Which Sansui to pick up?
- Thread starter KeithD
- Start date
Of the units available to you, given their current repsective conditions and capabilities, I'd say the 9090 (assuming it passes thorough testing) is the pick. Since the 5000X and Eight (nice as they both are) may not be ready for action for quite some time to come based on your previous posting, and the 2000X, while a very nice smaller receiver in it's own right sounds like it has a few issues, I'd probably lean towards the 90i90.
The 9090 should have as much power as you need for most anything short of the toughest speakers, and if it is a straight 9090 (not the DB version) you'll have no worries with the Dolby board that ends up needing full rework on the 8080DB and 9090DB. Will still uktimately need restoration if not already done, but if the fusible resistors are replaced and it is properly biased it should be good to go for a while yet.
FWIW, the integral Dolby function of the DB models is a non-issue now anyway unless you are planning on using a lot of tape media (reel or cassette) for your music library. The 9090 will have the selectable turnover frequencies and triple tone control not present on the 5050, a much nicer tuner - if that matters to you - and is a top of the line model for the series where most of your other readily available options aren't.
I've already covered the pros and cons of the other models upthread, and the biggest issue seems to be the availability of some of these for purchase within a reasonable time frame. If you aren't in a rush, and are willing to wait for the needed repair and restoration work - and are confident it will actually get done - both the 5000X and Eight are very nice units with a distinctive sound quality of their own that are both a bit different from the 5050/9090.
The 2000X is really just a smaller, less powerful 5000X. It's no slouch, but of the two I'd always go with the more powerful better featured unit, barring some major problem with it that makes the smaller one more worthy of considerstion, like cosmetic blemishes that aren't easily corrected.
Sounds like the price on the 9090 is also a little under current market, and you don't find that often anymore.
The 9090 should have as much power as you need for most anything short of the toughest speakers, and if it is a straight 9090 (not the DB version) you'll have no worries with the Dolby board that ends up needing full rework on the 8080DB and 9090DB. Will still uktimately need restoration if not already done, but if the fusible resistors are replaced and it is properly biased it should be good to go for a while yet.
FWIW, the integral Dolby function of the DB models is a non-issue now anyway unless you are planning on using a lot of tape media (reel or cassette) for your music library. The 9090 will have the selectable turnover frequencies and triple tone control not present on the 5050, a much nicer tuner - if that matters to you - and is a top of the line model for the series where most of your other readily available options aren't.
I've already covered the pros and cons of the other models upthread, and the biggest issue seems to be the availability of some of these for purchase within a reasonable time frame. If you aren't in a rush, and are willing to wait for the needed repair and restoration work - and are confident it will actually get done - both the 5000X and Eight are very nice units with a distinctive sound quality of their own that are both a bit different from the 5050/9090.
The 2000X is really just a smaller, less powerful 5000X. It's no slouch, but of the two I'd always go with the more powerful better featured unit, barring some major problem with it that makes the smaller one more worthy of considerstion, like cosmetic blemishes that aren't easily corrected.
Sounds like the price on the 9090 is also a little under current market, and you don't find that often anymore.
Thanks for the advice. Just to be clear, it’s a straight 2000 not a 2000X.
I guess the issue I have with the 2000 is that it seems like a lot of money for what I’d be getting. Again, there is no wood case, and seems like it needs some service on the buttons/switches. Compare that to the 9090 (which is priced at $500), and it’s hard for me to tell which is the better value, and which would sound better to me.
I agree with you that the 5000x or eight would probably fit me best, but I have no idea when those might come up for sale. Also, his prices are usually in the middle of e-bay sales.
How similar would the 9090 and 5050 sound? The 5050 would be a lower risk investment to try out something form the x0x0 series if receivers in that series sound similar.
Probably also need to do more research on the 9090. How easy are they to recap and work on? Sounds like they may be fairly reliable over the long term. How different would it sound as compared to my QR-6500 or 4500?
Thanks!
I guess the issue I have with the 2000 is that it seems like a lot of money for what I’d be getting. Again, there is no wood case, and seems like it needs some service on the buttons/switches. Compare that to the 9090 (which is priced at $500), and it’s hard for me to tell which is the better value, and which would sound better to me.
