Sansui SR636

[VinJunkie]

Hello everyone, I am pretty new to AK (my 2nd posts here),and I am definitely a newbie to audiophile.

I need suggestion for my newly acquired Sansui SR636, it only came with it's original tone arm; it does not has head-shell, cartridge, or stylus. As I am completely new to vinyl, I would need your suggestion and hints to where to purchase these necessary parts. Thank you in advance and much appreciated for your sharing. Cheers !!!

 

[Solist]

How much pennies are you willing to invest?

The headshell is standardized, so you could try and go for an original replacement or pick one from another manufacturer.

Regarding the cartridge, it appears that the tonearm is medium mass which will allow for a wide variety of cartridges. You could also change the mass of the tonearm by using a heavier or lighter headshell which will expand the available options even more.

 

[VinJunkie]

How much pennies are you willing to invest?

The headshell is standardized, so you could try and go for an original replacement or pick one from another manufacturer.

Regarding the cartridge, it appears that the tonearm is medium mass which will allow for a wide variety of cartridges. You could also change the mass of the tonearm by using a heavier or lighter headshell which will expand the available options even more.

Hello Solist, thank you for your reminder regarding budget-wise. As I am very green to this, I would like to start with something not too expensive, I guess $150-$200 can be a good point to start (including headshell, cartridge and stylus) ? Please advise if that budget is just not realistic for all 3 components, much appreciated

 

[VinJunkie]

How much pennies are you willing to invest?

The headshell is standardized, so you could try and go for an original replacement or pick one from another manufacturer.

Regarding the cartridge, it appears that the tonearm is medium mass which will allow for a wide variety of cartridges. You could also change the mass of the tonearm by using a heavier or lighter headshell which will expand the available options even more.

What is the pro and cons with heavier / lighter mass tonearm ? Sorry for this silly question, as I am way too green on this, thank you

 

[jd-audio]

Hello Solist, thank you for your reminder regarding budget-wise. As I am very green to this, I would like to start with something not too expensive, I guess $150-$200 can be a good point to start (including headshell, cartridge and stylus) ? Please advise if that budget is just not realistic for all 3 components, much appreciated

With an generic (SME type) headshell and basic but decent cartridge (e.g. Audio Technica AT95E) your budget can start at 50-75 usd.
This will give you a nice vinyl experience to start with. You can allways upgrade later.

Have fun
-John-

 

[bimasta]

$150 is ample for very good sound. Check the threads here for budget cartridges (I'd don't like to recommend: too subjective — search AK for "beer budget" and you'll find a highly praised cheapy). At $150 you could also buy extra headshells for your next cartridge — DJ h'shells often come in pairs, at a discount, and they'll fit the arm.

You mention "3 components", meaning (I think) headshell, cartridge, stylus. New carts include stylus, so it's just 2 items. If you get into "vintage" carts, then replacement styli are additional, and good ones are costly. But the SQ is worth it (but only if you can afford it).

BTW, your Sansui is a great start for a newbie (assuming it's working well). I have its sibling SR-838 and it's a great one. Looks almost identical (not just appearance, but functions). There must be differences, eg internal circuitry, and yours may have a lighter platter, but the tonearm looks identical, and it's a fine one. My 838 rivals much "better" TTs. It's hard for you to do better as an inexpensive starting point — and you don't have to gamble on today's dodgy 'budget' models.

Phono preamp is also essential: you can't plug it into a normal input. What amp do you use? Does it have a MM section?

PS — JD mentions "generic (SME type) headshell". That could be misleading: it doesn't have to be made by SME. SME created the standard, so all h'shells are "SME" in that sense, but dozens of other brands are available for far less, and they'll all fit.

Next, you'll have to mount and align the cartridge. Tons of fun awaits you...

 

[Solist]

What is the pro and cons with heavier / lighter mass tonearm ? Sorry for this silly question, as I am way too green on this, thank you

None really. Both heavy and light tonearms can perform equally well if they are carefully designed. It is just that at one time there was a lot of hype around ultra low mass tonearms and because of that cartridge manufacturers had to make cartridges which will work with those tonearms. If you have a heavy tonearm you need to pick a cartridge which has the suspension tuned for the heavy tonearm. Heavy tonearms will like low compliance cartridges (stiffer suspension), and low mass tonearms like high compliance cartridges. But you can also replace the stylus from a low compliance cartridge so that it fits a lighter tonearm.

Later medium mass tonearms became some sort of standard (given the amount of those produced).

