Sansui Auto-Reverse Turntable - Closing the drawer on a HiFi legend

Sansui made some brilliant HiFi components - this wasn't one of them.
Also featuring a final word on the Laser Turntable and the fate of Sansui in the 21st century.
--------------SUBSCRIBE-----------------
www.youtube.com...
------------Merchandise----------------
teespring.com/...
------------SUPPORT--------------
This channel can be supported through Patreon
/ techmoan
******Patrons usually have early access to videos******
---------Outro Music----------
Over Time - Vibe Tracks • Over Time - Vibe Track...
-----Outro Sound Effect-----
ThatSFXGuy - • Six Million Dollar man...

[@lowdefal6306]

listened to the speed comparison, realised my speaker channels were flipped. The channel that keeps on giving. Thanks Matt.

[@hunakosdem]

This. Yes :)

[@PrinceFluffy]

What difference does it make ?

[@hunakosdem]

@Prince Fluffy I needed to crisscross my vision and brain, before changing earbuds. The second is easier.😃

[@lowdefal6306]

@@PrinceFluffy If you don't think having the Left and Right stereo channels in reverse is a problem then I'm not sure why you are watching videos about audio equipment.

[@chrischuter1530]

Nakamichi are one of the few companies that have a tape decks repair service that shops can access. Got my basic CR1e refurbed and it sounds great again.

[@TechStuff1]

“It’s like a Crosley cosplaying as a Sansui” - best line in the entire video!

[@torquemada1971]

Paging VWestLife for commentary...

[@bsadewitz]

I'd rather laugh, because otherwise I'm inclined to cry over what happened to Sansui, hahaha. The guy who founded that company had an entire philosophy that he put into practice. If there weren't satisfactory components on the market, he made them himself. I forget his name. He died at an audio industry trade show.

[@UtkarshAmitabhSrivastava]

@@EgoShredder after hearing that in the video, I immediately thought of VWestlife.

[@Virolaxion]

Yeah because audiophiles get an anger erection when they hear "Crosley"

[@benjaminmiddaugh2729]

@@EgoShredder In case you missed the few times he's explained it, his name is actually Mat. His parents disliked common conventions, I guess.

[@youdud44]

6:19 "And if I had that kind of money lying around, I could think much better ways to spend it." Like having a full show with puppets?

[@EggBastion]

*_That's the way to do it!_*

[@musicnerd72]

God no... If so, he should create a separate channel for those of us who DO NOT want to see puppets.

[@DolganoFF]

Why, yes of course

[@TheRanblingjohnny]

Depressing example of "They don't make them like this anymore."

[@Ungeboren1988]

That's sadly the case with a lot of products. Most things get build to be replaced in 1-4 years instead of getting build to last.

[@TheRailroad99]

For phones I think it is getting bettter again. Phones have almost reached the limit speed-wise, and Most new features are just luxus, not necessary. My LG G2 from 2013 is still holding up with a custom rom... sometimes it needs a few seconds, but this phone is over 6 years old! My 2010 Galaxy S was unusable a few years later just because the processor was too slow. But I have to agree, it is hard to get for example an AVR that will last... They all have issues with their digital circuitry sooner or later, even the top end 5.000€ Onkyo ones. Too much heat, too complicated. A simple transistor will keep up with the heat, the solder joints will usually go bad first as seen in many older amps. But a dolby digital chip or many smd caps cooking at 90C will fail in a few years.

[@startedtech]

You know, if you buy high end products, i.e. the ones that last today, they will also last. There are just a lot of cheaper options nowadays so people buy those most of the time. Smartphones and computers are way different, since the 70s they have been becoming outdated quickly.

[@maxmustardman298]

@@TheRailroad99 there will be no more smartphones by 2025, according to Samsung ;)

[@absalomdraconis]

@@startedtech : Not just today, I'm afraid. There's a Benjamin Franklin quote about it: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

[@jackmcslay]

Imagine someone trolling techmoan by donating a laser turntable

[@RobCamp-rmc_0]

Jack Mcslay [deadpan monotone] no. please. don’t. whatever happened to civility.

[@jayswarrow1196]

Might've spin pretty darn rich, for a good entertainment.

