Sansui 8080db vs. 9090db

sonix

sonix

Well-Known Member
Hello all Sansui fans,

For those that have had or have sansui 9090db and 8080db, I would like to know which sounds supperior.

I heard that the 8080db sounds better, is it true?

I would think that they would sound pretty close to same, but some one said because the 8080db has a different transformer, it seems to produce a more pleasing sound.

What do you think!:thmbsp:
 
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I don't think the transformer would have anything to do with it.

They may have different amplifiers in them. I have a 9090DB and just picked up a non working 8080DB. The 9090DB has 8 output transistors and 8080DB only has 4.

Also the 8080DB is lacking the crossover switches in the tone controls. Some say that helps it sound better.

I will know someday when I repair the 8080DB.

Rob
 
I did a real comparison between these amps. All three were fully recapped and set to specs. Here is the line up.

8080DB
9090DB
and
an 8080DB that I replaced the transformer with one from a 9090DB and added the additional outputs. This made this DB model with the 8080DB preamp and a 9090DB power amp. (referred to as a Frankensui)

Now for the results

My test subject could not tell the difference between the three receivers. I ran the test by taking an output from my CD player and set it to loop through a 10 second passage. At the end of the passage I would swap the amps via a mechanical switch.

My test subject could not tell one from the other they all sounded the same. I think the differences folks are hearing is due to misadjustments and degraded components.

Cheers Jim

I always thought my 8080DB sounded better until I recapped my 9090DB.
 
Both my 8080DB and 9090DB sound identical to me. But I've never done a critical comparison test and probably never will. I enjoy both.

:)
 
I got a 990db, 9090db, and a 8080db all refurbed and the 8080db is tops to me. The highs are more detailed for some reason....?
 
The 8080DB uses exactly the same driver board as the 9090DB so the only difference in the amplifier section is a little less power and 4 output transistors. The amp sections should have no discernable difference in sound.

They also both use exactly the same preamp section except for the crossover/defeat switches in the tone controls. The circuitry is identical otherwise. Since you can't defeat the tone controls on the 8080DB, there may always be a little coloration to the sound because there will be some variation to where the 0 point is on the tone controls. As a result you may always be adding or subtracting a little tone.

- Pete
 
Personally I like my 890, non DB compared to the others. Rumor has it the outputs on a 9090DB are run in series vs. parallel for non DB, whether this is true, don't know but it would only affect 4 speaker operation.
 
Sansui 9090db vs. 8080db

db​
Thanks for all your input everyone. I have realized that the shape the internal components are in greatly reflects performance. I think these are fine machines.:yes:
 
catch 22 said:
Personally I like my 890, non DB compared to the others. Rumor has it the outputs on a 9090DB are run in series vs. parallel for non DB, whether this is true, don't know but it would only affect 4 speaker operation.
Click to expand...
The 890 is the black faced version of the 8080. These are great receivers in their own right but use a totally different amp, preamp, power supply and protection circuit than the DB models. They do have similar tuner sections but even there they are not identical. The only thing they have in common are similar names and exterior appearance.

Another difference is the way they wire multiple pairs of speakers. The DB models run them in series. The non-DB models run them in parallel. There are several posts on this topic. You can do a search if you want to know more.

- Pete
 
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