2. amps-preamps
  3. 182832-1635

Did the Old Receivers Sound Good?

Before the high end started, we had all these receivers and integrated amps from Pioneer, Kenwood, Sansui, Sherwood, etc., all with incredible specs.  Then somehow we decided that specs didn't matter and we started moving to the more esoteric stuff from Ampzilla, Krell and whoever, but the specs were not as good.  My question is - Did the old Japanese stuff with the great specs sound better? I don't remember.  I'm asking because many seem to be moving back to the "specs are everything" mindset and I was thinking about all that old stuff with so many zeros to the right of the decimal point. 

chayro

Showing 5 responses by mofojo

mofojo
2,184 posts
 

Also looks awesome and build quality is just off the charts. 

mofojo
2,184 posts
 

My Sansui Au9500 sounds great! 

mofojo
2,184 posts
 

I’ve been putting back together my basement system. For the past 2 weeks I’ve been swapping out between a Musical Fidelity A1008, upgraded Jolida 302CRC, and my Sansui AU9500 on my Focal vinyl only system. That damn Sansui just sounds more alive than the other 2. Slamming bass and mid bass and soaring high end. It sounds meaty or juicy is the best descriptor I can think of. Really good array of analog tone controls as well I fiddle with from time to time depending on the recording. Not sure if it’s neutral but don’t care. Been thinking of trying out my 801 matrix V2s with it but probably doesn’t have the juice for those. 

mofojo
2,184 posts
 

Ohh and I leave it one all the time as I read the current inrush is the worst thing for old caps. Not sure if that’s the right thing to do or not. Conflicting opinions on that. 

mofojo
2,184 posts
 

Well listening to my 50 year old Sansui now and it sounds really really good and involving. It’s had service and completely checked out from the previous owner 10 or so years ago with a few things replaced. I have the receipts of 300 or so. I think it’s good for now but that bug in the back of my mind says get is totally recapped etc! I’m afraid it will lose its panache so I’m gonna hold off as I feel it’s doing its thing. 
 

 

More to discover