Still hesitant to use modern amplifiers, recommendations are welcome.

[Kreshna]

I'm not saying vintage amplifiers always sound better than modern ones, I'm not saying Sansui AU-7900 is representative of the sound of all vintage amps either. Just like modern amps, there are good sounding vintage amps and there are bad sounding vintage amps.

It's just so happens that the AU-7900 simply sounds the best to my ears.

My Sansui AU-7900.

The AU-7900 has lush, airy, open, lifelike midrange, especially vocals. It also has very extended, very open, and very airy highs. When driving JBL titanium domed loudspeakers like JBL 120Tis and L20Ts, cymbals and hi-hats become very addicting. Overall, the AU-7900 sounds very clean. I'm don't think the Sansui sounds neutral, through. It seems the AU-7900 glosses over the sound it plays with its openness and airiness.

Its biggest weakness, I think, is its bass. Even when paired with loudspeakers as large as JBL 120Tis, which have 12" woofers, the bass always sounds lean and slim. On the positive side, the bass sounds very organic. On the negative side, there is noticeable lack of slam and dynamics --the bass is not thumpy enough! But I can perfectly live with that, since I'd happily sacrifice the bass for such addicting mids and highs.

The AU-7900, playing cymbal-heavy Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock.

Nonetheless, vintage amplifiers break down eventually, and there might be cases where restoring vintage amps would be more difficult than simply buying modern amps (unobtanium spare parts comes to mind). I'm also interested in home theaters and surround music, where I simply have to use modern amplifiers, since five channel or three channel power amplifiers are modern stuff.

Problem is, I have yet to find modern amplifiers with such open, airy sound I desire.

Here are some of amplifiers I have listened so far, and none satisfies me the way my Sansui does.


Yamaha RX-V663.

Praised as AV receiver with excellent sound quality, Yamaha RX-V663 is a very competent amplifier per se. I use Pure Direct Stereo Mode for music, and the overall sound is flatter and more neutral than that of the Sansui AU-7900. The bass sound better, thumpier, and stronger than that of the Sansui. The overall sound is almost as clean as that of the Sansui.

The Yamaha RX-V663, shown here driving a pair of NHT SuperZeros. When driving JBL 120Tis (not shown), the bass sounds much better than that of the Sansui.

Problem is: the Yamaha sounds worse than the Sansui on lesser recording materials, and it doesn't have the addicting openness and airiness the Sansui has. I could listen to the Sansui for hours, while I cannot say the same thing about the Yamaha. When driving JBL titanium domed loudspeakers, the Yamaha's highs sound etched and analytical, unlike Sansui AU-7900's airy highs. I would describe the RX-V663 as 'neutral, but not beautiful.'


Rotel RB-985.

My five channel home theater power amplifier, I was using it as stereo power amplifier for a few months, with Yamaha RX-V663 in Pure Direct Stereo Mode. As such, the Yamaha became nothing more than volume control. The Rotel competently drives anything fed to it; from B&W DM302 to JBL 120Tis to JBL L20Ts.

The Rotel RB-985, driving a pair of Bowers & Wilkins DM302, with Yamaha RX-V663 in Pure Direct Stereo Mode as preamp.

Rotel RB-985 sounds as clean as Sansui AU-7900. It also has better bass than the latter, and actually sounds warmer than the latter, with noticeable emphasis on upper bass and/or lower midrange.

Problem is, the Rotel doesn't have the addicting openess and airiness the Sansui has. The RB-985 top end is noticeably rolled off compared to that of the Sansui. The RB-985's warm sound makes it less fatiguing than the Yamaha in the long run, but it still lacks the addictive quality of the Sansui. I would describe the Rotel as 'warm, but not airy enough'.


NAD C375BEE.

