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Sansui or Yamaha integrated?

cnh2

cnh2

Super Member
Ok,

I own several vintage receivers at this point, including a Yamaha CR-800 and a Sansui 5000A.

And I'm starting to think about picking up ONE and only ONE integrated from that era. So the question is Sansui AU-717 vs the Yamaha CA-1000. Which would you go for and why?

I am familiar with the house sound of both manufacturers but have never heard one of their integrateds. The Yamaha, of course, can run in Class A at lower wattage (a definite plus). Don't know as much about the Sansui.

Also, what would a "good" price be for a fairly well kept unit Sansui and/or Yamaha?

Thanks

cnh2
 
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The answer really is... both. :-)

I love the Yamaha integrateds (and even receivers) of the mid to late 1970s and have several (albeit no CA-1000... so far) - including, of course, a CA-610II bought new. Soft spot in my heart for 'em.


That said, I'd have to say that the AU-717 is "technology superior", superbly made, and very handsome. Dual power supplies in that puppy. I'd love to have one of those, too. I know at least one local vacuum tube guru who considers it the only vintage integrated amp worth listening to. Not cheap, though.

TU717p1.jpg
 
It will be hard to decide. Listen a week to the yamaha and than a week to the sansui and decide. If me, I will keep both
 
Can't budget for both! May be leaning toward the Sansui after the above. That looks like a pretty solid unit, overbuilt, twin power supplies, double sets of capacitors, monster heat sinks! I like the sound of my Yammie CR-800 quite a bit, a lot, in fact. But if the Sansui is more tube-like then that's also a plus in its favor.

How reliable are these after they're brought up to speed?

cnh2
 
The CA's run hot so be careful with them. The only ones that are really interesting are the CA-2010 and CA-1010 because of the switchable Class A (which in A doesn't sound that much better than normal, IMHO). The 717 as noted previously is dual mono, which is a much higher standard. Get the 717.
 
The CA-1000, CA-800, CA-1010 and CA-2010 switched into class A are excellent sounding amplifiers*; I cannot say they sound tube like (I consider "tube like" sound to be an epithet - makes me think of the boozy, hazy sound of a 1950s console amp that needs new coupling capacitors)... but they're very musical, transparent, and neutral.

* Not that any of the four is a slouch in AB, either...
 
For me it's Sansui. Just like the sound and looks better. Come on over to the dark side you won't regret it. Had a couple of Yammies with a M-45 being the last and to me they sound too sterile. The 70's Sansui's sound closer to the tube sound I prefer. I would give each a listen to see what you prefer but I already know what I'd go with.
 
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The CA-1000 is much better than the AU-517. A better Sansui comparison to the 1000 would be something along the lines of an AU-6500. Get the CA-1000 first. 517's are a dime-a-dozen. Turn it off before switching into or out of class A.

ETA: In my opinion, the 517 is right smack in the middle of Sansui's BPC decline. Nice gear, but nowhere near what the previous generation was.
 
Robisme said:
Are you sure you are thinking of the AU-517?

AU-D77X maybe.

Rob
Click to expand...

Oops, yeah. I skipped a generation, although I still prefer the previous generation. Sansui lost their "tube-like" mids and highs with the AU-517 and similar models, at least to me.
 
An acquaintance of mine in the stereo repair business (who has access to & could have anything out there) listens to a Sansui AU517 in his living room.
 
Michael Powers said:
An acquaintance of mine in the stereo repair business (who has access to & could have anything out there) listens to a Sansui AU517 in his living room.
Click to expand...

This tech I know swears by Yamaha CA series . He is currently using a Yamaha A-1 Integrated amplifier...:rolleyes:
 
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Tromatic said:
The CA-1000 is much better than the AU-517. A better Sansui comparison to the 1000 would be something along the lines of an AU-6500. Get the CA-1000 first. 517's are a dime-a-dozen. Turn it off before switching into or out of class A.

ETA: In my opinion, the 517 is right smack in the middle of Sansui's BPC decline. Nice gear, but nowhere near what the previous generation was.
Click to expand...

Robisme said:
Are you sure you are thinking of the AU-517?

AU-D77X maybe.

Rob
Click to expand...

Tromatic said:
Oops, yeah. I skipped a generation, although I still prefer the previous generation. Sansui lost their "tube-like" mids and highs with the AU-517 and similar models, at least to me.
Click to expand...

It is my understanding that this is "not" what most people think of the AU-517 and AU-717 (see above, i.e., tube-like).

Are you sure you have the right model numbers?

While I'm at it. What does everyone think about those latter '70s Dual Power Kenwoods in relation to the above units. KA-9100, 7100, 7300 or the earlier Model 500 and 600. These models seem to have an Dual structure reminiscent of the Sansuis above? And the 9100 and 7300 have gotten some good reviews for the pre-amp sections?

cnh2
 
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Sansui AU, Yamaha CA, or Kenwood KA, etc.

Can't re-title this so "new" subtitle.

Let's throw the Kennies into the mix. I remember hearing some absolutely "stellar" Kenwoods back in the late '70s. A friend had a nice piece on a pair of EPI-360 T/E that was a system to die for!

cnh
 
I only have much experience with the KA-7100... it is not in the same league in terms of sound quality as either the CA-1000 (or its kin) or the AU-717.

Dual secondary windings on the PT and separate power supplies for the two channels from that point forward in the KA-7100, though. A nice touch, FWIW.

KA7100frontal.jpg

P6280011.jpg


Cannot vouch one way or t'other about its bigger siblings.
 
Well, I'm picking up a Sansui AU-517 that cost me "way" too much so I hope it's in decent shape!

I also, got a very good deal on a Kenwood KA-7300 (considered just a little better, perhaps, than the 7100--people seem to like its pre-amp and it has pre-outs unlike the 7100).

So the problems. Having read some posts here. Some speak of "brown glue" on Sansuis screwing boards up? Will I have to deal with that here?

On Kenwoods there is the Darlington output power module that goes bad after a while. The TA-80W (I believe). Surely there has to be a "modern" day substitute for that...it can't be as unique a piece as everybody around here seems to claim, can it?

Waiting on both units, with fingers crossed. Hope the Sansui doesn't put me into an immediate financial hole because it needs a full recap?

Putting off the Yamaha for now. I'll listen to the Kenwood first and see what I think of it. I know there are a lot of Yamaha fans here. But I do remember hearing some really wonderful Kenwoods from the late 70s that were very warm and powerful units.

cnh2
 
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