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Sansui 9090db?

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Noah S

New Member
Hey all, this is my first post so hopefully I don't sound like an idiot.. I'm fairly green when it comes to vintage audio but I do know the sounds I'm looking for. I currently have a Kenwood KA-7100 integrated amp into Klipsch KG-3 speakers. They sound great but I feel like the amp isn't very strong in the low end and even into the low mid range. I have an opportunity to buy a Sansui 9090 that is located about 2hrs away. I'd like a little feedback before making the trip. Will this upgrade be worth the not so cheap price tag? It will likely be the last receiver I own so I want the best in my price range. Thanks in advance!
 
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Having never heard a KA-7100 I couldn't compare the two but do know the 9090db has a sound that I really like. If you make a post in Dollars and Sense you would be able to discuss the price that it's available at. They do sell high so there may or may not be better out there in the same price range. You'll likely get a lot of different opinions and some people telling you to buy separates. There are a lot of decisions when buying nice equipment and there can be more than one option that's good.
 
the 9090, and 9090db are not the same, a "db" could have some issues , or not, if you go to look at it, make sure the mono button is not pushed in , some do this to hide a channel dropout situation from a bad db board, you should ask a few questions, if it is not a db chances are better that it is less problematic .
 
I'm planning on getting a pair of vintage Heresy's. I definitely want the least compressed sound I can get. More power sounds great. Low end?
 
Heresy' aren't in my opinion known for their low end. I would say the more power the better with them. Depending on what kind of music you listen to, you may want to consider a small powered subwoofer. Just my opinion
 
The DB are great sounding units.... that being said you can expect this.
If is a early unit, it can be development on the dolby board/
The driver board had some called fusible resistors, so can be problematic, remember that is a 40yr old unit.
Once you those issues are addressed properly you will have a great sound unit with a lot of power.
 
Sansui amps of that era are known for their emphatic bass response. I had a 5000X recently that astounded me with its warmth of tone. My cousin still has his 7070. I'd have to rank these as some of the best sounding receivers I've experienced. I think you will be very impressed in the sound you get as compared to the Kenwood. Just be sure to do your internet research on the 9090db. As the others have pointed out, the db developed some problems early on, but one that has been repaired remains one of the kings of the receiver wars. Problems addressed, the 9090db could very well be the last receiver you ever buy. Let us know how it works out for you.

GeeDeeEmm

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Unfortunately one of the trade offs for the high efficiency of the Klipsch is not real deep "low end". If I was looking to upgrade the low end response of the system I would probably look at a few speakers that are known for their bass response rather than the Heresy. If you want to stay with Klipsch you could move up the food chain. Plenty of choices out there - especially in vintage stuff. You could probably get some 3 way Cantons with a 12" woofer for less than the Heresy and they would be as efficient as your KG's and would shake the walls. Many other choices, just depends what is available in your area.
 
Or, if you like the Klipsch sound, check into Fortes. I hear nothing but praise for them, and - thanks to another AK member - ran across a Stereo Review article that proclaimed them some of the best speakers they ever reviewed. That's high praise from an unlikely source, if you ask me.

GeeDeeEmm
 
I had a pair of Klipsch Chorus I's that were hooked up to an 8080db and they sounded good. Haven't ever heard Fortes but have heard people say that they have more bass than the Chorus.
 
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