Sansui SP X9000 crossover

[Bernardz]

I just found some nice vintage Sansui SP X9000 speakers .
I wanted to replace the capacitors and resistors on each unit due to their age .
The capacitors are Bi polar electrolytic Ariel,
2-each 3.3 mfd @ 50 v, 1-each 15 mfd @50 v, and .47mfd @ 50 v.
I cannot read on the resistor how many ohms each of the 2 ceramic resistors are on the cross over . My digital meter meter reads 1.2 ohms.

Should I go back with the same electrolytic capacitors or switch to film capacitors ?

can I also go up in voltage from 50 v to a higher voltage ?

Anything anyone can offer me with regards to advice in restoring these units are much appreciated,
BernardZ

 

[goodolpg]

Higher voltage is ok.
Films will be expensive, maybe consider poly?
Size may be a factor as well. Seems film and ploy caps often are larger (sometimes much larger) than NPE's (non polarized electrolytics ).

 

[Bernardz]

Thanks for update , I’m really new knowing anything about all the different types of capacitors and their specific functions to electronics.

I have seen the polys online and they reasonably affordable . I’m also not sure as to the quality of components from sellers . Just want to make sure I’m getting a good brand

 

[Stuart Pedaso]

I cannot read on the resistor how many ohms each of the 2 ceramic resistors are on the cross over . My digital meter meter reads 1.2 ohms.

The resistor you show markings is 22 Ohms (22Ω). The "K" at the end is a tolerance code, K being ±10%.



To get an accurate reading, disconnect at least one lead from the circuit. If the resistor is connected in parallel with other components you can expect to get a much different reading.

 

[Bernardz]

Thank you for that info . That helps tremendously .
Sansui has excellent solder joints on all its components. I’ve heard that resistors seldom fail. It’s usually the capacitors due to the gel inside that dries up over the years .

As you mentioned , there are inductors and capacitors connected to these resistors , that is probably why my value reads 1.2 ohms instead of 22 ohms.

Thank you all for your counsel and guidance
Bernard

 

[maxhifi]

Don't bother to change the resistors, they don't deteriorate with age. New Dayton poly caps from Parts Express really woke up my SP-X11000.

 

[Bernardz]

Awesome, thanks for info
I’ll look them up tonight on the website
Thank you again
Bernard

 

[Bernardz]

Are these the types of non polarized poly caps you were referring to

 

[maxhifi]

Are these the types of non polarized poly caps you were referring to

Yes exactly

 

[Bernardz]

I’ve got a question I would like ask because I feel this is the best place to get the right guidance .

As I previously mentioned, I just purchased a pair of vintage Sansui SP X9000 speakers . They are really in nice shape for their age .
As I was inspecting the drivers with my ohm meter , one of the 8-inch midrange drivers (s-139) had a open circuit on the voice coil .
I looked everywhere online , but no luck . I figured getting one of these drivers was going to be a big challenge.
I was looking at the Sansui SP X9900 speakers, they have a 8-inch midrange (S-149B). It appears to have the same specs as the 8-inch midrange on the X9000, with regards to impedance, frequency range , and size and wattage . The only difference was the outer support ring that mounts, the terminal connections for speaker wires , on the S-149B they are soldered connecting to the crossover wires , and the S-149B had a small cutout on the metal cone support that has wool or felt inside . The S-149B driver is more square and the original S-139 driver is round .

Could I use the Sansui S-149B midrange driver in place of the failed S-139 midrange driver on my X9000 speakers if all the specs are the same .
I just don’t know enough about these units to make the good decision and pull the trigger .

Thanks in advance for your help ,
Bernard

 

[maxhifi]

There is certainly no harm in trying. It looks like a totally decent substitute to me, and then you can keep your eyes open for an original if you really love the speakers.

 

[Bernardz]

That’s exactly what my plan was to use the S-149B midrange 8-inch driver in place till a S-139 driver became available or I had the failed unit rebuilt .

 

[maxhifi]

That’s exactly what my plan was to use the S-149B midrange 8-inch driver in place till a S-139 driver became available or I had the failed unit rebuilt .

It's almost amazing just how many different models Sansui made, and how every one used different but similar drivers. I think you will have fun with these, I presently have the X11000, and I previously had the X8000. For both I had to seek out replacement parts on eBay, the 8000 needed a mid, and the 11000 needed a grill. The grill for the 11000 took two years but I eventually found it.