I agree with you that the 5000x or eight would probably fit me best, but I have no idea when those might come up for sale. Also, his prices are usually in the middle of e-bay sales.
How similar would the 9090 and 5050 sound? The 5050 would be a lower risk investment to try out something form the x0x0 series if receivers in that series sound similar.
Probably also need to do more research on the 9090. How easy are they to recap and work on? Sounds like they may be fairly reliable over the long term. How different would it sound as compared to my QR-6500 or 4500?
Thanks!
I have a 6060 (well, 690, black panel Euro market version) one model up from the 5050 and it sounds much like the 9090 to me, just less power and fewer features. The 9090 is 110WPC at 8 ohms. For comparison sake, the 9090DB bumps that to 125WPC.
5 bills for a good working 9090 sounds pretty fair given what they are typically fetching now. Might try to bargain that down a bit unless it has had some restoration/repair done. Certainly it hasn't been 100% recapped at that asking price. The 9090 isn't too difficult to work on. It is a large, heavy receiver naturally, and is a bit more complex by virtue of added power and features. However, nothing is terribly difficult to get to for service work. It has a large following so many here will be able to chime in with assistance if the need arises.
The straight 2000 typically didn't come with a wood case, just a painted metal bonnet. I believe there was a wood case optionally available at added cost originally. The 2000A and X usually did have a wood case from what I've noted.
Sounds like the tech with the 5000X and Eight isn't in a hurry to do anything with them, and you'd probably end up having to pay him something in advance to get him started on them the way you describe the situation. Not sure I'd go in for an arrangement like that unless I knew and trusted the guy already.
The 9090 is something you can turn around and resell easily probably at a profit if you decide you don't like it. It will have a different characteristic sound quality from the 2000 and 5000X, and from the Eight - which is somewhat different again - for that matter. I really like the sound of the 9090 and related models, and of the 2000-5000/A/X series as well, but they had a bit "fatter" sound to them which seems to be a quality of capacitor coupled amps. Both are good in their own way.
I don't think I can say much more that is useful than that, as it gets down into more subjective measures from that point. You know best your own likes/dislikes, budget and how long you are willing to wait to get one up and running. Those will all factor into which unit to choose when you have multuple options available.
5 bills for a good working 9090 sounds pretty fair given what they are typically fetching now. Might try to bargain that down a bit unless it has had some restoration/repair done. Certainly it hasn't been 100% recapped at that asking price. The 9090 isn't too difficult to work on. It is a large, heavy receiver naturally, and is a bit more complex by virtue of added power and features. However, nothing is terribly difficult to get to for service work. It has a large following so many here will be able to chime in with assistance if the need arises.
The straight 2000 typically didn't come with a wood case, just a painted metal bonnet. I believe there was a wood case optionally available at added cost originally. The 2000A and X usually did have a wood case from what I've noted.
Sounds like the tech with the 5000X and Eight isn't in a hurry to do anything with them, and you'd probably end up having to pay him something in advance to get him started on them the way you describe the situation. Not sure I'd go in for an arrangement like that unless I knew and trusted the guy already.
The 9090 is something you can turn around and resell easily probably at a profit if you decide you don't like it. It will have a different characteristic sound quality from the 2000 and 5000X, and from the Eight - which is somewhat different again - for that matter. I really like the sound of the 9090 and related models, and of the 2000-5000/A/X series as well, but they had a bit "fatter" sound to them which seems to be a quality of capacitor coupled amps. Both are good in their own way.
I don't think I can say much more that is useful than that, as it gets down into more subjective measures from that point. You know best your own likes/dislikes, budget and how long you are willing to wait to get one up and running. Those will all factor into which unit to choose when you have multuple options available.
Not really in a rush, just didn't know if the 9090 was something I should jump at. Had not considered it previously. A lot more Pioneer stuff shows up in my area than Sansui, so the Sansui selection is very limited and you have to take what you can get if you want to buy locally. I doubt I will see another 9090 for sale in a a long time around here, if ever, hence why I decided to pose the question in this thread.
Sometimes the guy with the 5000X and Eight will move something up in his priority if he knows he has a buyer, but not always. He seems to prioritize things people bring to him for repair, which makes sense. He can't sit on those forever.