[@UtkarshAmitabhSrivastava]

We should all get together and buy it. If everyone contributes even $1, it will be enough (considering the number of people who watch Techmoan). We will then have one hell of a fun video.

[@MetalTrabant]

Or maybe just lending it for a spin...

[@Vassilika1]

@@UtkarshAmitabhSrivastava I'm in, where can I send my $ ? I want to see techmoan having fun with the laser turntable. :-)

[@biggiejohn3360]

Kodak and Polaroid are suffering the same branding abomination

[@luxembourger]

Also Grundig

[@kbhasi]

As well as Bahun, RCA, and Philco

[@DFX4509B]

Although things are bit brighter for both their film divisions, IIRC Kodak's re-introduction of the Ektachrome line made a few waves, as has Impossible being rebranded as Polaroid Originals.. That being said, digicams still have a few practical advantages over both standard and instant film formats...

[@1974UTuber]

Same as Rank Arena.& AWA Used to be top quality in the 70's & 80's now just brand nameS owned by a budget priced producer of crapola

[@tremorist]

Kodak and Polaroid products were rubbish from the getgo. Especially Polaroid.

[@home-space]

The membrane buttons were a pretty good sign that the quality wasn't going to be good. Cutting costs on buttons says it all. Another great video Matt.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Greg ZX Spectrum _upgraded_ from membrane buttons (ZX81) to tactile rubber buttons with more movement. Membrane buttons are are great solutions for waterproof controls in bathrooms, outdoor equipment and similarly harsh environments, but was the cheapest tat for electronics that aren't otherwise hardened like the ZX81 or cheap infrared remotes.

[@home-space]

Greg the spectrum was designed and built as cheaply as possible to undercut other computers on the market. As a result the keyboards were terrible compared to the bbc / electrons/ vic 20 etc

[@MrDuncl]

Membrane buttons were as fashionable back then as touch screens are today. The Yamaha DX7 synthesizer had them and that wasn't cheap.

[@RCAvhstape]

Membrane buttons are one of those things that look slick and high tech until you use them for a while. I had a toy called a "Big Trak" which was a kind of sci fi programmable tank that had a membrane keypad on it back in the 80s. It was a cool toy and that keypad looked futuristic, and probably saved the electronics from spills and stuff regular buttons wouldn't, but it wasn't like I was trying to type documents on it.

[@gromm1t341]

Also, if you have static charge on yourself from walking on a polyester carpet, you can blow the fuses inside.

[@MONGIE30]

Sad to see Nakamichi on the list also. They made some of the best cassette decks ever. I own 2 in perfect working order and they sound wonderful, something about the tone they give to recordings that's hard to beat. Sad to see once great companies go down.

[@ExeDist]

I've got a hand built Nakamichi PA-7 amp which is probably one of the best amps ever made. Its very sad to hear this news

[@spiff2268]

My cousin still has a Nakamichi he bought in 1987 that still runs like champ. He paid $500 for it back then, so that's probably $1,000+ today. It wasn't the Dragon, but one a step or two below that.

[@sixstringedthing]

I'm an AV installer and one of my old clients (a Japanese gentleman) had a full Nakamichi setup featuring two of the biggest monoblock amps that I'd ever seen. He gave me a demo, cassette and vinyl, and it sounded absolutely incredible. The last time I saw the Nakamichi brand name, it was on an obviously cheaply made car amplifier. Such a shame.

[@richellebrittain2127]

Nakamichi mainly focuses on soundbars nowadays.

[@ryanthompson2893]

I’m afraid that GM AND Chrysler have also fallen from their high in the 50s and 60s. Very sad to see once great companies go bottoms up.

[@Kosh31100]

I'm A Sansui collector stereo gear myself(From their tube gear to the even cheap 80's plastic ones),and I was so enjoyed by your review on this turntable.that brand had and have so many fans around the world,you can see it on the Sansui forum at Audiokarma and on the many fan groups that it have on facebook,not any other stereo company had so much fans and lovers.

[@inthefireagine123]

something I love about Techmoan is he fits the perfect niche that "How It's Made" Fit when I was a child. I didn't think I was gonna learn about old turntables an hour ago, yet here I am. It's perfect wind down content.