The amplifier used by the vintage audio showroom where I bought my JBL 120Tis at. It sounds almost like the Yamaha RX-V663, with noticeably strong and thumpy bass, but uninspiring mids and etched highs. The NAD actually almost made me cancel my purchase, since the JBL 120Ti's titanium dome tweeter sounds etched and fatiguing when driven by it. Only latter, when I drove the 120Tis with the Sansui AU-7900 at home, I was really wowed by the highs and the mids. I would describe the C375BEE as 'neutral, but not beautiful.'


Kenwood DC-20P.

The power amp section of Kenwood DC-20, I tried it to drive my JBL 120Tis out of curiosity. Okay, so this one is actually a vintage class D amp instead of a modern amp. Nonetheless, the Kenwood amplifier sounds thumpier and meatier than the AU-7900. It also sounds dirtier, with total lack of openness and airiness the Sansui has.


Audio Analogue Puccini.

This amplifier is not mine, it belongs to a small music store in Setrasari Plaza, around my neighborhood. Since it is not mine, I cannot test it with JBL titanium domed loudspeakers. It drives a pair of Mordaunt-Short Avant 902i instead.

Audio Analogue Puccini, driving a pair of Mordaunt-Short Avant 902i.

Reviews described the Puccini as 'tube-like'. However, what I've heard is pretty disappointing --well at least to my ears. The overall sound is clean and warm, with emphasis on upper bass and midrange. However, the highs is noticeably rolled off --even more so than Rotel RB-985. Okay, so the sound is non fatiguing, but the lack of top ends is also boring. I would describe the Puccini as 'warm, but not airy enough'.


Recommendations, please?

I'm don't want to generalize, but it seems all modern amplifiers I heard fall to the either 'neutral, but not beautiful' or 'warm, but not airy enough' category. Perhaps the fault is mine, since I haven't tried enough modern amplifiers to find the one that really sounds like Sansui AU-7900. Or perhaps most modern amplifiers are designed with emphasis on neutrality instead of euphony?

In any case, I'm still looking for a modern amplifier --preferably 3 channel or 5 channel power amplifier-- with such open, lively mids and airy highs. Or how about class D monoblock amplifiers? How about gainclones? Any recommendations?

Many thanks.

 

[JarredCrowe]

Here is a thought,

You already have the rotel amp(I used to have one of those models myself) , it seems you only tried it using the Yamaha receiver as a preamp. In my opinion that combo leaves a lot to be desired. Instead of looking for an amp, maybe you should be looking for a preamplifier instead.

 

[xero-D-hero]

I'm thinking what you really like about the Sansui is the preamp section vs. the power amp section.
So I would stick to using that AU-7900 as the preamp and experiment by adding more powerful external amps via the pre-outs.

Now to give any power amp suggestions we would need some sorta basic framework to consider.
Main items would be what sorta budget you have to go shopping with ?
Seems pretty clear were talking about SS amps here...

Myself I'd probably recommend at least doubling the AU-7900's wpc to get more bass dynamics from this system.

Anyhow that's how I'm seeing this so far.

HTH

Bret P.

 

[timofred]

For a power amp, try

Marantz SM-17

I think it might suit your needs.

 

[Kreshna]

Here is a thought,

You already have the rotel amp(I used to have one of those models myself) , it seems you only tried it using the Yamaha receiver as a preamp. In my opinion that combo leaves a lot to be desired. Instead of looking for an amp, maybe you should be looking for a preamplifier instead.

I'm thinking what you really like about the Sansui is the preamp section vs. the power amp section.
So I would stick to using that AU-7900 as the preamp and experiment by adding more powerful external amps via the pre-outs.

Now to give any power amp suggestions we would need some sorta basic framework to consider.
Main items would be what sorta budget you have to go shopping with ?
Seems pretty clear were talking about SS amps here...

Myself I'd probably recommend at least doubling the AU-7900's wpc to get more bass dynamics from this system.

Anyhow that's how I'm seeing this so far.

HTH

Bret P.

Thank you for the replies. So while both amp and preamp have influence on sound quality, it seems preamp has greater influence, am I correct? Otherwise people won't even bother to use tube preamp and the likes, no?

