Sansui 3000a worth it???

TimBabyFace

TimBabyFace

Active Member
Hello there ladies and gentlemen can anyone tell me why the Sansui 3000a is so popular? I've been doing some research and it looks like they are more of a problem then what they are worth. Any opinions on this matter would be greatly appreciated because I have a chance to get one at a steal of a price.


Tim.
 
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I've had a couple of them and I think the value would depend on what has been done. The factory recommended mod is not for someone just getting into repair but a lot of them have already been done by a recall that Sansui paid for. If you take the bottom cover off and see a couple large caps, it has probably been done.
 
They were known to self destruct the output stage, taking connected speakers with them in the process. There was a tech bulletin issued to mod the units to correct this obvious design deficiency, though according to some postings I've seen, this mod changes the sound quality.

All that having been said, these are an early capacitor coupled design, having a sound that many Sansui fans truly enjoy. They are also built in a way typical of late 60's gear: very solid and heavy. Provided they have been modded, they should be reliable (taking into account their age and need for general restoration if not already done).
 
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bluestime said:
I've had a couple of them and I think the value would depend on what has been done. The factory recommended mod is not for someone just getting into repair but a lot of them have already been done by a recall that Sansui paid for. If you take the bottom cover off and see a couple large caps, it has probably been done.
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Ok I'll be sure to check when it arrives. I pulled the trigger on it seeing as it only cost me 125 shipping included and mint condition.
 
Sansuiman said:
They were known to self destruct the output stage, taking connected speakers with them in the process. Tbere was a tech bulletin issued to mod the units to correct this obvious design deficiency, though according to some postings I've seen, this mod changes the sound quality.

All that having been said, these are an early capacitor coupled design, having a sound that many Sansui fans truly enjoy. They are also built in a way typical of late 60's gear: very solid and heavy. Provided they have been modded, they should be reliable (taking into account their age and need for general restoration if not already done).
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The only sansui I own as of right now is the g-5700 and it's great IMO anyways. So I am curious on how this will compare.
 
The G's are legendary, with good reason. You'll find the 3000A has a different sound quality about it owing to being a cap coupled output stage, and really a significantly different amplifier circuit design overall, versus the G series. It has been variously described as "grunt", "punch" and other similar adjectives. The Iow and mid ranges in particular have a characteristic sound unique to the cap coupled designs.

The G series are faster, more accurate amps. But the old cap coupled designs of the late 60's and very early 70's are quite enjoyable to listen to when in good working order. Despite their comparative lack of technical sophistication, they have a certain quality that has ensured their continued popularity.
 
The 3000a is a receiver that with its stability problems, and the use of transformers for output stage coupling, I can't see they are worth the effort of modifying and restoring. Sorry, but that's what I think. However, this is a funny old hobby, and each to his own, this may turn out to be your favourite, who knows?
 
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Sansuiman said:
The G's are legendary, with good reason. You'll find the 3000A has a different sound quality about it owing to being a cap coupled output stage, and really a significantly different amplifier circuit design overall, versus the G series. It has been variously described as "grunt", "punch" and other similar adjectives. The Iow and mid ranges in particular have a characteristic sound unique to the cap coupled designs.

The G series are faster, more accurate amps. But the old cap coupled designs of the late 60's and very early 70's are quite enjoyable to listen to when in good working order. Despite their comparative lack of technical sophistication, they have a certain quality that has ensured their continued popularity.
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And now I'm definitely excited if it sounds as good as MANY have said I'm thinking I will not be disappointed. Thanks for your input this is why I come here to get advice from others with more experience.
 
Hyperion said:
The 3000a is a receiver that with its stability problems, and the use of transformers for output stage coupling, I can't see they are worth the effort of modifying and restoring. Sorry, but that's what I think.
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Yes it sounds if it's not modified I may just resell with a fire hazard warning in the description on eBay lol.
 
It is a funny (in an odd way) hobby. I'd never considered relics like the TR-707A (Sansui's first solid state receiver, which is a direct predecessor to the 3000A, and also uses output transformers) as worthy of consideriation, yet repeatedly seeing high praise heaped on it by others for the way it sounded convinced me to pick one up cheap and give it a shot. Once sorted, I was pleasantly surprised by it, and my expectations were certainly exceeded.

Keep in mind that I came into my interest in Sansui young, starting with a 5000 receiver (a 1968-69 model) that was a follow on model to the 3000A, so my appreciation for the cap coupled sound was already an accomplished fact going back 44 years now.

Since then I've collected and tried out key models from throughout much of Sansui's history - from late tube amps to the early X balanced era - and found enjoyment in all of them. Certainly there are some I favor over others, but I've not yet found one I really disliked.
 
If you are a tech, and you like a challenge, then go for it.
If you are not a competent tech, its going to be a source of frustration, these amplifiers are very unstable and not that nice to work on.
I've done a couple and did not really enjoy the experience, there are other Sansui's which are much easier to work on and also sound a lot better....
But thats only my opinion.
 
Sansuiman said:
It is a funny (in an odd way) hobby. I'd never considered relics like the TR-707A (Sansui's first solid state receiver, which is a direct predecessor to the 3000A, and also uses output transformers) as worthy of consideriation, yet repeatedly seeing high praise heaped on it by others for the way it sounded convinced me to pick one up cheap and give it a shot. Once sorted, I was pleasantly surprised by it, and my expectations were certainly exceeded.