Sometimes the guy with the 5000X and Eight will move something up in his priority if he knows he has a buyer, but not always. He seems to prioritize things people bring to him for repair, which makes sense. He can't sit on those forever.
larry777
Active Member
How long do you think the Sansui 9090 will last at that price, and which you will likely never see again in your area with no shipping ? This could be the one that you will kick yourself in the butt over for a long time, if it gets away on you.
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ConradH
Lunatic Member
IMO, the 2000 series, and I've messed with them a lot, are nice low powered receivers that sound good. When they were a bargain they were great. Unfortunately, like everything, the prices have gone up and if you have to pay a lot there are better choices. All the 2000 series are pretty similar circuit-wise, but the 2000x is easier to work on because the power board can be unplugged.
Good point about the 9090. Went to the shop and looked at it again today and talked to the manager. He did not have the necessary RCA cable to test all inputs with a CD player. He says the owner tested everything as working, but said I could bring whatever I wanted to test the receiver. They've had it about a month. I don't think higher priced items move too fast in there. I plan to go back next week and test all functions. Anything in particular I should look for/test? I plan to plug a cd player into all inputs (except Phono). There is a SR-2050c Sansui turntable in there I could probably connect to test the phono input. I don't think they have speakers to plug in to test speaker outputs, but I do have some small KLH's I could take along to test.
Stopped by the guy who has the 5000X and Eight. Was able to plug the 5000X in. Multiple lights out. AUX input was good, sound clear/quite - no static or scratchiness. Several lights out (tuning meters and button indicator lights). However, tuner in FM just gives static. No change in static as you move the dial. AM is silent. So, not clear what is really wrong with the tuner. I know he really does not like working on tuners. He had no time frame for when he would "get to it." The Eight has the L channel is out, and output is scratchy according to his note from initial evaluation. Pretty "nicotine" coated on the outside. We did not plug it in given the channel was out.
For my preferences, I do like the early Pioneer sound. I have an SX-2500, 990, and 828. Also really like my Sansui quads, I have QR-6500 and 4500. I did have a Pioneer SX-780, but ended up selling it as I really did not like the sound. Had a Yamaha CR-620 that sounded good, just did not care for the looks. Have not heard anything from the Pioneer SX-x50 series, nor any Sansui receivers other than my two quads. So, I really do not know which receiver(s) in the Sansui line I might like best, but as I say, they don't come up for sale often, so one can't be very picky either.
So, my dilemma. The 9090 is a big outlay. Would want to make sure I like it before buying, or should I wait for the 5000X?
If you can test the 9090 to your satisfaction and everything checks out - and you like the sound of it - it seems like a no-brainer since it's ready to go now. By your own posting, it sounds like the tech with the eight and 5000X isn't much inclined to get either of them going soon and so your wait could be quite lengthy for either of them.
The 9090 is a good, well regarded unit and unless you outright dislike it's sound, is as much terms of power and features as you're likely to need. And again, it can almost certainly be resold for more than the asking price later on if you find something you like better.
I don't mean to sound like I'm pushing the 9090 above all others under consideration, but of those models presently available to you, it sounds like the most "ready to go" of the whole bunch. Since it isn't a model known for having a divisive reputation for either loving or hating it (seems it's almost universally well liked among Sansui fans, even if there are other models that are considered better) then there is little risk of you not being satisfied with it.
And again, you have the opportunity to audition it, even if only in the shop where it's being sold, so you should know if you like it before buying.
The 9090 is a good, well regarded unit and unless you outright dislike it's sound, is as much terms of power and features as you're likely to need. And again, it can almost certainly be resold for more than the asking price later on if you find something you like better.
I don't mean to sound like I'm pushing the 9090 above all others under consideration, but of those models presently available to you, it sounds like the most "ready to go" of the whole bunch. Since it isn't a model known for having a divisive reputation for either loving or hating it (seems it's almost universally well liked among Sansui fans, even if there are other models that are considered better) then there is little risk of you not being satisfied with it.
And again, you have the opportunity to audition it, even if only in the shop where it's being sold, so you should know if you like it before buying.
Yes, you make good points. So, here's the next question. Assuming all is working on the 9090 and the sound is good (which I am expecting to be the case), if it is original with no later service, what should I expect to have to do to it? I assume the normal recap of the power supply, amp and protection boards would be in order. What beyond that would need to be done? Or is there no issue with using them as-is?
