Those black-faced receivers by Sansui, especially that last one you showed and that monster Kenwood in black looked absolutely phenomenal... and the job you did on the Marantz looked awesome too. You didn't mention it but, doesn't all the European models require 230 V instead of the 110- 120 here in the US?
It was in my notes, but I forgot to mention that in the video. All the units I have seen have a standard American power cord. Most (if not all) have a 220/110 voltage selector. Thanks Karen.
@@tylerharder8982 why would they speak about that ,only in England they returned to their 60´s plugs with earth in all not being needed for most of the japanese brands ,the other day i heard a spanish guy comparing the SA-9800 europen to US version ,if it comsumes doble the energy and the voltage is at least the doble from US market, wouldn´t they be more powerfull or better sounding if the watts consumed are the doble?i know they have a inside current transformer but why doble the consume with more volts at 50 heartz, i own some components i bought in japan in first half of the 70´s and they have been working since than without any problem normally with sticker saying 50/60 hertz in the back, this refering to a 74 pioneer turntable that sounds a lot better than a new pro-ject for 1.000€ or more this using the original cartridge since 74 with better finishings than the 74 catalog from Pioneer turntables,receivers or speakers,it cost me almost 400 dollars at the time, the system i refer to, only had to put a extra pair of speakers(celestion ditton) to have surround with matrix 4 ,still using it today in my tv room, the sound is also better than any modern afordable receiver or integrated amplifier
I have a similar story to your Pioneer 5580 story. One day I was out walking and passed someone moving out of their apartment. I asked if he had any audio equipment he wasn't taking. He said he had an old receiver he'd already moved to his new residence, but he might not want it. I gave him my card and asked him to call me if he decided not to keep the receiver. About 8 months later he called and said he'd be driving by my address. EIGHT MONTHS LATER! He told me he'd decided to relinquish the receiver and if I still wanted it, he'd drop it off at no charge. I was blown away by his generosity. I waited for him to arrive outside my building. When he got there and we opened his trunk, I was staring at a 1964 Fisher 400 FM stereo receiver in excellent cosmetic condition. I'll never forget this fellow. What an absolute prince!
I had two 5590s back in 1999 and I sold them for $500 each and I also had a Sansui black version of the 9090 and if I'm not mistaken it was a model 990 that sold for $400 . I wish I had the ability to save some of these but I got married to my wife and she had four kids which were my responsibility at that point . And we were living in Arkansas where we had some strange things happen like a newborn baby that was abandoned on our doorstep in August of 2000 . So keeping collectables was not really a priority lol Surprisingly of all the vintage gear like McIntosh amps or monster receivers that I bought and sold I really wish I had kept one of the Sansui AU-919 integrated amps with the tuner and cassette deck not that it sounded any better than my present gear but for some reason I just loved those .
I have two Black Faced Pioneer RT-707 Reel to Reel tape decks created for European markets. I paid $1,600 each. I've searched for other black Pioneer RT-707's, finding none. AKAI did the reverse. I have 6 common Black Faced AKAI EA-A7 Computerized Graphic Equalizer's. The rarest version is the silver faced AKAI EA-A7 Computerized Graphic Equalizer of which I have only one and only seen two in my entire life. Black faced AKAI EA-A7 Computerized Graphic Equalizer's are ten a penny or a dime a dozen. The asking price for a Black AKAI EA-A7 Computerized Graphic Equalizer today is a CRAZY $250 to $500 on auction sites. The silver faced AKAI EA-A7 Computerized Graphic Equalizer usually costs much more!
i have the privilege of owning a Kenwood Super 11 - bought in the Asian market by a Navy man who took great care of it. Sadly he passed and his family had no idea what they had and just wanted it out of the house - I got it for $400 about 10 years ago. I had it recapped and some other minor issues fixed and it performs flawlessly. Lots of folks have kinda put down some of its features like the reverb or the mic to source pan pot as being gimmicky - to each his own - but even in a small room adding just a touch of reverb can produce a nice presence not otherwise obtained. it also has outputs for 3 sets of speakers not just 2, 2 phono inputs, 2 tape monitors, and a really cool monitor A to B patch around switch that allows tape dubbing from one source to another while listening on speakers to yet a 3rd program source - very cool and useful. i like mine, it's not going anywhere, and it does a great job.
