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Hello all, I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on this subject. I currently have a Sansui G-7000 (80wpc) receiver in choice condition that sounds awesome. I've also had a G-9700 and it was great too. The problem is that I have the itch to try something else. Currently, I'm considering swapping it out for a Kenwood model Eleven GX (150wpc?). Anyone think that this would be a mistake??? I don't have any experience with older Kenwoods. Any replies would be appreciated. Thanks!Craig
Follow Ups:
Sansui's are good. I personally like the Marantz better but that is just me. And mostly because I find them easier to work on. I like the 22XX series, especially the ones with the "B" suffixs.
Good luck,
Russ
I am very much a Sansui enthusiast and I would not recommend to Craig that he give up the G-7000 BEFORE he gets the Kenwood. The best thing to do is try them both in the same room connected to your other hi fi components and compare- if you find that you really do prefer the Kenwood- then by all means go with that one. Otherwise, you could very well be sorry that you gave up the Sansui. I have not owned any Kenwood models myself but I do know of some online friends over at the Site audioutopia.com that very much like the brand and have some receivers made by them. I am not familiar with the Kenwood you mentioned -is it an early 70's model or a later 80's or 90's model??- that info would be helpful to know in order to make a comparsion with the G-7000. I can say that in taking a quick glimpse thru my hi fi mag backissues and buying guides, the Kenwood models have rated very highly. The models I am referring to are the KR series. In fact, I was looking at the review of the KR-9600 in March 1977 issue of Stereo Review and it is a top-notch receiver. On the other hand, there is no doubt when it comes to Receivers, Amps, amd Tuners, Sansui Does Rule, so to speak:) Especially a G Series model- you have noticed it does say PURE POWER on the front display, yes?:) I can assure you that is no lie. I have some G models myself such as the G-7700 & G-5500 and they perform flawlessly. In a way I am more impressed with the G-5500 because it is "only" 1/2 the wattage of the G-7700 (60W)- I expect the G-7700 to be a "kick-ass" Receiver, but the G-5500 can do its thing effortlessly also. I also wanted to mention: I have a Sansui 3000A as well- the rms 8 ohm wattage is actually 48 Watts (not 22). And finally: I have a pair of Infinity Renaissance 90 Speakers- please go over to www.audioreview.com and read the Owner Reviews (From Homepage: Product Reviews, Main Speakers, I for Infinity, scroll down to Ren 90's). You can also read reviews on the similar European model- Kappa 90. The Ren 90's are SUPERB Speakers- it is amazing how they came and went in 1992-1994 and they are not that well-known. If you read the comments, notice its reputation for enormous power requirements as well as being a tough, low impedance load. Well, I do have a new Odyssey Stratos amp (www.odysseyaudio.com) but I can tell you I have tried all of my vintage receivers thru the Ren 90's- including a 60 Watt Sansui 7070 I have- and I have yet to encounter any problems! Everything works just Fine. Pioneer also made great stuff- I have an SX-980, and 780 too- very nice. Hope this info will be useful to those reading- Regards, B/F.
Hi Craig;Well I think all the major manufactures were pretty compeititve back in the late 70s. More a choice of styling and features then any real differences in quality at the same price point. I have presently the following vintage receivers:
Sansui 9090DB
Marantz model 19
Kenwood KR9600
Pioneer SX-1980Each was the top of the line for each company in it's model year. The Marantz is a little older with less power but has great Marantz styling and is a real solid unit. The Pioneer is huge and has more power then I can take advantage of but it is a brute. The Sansui is very popular and has many neat features. But my favorite is the the Kenwood. Great tuner as Kenwood had great RF experiance with their ham radio line. It also has huge heat sinks for it's power size and never acts like it is even breaking a sweat.
So while I can't speak of other models in Kenwood's older line up the KR-9600 is one for the vintage hall of fame IMHO.
Good luck and let us know what you end up with.
Lefty
It might just be my opinion, but Kenwood made just average products and continues to do so today. On the other hand Sansui made great receivers back in the 70's. I had a 22 watt Sansui 3000A receiver and it was a far better unit than any Kenwood receiver that I have ever used. If you really want to change your receiver, check out Marantz, Pioneer, and Yamaha, as any receiver from these companies will be a good choice. Kenwood is not as collectable as say a unit from Marantz or Sansui. If you don't have to give up the Sansui, try the Kenwood to see how it works for you, but don't expect the world, as Kenwood made a few good receivers, but sold mostly on name reconition..
Likewise, IMHO.......wasn't the Kenwood name recognition, traded on in later decades, in fact based at least partly on the 70's KR series of receivers ? These behemoths were engineered to a standard that makes the early 70's Sansuis (the 'n x 1000' series) seem positively lightweight..... Kenwood manufactured professional test equipment in addition to specializing in RF gear - and the old KR receivers reflect this expertise - far above average. I have a Sansui 5000 (big bro' to the 3000 etc) and a KR 6600 in my rack now, and much as I love the Sansui, the KR is the better receiver. In later years, however, it may have been a different story.....
Nothing against the Kenwood, but Sansui's in their heyday were some of the best made Japanese stuff. I ditched a Sansui TU7900 tuner once (read my review in these pages), and went thru at least half a dozen over the years. None had its magic. Had to pay thru the nose to get one on Ebay. If it ain't broke...don't fix it. If you decide to sell the Sansui lemme know. Keep it.
Check this out I bought the 9090db Reciever in 1975, it has been such a joy over the years I just bought a 8080db for $125.00. I just wanted it for the amp section, the preamp section on the db models requires cleaning as it will cause noise, and other problems. The G series are just as good if not better. I wish they play well into 4 ohms though, I have my Magnapan MMG's hooked up to a high currnt HK amp and have no problems, when I push the Sansui into the MMG's it strains for some reason, I don't know about the G series, but the 9090 line of recievers are not recomended for 4 ohm loads. Hang on to them weather or not you replace them, they were a work of art in their day
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