1975 Sansui 881 versus 1995 Arcam alpha 8

Here i compare 199 5 Arcam alpha 8 ( 50 watts per channel ,£120 secondhand) with 1975 Sansui 881 (6o watts per channel £250 secondhand)
In detailed sound comparison ,
Using Arcam alpha cd player and Sansui 222 turntable with Ortofon blue cartridge .
through Spendor Bc1 plus Rogers ls 35a speakers

[@noahman27]

i LOVED this video. It really put such a smile on my face as I listened to you describe the characteristics of each amp playing back different songs. Wonderful. I love this channel :)

[@stevenclarke5606]

I really liked the reviews, very interesting and well presented.

[@galhardojoao]

Hi Kelvin, Thanks for your video! Bought today a Sansui 331. Can't wait to ear the sound! Keep it up!!! Best from Lisbon PT

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes definitely let me know also what you are comparing it to would be interesting thanks K

[@galhardojoao]

@@stereoreviewx I'm comparing with Marantz 2226b! Love them both but i'm very surprised with the Sansui 331, such a small receiver and so precise!! I will continue testing with JBL 4410 Studio monitors and a pair of Altec Lansing 887a. Thanks for your advice, Best!

[@recalcitrantone]

@@stereoreviewx I received a 331 today..Kelvin....all distortion...what do you think...

[@moochops2]

Hi, new subscriber watching here and really enjoying your channel. I have an Arcam alpha 9 which I bought mid 90s. She’s still going strong but is going in for her first ever service soon as the selector button is scratchy and it’s long overdue she had a bit of tlc. I play a lot of old 70s reggae and she’s great for that and back in the day handled a lot of dance/electronic stuff too. A ton of bass. She loves a bit of vinyl too. Really enjoying your reviews! Many thanks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@geraintjones6401]

Interesting analysis, thanks. I've owned a Arcam Alpha 8r since '97 and have been running it along with an Alpha 8p since the mid 2000's, bi-amped through a pair of Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 3 speakers. The amps take a while to "warm up" after turning them on but after an hour or so wow, they really sing.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

Watching again KELVIN, to support your channel and have a little bit of fun 🤗💚💚💚

[@vivwindsor4055]

I bought my Arcam Alpha 8 new in 1998, cost £280 from Richer sounds. still works fine and sounds good to me.

[@karlharrison2449]

Great vid as usual very good review. Thanks.

[@recalcitrantone]

I dig your channel. I have the following receivers. Sansui Seven. Sansui 771. Pioneer SX 1010, Sansui 1000X, Luxman R1120A, Harman Kardon 430, Sansui 881. We know that speakers and source as well as other things make a difference. With all that said, my 881 is my overall favorite to listen to. Though I like them all. Look forward to your assessment.

[@26Jorgeb]

Thanks man! Great listen!

[@v.pintilie6691]

Correction: you wrote 1995 for both, in the title. Now, back to listening to your review! 10/10

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks mate K

[@wkdarchaeology5653]

Picked up an Arcam Alpha 5 from a local charity shop today for £10! Been chucking LP's and CD's at it all day and I'm pretty darn impressed with the clarity of sound and stereo separation. I'm not an audiophile but can appreciate a step up in sound reproduction I'm hearing on the Alpha 5 Amp compared to my current Denon system (which does still have a very listenable sound to it!).

[@stereoreviewx]

£10 I never see these kind of prices 🤪

[@wkdarchaeology5653]

@@stereoreviewx just got lucky.... they were having new carpets fitted so clearing a lot of stuff.

[@LorDarkGoose]

Hi Kelvin, just discovered your channel and loving it. Would be great if you could at some point also do a review on one of the 70's Harman Kardons- 330/430/630/730 or 930s. Cheers. Jake

[@MichaelYates]

Pleasure as always Kelvin, thanks for another nice upload

[@MyIDIsNotAvailable]

I just love these "I've had my Sansui or Marantz or Pioneer from 1978 (or whatever) and it still sounds great" comments.

[@MD-ww4bh]

Really interesting compare. I have a couple of Sansui amps, and a Cambridge Audio P50 from early 1970's which also has that detailed, slighlty aggressive British sound.

[@grantwilson4696]

Hello from the Colonies (Canada), Kelvin. Once again an excellent session, always learning from you & I share a lot of your interests, right down to your choice of music/artists for your comparisons! I'm a 70's Hitachi fan, it would be great if you were able to do a review/comparison on one of their higher end receivers or amps... perhaps one of their much underrated & little known G Class units. Keep up the great work.