[@veemacks7255]

Techmoan HQ ... the only place where you'll find more record players than actual records :-)

[@Techmoan]

Well it is a tech channel. I could show you records - but I can’t play them on KZbin.

[@veemacks7255]

@@Techmoan It wasn't a criticism, just joy that you're hoarding record players :-)

[@Techmoan]

I do seem to have a few more than I need. They multiply when you’re not looking.

[@C0Ntro11Da7rail]

for what i think just showing the records might be interesting specially if you have like a record for each decade or even each year to show how they evolved or just how the labels have evolved.

[@Techmoan]

There is something I’m working on about records - just need a couple of discs to arrive in the post first.

[@reynaldolunajr.6909]

China, where old brand names go to retire only to find they are being turned back out on the street for the price of a Happy Meal.😅

[@Kumimono]

Or a Happy Meal toy...

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Jari Heiska I think the price was metaphorically for another "on the street" job that is already unworthy.

[@slvr_l7732]

i prefer Happy Meal than a cheap crap

[@NotATube]

He mentions that the current owner of the Sansui brand now also has the rights to "Nakamichi" (formerly a very well-regarded maker of high-end (and extremely expensive) cassette decks). As VWestlife found out (#), the Nakamichi name is now being slapped on very cheap and tacky looking headphones, but at least you get two sets for $18...! :-6 (#) See here:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2WQiIp5jc6FbK8m11s

[@julosx]

The next competitor to follow the same path is Volvo. By next year, no car will be ever produced in Sweden or Belgium anymore. They ALL will come from China (from the Geely company).Another historic brand going straighta hell.

[@gijsyo]

The separated channels speed comparison is almost pluffnub worthy

[@Jako1987]

Good player for bypassing yt content id 😀

[@bolkrr]

It's like listening through the cheapo Bluetooth earbuds/adapter (the $5 ones from Chinese store) through SBC codec

[@Qtv123]

gijs hoi nederlander

[@passthebutterrobot2600]

It reminded me of this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn6QpWZ_atp5qNE

[@recklessroges]

I enjoyed the speed comparison and couldn't tell that anything was wrong.

[@asherael]

laser record players pretty much serve their entire purpose in archives, reading discs that can't be risked putting stylus to medium.

[@pauloburgess9575]

Useful for recording I bet

[@SpaceWormMark]

Forget about Sansui, why are you bothering with your everyday crap turntable when you could be using a laser turntable. I forget the name of it, I think it's ELP or something like that. I hear the sound quality is absolutely stunning. Also, have you tried replacing the caps on the Sansui? I'm sure replacing the caps would be very helpful. You're welcome for those protips, someone who isn't a channel regular would just leave you in the dark.

[@SpaceWormMark]

PS don't forget about those caps - both on the Sansui AND the laser turntable that I'm sure you've already ordered (after reading my insightful comment).

[@3rdalbum]

Anything that's not MANUALLY placing the tonearm onto the record isn't REAL hi-fi! Your record player lifts the record up, that will just bend and ruin your records! And the reason it sounded so bad was because you didn't use gold-plated directional audio cables!

[@espurious]

@@SpaceWormMark Excellent advice. Well said

[@ergleburgle8882]

Technoman should definitely make a video about the ELP. I wonder if he will? Why does he never mention it? I wonder if he's ever heard of it?

[@erwindegroot8760]

@@ergleburgle8882 Maybe you should look at the video first before making any comments. He is mentioning it in this video, he's not going to make a video about it and explanes why. So, look at the video !

[@originalmossman]

At last! 33 years I've been waiting for an answer to this question, and here it is... As a teenager in 1986 a girl took me home and the other thing she impressed me with was her dad's amazing stereo rack featuring a machine that not only inserted the record but could also play it track by track - both sides - like a CD. It's been bugging me for decades that I didn't know more about it, but seeing this video reminded me it was Sansui and this is definitely the deck in question. Funny you describing it as a bit cheap and tacky now since I'm sure it was seriously expensive when that girl's dad got it.

[@JaredConnell]

So you were more interested in her dad's rack than hers?