Audio Karma fills the heart. Gifting audio systems to interested youth is a beautiful thing. Thanks Kevin. ps. CFL blue with silver knobs on black pops like you said, love it.
I just buy, fix use and sell. Audio hobby adds a lot of cash in my pocketbook from skill developed over the years. Recapping, cleaning oxide, polishing dustcovers, droopy counterweights, detailing, repairing broken traces ...all lead to upside. When you own a shop you learn to use the word Mint a lot.
Marantz definitely made black-face European version receivers in several models. The Marantz euro (e) versions did not have the Dolby board adaptor connection on the rear and they had 2 AUX inputs instead of the single AUX input as found on the silver-faced versions. I personally had a 2285e and a 2385e but sold them both because they needed repair. Thankfully I kept my Pioneer SX-5590 and my Sansui 990. Those are not going anywhere while I'm still above ground. Good luck in your searches!
Yes the blackfaced Marantz 2270 with black pianocabinet is beautiful. Of course sounds great! Had it send from Athens, Greece to Sweden! Really love it. The receiver I use most.
The last 'silver face' Pioneer receivers, the 3x00 series (fluoroscan/"blue line" series), also had black face/dial versions. I own a SX720, which is a black dial version of the SX3600. The 3700, 3800, etc also had black dial versions. I don't think they were Euro versions however, I'm in Canada and I've seen as many SX720 up for sale as SX3600s. They are the exact same unit except for one thing: the fluoroscan display on the black dial versions is more white than blue (part numbers where different too). Also the black dials units (at least the 720) were made in Japan, while the 3X00 where made in Korea.
Just got into vintage audio, I’m a ‘64 model myself. My first receiver is an SX790, and I love the look of it. Sounds great and has never been wrenched on. Looking into new capacitors and transistors soon.
Hey Kevin, great video. Thank you so much. Now my wife is going crazy that I'm going to start looking for these black face models. Man, Just love the way they look. Keep the videos coming please !
The story behind the 5580 is epic. I'd love to be able to find a bunch of vintage equipment, stuff it into the back of my wagon and bring it to you, Kevin. I know you'd appreciate it and give it all new life.
Hey Kevin, definitely another fun one! I can personally attest to the fact that Sansui made a Euro version of the G-9700, designated a G-971. Similar story to your Euro Sansui. I had a coworker that was in the Air Force stationed in Okinawa in 1979/80. He bought the G-971 right before he was sent back stateside. He's was the only owner up until earlier this year when he straight up GAVE it to me. Same story, he just wanted it to go to someone who would use and enjoy it and he knew I was a 2-channel guy. The only issue with it was that he CUT THE POWER CORD ON IT when he came home one day to find his son blasting away with it. So, replaced the power cord, and the tech that worked on it said it looked like it was essentially brand new. It is dang near perfect, and even came with a period correct sell sheet and the original owner's manual. Unbelievable score.
My brother has a Sansui G-971 he got from his time in the Marine Corps. He purchased it from a friend who was going home and did not want to take it with him. My brother is a big goofy ape so when who was carrying it under his arm like it weighed nothing when I met him at the airport. We took it home. We had the Sansui G-971 recapped recently and he was offered an insane amount for it by his repair dude. He did not sell it. He keeps it in his basement entertainment space using it to show movies, play disco and watch his sports stuff.
the hi-fi components sold overseas in military bases ,normally from the US, have much cheaper prices but only the personal from the US can buy them local workers can´t buy them in the 80´s and 90´s they had catalogs with all from home electric apliences to clothes but that is sold by the minimum price, the most i could get were some sunglasses for pilots having a very nice style ,still modern today they cost me 20€ in a store 70€,the same sunglasses this in early 90´s with smaller lenses and mate grey not golden or chromed(sorry if my english is not correct, its not my first language)
If you‘re wondering why there are US and European product variants…. Japanese camera and electronics manufacturers wanted to avoid gray market situations with products bypassing local import channels. Often product prices differed substantially from market to market, depending on local completion, buying power and so on. A savvy company could make a lot of money by say importing Nikon or Pioneer from the US and shipping to say Sweden and bypassing the local importer. So with product variants everybody could see if a given unit was a gray market import. With the Internet there is a lot less of a price differential between markets as it‘s become very easy to compare product prices between markets. Back in the day it wasn‘t so easy and especially in Europe importers and distributors could get away with crazy margins.
