Sansui 5050 vs. Harmon Kardon 730 twin

[SCI OTR]

Hi Everyone,

I own a Sansui 5050, it sounds great, but has never been Recapped. I'm sure service would help this little guy to perform to its best.

I have a delimma, I'm at a crossroads and could use you guys advice.

I have the option to recap the sansui 5050 or I could buy a Harmon Kardon 730 twin and have it serviced.

I don't know what the service on the 730 twin would cost, but I got a quote of $500-$600 to fully restore everything on the 5050.

Just FYI, I will not sell the 5050 as it has sentimental value to my wife as it was her dad's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[milo63]

The 730 is an upgrade but as the 5050 is already paid for...
The 730 is easier to work on if that is a consideration.

 

[SCI OTR]

The 730 is an upgrade but as the 5050 is already paid for...
The 730 is easier to work on if that is a consideration.

I also own a yamaha as701, which is currently being used in my retail shop with the floorstanding advent legacy.

I also have the matching nikko na/nt 850 tuner and integrated amplifier. The nikko sounds better than the Sansui 5050, but I am currently using it as my living room setup with the elac ub 5.2 bookshelf speakers.

I am torn when it comes to the 730 twin. I want it for my basement setup. It really is intriguing. Glad to hear it is an upgrade from the 5050.

 

[milo63]

I've recapped a Nikko NA-850, owned a couple of 5050s (one on the bench kicking my ass) and own a HK A-402 integrated (same as the 730 sans tuner).
Here's my take: The Yamaha will be cleanest by far, the Nikko is OK but not great, the 5050 is less so and the 730 will be the most "musical" and be the most listened to.

 

[mea2112]

the 730 will be the most "musical" and be the most listened to.

Totally agree. I have several Harman Kardon receivers including the 730 and I've had the Sansui 7070, 9090 and 9090DB. I would take my HK 730 over all of those.

 

[SCI OTR]

I've recapped a Nikko NA-850, owned a couple of 5050s (one on the bench kicking my ass) and own a HK A-402 integrated (same as the 730 sans tuner).
Here's my take: The Yamaha will be cleanest by far, the Nikko is OK but not great, the 5050 is less so and the 730 will be the most "musical" and be the most listened to.

Thanks so much for your input.

I agree, the yamaha is definitely the most clinical sounding, very low distortion. I really love it.

I like the Nikko, actually more so than the yamaha, deep clean bass with crisp clean highs.

I like that you have said the HK 730 Twin will likely be the most musical and likely be the most listened to of the few I own. From my reading it seems the HK 730 might be a good mix of the 3 that I already own.

What's is your honest opinion of the 730?
Some even go as far to say it's the best sounding solid state ever produced, with the closest sound to tubes.

Thoughts?

 

[milo63]

I also own a yamaha as701, which is currently being used in my retail shop with the floorstanding advent legacy.

I also have the matching nikko na/nt 850 tuner and integrated amplifier. The nikko sounds better than the Sansui 5050, but I am currently using it as my living room setup with the elac ub 5.2 bookshelf speakers.

I am torn when it comes to the 730 twin. I want it for my basement setup. It really is intriguing. Glad to hear it is an upgrade from the 5050.

Totally agree. I have several Harman Kardon receivers including the 730 and I've had the Sansui 7070, 9090 and 9090DB. I would take my HK 730 over all of those.

Thanks so much for your input.

I agree, the yamaha is definitely the most clinical sounding, very low distortion. I really love it.

I like the Nikko, actually more so than the yamaha, deep clean bass with crisp clean highs.

I like that you have said the HK 730 Twin will likely be the most musical and likely be the most listened to of the few I own. From my reading it seems the HK 730 might be a good mix of the 3 that I already own.

What's is your honest opinion of the 730?
Some even go as far to say it's the best sounding solid state ever produced, with the closest sound to tubes.

Thoughts?

"Best" is applied to many amps and none of them are wrong. My 330B LOVED my Advent Laureates but sounded flat on my Yamaha NS-690iii. It's all about the pairing.
That being said you really can't go wrong with a 730 as long as the price is right, I only buy broken stuff so the price is always right.