[@malinranwala416]

@@JaredConnell you win

[@Stoney3K]

So there's still the most straightforward option of having a drawer loading turntable: A top loader mounted on a pull-out shelf.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Stoney3K But where to get a decent top loading mechanism except by buying vintage gear from before 1985 ?

[@MrDuncl]

Sony made some nice ones. I have two but still fancy a PS-FL770

[@MrWombatty]

Even a pull-out shelf can problems, especially with vibration!

[@xanth987]

Ooow the side by side comparison, that sounded like the band spent a few hours knocking back shots of tequila before playing

[@curtisslone7243]

I remember seeing Sansui equipment at a local hifi shop with my uncle in 1979 or so. I was only 12 but I was amazed at the beautiful build quality of these glorious pieces. A few years later, when I had sufficient funds, I purchased a Sansui system from this retailer. I remember thinking that something was different, the components no longer looked as well built or high quality. I was assured by the salesman that Sansui was still top of the line. Being quite young, 14 or 15, I fell for the pitch and bought the complete system. I remember the turntable and cassette deck requiring frequent trips to the shop for repairs and I quickly became frustrated with Sansui and their shoddy workmanship. This was around 1983 and Sansui was but a shadow of it's former self. Eventually the entire industry would encounter this same fate. Once legendary brands like Pioneer and Marantz would manufacture and sell equipment that would have embarrassed them in their heyday. Things like this are just another reason to miss the 1970's.

[@watershed44]

@Curtis Slone Indeed back in those times electronics like these were nearly works of art and science together. Folks who didn't live to witness this kind of engineering greatness in the consumer marketplace can't really understand or appreciate the attention to detail and quality, these things were durable and not disposable goods.

[@MrDuncl]

@@watershed44 Check out the prices and feed them through an inflation calculator. Unless they were the sort of person who could afford a new Jaguar most people could only afford a Dansette Record Player or maybe a Fidelity Music Centre.

[@grandinosour]

Marantz.....i still have and use an old marantz tube amplifier that totally rocks and is indestructible..

[@curtisslone7243]

@@watershed44 I recently purchased a Pioneer SX750 that's been completely restored. While I would have preferred a 1250, or perhaps a 1980, my finances said otherwise. The build quality far surpasses modern equipment. It also sounds incredible and looks impressive with it's real aluminum knobs and glass front panel. I also own a Luxman R115. I owned the same model in the late 1980's and missed this models wonderful sound quality when I passed the original on to my niece. These classic pieces just have no equal.

[@curtisslone7243]

@@MrDuncl I don't trust the accuracy of those inflation calculators. While quality electronic equipment was expensive back then they weren't as unattainable as these calculators make them seem. I purchased a Luxman r115 in the late 1980's, which cost $650 USD. That was a large sum back then but within reach for even lower middle class people. We were willing to pay more for quality then but now we've decided that Chinese made garbage is good enough as long as we can save a little money.

[@pizzagogo6151]

I was surprised to see you discuss this issue as thought I was one of the few sansui enthusiasts who lamented it’s downfall. in the 1990s when I could finally afford them , I lashed out a lot of money to buy several second-hand early 80s components and I still have some of them in use. Same for akai especially their pro-audio equipment. Shame so many Japanese hi-fi manufacturers went that way.

[@BobBell808]

I used to laugh and shake my head when my Grandpap would say, “They don’t make them like they used to...”

[@Fluteboy]

Eee it were right grand then I were a lad! We had a flippin' great radiogram in t'living room, wit' Garrard record deck!

[@benjaminmiddaugh2729]

Sometimes that's a good thing (we do occasionally make things better), but yes, quality often is a casualty in the competition for volume.

[@laerin7931]

Well, it depends on who "they" are. You can still find a lot of modern high-quality and very expensive equipment. Those are just not marketed as much since they have no wide market appeal and can't compete with budget options on equal terms.

[@gerhardtoxopeus8574]

@@BilisNegra you mean like Mercedes Benz? From the most reliable to the least in just a few decades

[@F3udF1st]

By that logic everything will be even worse in the future, so you either get out of the market entirely or just buy whatever you can afford.