normally in the US any component hi-fi or video have this refering more to digital camera´s or video have a higher price and diferent reference, in europe the price can be changed but from store to store ,in a brand catalog for the seller they have a minimum or maximum price to be sold or if caught selling it for a higher price he can have legal problems or prohibited to sell them
Kevin, I purchased a Kenwood 11000GX euro unit last summer from a Reverb seller. I absolutely love this receiver! It’s the heaviest one that I have in my collection. It needs taller feet so I can get my fingers/hands underneath it easier 😀
Oh my god...The Kenwood Super Eleven!! That's got to be the most gorgeous receiver ever. Wow. The Pioneer and Sansui receivers are pretty amazing as well. Thanks for showing these euro versions. Like you said, why aren't all color options available across the globe. Maddening.
This video definitely needs a "Vintage Hifi Porn" tag ;-) Really enjoyable. Yes, definitely thank the veterans who brought back those wonderful pieces of gear
Original title was Warning: Hi-Fi Porn, but I chickened out and changed it. Didn't know if people would find it offensive or maybe just disappointed, lol
Great video Kevin, thanks for all the great info. Have you ever thought of putting at the end of your videos a link to a 12 step program for us Audio - Acholics? But then again, you would be considered an enabler! LOL! God Bless!
The only blackface "rarity" I have is a Pioneer SX-820. It is a blackface version of the SX-3700--although, as with the X90 series, only the FM dial is black, the actual faceplate is silver. I bought it, relatively cheaply, from an eBay seller in Canada. But I've read that these were perhaps also sold in the US by Macy's (?) as a bit of a house special. Whatever the true story, it really is quite handsome, and sounds pretty sweet.
Kevin, here's the story I got. The Marantz 2215, 2230, 2245, and 2270 'champagne' engraved faceplates were driven by serial number. Limited runs of how many? 🤷2000 maybe? All I'm sure of is that I've had the pleasure of laying eyes on a complete set in original wood cabinets...mint, mint, mint, and mint.
I normally prefer a silver face, but those black faced units with all of the silver knobs, switches and buttons look fantastic. I think it sucks that so many modern components have eliminated tactile physical controls and gone with touch screens, toggle pads or remotes. Great video! Oh yeah, have the record weight and "Star" platter mat coming tomorrow, yay!
@@maly2ts408 The thing is a big part of the looks was the big tuner scale. Since radio isn't that popular in hifi anymore I don't think it would be viable to recreate the old designs. Modern receivers like the Yamaha R-N2000A have knobs, switches and VU meters, but the tuner just shows in a black strip along the bottom face interchangeable with streaming options. It definitely looks cool, but it's simply not the same as the vintage.
I had G-771 and blew the outputs in the 1990’s. Thinking it was totaled I threw it in the dumpster. I hope someone who knew better rescued it. Since then, I picked up a mint G-901 and recapped it, including the large filter caps to 15,000 micro farad. It sounds amazing.
Most were produced for the European market or for U.S. military base exchanges in Europe and Japan. Pioneer was one of the companies that did this. The “black” faced models were essentially the same as their silver faced brothers but had different model numbers.
I recently bought a Pioneer SX-5590 beauty from a widow of the original owner that lived down the street I was interested in her lawn and garden tractor and had no idea she had a vintage stereo for sale . The instant I laid eyes on the 5590 I had to have it she offered her late husband’s entire record collection, speakers , turntable and cassette player for $500.00 I also bought the lawn and garden tractor with accessories which was a heck of a lot more then the complete vintage stereo, Anyway I had it refurbished by a competent tech she sounds absolutely wonderful , owning a vintage receiver never entered my mind though I Love My SX-5590 ,…What a beautiful stereo component something many of today’s chassis designers should consider ,l
Coming out of high school in Germany in 77, I worked for AAFES, which ran the Sound Center. AAFES only really only carried the silver faces. The Audio Photo Clubs carried the black versions. I don't know if they were exclusively 220 volts, but believed they were switchable.