[@tastemaker_87]

I have the Arcam Alpha One, almost identical to the 8 with a smaller power rating and lacking a phono stage. Great budget amp. Paired with a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 phono stage (£110 used from av forums) vinyl sounds great. I came to similar conclusions sound wise when comparing to my older NAD 3020. Both good amps.

[@richclips]

Hello Kelvin, love the videos... Yeah, Arcam, not a fan personally, I generally find them lacking life. Perfectly decent products, reliable and solid, but have tried quite a few and just don't get on with them. I tend to like the old Sansui,, Sony's, Marantz, JVC etc. I tend to have a vintage system and a more modern higher end system and love them both. Higher end, love ATC, Audio Research, Exposure. I know what you mean by presentation too, nice work.

[@craiglinacrephotography]

Hi Kelvin I’m really enjoying your videos. Is there a switch on the back of the unit to convert the power supply? I have a 210 and there is on that. I have seen some 881 examples from the US but obviously have a different power requirement as it’s 230v 50hz here in the UK.

[@sirrealism5806]

Love the reviews. I have an 881 and several more sansui's. Love everyone of them. I dont think sansui built a "not so great" until the 80s and then got good again with the au series. Got a 5050. 7070. Qrx7500a. 5500. And a 8900zdb. Got them all before prices went crazy. Expensive but worth it.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes I wish some modern manufacturers will go back and listen to that sound and try and do it is the sound it makes you relax and smile

[@sabrowenie]

Had my Arcam A8-r gone over by a competent shop. When I retire and downsize it’s one of the keepers. There is a perceived sonic difference between it and my SX-780. Both are great but played through the same Triangle speakers I now get the meaning of PACE the Brits use. Bonus, when switched to pre-amp you get a nice paring with a power amp with a nice volume control. EDIT. 3/24 Got a WiiM Amp last week. There’s no comparison. WiiM is going back. Despite trying many curve settings it sounds lifeless.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

👍 BRILLIANT ADVICE …🤗😍😍😍

[@socksumi]

My friend picked up a Sansui 881 and also a 771. The 881 sounds amazing. One of the best vintage receivers I've heard. Effortless, detailed, open, smooth and dynamic as hell. An iron fist in a velvet glove. Not so much the 771 but it's been messed with and may not sound as it should. The comparison with the Arcam with it's IC design was predictable. Anyway, excellent review of vintage vs more modern.

[@stereoreviewx]

Just been listening to the 881771 and the eight deluxe actually The 881 has some phenomenal low bass I have to put the low filter on I haven’t got speakers is big enough K

[@dynacoman7363]

@@stereoreviewx How would you rank the Eight, Eight Deluxe and 881 ? I believe the Eight (oldest) is the most mellow & smooth... the Eight Deluxe is a little more detailed & accurate... and the 881 has the cleanest most modern sound of the three. All are winners... but which do you prefer ?

[@sosonic12000]

Love your channel. I have the Sansui S-X1130 A/V receiver currently running through a pair of JBL Lx66 Speakers. ......MONSTER Sound....... Walking On The Moon The Police...wow Sansui S-X1130 Sansui S-X1130 Sansui' S-X1130 is possibly the most versatile receiver currently available for the audio/video enthusiast. The moderately large and heavy component contains a stereo/mono FM tuner, a stereo/mono AM tuner, a preamplifier that has a phono input suitable for either a moving-magnet (MM) or a moving-coil (MC) cartridge as well as the usual tuner, tape, and high-level signal inputs, and a husky stereo power amplifier. The power-amp section is rated to deliver at least 130 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads from 20 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.005 percent total harmonic distortion. All these audio features alone- especially the ability to decode automatically AM-stereo broadcasts in any of the four approved systems- would make the S-X1130 noteworthy, but there's more.The receiver's measured 8-ohm dynamic headroom of 3.1 dB is unusually good. Apparently the amplifier's distortion rating of 0.005 percent applies only to the power-amplifier section, which can be operated separately from the preamplifier by removing a pair of jumper links on the rear panel. It is our policy, however, to measure the distortion levels of integrated amplifiers and receivers through a high-level preamplifier input, which is their normal mode of operation. This difference in measurement procedure perhaps explains our higher than rated distortion figures, but in any case the distortion was quite inaudible. The measured rise to 0.045 percent at 1 watt reflects the contribution of noise at lower-power outputs. The distortion characteristics were quite similar with lower-impedance loads (Hi-Fi Classic Review) ......Keep up the good work Stereo review