[@putnam83]

Thank you. It is not like I could have ever have afforded one, but once I saw the online demo of a laser turntable, I was convinced that this was what I always wanted. Of course the drawbacks were never mentioned and if it was not for your KZbin page, I would still be dreaming of one day owning one. Cheers and have a happy 2020!

[@RichardLamsdale]

As a teenager in the '80's I could never understand why some people held Sansui in high regard. To me they were in the same league as Matsui and Saisho (remember them?). Now I understand. Thanks!

[@Watcher3223]

_"As a teenager in the '80's I could never understand why some people held Sansui in high regard."_ Probably because people had positive experiences with Sansui in the 1970s and assumed that they maintained that level of quality into the 1980s. Obviously, Sansui didn't as they compromised their quality except for some of the highest end products that they only made available for Japan. Sansui became like Fisher: a manufacturer of mostly unremarkable BPC.

[@bpabustan]

I used to have a neighbor who had a full deck stereo component that has everything Sansui (I think they bought it in the early 80s), I was blown away by the sound quality and was amazed that I saw a linear tracking turntable for the first time.

[@Gaark]

I am wearing headphones, that speed comparison had me laughing like a madman. But it was a bit sad really

[@awdadwadwad1723]

My neighbour has Sansui Au G90X which we were listening to last evening for quite a few hours, it was a treat! He has it all recapped, the sound is what I call retro hifi, so modern music do not sound best with it, but old stuff (which I only care for) sounds great. This amp has wooden sides like my Yamaha - soo good build quality back 40 years ago...

[@bleutz]

When I was stationed in Japan in the late 70's Sansui and Akai were top of the line. When I went bakc in the mid 80's I started buying Technics.

[@BeefaloBart]

I have one of these, never had those issues. Loaned it to my dad probably 10 years ago, but he uses it from time to time. It was part of a full rack and came with their Tower speakers.

[@VaughnJogVlog]

6:51 I recently inherited my late grandfather’s Sansui 9090DB. It was the best receiver on the market when new and still works.

[@Mr.DatacentiCET]

Hey there! I’m currently working on restoring a Sansui G-5000, and i can say whata heck of a receiver! You are right on the fact that the 80’s Sansui wasn’t the same as the 70’s! I’m fortunate still to have one that survived!

[@buzzsah]

Sansui, wow!!! they were one of the best back in the '70s, we had to buy them from only high-end stereo shops. My 5 piece system back then was over $3000.

[@williamjones4483]

Long live the fully manual turntable. One hundred per cent hands on experience. When my younger brother was stationed in Germany he brought back one of the Sansui G series receiver. That thing was a beast. It sounded really awesome connected to a pair of the Bose direct/reflecting speakers of the time.

[@SuperCookieGaming_]

next time on techmoan a fan sent me a laser turntable!

[@NightlyHigh]

Having one player on one channel and the other on the other is the best way to demonstrate the difference IMO. So thanks for this great and clear demonstration!

[@unattributed1641]

Such a sad ending to some once very excellent bradns: Sansui, Akai, Nakaichi....RIP.

[@unattributed1641]

@dandanthetaximan Same here...

[@McPanaikinOsu]

Panasonic had a similar technique as Sansui, Akai, Nakamichi, too.

[@donk1822]

I had a Sansui AUD9 amplifier many years ago, I had to upgrade to an Audiolab 8000C/P combo before really hearing a distinct improvement. I sold it to my brother in law and had it back a few weeks ago for a clean up. Still works perfectly, just needed some Servisol. I now use an Audiolab 8000Q and 2 8000M's but when I plugged her in she really wasn't humiliated. A classic well worth hunting down.

[@carlwillows]

I used to love how advanced Sansui stereo components were in the 80's. I had a dual auto reversing tape deck from them. More buttons on it than you knew what to do with.

[@kareno8634]

*Cool Drawer!* THAT'S What I like to see - when you DON'T SEE Fingerprints on your Record. Not many people seem to care - but I do.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

10:45 Anybody else thinks this sounds like a grade school band recital? ;) Sad about Sansui's ending. There are an awful lot of very recognizable brand names now owned by "somebody else" that get plastered on cheap imported junk. Sad endings for once proud companies.