In any case, when I used Kenwood DC20P to drive JBL 120Tis, I did not use the AU-7900's preamp section --nor any other preamp, for that matter. I controlled the volume directly using my computer. Perhaps the lack of preamp explains the non-airy sound of the DC20P?

It's funny. A friend of mine has NAD 3020 and Sansui AU-9900, both driving a pair of JBL 4425. When he uses the NAD 3020 preamp section, connected to the Sansui AU-9900 power amp section, the resultant sound sounds more like that of the NAD. When he uses the AU-7900 preamp section, connected to the 3020 power amp section, the resultant sound sounds more like that of the Sansui --albeit very dirty and distorted. Perhaps because the 3020's low power and high input sensitivity cannot handle the AU-9900's output voltage?

I have always wanted to try the experiment myself. That is, using AU-7900 preamp section to drive other power amp, to hear the resultant sound. Alas, the AU-7900 is still under restoration, otherwise I'd have already tried it with the Rotel RB-985 myself.

In any case, I tend to be hesitant whenever I need to buy new audio gear, because I primarily buy online, so it's practically impossible to return the audio gear if I didn't like the sound. Even with brick-and-mortar audio shop, returning an item is almost impossible due to their "no return" policy.

@JarredCrowe : yes, I think the Yamaha RX-V663 tends to make everything sounds dull. I remember, I was wowed with NHT SuperZeros when driving them with the amplifier section of an old Aiwa component system --open vocals, airy highs, etcetera, albeit the sound becomes dirty when played out loud. Switching it to Yamaha makes the sound cleaner, much cleaner. Yet it also sounds flat and uninspiring. Neutral, but not beautiful.

@xero-D-hero : yes, I'm indeed looking for solid state amp, especially 3 channel or 5 channel amp, or small class D monoblocks, so I could use them to drive my L-C-R speakers while letting the Sansui AU-7900's power amp section drive the rear speakers. I will also be using the AU-7900 as preamp, since I'm going to use matrixed surround like Sansui QS (with Hafler center channel) or Involve Audio Surround Master for 5.1 music.

But if course, the front L-C-R power amplifier should sound as good --if not better-- than the AU-7900's power amp section. And what I mean by 'as good' is lifelike mids and extended, airy highs. I would happily sacrifice bass for lush, lifelike vocals and extended, airy highs. 'Neutral' is not really a quality I'm looking for, except if the power amp's neutrality could be 'enhanced' by the airiness of the AU-7900's preamp section.

Currently I've been very interested in these amps, but before actually buying one of them, I'd really like to hear opinions and experiences about them.


B&K AV5000.

This 5 channel amplifier is described as detailed yet smooth with clear airy highs and solid bass. Those qualities, except the 'solid bass' part, are exactly how I would described Sansui AU-7900, especially the 'clear airy highs' description. However, has anyone experienced the amp first hand? Could anyone share their experience with the amp? Is that true B&K AV5000 has such clear airy highs?


Carver AV-505x (or AV-405x, or AV-705x).

Another 5 channel amplifier, the Carver AV-505x is described as delicate as a flower, almost tube like. I'm not exactly sure what does 'tube-like' really mean, but if it meant 'lush, lifelike vocals' and 'extended, airy highs,' then I think the Carver is what I'm looking for to complement my Sansui. Here's what the reviewer wrote, by the way:

"I was expecting the power of a sledge hammer and instead this amp was as delicate as a flower, almost tube like. Music just floated effortlessly from my speakers and when things became more dynamic no strain, no collapse just effortless rendering of the signal."

Based on my experience, at least when driving JBL 120Tis, NAD 3020 would be best described as 'having the power of a sledge hammer,' while Sansui AU-7900 sounds delicate (as a flower) and effortless. So it seems Carver AV-505x sounds like Sansui AU-7900, but is the reviewer wrong? Has anyone experienced with Carver AV-505x or its variants?


Hypex UcD 180.