Thanks!
No real issue with using it as is (after the work you listed) though the control amp section has electrolytic caps as well and should be gone through at some point. The multisectional rotary switches tend to oxidize pretty badly so will usually need thorough cleaning. The lever switches (tone control center point selectors) also tend to need attention. Besides that, they are pretty solid units.
Pioneer has a unique sound into itself - to my ear - though I've not owned a lot of their gear. I have had an SX-990 (years ago), a SX-828 that I really liked, now on loan to my brother, and an SX-1010 I sold to fund other acquisitions. Never owned any of the SX-x50 series but have heard a few that are around. Do have a couple of Allied receivers that are rebadged Pioneers.
That said, I'd put it somewhere in the vicinity of the 1010, even though it isnt a direct correlation. The x50 series are more like the Sansui G series in my estimation, but again it isn't really possible to make a direct comparison between makes where one says, for example "an SX-1050 sounds like. G-8000".
Keep in mind the 9090 was Sansui's response to the SX-1010, as the 1010 was arguably the opening shot of the horsepower wars, and the first 100WPC receiver. So, it was designed fully with the intent to compete head to head with the 1010.
That said, I'd put it somewhere in the vicinity of the 1010, even though it isnt a direct correlation. The x50 series are more like the Sansui G series in my estimation, but again it isn't really possible to make a direct comparison between makes where one says, for example "an SX-1050 sounds like. G-8000".
Keep in mind the 9090 was Sansui's response to the SX-1010, as the 1010 was arguably the opening shot of the horsepower wars, and the first 100WPC receiver. So, it was designed fully with the intent to compete head to head with the 1010.
BushmasterM4
Well-Known Member
I have a 9090db I use as my main rig. Also have a 5000A and 5000X. The 5000's to me, sound just as good as my 9090db. The 9090 of course can push my speakers to a much higher db level. And the 9090db's eq section, with the added mid control and bass/treble freq. switch's is a godsend !! No need for an outboard "eq" using the 9090db. Once I get off my butt and take my 9090db down to Matt for a complete overhaul, then the 5000X will be put into service. But I definitely will have to hook up my Sansui SE7 Eq to the 5000X. Once you get use to the added eq of the 9090, its hard to go back to just a bass/treble eq section. I say go for the 9090 !!! May be a higher price, but, its well worth it.
Checked out the 9090 today. Issues I found:
Volume pot a little bit scratchy
AM antenna holder broken
Tuner needs alignment, off by about 0.2 MHz FM
Scratches on the top
Face needs a good cleaning
Offered $400.... he took it!
So, here it is as purchased. So far, sound is quite pleasing. Everything other than what was noted above is working.
Volume pot a little bit scratchy
AM antenna holder broken
Tuner needs alignment, off by about 0.2 MHz FM
Scratches on the top
Face needs a good cleaning
Offered $400.... he took it!
So, here it is as purchased. So far, sound is quite pleasing. Everything other than what was noted above is working.
kevzep
Its all about the Music
9090, Definitely closer to the Pioneer SX-XX50 series....But I feel the top end in the 9090 is more relaxed and resolving than the Pioneer which to me is quite forward and 2 dimensional.
BushmasterM4
Well-Known Member
Cant go wrong at that price !!! Even if it needs a little tlc.
Yes! The shop had purchased the 9090 and an SR-2050C from the original owner in August. They were both there on Saturday, but yesterday the turntable was gone. They seem to get a steady trickle of gear, but most of it is of the black plastic variety.
This is the most I've every paid for a receiver, so I was quite hesitant. I've got other receivers I really like, so would not have been a tragedy. Still, it's nice to have a receiver that is so highly regarded. Look forward to testing it on my wide range of musical tastes.
Serial number indicates Feb. 1977 production. Took a peek inside and this has the driver board and PS mods done from original design. Assume that occurred at the factory. Anything look like it needs attention in here?
Someone's been in here before and put the cover that holds the driver board on wrong. Can't believe it came that way from the factory.
PS mods.
F-2436-1 board with mods.
Are those fusible resistors or have they been replaced?
