Sansui b-2102 Power Amp

[BigRiver]

Anyone have experience with this power amp? Have the opportunity to pick one up for what seems like a good deal - about a buck fifty. Was told it was serviced a couple years ago, come to find that means a fuse was replaced, it was cleaned, and tested. In addition the description says one of the displays is slightly dimmer. Offered a little less if I can't test it, (but haven't heard back) and it seems like it might be worth the risk either way. I am looking for a bit more power, any thoughts?

 

[Hyperion]

They are very nice, a very imposing looking piece of gear, big and powerful, goes best with the matching C-2102 pre-amp. (I have one of each).

Things to watch for, the input attenuators can go flaky and need very careful cleaning if this is the case. There are unobtanium IC's on the display driver board, it uses 6 bulbs as the display backlight - you may find some of these have blown.

For that price it's a steal.

 

[BigRiver]

They are very nice, a very imposing looking piece of gear, big and powerful, goes best with the matching C-2102 pre-amp. (I have one of each).

Things to watch for, the input attenuators can go flaky and need very careful cleaning if this is the case. There are unobtanium IC's on the display driver board, it uses 6 bulbs as the display backlight - you may find some of these have blown.

For that price it's a steal.

Thanks Hyperion. I think I might just take the chance for what he's asking. I am thinking about running it via an au-999 using the pre-outs as a second amp in the system, but I am already keeping my eyes out for a c-2102 as well. Have you had any of the "corrosive glue" issues I have been reading about with this amp?

 

[Hyperion]

Have you had any of the "corrosive glue" issues I have been reading about with this amp?

Some on the driver boards - not too serious and not too much - but needed removing nonetheless.

There may have been some on the power amp boards, but mine had been worked on a little, so I don't know if it was there originally.

One more thing:-
If it's faulty and needs repair, they can be very challenging for a novice.

 

[BigRiver]

Some on the driver boards - not too serious and not too much - but needed removing nonetheless.

There may have been some on the power amp boards, but mine had been worked on a little, so I don't know if it was there originally.

One more thing:-
If it's faulty and needs repair, they can be very challenging for a novice.

Thank you. Yeah, I think that I would not make the attempt to repair this myself if it does indeed need work. I am definitely not there yet, though there is a good, and reputable shop nearby that I think can do the work if needed. It seems like at this price, even if it needs a couple even three bills put in to it it is still totally worth the risk?

 

[Hyperion]

Totally worth the risk?

Yep, I reckon.

 

[BearWolfe]

It is well worth it if you get it. I paid way more for mine. If you do anything yourself, don't trust the manual too much. There's some discrepancies in it to pay attention to when biasing it.
If you don't jump on it, I am looking for another one. I just got my B2102 working, and I am planning on building a surround sound system and want to use all Sansui power amps.

 

[Zekeman]

I have the 2101 and 2102. Almost identical but they made teh 2102 look a bit cooler. I use mine for subwoofer amps. Powerful!

 

[BigRiver]

It is well worth it if you get it. I paid way more for mine. If you do anything yourself, don't trust the manual too much. There's some discrepancies in it to pay attention to when biasing it.
If you don't jump on it, I am looking for another one. I just got my B2102 working, and I am planning on building a surround sound system and want to use all Sansui power amps.

I did end up picking it up. $125 and got to hear it working, though didn't get to test/mess with it much myself. It is in great condition, and as soon as I get the au-999 back from a total rebuild I will get it fired up and tested on some different stuff. I bought from the original owner who purchased in Japan new. I am not so sure I really needed it, the room is a bit small for that much power, but I just love Sansui and for $125 working I felt like I could hardly go wrong. Plus it will give me a chance to try out some speakers that I couldn't have otherwise driven.

 

[Zekeman]

They are finicky but when operating properly they kick. Very over-engineered.

 

[BigRiver]

They are finicky but when operating properly they kick. Very over-engineered.

If you don't mind, what's finicky/what should I look out for? I have heard the attenuators are fragile and that it was made with the caustic glue, but is there anything else or any tips you might wanna pass along to someone with no experience with this amp?