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for the info I have just been listening to Sansui eight deluxe with a Lynn Wauconda preamp it’s nice I think the parents were really good on these old receivers

[@blasterman789]

Were comparing a mid 70s integrated receiver vs a 90s era amp. Were missing something in the equation here. Anyways, the main limitation of vintage gear is the behavior and resolution of the pre amp stage. 70s engineers could make great amplifiers with loads of dynamics, but pre amps were an afterthought because of the limitations of the source at the time. Were talking 8 tracks, FM, and Turntables bought at Sears. This is why the Sansui is adding so much coloration while the Arcam is trying to get out of the way.

[@gfighter2400]

Those 70s receivers where soooo beautiful!

[@stereoreviewx]

This is mostly true

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

I have one of these. They are super indeed.

[@PlaybackMansion]

Jesus! You appeared out of thin air. I bought a Sansui 331 after your vid. LOVE the sound and look. Have you heard the McIntosh MAC 3 or MSD4? They can be had for $400 USD and I wonder what you think of McIntosh sound.

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

I have many Macintosh gears like C11, C 20, MC240, C28, MR55A, and an MX113. Unfettered, They all tend to sound thick in the lower bass and mid bass leading to a solid sound. That is even if you use only one pc of component in the system say a preamp. So I like matching them all round my other gears tube and as, to get the sound a particular type of music I think should sound like. Like The Other of the Moon (LP SACD CD and cassette tape), and the Wall, of pink floyd, I like my C11 driving my Nakamichi PA 7, out with my quad stacked JBL 4320. Balanced and solid bass with incredible fine texture and dynamics. I never can ask for more.

[@deepak5555556]

hi kelvin between sansui XX1 and X0X0 which one you pick.y the way i am getting deal nearby for 5050.which one would you recommand??

[@simeonbanner6204]

Really shocked by the Springsteen album. Great recommendation Kev. Always saw him through the lens of the 80s 90s which wasn't my thing but this early work really good. Something like early Billy Joel.

[@Gazzaivey]

Hi Kelvin , am enjoying your channel thankyou . Q. I have recently bought an Arcam Alpha 7 amplifier which i really like . Is there a remote that i can buy for it anywhere ? Regards Gazza Winchester

[@albertoalbini2024]

Hi Kelvin... haven't you tried using the PRE of the SANSUI AU 317?And I ask for your opinion, if you have heard it, about the SANSUI 2000 X compared to 881 for example. THANK YOU

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Kelvin....

[@alphasuck6538]

I’m looking to upgrade my sansui g 3000 with the sansui 555a or maybe the heathkit sa2 tube amp. Both are around the same price range for me but I wanted to see which one you would recommend. Thank you

[@davidanderson4904]

just discovered your channel and learned you like Sansui's 1980 products. I used a CA2000 + BA2000 combo from 1988 through 2016 for similar reasons to you - whatever later amps I auditioned were not as pleasing as my Sansuis. What speakers have you found best on your Sansuis?

[@stereoreviewx]

Well I’ve just used a ton of speakers you know the thing with Sansui they are very forgiving particularly of harsh tweeters and they also push base out when some amps don’t deliver so no particular pic for Speakers really

[@hgvinyl4512]

Hi Kelvin do you find that some vintage amps cause speakers to pop when they turn on. I have a technics SU-X33 amp and every time I turn it on I get a pop through the right channel, sometimes both. If I turn it on then off then on again I get a smaller pop but only in the left channel, no noise during playback. Is a pop normal?

[@stereoreviewx]

Hi well I can’t say I know technically what’s going on there but I am Familiar. I don’t imagine there is an easy fix apart from going to a technician K

[@kclee1]

Excellent review! I know that some audiophiles don't like ICs used in amps, they say ICs make lousy sound. would love to hear your opinion on this, best if you could pick some amps from the same period (say mid 70s), from the same brand (say Sansui), that used ICs compared with no ICs. It would be really helpful!

