Which Sansui amp for my new set up?

[Costas_T]

Hi everyone! I’ m totally new to this forum, so, to begin with, let me introduce myself. My name is Costas and many years ago I used to collect vinyl records. At some point I had to make a renovation in my house and unfortunately I had to sell both my equipment and some of my rarest records. After 15+ years of listening to music from crappy to mediocre sound sources, I decided to set up a decent, TT based, HiFi system.

Few months ago I started an online research and at the same time I visited some friends who have spectacular pieces of equipment in order to understand what kind of sound attracts me the most nowadays. Concerning the turntable, the decision was easy. I bought a used Technics SL1210 mk2 with an MC cartidge (AT3100) on it. Μy main concern is that I’m extremely confused about the amp.

In the beginning of my research I had the opportunity to listen the Yamaha a-s1100 which, as you already probably know, produces neutral sound. Some people say that the sound of the a-s1100 is close to yamaha ca 2010, the legendary amp of the late 70’s. I ‘ve never had the opportunity to listen the ca2010 so I don’t have a clear picture for this comparison. The pros of the a-s1100 are that it has plenty of power (I don’t really care about that) and also it has crystal clear sound. From the other side, the cons are that I don’t really like this cold, almost flawless and “perfect” neutral sound. It sounds so analytic that it tends to be fake and flat, without character. And that's where my first Sansui experience begun.

I listen to the Au-5900 and I really liked it. Unlike the a-s1100, this amp had warm and some kind of 3D sound. Also the bass was more deep and the mids were more shinny. From the other hand, I didn’t like the “s” in vocals (very intense) and also I felt like there was a “flanger” effect in the overall sound. It was like the signal was a little bit “wet”, I don’t know how to describe it. Also clarity could be better. Nevertheless, I was impressed with this kind of sound and I begun a new research based on mid 70’s to early 80’s amps. From what I’ve read and what I’ve learned, I’m probably between Sansui au-9900, au-717, au-919 and the Rotel RA 1412 but, as I said I’m confused and I want your help. I would appreciate if you could answer to the following questions:

1. Ideally, I would like a Sansui or Rotel model that combines warm and “fat” (with deep bass) sound and at the same time clear (but not fake crystal clear), separated sound. Something like an Au-5900 and Yamaha a-s1100 combination. Which of the 9900, 717, 919 has this kind of sound?
2. I would like to add an external phono preamp in this chain. My budget for that is max 400euros (435$). So I end up with Pro-Ject Audio Tube Box S2. Will it fit nice with one of these amps?
3. Concerning the speakers, during the first period of my research I was thinking about the Magnat Tempus 77 (https://www.magnat.de/en/detail/index/sArticle/2989487 ) that they have impressive specs for the price, but lately I was decided to step up and buy the klipsch rp-8000f. I read that Klipsch speakers and vintage amps is a good combination for the people that like crisp mids, deep bass and instrument separation. What is your opinion on these?


P.S.: Favorite music: classic rock, prog rock and hard rock from the 70's and 80's

 

[rickb119]

As a AU-919 owner, I can tell you that it does not have a warm and "fat" sound. Crisp, clear, detailed and full, but not fat, and not at all analytical. The AU-919 has been described as "a straight wire, with gain". What you put into it is exactly what you get out of it. I've not heard one, but would guess that the 717 has a similar sound signature. Many of us love that sound. However, if you're looking for "fat", this ain't it. Another issue with the 919 is that the output transistors are no longer available. Replacements yes but not the originals, and that's where much of the magic is. Not that there's a high failure rate but, if one goes, you've lost some of the magic and much of the value. Although I love my 919 and will never sell it, had I to do it over, I'd probably choose something else. Maybe.

It sounds like you might be more inclined to prefer a cap coupled amp. I also have a Sansui 5000a (cap coupled), and it does indeed have a warmer, fatter sound to it. But still very detailed.

My Sansui experience is limited to the above, so I can't comment on other models.

 

[Double T]

I agree with rickb119 on the 5000a, I have a 5000X which has that sound you speak of. Sounds like you are looking for Tube sound. These two units were closer in time to the Tube units. The Sansui 9090 is a warmer sounding amp, may be to your liking. I like the warm sound but sometimes I like to pound the house with my Sansui G9700 which has the pounding clear bass and treble plus I can color it the way I like.

 

[Hyperion]

I've not heard one, but would guess that the 717 has a similar sound signature.

Correct, it does but is slightly less sophisticated, you probably wouldn't notice unless you'd also heard an AU-919, I own one of each. On the upside, the AU-717 is particularly good with rock music of all kinds.

 

[playittwice]

What is your location? I have an amp you could try if you are somewhat close.

 

[ivandezande]

Describing sound is like describing colors to a blind person. Worthless. If you heard a Sansui and like it, well there you go.

Want to hear the music like it was recorded? Any of those three models will do it, especially the AU-919.
The 717 and 919 (and less so, the 9900) however will NEED service!!!
It's not if, it's when they start to crap out.