I already have three Hypex monoblock amplifier chassis anyway, which would fit either Hypex UcD or Hypex nCore, but I still hesitate to decide which one to buy. Conventional wisdom would say Hypex nCore is a better amp. After all, nCore is the more expensive model. However, Hypex nCore is often described to have rolled off treble. According to Hypex users, such rolled off treble is what the sound really is, in other words, total neutrality. Unfortunately --unless the resultant sound can be heavily influenced by the airiness of Sansui AU-7900's preamp section-- neutrality is not what I'm looking for.

On the other hand, Hypex UcD180 sounds more promising.

"High frequencies are open, clear, lucid, really tubey. Given these qualities, the unit does not forgive sources with a "digital" flavour in the sound! In such a case the sound becomes rather "viscid", unnatural and as such unpleasant. Otherwise, it is limpid and smooth."

High frequencies are open, clear, and lucid, and that's also how I would describe Sansui AU-7900. Okay, perhaps such lucid and airy highs are colorations, especially when compared to Hypex nCore's neutrality. However, those are the colorations that I love.

Could anyone share their experience with Hypex UcDs? Do they really have such open, clear, and lucid high frequencies as described by the reviewer above?

For a power amp, try

Marantz SM-17

I think it might suit your needs.

Thanks, @timofred . The Marantz sounds very interesting, but does 3 channel or 5 channel variant exist? Or how about monoblock version?

 

[xero-D-hero]

So this is a multi-channel set-up ?
Well I guess that means I dont really have much to add from here on out.
I simply dont have much experience with those sorta multi channel rigs as I'm a 2.0 / 2,1 kind of guy myself.

Too many other things to take into account when one is dealing with multi channel,especially when using multiple amps.
Gain matching then needs to be considered/addressed along with other items.

Me,I would'nt try to make any 2 channel preamp/amp/integrated amp mesh with a multi channel rig.
So to be honest here I'd be hard pressed to use the AU-7900 in any capacity in that sorta rig.

That being the case I'd probably be looking for a nice sounding 5.1 pre-processor most likely.
Then I'd go shopping for the dedicated multi-channel power amp(s) with the SQ traits you're seeking.
That way you're not "stuck" with the power amp section in any given AVR and their SQ which you seem to find lacking so far.

But that's just me,as usual YMMV.

Bret P.

 

[Kreshna]

So this is a multi-channel set-up ?
Well I guess that means I dont really have much to add from here on out.
I simply dont have much experience with those sorta multi channel rigs as I'm a 2.0 / 2,1 kind of guy myself.

Too many other things to take into account when one is dealing with multi channel,especially when using multiple amps.
Gain matching then needs to be considered/addressed along with other items.

Me,I would'nt try to make any 2 channel preamp/amp/integrated amp mesh with a multi channel rig.
So to be honest here I'd be hard pressed to use the AU-7900 in any capacity in that sorta rig.

That being the case I'd probably be looking for a nice sounding 5.1 pre-processor most likely.

Well, no. Actually, I'm not going to mix Sansui AU-7900 with 5.1 pre-processor or the likes. It is nothing like that.

What I will be using is something like Involve Audio Surround Master or Sansui QS, which does nothing more than extracting ambience from normal stereo recording. There will be no Dolby ProLogic, there will be no discrete surround like Dolby digital either. The Surround Master or Sansui QS will simply extract ambience from the Sansui AU-7900 stereo pre-outs (line level), then create discrete 5.1 (in case of Surround Master) or quadraphonic (in case of Sansui QS) audio channels.

In case of Sansui QS, it is designed to work with 2 channel integrated amps. You can even use it with integrated amplifiers that do not have separate mode. That is, inserting the Sansui QS in the integrated amplifier's tape loop. You still need another stereo amplifier for its rear channel output though.

To make it simple, let's just pretend that I'm going to use a separate power amplifier with my Sansui AU-7900 pre amplifier section. Sonically, will a B&K AV5000 or Carver AV-405x a good choice? Or how about Hypex UcD180?