[@truthful3777]

Well the mixing consoles that mixed all the instruments and the vocal tracks are literally laden with NE5532 op amps. Worst they went through the mixer couple of times to get the right sound with Tascam recording machine playback, recording, playback tevord . That Tascam machine too laden with integrated circuits. After this process then it is send to LP press or Cd burner. Both machine loaded with ICS...

[@scussy26]

a great channel Kelvin, my Question on the Arcam Alfa 8 amp... i have Arcam running Turntable ( audio Technica lp5x ), CD player Arcam 7 and CD multi,(Technics) I like to connect to Onkyo 686. can I simply connect Phono lead from pre-out (Arcam Alpha 8) to the AUX on the Onkyo 686? then I can use my better sounding speakers Eltax (1995 ish ) as fronts (L & R) TIA

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

Try it

[@JK-rt2jj]

Me and my father, we now both watch your channel and we also both went down the vintage hifi road. We suggest you try some 1970s Luxman amps, start with a 507x for example. This is good.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for the tip I’m certainly aware Lux man are good though I literally I don’t think I’ve ever heard one K

[@factorylad5071]

I have heard good things about Luxman I think you're right there. Apparently Quad 401 is one to avoid.

[@Plastpackad]

Mr X, you got me interested in Sansui and now I have seen a 771 on the market for 150£ + shipping. Seller say it has a popping sound when turned on. No other issues stated. I'm unable to inspect before buying.The unit has been on the market since mid June which make me suspicious . Any and all advises are much appreciated. Cheers.

[@9o5east]

Love your channel! How does your 881 compare to your eight deluxe? I recently got my hands on an eight deluxe, I like it quite a bit more than my 717. I’ve never heard the 881, but a friend has the 661 and I’m really fond of it.

[@stereoreviewx]

Well As differences go it’s not very big between those two maybe the deluxe has a little more refinement just a little and obviously has more features as properly a big part of it

[@stofopdenaald132]

I have an Arcam Alpha 8r. And I mainly spin vinyl, so Is guess I'm good. Hooked up Monitor Audio floor- and Chario Lynx bookshelf speakers and a Technics SL 1210 MK2 turntable. Can't complain about the sound 👍

[@factorylad5071]

Kelvin I enjoy your shows , it is easy to see you have a passion for good vintage. Unlike you, I am a JVC amp but and their SEA tone control system is a total game winner. I am now on your third episode and I haven't heard you mention CD once. I feel I wasted a lot of money on CDs myself. Buying new players only to have them lying on the floor as doorstops 12 months later. And when the players were working , playing them on a system you know to be good and getting very disappointing results!

[@vinyl-maniac6400]

I would like to see a setup tour.

[@inmyopinion6836]

WHAT speakers have you put with your 881's ? I am about to buy this amp .

[@stereoreviewx]

Well I have a whole bunch of speakers thing to know about that 881 it does go really low so I would say you don’t want small speakers it will choke them without really low base input

[@archiemacdonald553]

hi Kelvin great channel you have .very informative .i have 2 rotel rb850 power amps .just bought the second one .recently and going to biamp them soon .had to get a new woofer for my linn index mark 2 speakers .have you had any dealings with the rotel rb850 power amps .solid built .great show kelvin 😊😊

[@stereoreviewx]

No haven’t had the pleasure of any roto power amps but I’m trying out with you as much gear as I can so you never know Cheers Kelvin

[@johnwest6224]

I think it would be very interesting to hear something from your comparisons.. Anyway... I ve found an Arcam a8 (a guy sells) and I need your knowledge.. I've the Sony ta fe 610r. Do you think is there a good reason to buy the arcam? I could also make some upgrades on Arcam.. Tell me your opinion.. 👍🤔

[@stereoreviewx]

Okay I don’t know much about that Sony if it’s like a lot of Japanese stuff it won’t sound as good as the early Sony So this is purely guesswork the arcane might sound better

[@kirkdeshotel2632]

HEY KIRK HERD , IN THE "US". MY BROTHER HAD A SANSUI BACK IN THE 80'S HE SAID THAT UNIT SOUNDED AWESOME

[@truthful3777]

I also opt for the Sansui 881. When not listening..it is a visual treat!. To top it off it got a good FM tuner built in...Thumbs up. I got the 8080DB and how does it compare to the 881?

