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Sansui SR-838 vs ....

Van_Isle

Van_Isle

Super Member
No idea if I stand a chance of getting it, and as far as I'm concerned the seller is asking top dollar for the unit.

The farthest up the food chain I've gone with Sansui turntables is the SR-525. I've rarely seen locally any model higher in the line-up.

So how would the SR-838 compare with my Yamaha YP-D8 or my Technics SL-1210 Mk2? Mostly a lateral move?

My main setup is a AU-7700 and TU-7700. Although the SR-838 is a few years later than the 7700 (78 vs. 74) I think visually they'd look mighty nice stacked up on my audio rack.
 
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Van_Isle said:
So how would the SR-838 compare with my Yamaha YP-D8 or my Technics SL-1210 Mk2? Mostly a lateral move?
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I've owned both the SR-838 and the YP-D8 — this still a subjective opinion (as are most in Audio) but has some empirical experience behind it.

It's a lateral move. Both are exceptionally good (especially for the cost), among the very best 'mass market' TTs IMO, You'll hear differences, but I doubt you'll hear a significant improvement.

Both are elegant, in very different ways (rosewood vs black lacquer). The Yamaha also has two features that put it ahead for me: easily adjustable VTA on the fly, and auto-lift-off at the end. And it takes a bit less space, which matters to me. If both are in good condition, stick with Yamaha...

PS — Stanton ^^ posted while I was writing. I'm under the impression you already have the YP-D8; he seems to think you have the 838. Which is it?
 
I sold both 838s that have come my way. They look great but I wanted more in a manual table and that is covered with an SME arm and a Magnepan arm on a KD-600 and TD-125. A nice step up.

What you have will be the equal of the 838, so it comes down to operation, looks and matching the gear for your own personal enjoyment.

The solution is a third phono input.
 
LOL, I have a 3rd phono input with a pre-amp. Don't think I have the space though!

I also have a KD-500. Grace 707.

I suspect it does come down to personal preference and matching existing gear.
 
I had an SR 838 at one time nice table if your looking to keep an all Sui grouping.

I also saw that one for sale not a give away price for sure.
 
In the japanese
Van_Isle said:
No idea if I stand a chance of getting it, and as far as I'm concerned the seller is asking top dollar for the unit.

The farthest up the food chain I've gone with Sansui turntables is the SR-525. I've rarely seen locally any model higher in the line-up.

So how would the SR-838 compare with my Yamaha YP-D8 or my Technics SL-1210 Mk2? Mostly a lateral move?

My main setup is a AU-7700 and TU-7700. Although the SR-838 is a few years later than the 7700 (78 vs. 74) I think visually they'd look mighty nice stacked up on my audio rack.
Click to expand...

In the Japanese turn table hierarchy, the manual turn table is one step below the second from the top semi-auto or auto stop, lift turn table.

If you have the desire to try the Sansui SR-838, do so.

You can decide what is more suitable after using it for a while.

I have one of several mechanical end of record lift device on the Sansui SR-838. :biggrin:
 
I've bought and sold dozens of turntables over the past forty plus years and the SR838 is one of the ones I wish I had kept. It's an exceptional turntable.
 
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Yamaha gets my vote. That tonearm is very nice.

Or get the Sansui and send me the Yamaha. ;)
 
But I did go by and pick up a Sansui 771 for fairly cheap. And later on from another seller an Akai AP-206 and AA-910DB. So perhaps a decent day in the end.
 
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