• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Sansui CA-3000

klangtausch

klangtausch

New Member
Looking for your opinions on the mighty SANSUI CA-3000 control amplifier.

Who has experience with this one?
How good is it in comparison to "the best" vintage preamps out there?
If compared to the likes of Sony, Threshold, Yamaha, ML...
Of course, it comes down to personal taste.

But I need to decide on a sweet preamp for my system (Levinson power amp & Infinity speakers)
and look into getting a warmish, liquid and holographic sound.

An acquaintance of mine has one CA-3000 for sale in good condition, but for 2K €, it's not cheap...
SO I do hesitate a bit, but probably will extend myself to get it and give it in for complete restoration.
Thanks for your time and consideration. :)
 
Register to hide this ad
Ive had a ca-3000 and do not rate it highly at all. It was recapped also. All comes to personal preference. Mine had a lack of top end sparkle and definition.
 
Yes it had a problem with a pair of caps being the wrong capacity and voltage. Fixed.
 
Last edited:
Thats prob why it sounded crap then. I would still go for something more modern. The ca 300 is beautiful to look at and its well made but for the price i would still go with newer
 
Mine has had a full restoration (including pass-throughs) and it is a very nice pre-amp. Take a look at this excellent post on AK on a restoration by Leestereos: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...and-upgrade-of-a-sansui-ca-3000.897834/page-2

Great restoration post and also detailed listening analysis after the restoration on page 2.

I would be surprised if you were not impressed with a fully restored example.
 
The Ca~3000 Ben did for me , is a beauty and it’s not going anywhere . He all so did my Ba~3000 and it’s a end game for me . The money spent was well worth the investment . I have NO doubt is could recoup the money I invested in both pieces . The matching TU ~9900 was redone by Our tuner guru Punker -X . What a beautiful system . I have a good friend that has some serious Mac gear and he loves my setup .
 
You will get a relaxed warm silky sound with the definition series as ive owned all of them. You will not however get a holographic sound based on my own listening experience. You are getting mixed reviews so far so the best thing is to buy one at a reasonable price and listen for yourself. You will have no problem re-selling it you are not happy. Please factor in the cost of restoring the unit if it has not already been done.
 
If you take the plunge, this would be a good beginnning:

SansuiCA-3000TransistorReplacement.jpg
 
John its Mike not Mark ;) the speakers do play the most important part of a system. You still won't get holographic sound on any speaker using a ca-3000!
 
I have a restored CA-3000 and to my ears it's too dark sounding. I liked my entry level Audio Research LS7 much better. Much simpler, strait forward design. A lot going on in the Sansui. Prefer my current pre-amp...McIntosh C2200 over the Audio Research though.
 
sansui88 said:
John its Mike not Mark ;) the speakers do play the most important part of a system. You still won't get holographic sound on any speaker using a ca-3000!
Click to expand...
Sorry Mike.
Your own conclusion comes from a not so correct unit.
Believe me , the change of those caps , along with some noisy transistors , transforms the pre amps sound , to a much more enjoyable pre amp. Liquid , flowing , nice and smooth.
Not dark by any means.
That is my take.
 
gizzyman47 said:
I have a restored CA-3000 and to my ears it's too dark sounding.
Click to expand...

Granted, I never spent a lot of time studying the nuances of human physiology, and my opinions are only based upon several decades of empirical evidence gathered solely by practical application, but most generally I've found that the eyes are used to discern between light and dark, and if ears are sensing those variations there may be something substantially wrong with the ears, eyes, or something in the cranium.
 
Thank you all for the insightful reflections so far.
I decided to give it a try and purchase a CA-3000.

I have a pair of Infinity Renaissance 90's speakers. If I am lucky those speakers and the CA-3000 will go in good synergy along with my Mark Levinson No. 23.5 power-amp... if so, then this chain might be able to present an audiophile listening experience and possibly even a holographic soundstage.
I really hope so, as that would make me quite happy.
I will keep you posted about how it goes. :)
 
D04E0E1C-CEBB-4DC7-91EA-4846BA289CE3.jpeg

Alright, I picked up my CA-3000 some days ago. :)

Cosmetically it’s in good condition, the red chassis has been carefully repainted and the faceplate looks fine as well, just a few age spots.

No internal repair work or restauration has been done on the unit yet.

Sound:
After I changed my AU-9500 for the CA-3000 I could immediately hear a difference. Wow, the sound is now much more pleasing. It’s more open, lush and silky. Very dynamic, deep soundstage, all very warm but with full clarity. The sounds and instruments flow freely, in my room. The bass is less present when compared to the AU-9500, but more controlled and tight. The frequencies sound very balanced actually, more homogeneous. The mids are joy to my ears. Highs are tight & crunchy, while not harsh at all. Very smooth actually. This pre-amp Is really what I wished for.

It one sentence, it sounds very present, smooth like silk, exceptionality detailed, with warm & free flowing frequencies.

The tone control selection is very nice. It’s a joy to play with it, specially for older records.

I love the (full aluminum) volume knob, it has a heavy haptic, with good resistance when turning. Making volume use very precise. The way it should be. This gives the unit and my whole system a further sense of quantity and substance. Better then any other volume knob I tried so far.

With the almost 500w. power of my ML No. 23.5 it seems to go in great synergy.

I will keep this one for many years!

Now the next step is a full recap & restoration, in a few months.

And some cable upgrades. Step by step.

Thank you all so much for your inside-full replies, so far. It really helped me to make the right decision and purchase this impressive control amplifier. Gratitude. :)

6F8D7BEB-6BCD-4636-BE19-CA64E58011C6.jpeg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom