Sansui 9090 or McIntosh MA6100 - what should I get?

[Vivekd]

This will be my first vintage equipment buying experience. Do you guys have a preference one over other, and if so why?
Both are approximately $1000 (sansui $100 less) with good sound and average cosmetic condition and unknown service history according to their current owners. I will be auditioning them next few days but wanted general opinion.

 

[nj pheonix]

Interesting question. I'm a big Mac fan and have several pieces but never a 6100.
Through usual circumstances, i came by a broken 9090 (not db). One of our local AK techs though a labor of love (someone prior to me having (the history is unclear) really podged it up)Went though it repaired some broken traces in addition to other corrective measures. Replaced a bunch a parts, Cleaned up, and here we are. I'm literally half an album side through and i'm more impressed than i thought i'd be. I'll stick my neck out and say you can't go wrong with either and can likely get your money back on either as well. Please let us know which you get and what you think. Good Luck!
I took a quick glance at pole. Without hearing a 6100 i won't cast a vote. I really looked more to see if this was in the mac forum or the sui forum. I thought that might skew the results.

 

[Vivekd]

I did pick the McIntosh 6100 and so far I am very very happy. I auditioned both and liked both. The Sansui was gusting with power and I could feel it the moment I touched the dial - absolutely scary and joyride - you know it since you have it . The Sansui also had something that took me back to the 80s era (I miss that), I think it was the sound more than looks. The McIntosh on the other hand, I felt, more dynamic comparatively, vocal highs and lows felt more alive.

It was a difficult decision as both sounded awesome so my decision ended up based on its Condition and Cost (value). Thanks for your response!

**Edit*** just to add, you are right, one couldn't go wrong with either, if one wants power then it's Sansui, for marginally better dynamic range/refinement then McIntosh.

Interesting question. I'm a big Mac fan and have several pieces but never a 6100.
Through usual circumstances, i came by a broken 9090 (not db). One of our local AK techs though a labor of love (someone prior to me having (the history is unclear) really podged it up)Went though it repaired some broken traces in addition to other corrective measures. Replaced a bunch a parts, Cleaned up, and here we are. I'm literally half an album side through and i'm more impressed than i thought i'd be. I'll stick my neck out and say you can't go wrong with either and can likely get your money back on either as well. Please let us know which you get and what you think. Good Luck!
I took a quick glance at pole. Without hearing a 6100 i won't cast a vote. I really looked more to see if this was in the mac forum or the sui forum. I thought that might skew the results.

 

[audio-ed]

A Mac 6100 was my first Mcintosh. I would have been happy with it and never sold it but I was still chasing the audio dragon. The Sansui is the more powerful at 110w to the Macs 60w. If you run efficient speakers both will do fine. I would cast a vote for the Mac.

 

[Vivekd]

Thank you. I been running the Klipsch for some time plus currently living in an apartment, so more power was not a consideration or issue.

A Mac 6100 was my first Mcintosh. I would have been happy with it and never sold it but I was still chasing the audio dragon. The Sansui is the more powerful at 110w to the Macs 60w. If you run efficient speakers both will do fine. I would cast a vote for the Mac.