These speakers present music in their own way, and although they are not the last word in accuracy (or perhaps even the first word), they give a larger than life crispness and dynamic range which will hopefully appeal to you. It definitely appeals to me, and I've spent many happy hours listening to mine. You will find that the large woofers have a tone all their own, which you can decide if you like or don't like after some time. I for one like it a lot.

 

[Bernardz]

You hit the nail on the head. I purchased these speakers to seek out the experience you have just described . I knew they needed a little work , but that’s what makes this project so much fun . You modify out a few items
(capacitors , deoxid some switches , polish up the cabinet) and manically the speaker is transformed . Not to mention the sounds that will emanate from the system .
I will be driving the Sansui’s with the Toshiba SX7150 stereo receiver . This will hopefully complete my vintage HiFi system .
I’ve seen on the web only the X11000 speakers and they are beautiful. Massive ,, I bet they fill the room nicely . I knew getting into these types of speakers it would not be short adventure with regard to finding parts . But that’s what makes it worth the journey . Nothing good comes easy or quick , unless you win the lottery . Lol
When I’m done restoring my cabinets I’ll display them on my post

 

[goodolpg]

JMO but if you do change the midrange it might "sound" best to replace the mid in both speakers. Just for balanced output and good joojoo and proper feng shweeee

 

[Bernardz]

You are correct , I thought about that when I started this journey . So I was able to find
2-each S-149B Sansui midrange speakers with sound voice coil values . So I picked up both of them to keep midrange sound similar.
I will keep the S-139 original until I find or repair the failed midrange , then probably go back to the original midranges in time

Thanks for info , nice to know folks on this forum really help you with audio challenges.
Bernard

 

[maxhifi]

Make sure to come back and let us know how you like them when all is said and done! That Toshiba is something I'm not familiar with, but it looks like a serious amplifier, up to the task of driving the mighty sansuis!

 

[Bernardz]

I sure will get back to this forum after I replace midranges and replace electrolytic caps with Dayton poly caps. Should be here in 3 to 7 days .
I got the Toshiba SA7150 on Reverb . Paid 1500 plus shipping . It’s a vintage flagship of its time . Just want to probably replace the electrolytic caps on the 2-each amplifier boards and filter capacitors . It being over 40 years old , I think i should just to be on the safe side .
More pics to follow shortly .
Regard
Bernard

 

[goodolpg]

You are correct , I thought about that when I started this journey . So I was able to find
2-each S-149B Sansui midrange speakers with sound voice coil values . So I picked up both of them to keep midrange sound similar.
I will keep the S-139 original until I find or repair the failed midrange , then probably go back to the original midranges in time

Thanks for info , nice to know folks on this forum really help you with audio challenges.
Bernard

That sounds like a good plan.

 

[Bernardz]

Just got done recapping my Sansui SP X9000
crossover network .
I used the Dayton poly caps with the 1% tolerance. They were more pricey than the 10 % , but I figured why not pay the few dollars more and get the tighter tolerance.

The polys were much larger than the original electrolytics than came original , but there was enough room to reposition the caps without any issues .

Another issue I found was removing the old electrolytic capacitors from the wood base. The glue was super hard and really solid . They made really good glue to hold down these components . I used a very sharp chisel to get between the wood base and the glue and was able to lift entire cap with glue still attached .

The original 8-inch midrange from Sansui was the S-139. One of the midrange drivers had a burned voice coil. I could not find a S-139 driver anywhere online or otherwise.

I was looking at the S-149 driver that came original on the Sansui SP X9700 speakers .

The specs were the same , 8-inch, 7 ohm, 65 watt.

i went online and found 2-each of the S-149 speakers . I figured if I’m going to replace the midranges , better to keep them both the same . I placed them on the opening of where the S-139 sat and it slipped right in. The only modification I had to do was drill new holes from the mounting because they did not line up on the original posts . But it wasn’t off by much , less than 3/16 of an inch . The original midrange has a round driver appearance , and the replacement driver S149 has a more square appearance.

The other mod I had to do was resolder new clips on the S149 driver because the original S139 driver had clip on terminals and the S149 driver were not clip on , the were hard soldered wire to the driver terminals .

I put everything back together and they sound really nice . The midranges really bought out the sound .
Thank you to all the techs out there that gave me counsel and guidance in restoring my vintage speakers .
Bernard