Sansui BA/CA-F1

[ThaiBerra]

Hello,

:scratch2:
Need some input/opinions before I spend some hard earned cash!!

I have got an opportunity to buy the Sansui CA-F1 & BA-F1 combo.
The CA-F1 had been recapped and cleaned (from Sansui glue) but the BA-F1
are in 100% original condition.
I have no chance to check them myself but according to the seller both F1's
are in very good cosmetic condition and I trust the seller. I have bought quite
a few Sansui's from him before and have allways been very happy with what
I have received.

From being a hardcore Pioneer fan all my life I discovered the wonderful sound
(and construction) of vintage Sansui's last year and now I can not stop myself
from trying to expand my collection with every possible model. :yes:

Now because I never had the chance to listen to the BA/CA-F1's I would like
to know what you think about this combo.
Compared to AU-999, AU-9500, AU-717, AU-11000, BA/CA-2000?
All of those sounds fantastic in their own way but my personal favorite must
be the AU-9500 (fully reconditioned and recapped).

BR//Bernt

 

[rasenthiran]

Hi Bernt,

Its a good combo but i think the sound signature will be much more newer compare to the other units you currently have. It has sansui DD/DC circuit design inside for more clear and cleaner sound like AU 919.

Raj

 

[ghamilton]

A combo to die for!:yes: Grab them if price is right.

 

[hrbballman]

I preferred the overall sound of the F1 combo over the 717. The only major downfall of the pair is that there is no headphone jack. Its a great amp and I bet you'll be happy.

 

[mjs1]

Ba/ca f1

This is a great combination presumably even better sounding than the AU 919 which is the corresponding integrated. One word of caution however, make sure that recapping includes replacing the original black flag capacitors. If they haven't been replaced it is a time bomb and the output capacitors are darn near irreplaceable. I love my AU 919, and my 9500. Both are, in my estimation, better sounding than the AU 717.

Marc

 

[rjb5191]

Ba/ca f1

This is a great combination presumably even better sounding than the AU 919 which is the corresponding integrated. One word of caution however, make sure that recapping includes replacing the original black flag capacitors. If they haven't been replaced it is a time bomb and the output capacitors are darn near irreplaceable. I love my AU 919, and my 9500. Both are, in my estimation, better sounding than the AU 717.

Marc

I'm not sure about it actually sounding better than the 919. I heard the combo (which i bought) vs the 919 side by side, both "restored" and I though the 919 sounded clearer and more dynamic. Going direct into the ba-f1 sounds very good and it's a full DC circuit with no coupling caps. I'm working on bringing the CA-F1 up to par. It's got a lot of circuitry and electrolytic coupling caps in the signal path. There's an easy "hack" to upgrade the USA and international versions "hidden in the service manual and on the circuit board. If you don't figure it out, PM for "tips". Without the 'upgrades" it sounds pretty soft and and rolled off.