Great video! I had no idea all of this world existed. I have a black 2270 that the faceplate was done really well, not a powder coat, stained box….I do love the piano black of yours and others I’ve seen! Had no idea it was that much work!
I LOVE the idea of putting an LED strip inside the unit. Have you ever done this with a 1250? Can you share where what LED to buy? Along those crazy purchase stories I had a friend of mine went to a purchase a pair of speakers off CL (he didn't get them....they were pretty beat up) but spied a SX-1980 on a shelf in the garage, completely covered is dust and grossness. It was missing one knob and the cabinet was rough but he got it for $25. Cleaned it up and it works perfectly. THAT has to be a best grab ever.
Half way down that page there is a 1250 with blue LEDS in the power supply. Just use 4 basic 3mm blue LEDS. Very easy skylabsaudio.com/receivers/?v=7516fd43adaa
I have an euro version of a Yamaha CR-2040 compatible with the US market and originally sold thru a military PX in Germany. It's really cool with the flush mount real walnut veneer cabinet, where-as the vetsions sold in the US came with a full surround ebony veneer cabinet!
I was at the salvation army browsing back in 1990 I heard a sweet audiophile quality music so I followed the sound it was a 1970's tandberg receiver powering a pair of ADS L570,at that time I had a B&O 5500 system and that tandberg sounded much better my than B&O so I bought them right away unfortunetly don't have them no more but it was the sweetest receiver I have heard.
Over the years I've run into two oddities which I was told were brought back here by US service members. The first was a gunmetal black Pioneer SX650, identical in every way to an American model other than the color of the faceplate, and a multi voltage selector on the rear, and the inclusion of both a Euro round pin cord, and a typical US two prong 120v cord. The second was a Harman Kardon HK670 which at first i thought was just dirty or stained, till I removed the face plate for a deep cleaning and realized it was anodized in a bronze/brown color vs. the typical silver or 'platinum' look they all had. It was dual voltage, with a large multi pin plug of sorts on the rear, but the cord was in the normal place going direct to the transformer board. The plug had 5 or 6 pins, and you could remove and reinstall it in several directions to choose the voltage input. The power cord was also solid 16 ga wire, not stranded with a tiny molded plug. I sold the SX650, if it were a higher power model I may have kept it but it wasn't all that nice, at least not clean enough to add to my personal collection. The HK was a mess and got parted out, as much as I'd have liked to keep it, it was too rough to save.
Great video, Kevin. When I started buying vintage Marantz gear there was a burgeoning "cottage Industry" of guys with CNC machines who started making the black repro faceplates. I bought two of them (2245 and 1060) and they are wonderful. My original 2245 had a lot of lettering rubbed off around the volume knob so the faceplate seemed like the perfect solution. Add to that the fact that these black anodized faceplates were finished with laser-etched lettering and logo. You never have to worry about losing lettering ever again. Also, you mentioned the engraved faceplates and that is still a bit of a mystery to us Marantz fans. One of the Audiokarma users started amassing a database of engraved models serial numbers just so we could figure out how many were made. It always seemed to be during the initial run of the model(s) and they usually had a gold or "champagne" color as well. Even a Baby Marantz like to 2215 I have in my collection features the engraving.
Outstanding! I lived in Spain and Germany in the 80's (USAF) and remember seeing a lot of these types of units. It makes my skin crawl to remember all the stereo equipment I had then and specifically how cheap it was, compared to what a nice unit is worth today. My parents were musicians and had some very n ice equipment. Clean power and lines. Beautiful pieces of actual Hi-Fi. Great review, thank you.
What's nice about the black is that it gives a great contrast so that it's easier to read the am/fm stations, the gages and the balance knobs at the bottom. Now compare the black to the chrome buttons in the middle section, which are easier to read? It's a small difference and I'm probably illusionary however it's also a refreshing change.