[@msgillingham]

Kelvin if you are looking for a first class pre-amp, if you can find one the musical fidelity, The Pre-amp MK1 is excellent also the Croft micro pre amp is worth checking out. For a phono stage only The little Bear T8 is incredible value for money at €59.00 it has inputs for MM/MC switchable. i have used the T8 with two turntables connected Sony ps-x600 with a denon dl103 and an ariston RD11s with infinity black widow tone and your recommendation an Ortofon cartridge VMS30MK11. keep up the good work my man great reviews as always.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for the info my friend I might be able to get my hands on the Croft micro actually which I’m looking forward to cheers K

[@msgillingham]

@@stereoreviewx Hi Kelvin many moons ago before my life changing illness, my main system was Garrard 401 Sme 3009/2 Denon dl103 Croft micro pre-amp leake stereo 20 power amp and much missed Quad esl57's to this day i havent heard a better set up system. I spend quiet a bit off time setting up systems for friends mainly turntables. Im gob smacked by some of the absolute garbage people are being sold as high end. That is why i like your reviews no bull and no sales pitch. Believe me if the Croft micro is working correctly it would be a fine match glorious match with the 300B valve power amp. Regards Anthony.

[@ColdGrayMorning]

Hi, Can you please comapre two classics - NAD3020 Series 20 Vs. A&R Cambridge A60?

[@stereoreviewx]

I will try

[@thomaslarkin9791]

Fantastic upload and no messing around .. Straight TO THE POINT …. Keep up the Good work … WE NEED THIS CHANNEL.. The HIFI DOCTOR will see you now …Kelvin is the GUVNOR 👌☮️

[@stereoreviewx]

Do you wanna be my publicity agent you’ve got the job 😜

[@thomaslarkin9791]

@@stereoreviewx Kelvin I’m am honoured 100percent …. YOU ARE SMASHING IT BIGTIME … your supports are out here for you and your channel 24/7 … PLEASE keep up the good work as it is totally going down a STORM with me and my friends … my good friend from Bethnal Green has gone Sansui mad since I turned him on to your vids …..👍😉👌… to quote Tom Cruse from Jerry Maguier … you had us AT HELLO …. Keep on keeping on and we will back you EVERY STEP OF THE WAY as your knowledge is invaluable… especially in this day and age of the digital / Bluetooth we live in , I have the aiwa mini combo 22 series ( for stack ) and are running a pair of Kef Concorde III with it and it sound pretty darn good BUT … I will also cross over to Sansui …. To get that real kick of purity….. as the Eagles Say … TAKE IT EASY ….. and we are ready and waiting for your next UPLOAD ☮️

[@ufarkingicehole]

What I heard you describe is the difference with current and control

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

I always found arcam gear to have a softer sound, easily to listen to but a bit un-involved over the long term

[@ogsrolla4057]

Are u for real arcam sound uninvolving? Arcams sound bassless and low dynamic except for 90 290 and alpha9. 10

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Cup it ideS

[@flachi32]

@@ogsrolla4057 is your opinion based on CD or vinyl listening or both?

[@davejacquith4960]

Interestingly, I have both of those amps, the Alpha 8 and the 881…I tend to agree with assessments of both. The Arcam is a bit too mid-rangey for me, it also takes a while to sound half decent until it warms up. The 881 has really nice warmth and detailed bass. The amp I like and use more than either of those two is the Linn Intek. It just does the job without jumping up and down, delivers wonderful sound…for me.

[@cameronkrause4712]

I think, because of it's age, the sansui phono preamp needs a rebuild. I bet new caps would bring back the midrange-hey it would be interesting if you did that and then reviewed it again.

[@micrometer1484]

Was the 881 or the Arcam ever recapped? It would be an interesting comparison if they were.

[@stereoreviewx]

No recapping on either

[@megahwang4949]

Did you recap Sansui before comparison?

[@ColtLuger]

Do you use the loudness button on your 881? I have the amp and find it sounds much better with it on.

[@stereoreviewx]

God you must be getting a ton of base because the 881 seems to have so much low base I have even put on the low base filter when I play small speakers so loudness on you must really big Most amps don’t have that much base

[@ColtLuger]

@@stereoreviewx Thanks for the reply, I do get a ton of bass, and I plug the rear ports on my speakers and turn the bass down but I find at the level I listen the sound is hollow without the loudness on. I just got the receiver from my uncle who bought it new in 74, I'll have to play around until I get it right. Thanks again!

