Sansui Seven vs. Kenwood KR-6600

[davstev]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience comparing the sound of a Kenwood KR-6600 (60wpc) with a Sansui Seven? Characteristic sound differences? General impressions of either? Both are highly regarded in their own way. The Kenwood probably has the better tuner, it's considered truly excellent. I've never owned a Sansui, but would love to.

I also have a recapped marantz 2270. Is the seven in the same league?

Thanks,
David

 

[stereofun]

I have the KR-6600 - not recapped, and then an Eight fully restored, I have also listened extensively to a Seven, that I cleaned and adjusted. The only A/B comparison I did was between the Eight and Kenny.

The KR-6600 tuner is hands down the best.

When it comes to sound its probably more a matter of preference and rig synergy. You are comparing some real good stuff here. I find the KR-6600 has a better low end than both the Eight and Seven - a real freight train power supply with good speed and timing. The Seven and Eight imo plays with a tad more detail and finesse - but, I'd suspect a fully restored KR-6600 could close that gap.

When I did an A/B between the Eight and KR-6600, I actually preferred the KR-6600, for being a little smoother, and easy on the ear, even if the Eight won on detail. It was a close call though, and dependent on source material as well.

The Seven and Eight are better build pieces - for instance their triple tone controls are step attenuated via individual resistors vs, the Kenny's cheaper carbon pots.

I have the 2245, partially restored (Very identical to the 2270) The Seven is a far more capable amp imo. No doubts there.

 

[davstev]

Tom,

Thanks for the considerate response.

My speakers are Tannoy 12" monitor golds, and there's no shortage of bass there.
(No shortage of anything- love 'em!)

So your point about system synergy is a good one. I think I could use a bit less bass coming out of my receiver and still be ok because of the speakers and their capacity for bass. Therefore I'm curious to try the Seven. I don't listen to the radio much, I listen mostly to vinyl and I have a phono preamp.

Interesting that you think a seven betters a Marantz 2270. Is that a matter of personal preference? On what criteria is it better? My main amp is a recapped 2270 but all I've ever compared it to is the 6600. I think the marantz is pretty great.

Thanks,
David

 

[stereofun]

Hi David - well one good reason to try a Seven is that you get introduced to one other sonic flavor or concept if you will. I used to be into marantz and had a couple aside from the 2245 (2285B, 2252B, 2265). It wasnt until I hooked up a Sansui 4000 that I realized I had been missing what I can only describe as "directness" or "punch in the gut" - you know when you are actually listening to live stuff and you are surprised how powerfull the bass and mids really are... Thats what I feel when listening to Sansuis - lots of raw, but highly diciplined current at work inside that little magic box.

The Seven, part of the single digits (Six, Eight, Eight Deluxe) is one of the better representatives for that punchy, detaled and very honest musical sound I am alluding to. I'd expect your midsection to come alive with great focus and detail - can be a little overwhelming the first time ,-) and I'd expect an iron grip on your 12" woofers

This is by far and large personal preference - I really could be happy with a restored 2230 for Jazz or ditto 2275, or its 2325 big brother for power, even if the sonics are a tad too seductive and softened up for my taste.

Give it a try and let us know what you think.

Cheers

 

[davstev]

bought the Seven!

Well, I bought it. Not an excellent deal in terms of dollars, but I figure there's a price to be paid for fine condition and quality build.

And I'm experiencing the "directness" or "punch in the gut" that you describe. I really like it.

I did a bit of an A/B comparison with my recapped Marantz 2270. I actually think that I prefer the Sansui Seven. I can't beleive that I am saying this, I have always loved my 2270.

But my ears do not lie. They have very, very different sound signatures. The marantz is warm and tubey- I'd say, almost to a fault. It's lovely enough, with a commendable soundstage, and might be ideal for some types of music, and some people might love the warm, rich, spacious sound, but comparitavely, it lacks the punch that the Sansui has. To my ears, at this point, it's very gratifying to have this directness. And it's all there, too. There's ample power in the Seven at 37 wpc or something thereabouts (I am easily driving my Tannoy Monitor Gold 12" speakers, with little effort and room to spare).

Mids in the 2270 are recessed, which includes vocals. The 2270 is way laid-back. With the 2270 detail slightly lacks or at least, sounds are arranged in space differently. The Sansui is way more up-front. Mids (such as vocals) certainly are. And there's enough sound stage to feel as though it's legitimate in that dept.

Loving too, the wood cabinet on the Seven.

I don't think I am just riding a high from a new aqcuisition here, I think I have been bitten by the Sansui bug simply beacuse the sound is more to my liking. Time to enjoy this one for a few years to come...can't imagine what a recap on this would be like....

 

[stereofun]

Glad you like the Seven, it is a great exponent for the Sansui sound - both the older sound that has warmth and punch, but also the later more sophisticated sound. The single digits are highly regarded around here.

They have really good amps and a superior build quality (tone controls have individual resistors for each detent, a far more expensive solution than just using a carbon pot with 3 solder points)

Price is something we quickly forget.....