I have almost all black equipment a mix of old sansui au tu series and tascam teac the only silver face i have is a x1000r teac to go with my black x2000r teac. Great video Kevin 😊
5:37 I appreciate your honesty because it's something I couldn't do either, firstly for the same reasons you mentioned, and also, because despite people are usually genuinely generous and just want it to go to a new home, there's always someone who will give you something, than return to see you afterwards and act like you owe them something, so that's another reason why as a tech, I don't accept gifts, even if it's done in good faith 99% of the times. Edit: I also like the idea of putting a light strip to see the big, blue chem-con caps in there. Those screw on caps are very expensive and it's worth it to put a light to see them. Awesome 👌
Greetings Kevin. Another fine addition to your quality and timely researched videos. I have a total restored (caps mostly) Marantz 2245 which I sourced via eBay - a black German faceplate (won on a lower bid on auction) and paid full pop (lower than todays $$) for a piano black gloss case for the same Marantz 2245. It defiantly gets the accolades from friends who appreciate vintage Marantz receivers and amps. PS that is in CDN $ so it 'hurts' more at the online cash registrar!!
I have a pioneer sx 880 that I got from the dump when I lived in Maine 25 years ago, never had an issue with it, then she started going into safe mode if I pushed hard, so I recapped it and oh my she’s a screamer, absolutely amazing for 60 watts per channel, now I have a room full of vintage equipment I’ve been learning on 😎 yup I’m addicted lol
Remarkable timing on this video Kevin as a Pioneer SX 5570 Receiver just showed up on my local FB marketplace for $1600 ! Claims to be serviced and pictures show it on a tech bench, but waay outside my budget. Whenever I read a service manual, I've always noticed that most equipment was offered in other colors depending on the market. Wish we got more of the blackface units as they do look pretty classy compared to the basic silverface ones.
It is interesting what you said about moving up to the G series from the 9090. I feel exactly the same way. I have both a 9090 and a G8000 and the the G8000 is just a step above for me. We are on the same wavelength....
Yes, my Sansui G8000 is just amazing and sounds better than the 9090. The only category the 9090 wins is the beautiful colors present on the face of the unit. I have green leds on the tuning and signal strength meters, white/yellow on the output meters, the tuning dial is blue and the stereo and radio point is red. Fricking gorgeous. However, the G8000 has larger meters that are easier to see and is beautiful too. @@Silverface1987
I have never bothered with any receiver with a DB designation. It is something that is no longer used by FM stations anyway. The Dolby Board is just something to break on a vintage receiver. You don't actually use it for anything. I went out of my way to get a Sansui 9090 and NOT a 9090DB, mainly because Kevin recommended that in one of his previous videos. Thanks again Kevin! @@Silverface1987
Great story I just love the look of the 70s receivers just awesome! I live in Illinois have family just east of Des Moines I hope to see you in the future pretty excited!
Hi Kevin, great show as always brother!! i love the vintage euro black faces but man, i just can't justify the premium-at least with the amount of spare play money i have. as far as "black face" the vintage Sansui line is awesome as well..
either than a 60´s model i have the SX-838 ,sx-1050 and only in 1984 the SX-1980 ,only bought the 838 all others were from family, the black face were very rare the first time i saw them was on ebay, and i remenber that series that were all black maybe early 70´s, we call series to the type or SX not the model reference like in cars the 3 series not the 320 and the 325i series, a catalog or brochuren in 79 or 80 had two complete systems one had the turntables in black like you showed and the SX-450(400 and something)brushed aluminium and 4 ohms speakers and other system in the same brochure had a more expensive PL-400(plastic mainly) the SX-700L (lot´s of people say it´s ugly but it was the first having rubber lighted buttons to change station on the receiver, it is good for sure(today is working good and never was repaired ,the sound is loud and clean also had bigger speakers (40 cm´s woofer or more)not that deep cabinet and a CT-200 deck, where i recorded several cassettes but the philips deck i had ,the sound was much better but both already good recording ,even today the recordings sound perfect, some referencies were also not the same from EU to US
Why would you do this to us? I have had a sx-535 for about 20 years and just upgraded to a sx-838 (about 2 months ago). Now I need a sx-9930! Just beautiful, had no idea that existed. Great video! Great content!
