Sansui turntable recommendation?

JimEGR

JimEGR

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I own quite a few turntables, but nothing from Sansui. Currently my primary listening amp is an @Leestereo AU-555a which feeds Klipsch Forte ii with Crites crossovers and titanium tweeters. But I also have an AU-117//AU-217/AU-317/AU-717 as well as quite a few other makes and models of integrated amps and receivers - so the amp/receiver I use changes. I like the design and looks of the black Sansui turntables - which are recommended or is there a “best one”?

Thanks in advance.
 
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I think the SR-929 is one of the better ones. I’m a huge fan of the 838 and the 636 also. Both the 838 and the 636 use the same arm. I’ve had both but currently only have the 636 and I love it. It was mint when I got, I’ve used it regularly for 4 years without a single issue.
 
BamaBilly said:
I think the SR-929 is one of the better ones. I’m a huge fan of the 838 and the 636 also. Both the 838 and the 636 use the same arm. I’ve had both but currently only have the 636 and I love it. It was mint when I got, I’ve used it regularly for 4 years without a single issue.
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I second this, a very nice table indeed! Untouched they may need some work, potentiometer cleaning, cleaning the sensor under the plate that counts how fast the table is spinning, all to be expected with vintage gear. The 838 gives you a set it and forget it quartz lock (as well as a manual adjustment like the 636) but at it's age you'll need a scope to dial it in perfectly. Once it's dialed in nicely it is a real treat.
 
If you like the classic look, SR-4050C is a real sleeper, it comes with Acos Lustre GST1 tonearm, which is in my opinion better then any of the tonearms on SR-838, 636 or 929. It performs even better then tonearm on my Rega P6, especially with higher compliance cartridges, like Grados or Shure. Where on Rega I need 1.8 gr for clean tracking, on Acos 1.5 gr is enough, with the same cartridge.
SR-525 and 717 also seem to have a some variation of Acos tonearm, 525 simplified, 717 I think the same as on SR-4050.
 
For a slightly different option at the other end of the pricing scale, I can also highly recommend the belt-drive Sansui SR-222 mk2, Mk3 and Mk4.

Around five years ago, I owned a Mk2 and it sounded lovely with a Denon DL-110 HOMC cartridge, and it really looked the part too. Not quite the heavy-hitter like the 838 and 929, but a very solid performer.

EDIT: when I say "previously owned", I should have mentioned that it wasn't sold, but is now in the hands of my father aka @skippy124! :)

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Found a super clean SR-222MKii locally! PO is super meticulous - note the "transport prep" he gave it. Lucked out finding this one, from someone with this kind of pride and care. I am thrilled with the design and the looks. Fits in great at the top of my main rack (I think I will swap the receiver and turntable positions though - keep the black/silver column separation).

First play soundscape and detail is fantastic - but lots of crackles and pops - my main turntable runs an Ortofon Blue cart and there is zero crackle and pop - same exact record. Any thoughts on the noise?

Also ended up with my first Sansui receiver. I've focused mainly on collecting integrated amplifiers, but I had plans to pick up a Sansui receiver at some point. The same seller has quite the collection of everything. I asked him if he had anything else Sansui and he offered me this incredibly clean 7070 for a reasonable price. Looking forward to some listening time with it.

Productive day. Excited about the new Sansui pieces! Thanks for the recommendations.

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JimEGR said:
First play soundscape and detail is fantastic - but lots of crackles and pops - my other turntable runs an Ortofon Blue cart and there is zero crackle and pop - same exact record. Any thoughts on the noise?
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There is a Shure M70-B on your SR-222mkII (a lot of these TT had this cart fitted as standard when new).
This is a BOTL bonded conical cart, probably tired and worn now. It tracks relatively heavy: up to 3 grams.
As I look at the specs of the Ortofon Blue, I see a nude elliptical stylus.
I think this explains all..