[@flachi32]

I bought an alpha 8 for £80. Sounds great. The cd stage is blocked with what looks like the end of a cable that's snapped off and got stuck in there. I'm having to run the cd player through the VCR portal is that just as good? Sounds fine.

[@stereoreviewx]

Well tuner CD and aux are literally all the same inputs not sure what the VCR portal is

[@flachi32]

@@stereoreviewx I mean the input for VCR and as you say a very good amp. When playing turntable it hums a little but no noise with cd

[@zweer13]

Thanks

[@sosonic12000]

Anyone got any advice on the Marantz 2265B which I.m awaiting delivery anytime? I love the look of it but sound is more important to me. Can i use my pre amp stage of my Sansui sx1130. I have always loved my music and now mid life crisis alert an fully pursuing the best sound I can get without having to sell one of my kidneys on e-bay....!

[@stereoreviewx]

Well apparently you only need one kidney anyway I would definitely try swapping over preamp and power ramp between the sand so we are Marantz because you’re going to find one of them one combination sounds best K

[@bastianszjohn574]

Hi im from sri lanka. I have a stereo amo Sansui A-505. I like it very much. What do you think about this amo?

[@RobertReneFournier]

The alpha 2 that I have was built in 1984.. I have a question about the power being that . The amplifier is built for 240 volt input does this need a change to 120 volts. Yes it plays. Although not as strong as I would think a thirty watt amplifier to play

[@stereoreviewx]

if in uk its 220 /240 volts for sure a 1970 s 30 watts is more powerful than all following decades

[@simply_psi]

Hi Kelvin nice review except for the fact that A&R Cambridge (ARCAM) and Cambridge Audio are totally different companies and still are Cambridge is owned by Richer Sounds and A&R Cambridge (ARCAM) was founded by John Dawson and has since 2017 been owned by Samsung, though it's Harman Kardon subsidiary

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks Simon

[@simply_psi]

@@stereoreviewx your welcome, sorry to geek out on you like that but I am a bit of an ARCAM fanboy, love their stuff

[@raymondmoran2881]

I repaired one of those Sansuis receivers from the 70s. An FET in the preamp failed. I thinknthe FETs in those amps gave them the signature Sansui sound

[@stereoreviewx]

Interesting thanks

[@Ejlectronics6]

Seen somebody list the Arcam Alpha 8 amp and 7 CD player for £200 recently. Think I might go for it. I mainly listen via vinyl but a few CDs that might get played. I have a Pro-Ject turntable so I assume I'll bypass the phono on the Arcam because they have inbuild phonos. Do you think it's still worth?

[@stereoreviewx]

Yeah not bad deal not incredible bargain but good stuff I will get it K

[@MrPinio8433]

Hi what do you think about sansui 771 I have the opportunity to buy thenks

[@stereoreviewx]

Oh yeah that’s nice I was playing it yesterday K

[@roygumpel8415]

hey Kelvin.... how are Sansui Speakers??

[@stereoreviewx]

Well they’re not of the same pedigree they tend to have lots of drivers and big drivers but they’re not really refined class equipment It’s like a completely different organisation made those speakers that’s what it seems like

[@paulaj2829]

I still use my Exposure X power amp which I find what I paid for back in the early 90s was £400 is still the only amp I need..

[@liliabondarenko4497]

I had Sansui 331 and compared with Arcam Xeta One (mosfet amp, 1993). Xeta One is absolutely great for classical music. Midrange is outstanding. Only one thing- lack of dynamics, because of mosfet design, I think. Sansui 331 is impressive, but I would use for rock/pop music, not for classical. Midrange has less details, bass is impressive.

[@festersuncle6298]

My experience with my 881 is it doesn't work well with DC turntables like Rega with no earth wire. You may get a speaker pop when powered off. Great Sansui sound though. Think Marantz with more beef.

[@marivor58]

If you want a "bad" amp for comparison, perhaps Amstrad or Teleton?

[@stereoreviewx]

Oh yes I had a telethon One good thing about it it made everything else seem good

[@katjaboelieable]

I would advise a Marantz 1060 as pre-amp for the tube amp. ( you will be surprised - (use pre out)) Great to see the Sansui 881 btw I also have the 2000 and 4000x I have owned the 9090 and the g-9000 of which the latter is really disappointing and overestimated .. It was absolutely annihilated in comparison to an 881

[@stereoreviewx]

Interesting stuff thank you K.

