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Which sansuis should I keep?

Chriswashere

Chriswashere

Active Member
Lately my family has become concerned with my hoarding units, so I think it's time to clear out a little. Right now I have seven sansui units and have decided to keep only two. The problem is deciding which two to keep when many are not working as of right now so comparing is a little difficult.

Here's the list:

Sansui 5000x
Sansui 7000
Sansui 3000 (not working)
Sansui au-888
Sansui 400
Sansui 5050 (not working but almost done)
Sansui 9090 (not working).

So if all of these units were working, which ones would you all choose to keep?
 
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A serious hoarder will think of every possible way not to let anything go. You're thinking about thinning the herd so you don't really have a hoarding problem and it's OK to keep them all. I'd probably keep the 888 because I like that style and the 9090 because of the power. Or sell it all and get one of their TOTL integrateds.
 
I would say keep whatever ones sound the best to you (of the ones that are working of course). For me, this hobby is about finding the best sound for you. If it isn't about that, it's just eye candy or it just becomes purely an investment with no regard to actual sound. I always let the best sounding piece stay. Everything else, regardless of its value, is irrelevant. I always say the best piece of equipment should always be the best sounding one. ;) Of the non-working ones, I would choose the 9090 though. Tons of power, many people like them, and yes, they are collectible. Much more so than the others. Cheers.
 
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The AU 888 is quite the workhorse for the main system if you have a tuner to complement it.

The 7000 is a nice little swiss army knife that does it all, good for a second system, which I imagine you have in mind ... also be a right strong backup for the 888.
 
I love the 5000x and that line in general. But also love the 888 and its line. Considering they are from the same vintage I assume theyd have a somewhat similar sound. Im personally a bigger fan of integrateds and these have wonderful versatility. Similar power between the 5000x and 888. 888 wins imo.

The 9090 would be the other IF you like power and can use it. Im a fan of having extra power too. I own a 7070 5050 9090db. Got the 7070 working and its impressive sounding. My 9090 have one channel not working. And its the db version with the extra complexity sadly. If yours is the non db repair should be a good deal easier.

Personally id pick your 2 and sell the rest to help fund rebuild work if your not able to do it yourself.

Have fun and enjoy what u keep.
 
Depends, what you prefer and need it for. The AU-888 is a very good amp with enough power for most of the speakers.
If you love radio I would keep two receivers.
First the 7000. One of the most underrated Sansui receivers at all. Part of the single digit series - and strongest one - its no little Swiss Army Knife, is a big one. Having around twice of the power of the AU-888.
Build like a tank with excellent tuning section and Phono.
Second receiver would be the 9090. That is vintage of its best. Powerful, clean and transparent sound. Extremly sexy looking. Reliable. If you have place to integrate it - do it.
Usually I wouldn't suggest the TOTL units. There are very nice receivers you already have. All wonderful gear. But the 5000x always causes problems. I have had 5 - 3 of them with blown power sections (done by the pre-owners).
The 3000 is quite seldom, but due its age potentially needs more, intensive service.
The 400 is a small and nice sounding receiver. But why should you keep it having such alternatives in your collection.
5050: the first, I would sort out. Although being related to the 9090, he hasn't the charme of the other receivers. And he sounds a way of sterile.

Except for the 3000 I have had (or still have) all these old comrades.
 
I would love a 9090 totally refurbished to spec... vintage reviews suggest this was a very nice sounding receiver. I love the way it looks too..
 
Sansui AU717. I bought this amp 15+ years ago for not much money and thought that someday I would recap it myself. It has been sitting in the closet for all these years. Now the value of this amp has increased and I don't want to screw it up in a DIY project. So here is the question. Do I spend $700 to have it professionally restored, or just bail on it and buy something new?
Thank for your comments.
 
I think these are well worth restoration. I doubt you'll be disappointed. In my opinion, it'll look and sound better than something many times more expensive.
 
These are well worth restoring. Clean, powerful Sansui sound that responds well to a good source. Had my AU-719 restored around 2012 by Hyperion and I wouldn't trade it for anything new at any price.
 
Keep one that works and pleases you the most. No reason to have unused things laying around collecting dust.
 
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