Sansui 331 vs. 661 opinions?

[bulletinwbw]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to upgrade from my NAD 3150 and have the choice between a Sansui 331 and a 661.

The 331 was apparently serviced with new LEDs and a power cord, although this was a year ago and I think it's just been sitting in a store ever since. The guy said $140 was his best price, though I think I can get it for $130.

Less info on the 661 but it looks in fantastic condition (as does the 331). It was listed at $225, but I got him down to $160.

Any thoughts on which model is better? The amp will primarily drive a record player, so phono is most important to me. Current speakers are Elac debut b6.2s.

Many thanks!

 

[EastPoint]

The 331 is tiny—get the 661 for sure.

 

[bulletinwbw]

The 331 is tiny—get the 661 for sure.

Thanks. Any sense of whether it's a clear upgrade from the NAD?

 

[goodolpg]

Either Sansui has less wpc rating than your NAD. 12 for the 331, 20 for the 661 vs. 50 for the NAD.
A lot may depend on how efficient your speakers are, what their ohm rating is, how large is the listening area, how loud do you play the music, and which type(s) of music you prefer.

 

[Huskerbert]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to upgrade from my NAD 3150 and have the choice between a Sansui 331 and a 661.

The 331 was apparently serviced with new LEDs and a power cord, although this was a year ago and I think it's just been sitting in a store ever since. The guy said $140 was his best price, though I think I can get it for $130.

Less info on the 661 but it looks in fantastic condition (as does the 331). It was listed at $225, but I got him down to $160.

Any thoughts on which model is better? The amp will primarily drive a record player, so phono is most important to me. Current speakers are Elac debut b6.2s.

Many thanks!

In praise of the lowly 331... This is my first post, as I have slowly been collecting receivers for a short while. My second purchase was a 331. It produced excellent quality sound at lower volumes when paired with a couple of Sansui SP30s.
This little unassuming reciever flat gets it. At higher volume the two ways can't keep up but, dang they sound amazing at lower and mid volume. The 331 when paired with my EPIs flat rock. Mine was purchased for 100 bucks and is dang near perfect for a small room, just amazing.

 

[superdog]

In praise of the lowly 331... This is my first post, as I have slowly been collecting receivers for a short while. My second purchase was a 331. It produced excellent quality sound at lower volumes when paired with a couple of Sansui SP30s.
This little unassuming reciever flat gets it. At higher volume the two ways can't keep up but, dang they sound amazing at lower and mid volume. The 331 when paired with my EPIs flat rock. Mine was purchased for 100 bucks and is dang near perfect for a small room, just amazing.

I too had a 331 and if your not looking to blow out windows it is an excellent receiver.Looking back I should have never sold it.

 

[Huskerbert]

I too had a 331 and if your not looking to blow out windows it is an excellent receiver.Looking back I should have never sold it.

I think this little guy will go in my office. As clean as it is and with the sound quality, it will have a long healthy life there.

 

[superdog]

I think this little guy will go in my office. As clean as it is and with the sound quality, it will have a long healthy life there.

Good calI.I've been through countless stereos and the Sansuis are the ones I usually want back.

 

[Pablo77]

Old thread but weighing in... had a 441 and a 661, 441 was mint and 661 was in roughish condition (one channel out when I bought it). The sound signature is similar.
I cleaned the 661 and changed lamps and fuses, got it working really well (had no serious problems). Sold the 441 because I bought an AU-505 and needed to get the collection under control, and felt comfortable selling it because it was working perfectly. Now I have the 661 is working well and sounds so nice!
All XX1 sound good, but the 661 and up have nicer feeling controls, and all discrete components. The spin of the tuner dial is *much* nicer on the 661 than the 441, and the separate power control a nice touch. They all sound great, condition is key.
(Also, don't understand why people want more power. On the 441 I couldn't go past 9 O'clock on the radio for normal listening, and 661 can't go past 8 O'Clock. 9 O'clock other sources. Speakers of average efficiency. I have more powerful receivers and they run hot. I really don't see the benefit for normal volumes.)
Long story short, grab a 661 if you see one. And don't be put off by the lower power of the other XX1s.