The Sansui SR-222mkII matches much better with a higer spec cart.
E.g. I run a SR-222mkII with an Shure V15-4/SAS and all my (clean) records are dead silent and sound great on this TT.
I also used a Shure M95-ED (elliptical) on it, also dead silent.

You can upgrade the Shure M70-B slightly with a N70-EJ stylus (bonded elliptical, still tracks up to 3 grams) and with that get a better performance with low investment. But IMHO this TT deserves much better, like at least an AT-VM95E but preferable the nude version AT-VM95EN or better.

PS
You do not have the original Sansui headshell on your TT (but as it seems a generic Technics style one).
Probably no problem there (I run my Shure V15-4/SAS also with such a headshell), but just you know.

Have fun.
-John-
 
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JimEGR said:
Found a super clean SR-222MKii locally!
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That is indead a super clean TT !! Congratulations !!

pete_mac said:
For a slightly different option at the other end of the pricing scale, I can also highly recommend the belt-drive Sansui SR-222 mk2, Mk3 and Mk4.
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Haha, when I first read this thread, I was reluctant to suggest the SR-222mkII-etc, for I was afraid to not be taken seriously by intruducing such a low priced option. But I am glad you did, and see what happend: the OP bought a nearly mint looking SR-222mkII :thumbsup:

Have fun
-John-
 
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jd-audio said:
There is a Shure M70-B on your SR-222mkII (a lot of these TT had this cart fitted as standard when new).
This is a BOTL bonded conical cart, probably tired and worn now. It tracks relatively heavy: up to 3 grams.
As I look at the specs of the Ortofon Blue, I see a nude elliptical stylus.
I think this explains all..

The Sansui SR-222mkII matches much better with a higer spec cart.
E.g. I run a SR-222mkII with an Shure V15-4/SAS and all my (clean) records are dead silent and sound great on this TT.
I also used a Shure M95-ED (elliptical) on it, also dead silent.

You can upgrade the Shure M70-B slightly with a N70-EJ stylus (bonded elliptical, still tracks up to 3 grams) and with that get a better performance with low investment. But IMHO this TT deserves much better, like at least an AT-VM95E but preferable the nude version AT-VM95EN or better.

PS
You do not have the original Sansui headshell on your TT (but as it seems a generic Technics style one).
Probably no problem there (I run my Shure V15-4/SAS also with such a headshell), but just you know.

Have fun.
-John-
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I appreciate the detailed reply - and will follow through on your recommendation(s).

I also have this Shure V15-3 cart from a Dual 701 I own. What do you think?

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jd-audio said:
That is indead a super clean TT !! Congratulations !!



Haha, when I first read this thread, I was reluctant to suggest the SR-222mkII-etc, for I was afraid to not be taken seriously by intruducing such a low priced option. But I am glad you did, and see what happend: the OP bought a nearly mint looking SR-222mkII :thumbsup:

Have fun
-John-
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Definitely looking into some of these other recommendations as well. The 222 just happened to be not far from me and as you mentioned looked great! Nice start(maybe finish with the right cart?) to Sansui turntables.
 
Nice turntable! My brother uses the Ortophon blue, hes been using it for over 10 years and refuses to use anything else. I know its sound very well, it sounds very good, almost digital like. Lots of clarity, little warmth. On my 838 I went with a re-worked DL-103 MC cartridge (need a MC preamp to use it). Not as clean as the blue but close, mids are better imo. If you have anything the can take a MC cart it might be worth considering, the seller is great too: https://www.ebay.com/itm/393244843847

I loooove the 7070, that is an excellent pickup! There is a reason why its only a ~60wpc receiver with no pre/main jumpers and it still demands $500+, it rocks. It loves UFO, AC-DC, and other 70s/80s rock. The veneer seems to be in grate shapre too, which is rare. I'm jelly, the 7070 was my first Sansui and the rest is history :D Here is a recap I did a ways back, should you want to see more photos of it: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/7070-recap.895940/
 
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