Sansui 4000 Stereo Receiver Repair Part 1 - Initial Evaluation

Short series on the repair of a Sansui 4000.

[@michaelwright1602]

I bought one of these the other day while my Sansui 2000 is in the shop, no FM stereo... So, I found a replacement while she is repaired... I found this Sansui 4000 on FB Marketplace, it worked, just needed cleaning up. One owner unit, the gentleman bought it in Germany in 1970. Last serviced in April of 1986, so it was due for a good cleaning, as it has virtually sat since he last had it in the shop. I spent a few hours breaking it down, cleaning the pots, oiling the tuner, of course getting all of the dust out too. Pretty much everything was touched, deoxidized, lubricated and ran through its paces. It took a few tries getting the pots and switches to work, but she is now sounding fantastic! I am using the Zu Omen Dirty Weekend speakers I picked up a few weeks ago from a new friend. Added a WiiM Mini streamer for shits and giggles... I could easily live with this system. I cannot wait to get my 2000 back from the shop, as I think it sounds a tad bit better than this 4000. The Sansui 2000 has more of that tube sound vs this 4000. All in all, these are fantastic receivers.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

I agree. The only one from the series I still have is a 7000 - although to my ears the 4000 sounds better. The 7000 was only offered to vets overseas from what I can gather so it has some value since I'm retired military. I do agree that the 2000 is a fantastic sounding receiver.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@millervintagehifi3034 I wish I had something vintage to compare both of these to. BUT! I cannot get over how good this 4000 is sounding with these Zu speakers. I really see no need to keep shopping around for "that sound", I think I found it.

[@user-mz7pw4bo3w]

Noticed that you do not use a variac and didn't unplug before checking fuse I feel this is a must.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

I have a variac but seldom use it outside of working on tube gear.

[@rotelfan2000]

I've had a 4000 in my closet for a long time. oddly enough does the same thing yours is with the FM. no pointer or indicator

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Those pointer lamps seem to be common failures. I just worked on another 4000 and 7000 and neither had a working pointer lamp.