[@michaelvincent8306]

I've been using valve amp and phono stage for years vinyl only won't go back to transistor amps but bass is better on transistor amps but midrange is glorious on valves very seductive

[@stereoreviewx]

true

[@cardtrix1970]

I collect vintage hi-fi. To be honest, I am not that familiar with Sansui. Then(& now), I've always "had a thing" for Pioneer. Currently have an SX1010, SX1250 & an SX3900. Used to have an SX1280. Also have a TX9800(Tuner), DA8800(Amp) & a pair of immaculate(never been monkeyed with)HPM 150 Speakers, among...other gear.

[@katjaboelieable]

Maverick 1957 Try older Pioneer.. SX 800a in combination with Cabasse Clipper ... audio nirvana

[@cardtrix1970]

@@katjaboelieable Hmmm...Thanks! I will...look into this.

[@jamesbeckerton1730]

Try the Arcam 8r & 8p combo bi-amped. It improves it no end, super clean sound. The bass weight will be much improved more dynamic and textured.

[@j-mals]

I have just been gifted the 8r and the 8p how do I go about connecting them together?

[@jamesbeckerton1730]

@@j-mals RCA's from the pre out on the 8r into the RCA input on the 8p. You need bi-ampable/bi-ampable speakers. Use the 8r for the tweeters on both speakers, use the 8p for the mid/bass on both speakers. So one amp for the top end one amp for the bottom end.

[@j-mals]

@@jamesbeckerton1730 thank you so much, I have just done this. I certainly don't have have "high end" speaker by any means just some audio monitor bronze 2.....would I be silly in saying that its almost made it too bright like the high end far to in your face? Lol

[@jamesbeckerton1730]

@@j-mals of too bright toe the speakers outward a tiny bit. Inward toe better soundstage, but too bright less toe-in or out, experiment toe-in toe-out.

[@jamesbeckerton1730]

@@j-mals ...also you can use the grilles if too much brightness. I always like mine off, but on a bright system the grilles can calm it a bit. Also I use the tone defeat, but the arcams do have tone controls. It's all experimenting with positioning no room is the same.

[@markseymour5558]

Where are you my friend, I always enjoy your videos but haven't seen anything since Aug 2021, hope your ok

[@astolatpere11]

My 771 sounds really musical.

[@stereoreviewx]

I bet it does

[@vineshnaidoo9402]

My pair of SP2000s and a pair of SPX9700 being driven by a Sansui G9700 through a Sansui SE8 equalizer......Best ever ....Tis my late Dads gear so I'm a little bias nevertheless my mate has Canton Refence K1s and all that expensive as gear however I still prefer my warmer sound without the perfection modern setups deliver

[@stewartholmes7927]

Kelvin, I might have to send you some Intergrated amps a preamps that I've upgraded for you to do a review as you do well and know music

[@stereoreviewx]

That sounds interesting Stuart what kind of stuff do you have It’s a bit of a worry sending things though where are you roughly I’m in North London K

[@stewartholmes7927]

@@stereoreviewx I'm in Stockport. It can be risky with postage yet I do it every week and not had issues so far. I only have solid state Intergrated/power amps and both SS and tube preamps. I have allsorts of brands. Mainly Marantz, Pioneer, Kenwood and Sansui vintage SS. Also have lots of 90s/00s that I like to modify like Arcam, Pioneer, Kenwood and NAD. I will see what I can do and get back to you. I'm a tech so everything gets recapped at least. The vintage gear I don't do any modifications, just new components and Intergrated amps with no pre/power sockets I like to bypass the loudness and other unused/useless switches and have direct quality cabling instead

[@stereoreviewx]

Hi Stuart your work sounds really interesting I love the fact you’re concentrating on sound quality issues. Just wondering what’s a good thing we could do I do have two Sansui forfourones re-capping one of these would make an interesting comparison I guess. Happy to pay of course. Or whatever you Think is a good thing to review or you’re happy to send. I could mention you on the channel in the description If it works out Let me know K

[@Si1983h]

You’ve gotten Cambridge Audio and A&R Cambridge confused. Cambridge Audio were at one time an independent company, they were purchased by The Audio Partnership (parent company of richer sounds) in around 1994. A&R Cambridge just simply abbreviated their name to Arcam some time in the early/mid 80s, they were and still are an independent company and have no relation to Cambridge Audio.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thank you

[@banginghats2]

I wonder how they would have compared if they were recapped? The caps in the Sansui especially, at 45 years old, are getting a bit long in the tooth. Then again, the original parts must have been very high quality to still sound so good.