If you want to see one of the highest quality built radio ever look at the RCA AR-88. It's not a stereo receiver but it was a no limit cost build and the engineering is amazing.
Awesome work! I've got a large collection and I have been scouring my area here in Eugene for over a decade and those Euro models are extremely scarce. I have never personally found one. Love your videos, man. Really appreciate the time and effort you are putting into them. Thank you!
I also had a SX 5580, bought it used in 1980 for $300, as a 16 yo that was alot of $$ but no regrets. Finally sold it a few years ago and replaced it with a Marantz 2330. Both great receivers.
Great video! I put some ice blue LEDs in my Pioneer SX-5570. Looks dang cool. Would love to get a Sansui black face someday... Always loved the look of all of these...
I have an Expert 940, which is all black. I believe it is equivalent to the Superscope R-1240. The power transistors are labeled Marantz. I got it on ebay from a guy in Lithuania. It has an adjustable power supply so it was easy to switch it to 110V.
My lab partner in Organic Chemistry (1973) was from Peru and she owned a Pioneer Tube Receiver. I think it was for the European market, but I am not sure. Do you see many Pioneer Tube Receivers? This would make an interesting topic for another video. Thank you for producing these informative videos. Pioneer Tube models - SX-800, SX-800A, SX-110, SM-83, SX-82, SX-802, SM-B200, SM-B200A, SX-40, SX-60, SX-2000, SA-810, SM-Q300, SM-Q300A, SM-Q300B, SM-Q305, LX-420, LX-420A, ER-420.
Looks like that BIG-ASS TORROID Transformer. Lotsa power here. .he said a 5580 rcvr o.k.that got me off the couch. I'm betting u didnt finish that beer!
Hey Kevin this is Ron from Fort Smith Arkansas , we did make a G-871. Proud owner I bought it from Record Head in West Allis Wisconsin I can come by your job someday and check your stuff out of my bring it with me thanks for these videos are great
Kevin, thanks for the great videos. I have a Pioneer SX-770 with the black face and it's one of my personal favorites. Not only does it look cool and different from the silver face models, it also sounds amazing. Cool video
I have a Marantz 2285b blackface. Near mint. This is not a new plate, original from the late 70s, so they where produced. Can send you photo or video if ya want:)
I also own a black 2226 that also is original from the late 70s. It is documented that there were also black 2270s. So that’s at least 3 Marantz models that came with original black faces.
The thing you have to acknowledge about 70's stereo gear is that they are absolutely beautiful. Today's stereo gear is a lot better, but often looks like it was designed by an engineer. Ugly.
Another fantastic video! Fun and informative. I've been chasing a euro black face receiver for a while now but have had no luck. Sansui did also have euro versions of the QRX series. The Euro QRX-9001 was the QRX-999.
Texas had so many Military Bases (25 years ago), I would go from city to city pick up those and passed on many my best deal was w units for 25 bucks with the speakers Deals are still out there.
Marantz did Black face models as well...and I 💕 them all and Kevin the LEDs ROCK! Fortunately I can recreate the Black Face for my Marantz when I can manage to get around to it. I just got a new selector switch and another switch I forget which. 😂 But it had two bent shafts. I plan on a Black Case for it as well. I'd love a Laquer Black case but it's more than I can muster. I have my sights on a AU-6600 as well. I'd trade it all for an AU-770 and matching tuner. The only downside is they did away with Mid-range sadly, but I used to drool over those two Black, White lettering and those Red LED lights Sweet.
I just noticed from the photos you included the G33000 features both FM *_and_* AM wide/narrow IF bandwidth switches, while the G9000 only has FM wide/narrow IF. Obviously Sansui knew their market, and G33000 buyers would need high quality AM reception !
A high school friend's father passed away unexpectedly back in 1986. He had a Sansui 790 that he had bought in Germany and brought back to the US. I found out, after the fact, that my friend's mom put it in an estate sale a few years ago and it probably sold for less than $100.