The AT95E is a nice cartridge, it can be modded easily and for the price these go they are hard to beat. There is a new version for sale now, where they improved the cartridge resonance by modifying the body. I would not put too much money into the first cartridge since there is a high probability you will end up destroying the stylus. I think everyone on this forum broke a couple of needles in their lives.

 

[VinJunkie]

$150 is ample for very good sound. Check the threads here for budget cartridges (I'd don't like to recommend: too subjective — search AK for "beer budget" and you'll find a highly praised cheapy). At $150 you could also buy extra headshells for your next cartridge — DJ h'shells often come in pairs, at a discount, and they'll fit the arm.

You mention "3 components", meaning (I think) headshell, cartridge, stylus. New carts include stylus, so it's just 2 items. If you get into "vintage" carts, then replacement styli are additional, and good ones are costly. But the SQ is worth it (but only if you can afford it).

BTW, your Sansui is a great start for a newbie (assuming it's working well). I have its sibling SR-838 and it's a great one. Looks almost identical (not just appearance, but functions). There must be differences, eg internal circuitry, and yours may have a lighter platter, but the tonearm looks identical, and it's a fine one. My 838 rivals much "better" TTs. It's hard for you to do better as an inexpensive starting point — and you don't have to gamble on today's dodgy 'budget' models.

Phono preamp is also essential: you can't plug it into a normal input. What amp do you use? Does it have a MM section?

PS — JD mentions "generic (SME type) headshell". That could be misleading: it doesn't have to be made by SME. SME created the standard, so all h'shells are "SME" in that sense, but dozens of other brands are available for far less, and they'll all fit.

Next, you'll have to mount and align the cartridge. Tons of fun awaits you...

That's great to know $150 is consider as very good sound. I shall start with budget line, enjoy the journey and have fun along when I upgrade it.

I am always into vintage stuff, I play vintage guitar, drive vintage car, use vintage camera, etc. So when I went online to search TTs, I started with vintage versions. I bidded this 636 because I was amazed how good it looks, and in my opinion, with the red light on, it sure looks like Darth Vader (in TT shape) to me. LOL !!!

Actually I am searching for my amp at this moment, I am looking at different vintage receivers, maybe a Sansui 661 or any Sansui vintage receiver (with 20wpc, suggested by another member here in AK, as I am living in an apartment). Is this a reasonable choice ? What do you think ? I am not sure is receiver has MM section or not. I was trying to read some online info regarding MM and MC difference

 

[VinJunkie]

None really. Both heavy and light tonearms can perform equally well if they are carefully designed. It is just that at one time there was a lot of hype around ultra low mass tonearms and because of that cartridge manufacturers had to make cartridges which will work with those tonearms. If you have a heavy tonearm you need to pick a cartridge which has the suspension tuned for the heavy tonearm. Heavy tonearms will like low compliance cartridges (stiffer suspension), and low mass tonearms like high compliance cartridges. But you can also replace the stylus from a low compliance cartridge so that it fits a lighter tonearm.

Later medium mass tonearms became some sort of standard (given the amount of those produced).

The AT95E is a nice cartridge, it can be modded easily and for the price these go they are hard to beat. There is a new version for sale now, where they improved the cartridge resonance by modifying the body. I would not put too much money into the first cartridge since there is a high probability you will end up destroying the stylus. I think everyone on this forum broke a couple of needles in their lives.

Thank you for your detailed sharing. I am looking at those AT95E and lots of good reviews regarding it, I think I will get one for my 636 to start with ! Cheers !

 

[jd-audio]

.. maybe a Sansui 661 or any Sansui vintage receiver .. I am not sure is receiver has MM section or not. I was trying to read some online info regarding MM and MC difference ..

Sansui is allways a good choice (but I am biased). The 661 (as all other xx1 versions) is a fine receiver with a nice vintage look. Personally I would pair a black TT like the 636 with an "black faced" Sansui amp (e.g. AU-217 is a nice, reliable and budget friendly amp with a decent phono section) , but that is up to you.

All vintage 70-ies receivers and amps have the MM phono option. If a PHONO input is present it is allways MM unless MC is mentioned specificly (no MC untill the 80-ies and then only as a second input beside the MM input). MM is fine and gives you lot's of upgrade possibilities (my advice: Forget MC for now).

Have fun
-John-

 

[VinJunkie]

Sansui is allways a good choice (but I am biased). The 661 (as all other xx1 versions) is a fine receiver with a nice vintage look. Personally I would pair a black TT like the 636 with an "black faced" Sansui amp (e.g. AU-217 is a nice, reliable and budget friendly amp with a decent phono section) , but that is up to you.