[@stereoreviewx]

Of all the vintage stuff that Sansui stuff seems to last best

[@johnsweda2999]

Have you ever heard the music fidelity A1 20 Watts per channel supposed to be good amplifiers You might want to look at the iotavx integrated amplifier it has a preamplifier out £400 new There's a nad 911 preamplifier £180 eb nad make some good stuff There's a nad c16 preamplifier £227

[@whatsappdogapp4836]

I share your thoughts on the Sansui.. for me it produces the sort of timbre that moves you in the center.. the thing that makes you feel good.. like why a kitten purrs kinda thing.. for affordable solid PreAmp - Anthem TLP-1

[@stereoreviewx]

Nice discription

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

I like analytical

[@RobertReneFournier]

I find that its about the choice of speakers used. Ive also had both amplifiers and used the same piece of music to compare the quality of the sound. The dynamics aren't quite there with the Arcwm. A little disappointed. I might only use it as a preamp. I do have other amplifiers and yes ive had some that were above my Sansui. Im still stuck on this old 331

[@stereoreviewx]

331 hits the bullseye

[@davidhaney1394]

I would have the Sansui over the arcam every time .

[@jimeagle6636]

Thank you Daniel Craig

[@tomasmartinsolis9020]

definetly Arcam 8 it sounds much better and smooth

[@benjassman]

Hi Kelvin, I like your comments and comparisons of your channel. But I almost gave a thumbs down to this video, why? Because I don't see them playing, of course I understand about what I will hear us different to what you hear in the room but this is youtube and we as an audience like to get as much impression of a piece of equipment as possible. Anyway that's my only opinion, thanks and keep up the good work.

[@astolatpere11]

Copyright strikes really make playing anything impossible.

[@rojtaggbert8444]

The clever guys at Arcam made the Alpha 8 with the capability to be used as a preamp. Bi-amped with the matching Alpha Power amp and the difference is very noticable. I have Mission 753 speakers, these take a bit of grunt to get the best out of them. I have a feeling the bi amped Arcam may blow the Sansui away on decent floorstanders.

[@tiadanama1998]

Yesss Bi ampin these arcam 8 and 9s made a whole lot of a difference

[@joeyjustin6895]

A REALLY GOOD SILICONE TRANSISTOR WARM. EXELLENT S\N. ALL OF THEE ABOVE WITH THE CLASS A CIRCUITRT. WARM VERY PLESANT. IS. HARMAN KARDON HK825. AND ITS AFFORDABLE. SOME DO NEED RECAPPING BUT WORTH IT IF YOU RECAPP DOUBLE THE VOLTAGE OF THE NEW CAPS BECAUSE NEWER CAPS ARE THINNER. TO KEEP THE ORIGINAL SOUND DOUBLE OR QUAD THE VOLTAGE I QUAD THE VOLTAGE MYSELF

[@andyillingworth3905]

Kelvin. You got the Cambridge thing confused. ARCAM were A&R CAMBRIDGE. CAMBRIDGE Audio have always been CAMBRIDGE AUDIO ARCAM & CAMBRIDGE totally different company. People make the same mistake with A&R and AR.

[@stereoreviewx]

Hi Andy okay I think I’m getting this just about anyway. It’s a bit of a tongue twister really. Just wondering my understanding is that Cambridge was essentially bought by richer sounds but maintains some independence or autonomy but my senses is basically it does what richer sounds wants now would you know about that cheers mate

[@Cryptoman_5000]

I swore you said you liked the 441 the best.

[@stereoreviewx]

You know what I think I might of said that too there’s only one digit in it . The 441 is like the 331 just a little bit more power.. I am off to put some ducks in a row.😀K

[@sarmataaudio]

😉

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Bass in it head bass yase

[@MusicSasho]

Sansui 881 vs Sansui Six?

[@stereoreviewx]

Not much in it, I would say

[@johnwest6224]

Hey Mr X! For me it is simple : Try to approach the sound of each other.. 😊 With the sansui you ll never have more detailed sound. But with the Arcam you can play with knobs to increase the bass and trebbles.. And you ll have plus details.. Try to compare both with good headphones.. You ll see much more.. 👍👌💪💪

[@milojenikolovski7522]

Hi.