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McIntosh vs Sansui

dbrown

dbrown

New Member
Hello,

I have an unusual request by a friend to help build her build a stereo. I believe she wants to spend somewhere around $500-$1k on a receiver and about the same on speakers.

I have recommended a cherry 555a or 8080db (thinking around $500-$700 rebuilt for either). I considered the Sansui G line and the xx1 line, but I am not sure she will dig the looks of it. Same withe the Eight. She is looking for that vintage look and I assume that she will want wood.

Has anyone ever compared the Sansui against a lower end ($1000 or less) solid state McIntosh? Is it worth pushing her to drop a bit more money to go that way? If so, what McIntosh receivers (or amps - I do not think she cares about radio) should I also recommend.
 
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dbrown said:
Hello,

I have an unusual request by a friend to help build her build a stereo. I believe she wants to spend somewhere around $500-$1k on a receiver and about the same on speakers.

I have recommended a cherry 555a or 8080db (thinking around $500-$700 rebuilt for either). I considered the Sansui G line and the xx1 line, but I am not sure she will dig the looks of it. Same withe the Eight. She is looking for that vintage look and I assume that she will want wood.

Has anyone ever compared the Sansui against a lower end ($1000 or less) solid state McIntosh? Is it worth pushing her to drop a bit more money to go that way? If so, what McIntosh receivers (or amps - I do not think she cares about radio) should I also recommend.
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You can get a 4100 (8-1k not Restored) or 1900 with speakers that will do nicely.

The only Sansui I have is AU-517(Fully Recapped): http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/sansui-au-517-refresh.566203/
and TU-717 sound DEEP and 3D. I would never give this up.
 
HarmanKardon said:
One thread on this topic is enough. (Sansui forum)
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In that thread, I was asked to post the same in the McIntosh forum as my results may have been skewed by the fact that I posted in the sansui forum. I was not sure how to address both groups without two threads. Do you know how? Thank you.
 
dbrown said:
In that thread, I was asked to post the same in the McIntosh forum as my results may have been skewed by the fact that I posted in the sansui forum. I was not sure how to address both groups without two threads. Do you know how? Thank you.
Click to expand...

I made a comment in that thread as to the question being presented there, you will get a bias view, the same goes for this forum.

"General Audio".... is kinda the best if you don't want to just get the ones that use the gear. But the fact you already have a thread started, you don't really need two for the same thing.

As to the topic, I left my opinion in the other thread.
 
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Don't get confused, dbrown. You are okay. But you should carry on with the thread in the Sansui forum because of the number of replies over there. This is my humble opinion.
 
No matter which forum you posted in I would have asked for comparisons instead of using the VS angle. People are pretty passionate about the brands they like. Which means you usually get about 75% emotion and 25% honest appraisals. I have both and like them just fine. I have a QRX 7500 that I really like but my main system is separates so I don't use it as often. A receiver whether it's a Sansui or Mac is a compromise at best. You cannot combine 3 units in one without giving way somewhere in the design. You just can't put 50lbs of gear in a 20lb. package and have the best sound. With her budget I would go with Sansui separates unless you run into a super deal on Mac separates. Also I'd advise her about the potential for problems down the road if the gear has not been rebuilt.
 
HarmanKardon said:
One thread on this topic is enough. (Sansui forum)
Click to expand...
In that thread, I was asked to post the same in the McIntosh forum as my results may have been skewed by the fact that I posted in the sansui forum. I was not sure how to address both groups without two threads. Do you know how? Thank you.
 
Thanks again everyone. My next adventure is into separates. I have separated the tuner, but never the amp and pre. I have been interested in stereo equipment most of my life, but was never exposed to so much as I have been here!! So thank you!

A $40 881 sansui is what made me focus on my gear more - blew my mind. Only had mid-range technics, pioneers and kenwood before that. Something about the warmth.
 
I think the 9090 or 8080 receivers are a grade above entry level Mac Stuff.

Maybe consider like a Marantz 2285b or a Pioneer SX1250? In that price range.
 
I have friends that drive their speakers with Sansui both Stereo and Quad. There are a few with Mac and Sansui in their systems. And the honest ones say the problem with Mac units is the sound is to neutral. Some want more warmth other want the highs to sparkle and hear air around notes. Personally I'll take a restored MA 6200 or MC 7100 any day of the week.

Now if you are referring to Stereo tech or MAC 1500 and MAC 1700 I might agree. But by the time of the MAC 1900 the advantage goes to Mac hands down.
 
twiiii said:
Now if you are referring to Stereo tech or MAC 1500 and MAC 1700 I might agree. But by the time of the MAC 1900 the advantage goes to Mac hands down.
Click to expand...

Just curious, what is it about a Mac 1700 that you feel is not adequate?

Back in the 70's I knew these 2 guys with very impressive hi-fi systems. One had a used 1700 with a used pair of Altec Flamencos. The other had a brand new system consisting of this monster sized Sansui receiver (model unknown) and a pair of Ohm F speakers. At over twice the cost, this system pailed in comparison to the Mac/Altec combo in terms of fidelity, clarity and volume.

It was with this system my love affair with Mac began. Suffice it to say, I never looked back.

Ps. At one time I also owned a 1900 which when it became obvious I did not need a spare Mac receiver in storage, I kept the 1700 and sold it. Flat out, I just liked the sound of it better. Go figure.
 
Look the alpha line sansui. For my is a awesome amplifier, a 707xr, mr, nra... with a normal service, they have a superb sound
 
Take a look at the Japanese market only gear. You'll be amazed at some of the gear that came out which the rest of the world has never even seen before.

I picked this 1986-87 Alpha 907 for a steal locally. I was very lucky to get this beauty. Decided to get the matching CD player.

The sound and built quality is unbelievable. Very modern looking for its time period.

Alpha 907 Integrated amplifier - 67pounds - back breaker!
20160528_102807-1.jpg
Alpha CD player - Copper chassis, separate analog - digital transformers weighs 27pounds

20160614_181631-1.jpg 20160615_174229-1.jpg

http://audio-heritage.jp
 
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