Then I'd go shopping for the dedicated multi-channel power amp(s) with the SQ traits you're seeking.
That way you're not "stuck" with the power amp section in any given AVR and their SQ which you seem to find lacking so far.

But that's just me,as usual YMMV.

Bret P.

Well, like I said, I'm not going to use AVR with my Sansui AU-7900, I merely wonder if there is a 5 channel or 3 channel amplifier with similar characteristics to those of the Sansui. Or at least retains the Sansui's openness and airiness when driven by the Sansui's preamp section.

 

[timofred]

The sm-17 is a stereo amp,
but can be used as mono.

 

[Grenadeslio]

Sounds like it's time you looked at a Belles amplifier. My Kenwood KA7300 is an awesome integrated amp, but using it as a pre with the Belles doing the heavy lifting brings the Kenny up to the next level.

I'm a huge Carver fan, have and still own quite a few Carver amps, but the Belles connected to the Carver C-16 preamp also gives that setup some Belles magic, once heard it's hard to go back.

The Belles I have are kind of rare beasts being some of his earliest, but some of the "newer" amps are easier to find. And if wanting new he's still designing and building just under a different company name now.

 

[tcdriver]

Based on what you have written so far, my suggestion would be to buy one more Sansui AU-7900 amplifier. You may just find that the center channel is unnecessary. The makers of the Surround Master advocate 4.0 over 5.1. So far, in my limited experience with the Surround Master, the 4.0 produces a better result. YMMV.

 

[Kreshna]

The sm-17 is a stereo amp,
but can be used as mono.

I see, thanks. It's kinda hard to find though.

Sounds like it's time you looked at a Belles amplifier. My Kenwood KA7300 is an awesome integrated amp, but using it as a pre with the Belles doing the heavy lifting brings the Kenny up to the next level.

I'm a huge Carver fan, have and still own quite a few Carver amps, but the Belles connected to the Carver C-16 preamp also gives that setup some Belles magic, once heard it's hard to go back.

The Belles I have are kind of rare beasts being some of his earliest, but some of the "newer" amps are easier to find. And if wanting new he's still designing and building just under a different company name now.

Based on what I read, Belles amps are well-known for their airiness. Too bad they're pretty hard to find, though I may eventually get one.

Meanwhile, what do you think about Carver amps? Let say, Carver AV-405x? Alright, perhaps it's not as airy as Belles amp, but is it airy and open enough? Is it good enough? Perhaps not as good as Belles in terms of airiness, but at least as good as Sansui?

Based on what you have written so far, my suggestion would be to buy one more Sansui AU-7900 amplifier. You may just find that the center channel is unnecessary. The makers of the Surround Master advocate 4.0 over 5.1. So far, in my limited experience with the Surround Master, the 4.0 produces a better result. YMMV.

Indeed. Either that, or a Sansui power amplifier like BA-2000 or BA-3000 (which is also hard to find in my country).

Still, I always wonder what modern power amps that sound at least as good, as airy, as open as Sansui AU-7900 in integrated mode, when driven by the AU-7900's preamp section.

 

[Grenadeslio]

I see, thanks. It's kinda hard to find though.


Based on what I read, Belles amps are well-known for their airiness. Too bad they're pretty hard to find, though I may eventually get one.

Meanwhile, what do you think about Carver amps? Let say, Carver AV-405x? Alright, perhaps it's not as airy as Belles amp, but is it airy and open enough? Is it good enough? Perhaps not as good as Belles in terms of airiness, but at least as good as Sansui?



Indeed. Either that, or a Sansui power amplifier like BA-2000 or BA-3000 (which is also hard to find in my country).

Still, I always wonder what modern power amps that sound at least as good, as airy, as open as Sansui AU-7900 in integrated mode, when driven by the AU-7900's preamp section.

I've only owned the TFM series of stereo 2channel amplifiers, bridging the TFM 15cb for more power, and the TFM 25, I liked them all. Still have two of the 15cbs as part of a surround system driving the center channel and rear channels.

