forget about the 5000A.

Thanks

 

[jcamero]

Kenwood

 

[CT Jim]

Some of the Realistic stuff is very nice, way better than we thought at the time!
If you decide to be an AK subscriber, you could post a WTB in BT, and then see what is offered up!
BY the way. It may be worth it to get the Sansui back, sell it for parts, and buy something else. Most parts for vintage stuff is available in a short time window, in fact, you could also ask about parts in BT.

Check it out.

 

[MER71]

Try a Sansui 6, 7 or 881.

 

[bttt]

Great, thanks for the suggestions. The Realistic stuff is definitely reasonable.

I forgot to mention that the phono stage is very important.The only other use for a receiver/integrated amp is Aux- in to my computer, no radio listening for me.

If a unit is going to color the music, I prefer warm. However, I'm curious about the "natural sound," which I assume is flat and "accurate."

 

[Wes_in_VA]

You might also look for something in the Onkyo TX-xx00 MKII liine, like the 6500 or 4500. Both are renowned for their phono sections, are nice looking and IMHE are pretty bulletproof. They fly under the radar, too.

 

[bttt]

Thanks for the advice. Although I'm keeping an eye out for the aforementioned sleepers, I couldn't pass up a marantz 2230 with updated capacitors and phono amp on eBay for $180. All things considered, I'm going go ahead and call that a "score." Hope it sounds good.

 

[markshan]

Thanks for the advice. Although I'm keeping an eye out for the aforementioned sleepers, I couldn't pass up a marantz 2230 with updated capacitors and phono amp on eBay for $180. All things considered, I'm going go ahead and call that a "score." Hope it sounds good.

You said the phono section was important to you, and it has one of the best of any receiver from that era. You'll forget all about your 'sui.