All vintage 70-ies receivers and amps have the MM phono option. If a PHONO input is present it is allways MM unless MC is mentioned specificly (no MC untill the 80-ies and then only as a second input beside the MM input). MM is fine and gives you lot's of upgrade possibilities (my advice: Forget MC for now).

Have fun
-John-

Thank you John, AU217 seems good, will definitely look that up on bidding sites.

 

[bimasta]

That's great to know $150 is consider as very good sound. I shall start with budget line, enjoy the journey and have fun along when I upgrade it.

I was amazed how good it looks, and in my opinion, with the red light on, it sure looks like Darth Vader (in TT shape) to me. LOL !!!

Actually I am searching for my amp at this moment, I am looking at different vintage receivers, maybe a Sansui 661 or any Sansui vintage receiver (with 20wpc, suggested by another member here in AK, as I am living in an apartment). Is this a reasonable choice ? What do you think ? I am not sure is receiver has MM section or not. I was trying to read some online info regarding MM and MC difference

It has Manual pitch adjustment. With most DDs, you don't have the flexibility. Be sure you're reading the right strobe marks for 50 or 60Hz (US is 60Hz).

You can use MC carts as far as the TT/tonearm is concerned. And VTA is adjustable. I think it's the same arm as my 838, and I consider it near "high-end" — if the arm alone were sold separately today, $500 would be a reasonable price.

And as you know, few TTs look so good — that black lacquer finish, and its proportions, give it a very elegant look. Plus the forward-controls let you operate everything (except for cueing) with the cover down. Convenient.

A 20W amp should be good, but definitely depends on your speakers. I have some low-sensitivity KEFs; they're so-called "audiophile" quality, but with sensitivity of only 81dB (aka efficiency) they only achieve moderate levels with 20 watts, and dynamics are a bit compressed. But most speakers are at least 86dB and 20W will rock-out — when the neighbors are agreeable, or gone.

More info at https://www.vinylengine.com/library/sansui/sr-636.shtml

 

[VinJunkie]

It has Manual pitch adjustment. With most DDs, you don't have the flexibility. Be sure you're reading the right strobe marks for 50 or 60Hz (US is 60Hz).

You can use MC carts as far as the TT/tonearm is concerned. And VTA is adjustable. I think it's the same arm as my 838, and I consider it near "high-end" — if the arm alone were sold separately today, $500 would be a reasonable price.

And as you know, few TTs look so good — that black lacquer finish, and its proportions, give it a very elegant look. Plus the forward-controls let you operate everything (except for cueing) with the cover down. Convenient.

A 20W amp should be good, but definitely depends on your speakers. I have some low-sensitivity KEFs; they're so-called "audiophile" quality, but with sensitivity of only 81dB (aka efficiency) they only achieve moderate levels with 20 watts, and dynamics are a bit compressed. But most speakers are at least 86dB and 20W will rock-out — when the neighbors are agreeable, or gone.

More info at https://www.vinylengine.com/library/sansui/sr-636.shtml

I have got a pair of ScanDyna A25 from my wife's highschool friend, I am not sure what is it's sensitivity, maybe is not that high due to this pair is was made in 70s. But again I am living in an apartment, so probably I will try to find a receiver around or slightly above 30watts, I guess that's good enough.

Yes I read some posts saying the tonearm has very good reviews, actually the 636 has not arrive yet, but since I do not have my receiver yet, I have plenty of time to wait for the shipment to come. I have download the user manual from the link you have shared, thank you so much. I have no idea regarding the strobe light, how does it works, let me go through the entire manual first ~

 

[bimasta]

The A25's are very good, so good they're legendary. They don't need lots of power, the 20W amp you mentioned will be ample. Their age indicates high sensitivity, as amps back then didn't have lots of power.

The strobe light flashes (looks constant to the naked eye) at a speed correlated to 33.3 or 45 rpm, and hits the markings on the platter. If the markings seem to stand still, the speed is correct. If they move in either direction, your TT has knobs to adjust the speed up or down — just tune it so the markings are steady.

 

[VinJunkie]

The A25's are very good, so good they're legendary. They don't need lots of power, the 20W amp you mentioned will be ample. Their age indicates high sensitivity, as amps back then didn't have lots of power.

The strobe light flashes (looks constant to the naked eye) at a speed correlated to 33.3 or 45 rpm, and hits the markings on the platter. If the markings seem to stand still, the speed is correct. If they move in either direction, your TT has knobs to adjust the speed up or down — just tune it so the markings are steady.

I am just amazed by these kind of "functions", they are all new to me, since I was born in CD era, definitely it is fun to explore these "analog tech" !