The Belles are something special, and if considering something newer shouldn't be that hard to locate.

 

[PanheadXR290]

You will never go wrong buying a Mcintosh Amplifier,as long as nothing gets spilled inside ,or a tragic power line issue ,any Mac amp will last your entire lifetime even if its already 25 years old.

 

[S. Pupp]

B&K AV5000.

This 5 channel amplifier is described as detailed yet smooth with clear airy highs and solid bass. Those qualities, except the 'solid bass' part, are exactly how I would described Sansui AU-7900, especially the 'clear airy highs' description. However, has anyone experienced the amp first hand? Could anyone share their experience with the amp? Is that true B&K AV5000 has such clear airy highs?

I realize this is an old post, but wanted to comment on the B&K AV5000 for any future readers doing a search on this amp.

I was using a McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe with my Apogee Slant 6 speakers. I decided to experiment with bi-amping and, since I needed an amp at the time for newly acquired Celestions, purchased a B&K AV5000 for the Apogees.

The case of the B&K is lightweight for the heft of the amp (I threw my back out lifting the amp), and several case screws were severed en route to me. As for sound, it was an impressive improvement over the McCormack in terms of dynamics, imaging, and general “you are there” experience. I presume this is an effect of bi-amping. Yes, the highs are smooth but airy, and the bass solid.

The only complaint I have with the B&K, other than the case, is that the binding posts are a PITA unless using banana plugs.

Overall, though, an impressive feat, particularly for a 5 channel amp.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I'm not saying vintage amplifiers always sound better than modern ones, I'm not saying Sansui AU-7900 is representative of the sound of all vintage amps either. Just like modern amps, there are good sounding vintage amps and there are bad sounding vintage amps.

It's just so happens that the AU-7900 simply sounds the best to my ears.

My Sansui AU-7900.

The AU-7900 has lush, airy, open, lifelike midrange, especially vocals. It also has very extended, very open, and very airy highs. When driving JBL titanium domed loudspeakers like JBL 120Tis and L20Ts, cymbals and hi-hats become very addicting. Overall, the AU-7900 sounds very clean. I'm don't think the Sansui sounds neutral, through. It seems the AU-7900 glosses over the sound it plays with its openness and airiness.

Its biggest weakness, I think, is its bass. Even when paired with loudspeakers as large as JBL 120Tis, which have 12" woofers, the bass always sounds lean and slim. On the positive side, the bass sounds very organic. On the negative side, there is noticeable lack of slam and dynamics --the bass is not thumpy enough! But I can perfectly live with that, since I'd happily sacrifice the bass for such addicting mids and highs.

The AU-7900, playing cymbal-heavy Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock.

Nonetheless, vintage amplifiers break down eventually, and there might be cases where restoring vintage amps would be more difficult than simply buying modern amps (unobtanium spare parts comes to mind). I'm also interested in home theaters and surround music, where I simply have to use modern amplifiers, since five channel or three channel power amplifiers are modern stuff.

Problem is, I have yet to find modern amplifiers with such open, airy sound I desire.

Here are some of amplifiers I have listened so far, and none satisfies me the way my Sansui does.


Yamaha RX-V663.

Praised as AV receiver with excellent sound quality, Yamaha RX-V663 is a very competent amplifier per se. I use Pure Direct Stereo Mode for music, and the overall sound is flatter and more neutral than that of the Sansui AU-7900. The bass sound better, thumpier, and stronger than that of the Sansui. The overall sound is almost as clean as that of the Sansui.

The Yamaha RX-V663, shown here driving a pair of NHT SuperZeros. When driving JBL 120Tis (not shown), the bass sounds much better than that of the Sansui.

Problem is: the Yamaha sounds worse than the Sansui on lesser recording materials, and it doesn't have the addicting openness and airiness the Sansui has. I could listen to the Sansui for hours, while I cannot say the same thing about the Yamaha. When driving JBL titanium domed loudspeakers, the Yamaha's highs sound etched and analytical, unlike Sansui AU-7900's airy highs. I would describe the RX-V663 as 'neutral, but not beautiful.'