[@kbhasi]

Yes

[@AfferbeckBeats]

Yeah, it's like making sequels of old movies just because they've got the brand recognition.

[@bsadewitz]

It is a shame. I have a Sansui AU-9500 amplifier, and it is _glorious_. The man behind the company/design at the time was extraordinarily gifted. His greatest passion in life was his quest for optimal sound reproduction. I'm really not joking. He passed away while attending a trade show. Read some interviews with him, or even an instruction manual. Every switch and knob is a pleasure to use. The build quality is _outstanding_. At nearly 50 years old, I think it needs at least the capacitors replaced. Other than that, it should be good for another 50 years.

[@passthebutterrobot2600]

Conversely, Skoda now make good-quality cars

[@bsadewitz]

This turntable was horrifying, though. I thought I was prepared, as I knew the fate of Sansui, but I wasn't. The Aldi deck added insult to injury. The Sansui amplifier I have is so solid I could probably use it in self-defense if I had to, haha. The "loudness" circuit is integrated with the volume control so that it is gradually phased out between 0% and 50% volume in accordance with the characteristics of the human ear. Each pair of inputs on the back has its own level control. It actually sustains its rated output power with very low distortion. All I'm missing is the quadrophonic synthesizer/decoder. ;-)

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

I absolutely love your simple, minimalistic, clean approach to shooting a scene! Lovely, simple framing you do as we get while you were filming the Sansui from the top, with the white background or the shots in the outro

[@biggles1024]

Sorry to hear about Sansui's demise. My Sansui amp, purchased new in 1976 is still going strong though. I'll be sure to keep it now. :)

[@timcoker4685]

So is mine. Had it since 1977. Bought it from a friend whom bought it new in 1974. 881 receiver SE9 EQ 3060 turntable 4- SP2000 speakers. This stereo will probably out live me. Best $350 I have ever spent!

[@mikemadden2729]

I spent $1200 on 20 to 40 year old Japanese Sony CD & minidisc recorders & Denon stuff & 30 year old American made Audio Control analyzer & equalizers. It makes my 1 year old $35 Chinese made Dual (the company that used to make turntables) 4 inch speakers sound great!

[@bjornolson6527]

My Most Beloved Uncle once had that top late 1970s Receiver. It really WAS a treat to listen to. (I was rarely allowed to even TOUCH it back then). The dithered/dimpled buttons and dials felt so confident and tactile... That’s something I miss about devices of today..

[@breaky73]

So actually the Sharp turntable in the end was on par or better one than this Samsui? Between 1970 and 1980's also Sharp made top level hi-fi equipment.

[@Techmoan]

Yes - and it’s much smaller.

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

My grandfather had a lot of 1970’s Sansui hi-fi equipment and when he passed away it went to me.

[@hotdog99100]

Good review, alas a sad ending.

[@franimal007]

I love my vintage Sansui amps and preamps and integrated amps. The AU7900, 717 and the CA2000 along with the BA3000 is hard to beat.

[@somitomi]

10:42 that's some interesting experimental music right there

[@granthoule]

I owned this turntable in 1985! It was part of a Sansui stack I bought back then. Gave the whole thing away last summer for free.

[@ShadowTheHedgehog85]

It's always sad to see that once respective brands where bought by someone and then just slapped on the cheapest product you can think of. I'm from Nuremberg and remember when we (my school class) visited the GRUNDIG TV production back in the days. Nowadays I see cheap headphones or other stuff at discount stores with a GRUNDIG label on it. Very sad.

[@deruebersau]

Back in '91, I had a Grundig multisystem TV. Great machine!

[@33Duce]

That early Sansui equipment really was spectacular.

[@WildBluntHickok]

Video came out 4 minutes ago but there's already 8 comments from yesterday. Hi patreon supporters. (waves) Great video Techmoan, although it's not the same without a puppet skit on the end. Oh well, at least we got a cameo.

[@RobertFantinatto]

I have one of those mid 70's black rack mount style amps...absolutely love it and the build quality is superb!

