An 881 was my first vintage Sansui and I loved it. Unfortunately a circuit board went out. It was the TOTL receiver in 1975. I had the same Sony STR a few years ago and it couldn’t touch the 881 IMO…
The 881 is a real nice receiver. I love it and use it often. I acquired one that needed a bit of help, not much though. It was headed to the recycling station when it was given to me. I saved it as a good friend offered it to me. The cord was cut. When I added a cord, it had no FM and the main power supply capacitors were bad. And one or two display lights were out and meter lights too. They weren't all burned out but had cold factory solder joints from the p.c. board to the metal fuse clip tabs. Just pull the bulb out and resolder them. The FM stereo indicator was blown too. The series regulator that feeds the FM board was shot and maybe some electrolytics. So easy to fix, though I had to get acquainted with her first, schematic-wise. It was a project I didn't want at the time, but I have no regrets. I didn't know I was being offered two top of the line receivers from the early '70s, one Sansui and one Pioneer. So at the same time I was given a non-working pioneer SX-1010. It's a beast and I fixed that too, but the Sansui sounds better. But once I fixed the 'sui, it has been a great receiver that's been reliable too. Except, just tonight, funniest thing, my power switch is having an issue. The 881 won't shut off. Even though the pushbutton comes out, the receiver stays on - lol. For now I'm just using a switchable receptacle. It's basically a plug, a single receptacle, and a rocker switch. So I'll leave the 881's power switch always on, and use the switchable receptacle to turn it on and off, until I fix it. It has a beautiful sound stage. Very close that 3D tube sound that I like. I have several Sansuis and the only receiver that may top the 881 is my 7070, but they are pretty close and sound alike. I don't think I could hear the difference if I A-B'd them.
Hey, don't mention it. Cool stuff, for sure! One more thing, the 881 uses four of the same NPN transistors in the output stage. This is an older but sought after topology. The next series, x0x0 (well, the 7070 I know for sure) they switched to NPN and PNP pairs which has been the norm for a long time now. I think they're called complementary pairs when they're different. My first Sansui that I bought new was the AU-D7 integrated 80 Watt per channel. Back in highschool it was the shit, and I blew at least two different sets of 12" three way speakers with that thing. But the reason why I'm bringing that amp up here, is because the 881 is like a sultry mistress that you can't ignore (like the one in Hall and Oates' Family Man). The AU-D7 is a more neutral, clinical, and a less coloring amp (more accurate). But I like the sound of the 881 better. It just has more depth to it.
I've got a Sansui 551 with B&W DM4 speakers and a Sony subwoofer. The speakers and amp are perfectly matched. Sweet treble, crystal clear mid range, and deep controlled bass. The 771's and higher need big speakers to really get what they can do, something like Spendor BC1's or SP1's to take advantage of the higher power and bass. These Sansui amps are a great investment. Worth getting the bulbs replaced with LEDs and getting them professionally refurbished. They are just going to go up and up in value as they become more rare.
@@gregorymcgee100 wrong guy to ask. look up this thread/discussion on audiokarma: audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/who-actually-made-realistic-receivers.355902/
Good morning I've been watching You're 881 video I just picked up a Sansui Six Last week in excellent condition I was curious what you thought of that particular unit particular unit
I've never had a six; however, I've heard that series was great. A few fellow enthusiasts have had the model 8, again - these are suppose to be very well engineered receivers!
I’m looking for one of these in Uk haha just picked up 5 surround sound speakers for this they have u-880l on them and I’ve googled them can’t find any information on them so annoying haha my friends dad had them years ago I just remember they were really loud and I picked them up of some one who just thought they were old rubbish speakers
I sold a recent Yamaha 602 with all the gizmos cuz it just doesn't has that special "warm vibe" of the greatest era in music...70-80's. Modern amps just sound detailed but sterile, and lacks the feel and "live" soundstage of the vintage. I'll listen to a vintage receiver anyday over these fake wattage modern amps! Music has to be felt as well as heard...
It really depends on the music that you enjoy to listen to. If it's rock, you can't go wrong with some nice JBL L100's or Pioneer HPM-100's...The Sansui has a great "bottom end". I think, if you're a Sansui fan - you'll love it!
Sorry for the late reply, I'm just getting ready to repair an SX-850... I'll let you know what I think about it when I get it up and running. Did you have one?
@@Jake-fw5te I am a big fan of Sansui, so I would like to incorporate it in my sound. But like you said, quality is a must. So which ones are the best sounding? I will use it as a pre amp.
@@adolfohidalgo7165 I love my Sansui 9090. I'm a big Marantz fan, but the 9090 is right up there with the most coveted Marantz receivers from the mid-late 70's. Be prepared to pay big bucks for one in good condition. Trust me you'll love it if you find one. Good luck!
The 20000 is a great amp. I've had pretty much every Sansui, except that one! It all depends on the Sansui sound you prefer...The "old Sui" or their newer more accurate sound...the AU20000, if I remember, was part of the distinction series and the sound was already starting to change. Noteables (for me) PM-2020 AU111 B-2105 AU919 TU9900 These were probably my personal fav's..."Too many Sansui, too little time..." ;)
