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Sansui SR-838

2sixR

2sixR

Active Member
anyone out there know what one should pay for a SR-838... owner is not original and has only stated that it appears to be running normally... an issues I should be aware of with this TT... hate to buy something like this from someone who doesn't know its history... but, if the price is right I just might take a shot at it... just wanted to know what a reasonable price would be and what opinion anyone has on the TT vs other similar... thanks.
 
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The SR-828 is a very fine TT.
Your question should be posted in the "Dollars & Sense" forum, according to the rules of this site.

Jorge
 
If decent, I'd think <$350 would be in the ball park :scratch2:

But I agree, these questions belong in Dollars & Sense :yes:
 
sorry about the wrong post...was also looking for some feedback on the quality of the TT as well... how would it compare to a JVC QL-Y66F?
 
The SR-838 was one of Sansui’s best in the mid-1970’s. It probably sounds very good, and it also looks pretty good.

Overall it’s probably slightly inferior to the JVC QL-Y66F in some areas (wow and flutter, rumble), and the active electronic damping of the JVC’s tonearm makes it superior to almost all other tonearms, but the SR-838 may be better at resisting acoustic feedback, due to being slightly heavier. The JVC also has two different arm tubes (straight and s-shaped), so will suit a wider variety of cartridges.

The JVC QL-Y66F was top of the JVC turntable line in 1985, and the Sansui SR-838 was second in the Sansui turntable line from 1975-78, but because the JVC was designed and sold about 10 years later, it may be slightly better, due to the rapid advances in turntable technology of that time. Either is a good choice, and better than the majority of turntables available.
 
I think ETI_5000 "nailed it" as far as comparing these TTs goes. That said, they're both very fine TTs that could give you a lot of listening pleasure.

Sometimes the best decision on these things is a subjective one. Sit quietly and focus on each one in turn. For each, imagine yourself owning it, using it. Picture it in your system. Tune in as well as you can to your feelings and reactions to each. Sonics aside, which one is more "YOU"? Which one would you least likely regret choosing? Which one would blend in best with your system, your decor? Since either one would be good-sounding, and you'll only own one (presumably; otherwise, don't ask us, just get both and compare them! :D), try to get the one that suits YOU best. They're both good-sounding, and will give you many happy listening hours.

But if you really have no preference, and are buying purely for sound, I think the JVC has a slight edge, as good as the Sansui is.
 
The SR-838 is probably a bit wider. The feet on the 838 deteriorate.
The 838 is a manual ONLY table.

Anyone that has seen my 838 says it's beautiful.:yes:

$350 would be a bargain for a very nice SR-838.

Rob
 
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