Keep in mind that I came into my interest in Sansui young, starting with a 5000 receiver (a 1968-69 model) that was a follow on model to the 3000A, so my appreciation for the cap coupled sound was already an accomplished fact going back 44 years now.

Since then I've collected and tried out key models from throughout much of Sansui's history - from late tube amps to the early X balanced era - and found enjoyment in all of them. Certainly there are some I favor over others, but I've not yet found one I really disliked.
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I'm just now realizing how late to the sansui game I am . However I'm 40 years young soo I should have plenty of time to listen to many more if I play my cards right. :D:rockon:
 
kevzep said:
If you are a tech, and you like a challenge, then go for it.
If you are not a competent tech, its going to be a source of frustration, these amplifiers are very unstable and not that nice to work on.
I've done a couple and did not really enjoy the experience, there are other Sansui's which are much easier to work on and also sound a lot better....
But thats only my opinion.
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Yeah I'm not a professional and will not take on a job I know I couldn't do right lol.
 
Sansuiman said:
It is a funny (in an odd way) hobby. I'd never considered relics like the TR-707A (Sansui's first solid state receiver, which is a direct predecessor to the 3000A, and also uses output transformers) as worthy of consideriation, yet repeatedly seeing high praise heaped on it by others for the way it sounded convinced me to pick one up cheap and give it a shot. Once sorted, I was pleasantly surprised by it, and my expectations were certainly exceeded.

Keep in mind that I came into my interest in Sansui young, starting with a 5000 receiver (a 1968-69 model) that was a follow on model to the 3000A, so my appreciation for the cap coupled sound was already an accomplished fact going back 44 years now.

Since then I've collected and tried out key models from throughout much of Sansui's history - from late tube amps to the early X balanced era - and found enjoyment in all of them. Certainly there are some I favor over others, but I've not yet found one I really disliked.
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Hello I have another question for you since you are a sansui guy . I have a chance to get a sansui 4000 in near mint condition. I know it's got the same power as th 3000a but is there any major difference between the two? I also have a line on a 5000a and x any information is greatly appreciated.


Tim.
 
I've had both the 4000 and 5000a, and it was worth it. My 4000 had a blown left channel the seller concealed by using the MONO button and wiring one speaker to channel A and another to channel C. To this day I don't know if he was fooling himself or trying to fool me, but it was $45 so I bought it, replaced the offending transistor and fuse, and enjoyed it until I accidentally lost it in the divorce. It's not my favorite Sansui, but it had the classic Sansui sound of the era.

Make sure the 5000a has the replacement F6013 output boards instead of the factory F1040s. There are mods you can do to make the F1040s not explode on you, but I understand they're not for the beginner.
 
The 5000a is a very nice sounding receiver. I have one that's used for garage duty. The only possible issue is the driver PCB's. When first manufactured, they came with F-1040 driver boards. Didn't take long to find out that they had a tendency to overheat and catch fire. A recall was issued, and many (most?) were retrofitted with the F-6030 boards.

It's easy enough to tell as the numbers are printed on the boards. Pull the cover and check (they're right on top). If it has the old boards, I'd pass. Newer boards, and the price is right? Sure. Keeping in mind that it's 50+ years old. If it hasn't been reconditioned, it will most likely need work done to it, at some point.

I got mine cheap enough the if/when it dies, I'll probably sell it (for what little I have in it) to someone who enjoys repairing equipment. I'm past that stage in life now. (Got a new (to me) house to remodel ;).)
 
archibael said:
I've had both the 4000 and 5000a, and it was worth it. My 4000 had a blown left channel the seller concealed by using the MONO button and wiring one speaker to channel A and another to channel C. To this day I don't know if he was fooling himself or trying to fool me, but it was $45 so I bought it, replaced the offending transistor and fuse, and enjoyed it until I accidentally lost it in the divorce. It's not my favorite Sansui, but it had the classic Sansui sound of the era.

Make sure the 5000a has the replacement F6013 output boards instead of the factory F1040s. There are mods you can do to make the F1040s not explode on you, but I understand they're not for the beginner.
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Thank you the 4000 is really clean and the 5000a isn't as nice and then there's the 5000x witch is nice but a little pricey apparently there better??? Is it just because of the extra phono input and the 5 more wpc ?
 
rickb119 said:
The 5000a is a very nice sounding receiver. I have one that's used for garage duty. The only possible issue is the driver PCB's. When first manufactured, they came with F-1040 driver boards. Didn't take long to find out that they had a tendency to overheat and catch fire. A recall was issued, and many (most?) were retrofitted with the F-6030 boards.

It's easy enough to tell as the numbers are printed on the boards. Pull the cover and check (they're right on top). If it has the old boards, I'd pass. Newer boards, and the price is right? Sure. Keeping in mind that it's 50+ years old. If it hasn't been reconditioned, it will most likely need work done to it, at some point.

I got mine cheap enough the if/when it dies, I'll probably sell it (for what little I have in it) to someone who enjoys repairing equipment. I'm past that stage in life now. (Got a new (to me) house to remodel ;).)
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I understand I only take on what I know I can repair. If I can get a piece cheap enough and it needs repairs I just take it in to northern audio TV repair here in Michigan. They do great work and don't kill you on price. And get that house done so you can injoy it . :beerchug:
 
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