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  1. #1
    Forum Regular
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    Sansui 4000- new to vintage gear

    Hello!

    I just picked up a Sansui 4000 and a Sansui RA-500 Reverb amp at a local Salvation Army.
    Since I am new to vintage gear(and this forum), I was wondering if anyone could give me some information on these units, and if there are any recommended modifications for the Sansui 4000(replace the capacitors?)
    I am using a Nakamichi CD changer, and KLH Rave 12 speakers(3-ways with 12" woofers.)

    Thanks a lot!

    Ray Paul

  2. #2
    Aging Smartass
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    I owned a Sansui 4000 when I was in the service (1968-1971) and thought it was terrific. Unlike most of the competing units from Pioneer and Kenwood (then known as "Trio"), the Sansui was the only unit that used a full wave bridge rectifier in its power supply, and had viscous-damped volume and balance controls to provide that luxurious feel. It was rated at 45 watts per channel (a real 45 watts) and was a steady, reliable workhorse. It was also one of the very first to have a linear tuning scale, and a "blackout" scale as well.

    Sorry, but I can't give any recommendations as to values of capacitors and their replacements.

    When I returned home, I also returned to my employer (Lafayette Radio) and was astonished at how much better the 4000 sounded over my LR-1500TA, which, at least according to Consumer Reports, was supposed to be just as good. The Lafayette unit lasted me for years, and I sold hundreds of them, but the Sansui 4000 was a superior product, with a retail price tag at the time of $369.95, and worth every penny.

  3. #3
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    Thanks for the reply!

    It's nice to know I have a quality product to enjoy.

  4. #4
    Phila combat zone JoeE SP9's Avatar
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    You should check out www.audiokarma.org it's a site that specializes in vintage gear.
    ARC SP9 MKIII, VPI HW19, Rega RB300
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  5. #5
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    Thanks for the link!

    Ray Paul

  6. #6
    2 channel lover
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    nice piece u got there but the reverb amp ra 500 trash it. i have one it makes ur music all echo like its gross just a piece that should have never been made sry to tell u
    I BELONG TO A REAL AUDIO
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  7. #7
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    Thanks for the advice regarding the ra 500- it actually comes as a relief. It is an interesting curiosity, but you are right- it compromises the sound...RP

  8. #8
    Can a crooner get a gig? dean_martin's Avatar
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    I have a Sansui AU5900 integrated amp. It probably came along a little later in the 70s, not sure. But it has an impressive heaphone section. You might want to pick up some quality cans for late night listening.

  9. #9
    2 channel lover
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    do what i did wit the reverb amp put it very far in the back of ur closet its part of the vintage history yes but unless like tryin to kill a bull for veal not gonna happen lol
    I BELONG TO A REAL AUDIO
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  10. #10
    AR Newbie Registered Member
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    Sansui 4000

    I see your post is very old but my Thrift Store Sansui 4000 amp just rocks !!!! I cannot understand why a amp I bought 10 years ago for $4.99 still is so great, I collect records so it has been in use so much, I will never trade it, it is working as I write this in fact.
    KEEP IT !!!!

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