Rotel RB-985.

My five channel home theater power amplifier, I was using it as stereo power amplifier for a few months, with Yamaha RX-V663 in Pure Direct Stereo Mode. As such, the Yamaha became nothing more than volume control. The Rotel competently drives anything fed to it; from B&W DM302 to JBL 120Tis to JBL L20Ts.

The Rotel RB-985, driving a pair of Bowers & Wilkins DM302, with Yamaha RX-V663 in Pure Direct Stereo Mode as preamp.

Rotel RB-985 sounds as clean as Sansui AU-7900. It also has better bass than the latter, and actually sounds warmer than the latter, with noticeable emphasis on upper bass and/or lower midrange.

Problem is, the Rotel doesn't have the addicting openess and airiness the Sansui has. The RB-985 top end is noticeably rolled off compared to that of the Sansui. The RB-985's warm sound makes it less fatiguing than the Yamaha in the long run, but it still lacks the addictive quality of the Sansui. I would describe the Rotel as 'warm, but not airy enough'.


NAD C375BEE.

The amplifier used by the vintage audio showroom where I bought my JBL 120Tis at. It sounds almost like the Yamaha RX-V663, with noticeably strong and thumpy bass, but uninspiring mids and etched highs. The NAD actually almost made me cancel my purchase, since the JBL 120Ti's titanium dome tweeter sounds etched and fatiguing when driven by it. Only latter, when I drove the 120Tis with the Sansui AU-7900 at home, I was really wowed by the highs and the mids. I would describe the C375BEE as 'neutral, but not beautiful.'


Kenwood DC-20P.

The power amp section of Kenwood DC-20, I tried it to drive my JBL 120Tis out of curiosity. Okay, so this one is actually a vintage class D amp instead of a modern amp. Nonetheless, the Kenwood amplifier sounds thumpier and meatier than the AU-7900. It also sounds dirtier, with total lack of openness and airiness the Sansui has.


Audio Analogue Puccini.

This amplifier is not mine, it belongs to a small music store in Setrasari Plaza, around my neighborhood. Since it is not mine, I cannot test it with JBL titanium domed loudspeakers. It drives a pair of Mordaunt-Short Avant 902i instead.

Audio Analogue Puccini, driving a pair of Mordaunt-Short Avant 902i.

Reviews described the Puccini as 'tube-like'. However, what I've heard is pretty disappointing --well at least to my ears. The overall sound is clean and warm, with emphasis on upper bass and midrange. However, the highs is noticeably rolled off --even more so than Rotel RB-985. Okay, so the sound is non fatiguing, but the lack of top ends is also boring. I would describe the Puccini as 'warm, but not airy enough'.


Recommendations, please?

I'm don't want to generalize, but it seems all modern amplifiers I heard fall to the either 'neutral, but not beautiful' or 'warm, but not airy enough' category. Perhaps the fault is mine, since I haven't tried enough modern amplifiers to find the one that really sounds like Sansui AU-7900. Or perhaps most modern amplifiers are designed with emphasis on neutrality instead of euphony?

In any case, I'm still looking for a modern amplifier --preferably 3 channel or 5 channel power amplifier-- with such open, lively mids and airy highs. Or how about class D monoblock amplifiers? How about gainclones? Any recommendations?

Many thanks.

Why not consider a Bryston power amp which is current which meets your requirements, or a McIntosh power amp which meets the same requirements, or even used going back 12-15 years. Then add the preamplifier or pre-processor of your choice to suit your sound desires and tastes? I am commenting and a Sansui owner and lover (the old 4000 receiver is a favorite of mine, and I also own McIntosh)

 

[Music2Myear]

DIY... Class A...Pass designs Info at diyAudio I built the M2x with its set of 5 daughter boards you have 5 amps in one ...don't let the 25 watts deter you they are impressive... cheers