Sansui 5900Z

[Tib]

This purchase was a bit of a revelation for me, since I have been under the impression that performance went downhill for most of the major hifi manufacturers immediately in the 1980s. I think this line of Sansui receivers, at least,pokes a hole in that notion. The manufacture date of the 5900Z is 1980 and it's exterior design reflects the changing aesthetics with mostly pushbutton controls, digital tuner and leds instead of dial meters. I am very impressed with the sound quality, which I think compares well with a Sansui AU517 I own, a unit which is a couple years older than the 5900 Z and has the weight and appearance associated with the desirable 70s gear. They are close in power ratings, with the 5900Z rated 75 wpc and the AU517 at 65 wpc. I am using the "Z" to power a pair of JBL 4312s.

I bought the 5900Z for parts or repair from another audio enthusiast who evidently did not see much potential in it for he let me have it for $30. That may not sound like the deal of the century for a non-working 1980 receiver, but I seem to live in a hifi dead zone, so it seemed attractive to me. I was able to get it back in working order by replacing a couple output transistors and an open fused resistor.

Not a terribly exciting transaction, but a satisfying one, nonetheless. Hope someone finds it at least mildly interesting.

 

[Binkman]

My compliments. Keep or trade a good deal. Can't even see a movie at that price.

 

[Tib]

Thanks, Binkman. It'll be a keeper.

 

[Oldsansui441]

Thanks for sharing your experience with your 5900Z Tib. I have often wondered how that series of receivers sound, nice to hear it compares well to the much liked AU-517. Like you say, I think many of the Sansui's from this period cop a hard time because they don't have the build quality of the earlier units (same with other brands), but l have had a few of the little A series amps from 79/80 and thought they sounded pretty good.

 

[Robisme]

I've a bunch from that line and think they sound very good. I also like the Z-5000X.

Good deal you got on that one.

Rob

 

[Tib]

Thanks to Oldsansui441 and Robisme for your insights. There are some drawbacks that I see in this receiver, such as the motorized volume control and the led displays which might not be repairable if failed. It is also meant to be used with speakers rated 8 ohms or higher. Fortunately, everything is working well so far on this one. Because of it's very nice sound quality, I will be on the lookout for another fixer-upper in the z series, perhaps with more power.

 

[superdog]

That period of Sansui sound very good.My first 120 wpc stereo was a 8900zdb.Also had a 7900z.I havent seen one in ten years.

 

[Tib]

Thanks, Superdog. I'll keep a lookout for those models, although it sounds like I may not live long enough to find one of them. (At a price I can afford, I should probably add).

 

[Skywatcher]

This purchase was a bit of a revelation for me, since I have been under the impression that performance went downhill for most of the major hifi manufacturers immediately in the 1980s. I think this line of Sansui receivers, at least,pokes a hole in that notion. The manufacture date of the 5900Z is 1980 and it's exterior design reflects the changing aesthetics with mostly pushbutton controls, digital tuner and leds instead of dial meters. I am very impressed with the sound quality, which I think compares well with a Sansui AU517 I own, a unit which is a couple years older than the 5900 Z and has the weight and appearance associated with the desirable 70s gear. They are close in power ratings, with the 5900Z rated 75 wpc and the AU517 at 65 wpc. I am using the "Z" to power a pair of JBL 4312s.

I bought the 5900Z for parts or repair from another audio enthusiast who evidently did not see much potential in it for he let me have it for $30. That may not sound like the deal of the century for a non-working 1980 receiver, but I seem to live in a hifi dead zone, so it seemed attractive to me. I was able to get it back in working order by replacing a couple output transistors and an open fused resistor.

Not a terribly exciting transaction, but a satisfying one, nonetheless. Hope someone finds it at least mildly interesting.

This is a nice line of receivers and are of basically the same sound quality as the venerable G series. But with a number of "cost cutting" to reach a price point. People are turned off because of the motorized volume, and tuning in all but the 3900Z and 4900Z. One big weak point is the power switch. They used a tandem ALPS switch where the AC power section is known to burn the points. So if you experience the lights "flickering", or hear a "buzzing" near the power button, it's the switch. Fortunately they can still be found here and there. I have a few in my "stash" in case any come in across my bench. One other thing that was "cut" from these is the subsonic filter. (also known as the "low" filter and "rumble" filter) so playing vinyl can be a challenge at times.

 

[Tib]

Thanks, Skywatcher for the tip about the power switch. I really love the sound of this receiver, so I don't intend to subject it to heavy use. I would like to enjoy it as long as possible. I don't use it every day, but when I do, it usually stays on several hours, so not a whole lot of switching on and off. I play it at moderately loud volume but don't push it. Nice to hear other members have found worhwhile gear from this era.

 

[Tib]

• I thought I would add that after more listening, I think the au517 has better sound, but the 5900z is surprisingly close, in my opinion. I tend to fall in love with gear I have repaired myself, so for a while I'm listening through the ears of love.

 

[Skywatcher]

• I thought I would add that after more listening, I think the au517 has better sound, but the 5900z is surprisingly close, in my opinion. I tend to fall in love with gear I have repaired myself, so for a while I'm listening through the ears of love.

Awesome. Yeah they aren't too far apart in sound. They're both about the same "speed", though the 5900Z is missing a few "features" the AU-517 has. I like them both.