[@magnum333]

I have a Sansui A-60 and the sound sometimes disappears, one speaker most the times. If I turn it off and back on I can hear both speakers again. I tried all the possible inputs, it's the same. Also, changing the input selector sometimes fixes it too. The caps all look great, even measured some. I wonder, what could it be? It can work well for some weeks, or it can fail repeatedly, seemly at random. It's despairing.

[@evilspoons]

My grandparents had a variation of that Sansui receiver. I can still remember the feel of the solid CLICK behind the knobs and switches. I think it's in a closet somewhere...

[@davidbergmann8948]

I love you, Techmoan 🍄

[@plasmar1]

I have a Sansui direct drive turntable, one of the nicest built turntables I've ever seen at thrift

[@gtoger]

I'm still proud to own my Sansui C77 and B77 amp & pre-amp. The turntable is long gone and the tuner appears to have gone missing, however. Hmmmm. I'm almost motivated to start checking attics and closets.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

In my memory I equated Sansui with being good quality but now I know what happened. I had a Sansui TV made in Turkey in 2005 and it only lasted 4 years before it ceased functioning with a loud buzz. Thanks for the video, most interesting.

[@JasonHalversonjaydog]

i had a sansui cassette deck back in the late 80's and it was really good. either must've been one of their last good products or i just got lucky

[@shlooky]

Back in the early 80's I used to walk by a hifi store where they sold Sansui amps, tape decks etc. and fell in love with the sound. Sansui then became my favorite brand until the mid to late 80's. I would love to buy a 70's Sansui power amp or an integrated amp and a good turn table, it's all I ever need. The problem is finding a decent one for sale.

[@gsacni]

The heyday of quality hi-fi has been over for nearly four decades. After the mid 80's it was all throwaway electronics.

[@defiraphi]

Not true there were still high-end brand such as Technics , Panasonic, Pioneer , Yamaha, Cambridge , etc... The Downfall in Hi-Fi equipments is more in mid 90's .

[@nicestrat]

you mean early 80's

[@beitie]

I remember in the late 1990's seeing a HUGE Sansui receiver at my frinds place. His Dad bought it new sometime in the 70's. That thing was massive, and he had these Kenwood speaker to go with it. 15" woofers and it seemed like 8 other drivers. That thing rocked so hard. Then I remember seeing a cheap Sansui receiver for sale at a local cheap discount store :( I feel like my favorite brand, Pioneer went through this in the 90's as well, but I do like some of their current tech. I also am worried about Bang & Olufsen being sold off. My Beocenter 9000 is something I'll love and treasure for a very long time.

[@CatsMeowPaw]

I remember TEAC as the company that made cheap tat. It's a shame though, as they had some good gear too.

[@GlaciaDay]

CatsMeowPaw They still own the super hi-end brand Esoteric built with excellent quality.

[@C.I...]

They did make an excellent reciever until recently

[@3rdalbum]

I had a TEAC MP3 player in the early 2000s. No worse than any other MP3 player of the time, and built quite nicely.

[@scwaty180]

As always a great video. Love the trips down memory lane with all of these old pieces of tech.

[@UkeofCarl]

I LOVE your channel.

[@JOHNDANIEL1]

I own many pre-1982 Sansui products, over 40 at last count and The G7700 and its four 2700A speakers is my best in the line up.

[@jelteklaswijnja4055]

Who else went back just to listen to the comparison with headphones again?

[@MarkTheMorose]

Did I just witness the first puppet face-palm? I feel privileged, yet saddened. I can never feel that same excitement over any subsequent puppet face-palm.

[@davidbergmann8948]

GLEICHLAUFSCHWANKUNG! What a word 🍄

[@BobBell808]

Concurrent fluctuation.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Bob Bell Consistency-of-running-wobblyness is more like it. Concurrency is the translation for a different use of the word Gleichlauf.

[@Gazdatronik]

When I had an antique radio and electronics repair shop 15 years ago, when anybody asked If I could fix their Sansui I got flashbacks like I was being consumed by quicksand. The 70's ones almost never needed repair. Technics was the way to go at that time. Even Panasonic was great. They may have made cheap stuff, but they never made junk.

[@leonkernan]

The ending is why I wondered why you bothered with it at all. That's all I know of that brand.

[@erwintimmerman6466]

As an 80’s kid I remember Sansui stood for sub-par equipment. So I was rather surprised that you said Sansui was such a top brand. But apparently I only became aware of the brand when its demise had already started. Their 70’s equipment indeed looks very high-end.

[@rodakscreens]

I've been curious since I started watching this channel, what's the name of the song used in all of the Moans segments?

[@giacintoboccia9386]

Sadly it isn't in the description.

[@rogeliolopez2190]

The moans segments? If you mean the puppet show then its "cuba baion"

[@ampeguy]

HA it’s amazing to see someone talking about this. I actually have the PM900 in my room at the moment. I’ve had it for yrs and still works beautifully.

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

I was wondering why people love their sansui- my knowledge of sansui was that they made crappy audio equipment- now I know they were once a high quality decent manufacturer

[@nkt1]

I thought the same, until I started reading up on 70s hi-fi a while back. Their logo looked pretty naff, too, like something you would find in Tandy.

[@purplesabbath9057]

Yes, I own a pair of Sansui speakers from the early 80s and they sound simply wonderful.

[@jayswarrow1196]

2044: -It was built by Toyota. -That cheap disposable rentalcar manufactorer? Ew... -Nono, you see, back in the day, it was top-of-the line japan autoindustry... -Getouttahere...

[@scarabF1]

@@jayswarrow1196 2044? This will happen in less then 10 years looking at their current cars. All outdated engines, like from 20 years ago, but with a hybrid to meet emisson standarts.

[@video99couk]

I had a Sansui AU-D33 Feed Forward amplifier from about 1983. It was the real deal from the days when Sansui knew what they were doing. I was never much into vinyl though, so my turntable was (and still is) a really obscure Tensai brand, who were in some way connected to Akai.

[@FranLab]

It would definitely need an automatic two side cleaning feature to make this set up anywhere near acceptable for my rig! ☺

[@TomEarley]

God you’re cool.

[@slaughterround643]

Any Techmatt video is enough to brighten this man's day

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

Does techmoan play keyboard, guitar or any instruments? Would be cool to see him talk about effects pedals, DAW software, or even mechanical metronomes or something music related tech.

[@Techmoan]

I wish but no - there’s no discernible talent for anything going on here.

[@rienpost3145]

@@Techmoan Apart from video production.

[@runner0075]

I learned “all show and no go” thanks man, truly appropriate

[@mumiemonstret]

Excruciating at 1:00 to see the turntable top bent by the weight of the 8-track...

[@Redfleminem]

mumiemonstret that made me wince too

[@Techmoan]

mumiemonstret it’s not being bent by the 8-track - the top was slightly bowed when I bought it - that 8-track doesn’t weigh much and the legs are towards the edges of the player - the Sharp turntable is designed to be stacked. It was placed in that position for ten minutes to shoot a video about it three years ago.

[@mumiemonstret]

@@Techmoan Hearing of that I'm just as relieved as the turntable!

[@anasevi9456]

And I was shocked you managed to make a laserdisc HD MUSE video. A lot of commentors seem to assume you can barrow whatever you want, whenever.

[@Techmoan]

I really wanted to make that video - although it did leave me a few thousand pounds out of pocket. The KZbin revenue paid for a couple of the discs.

[@TheTalkWatcher]

Here is an idea for a new episode. How about doing one on ultra sonic record cleaners? Show us the before and after.

[@fill7t1]

My late dad had a sharp vz-1600, he bought it in the late 80s. Its still in the family and still gets used.... clever technology.

[@jonothanthrace1530]

It always makes me sad to hear of the decline of a once-excellent audio company.

[@stephenlamley541]

Or them selling out to china. As in wharfdale

[@robertwood8730]

I have a Sansui A707 amp that I bought secondhand in the mid 1980's. It still goes and sounds great providing I am careful with the sliding volume control. It's a bit of a dust magnet and needs a good clean periodically.

[@tim000x3]

I read this and immediately thought it was a joke like dvd rewinder

[@CDRaff]

When I was in high school one of my friend's dad got a laser record player; I distinctly remember him saying it was more expensive than a car. Another big issue with them, at least at the time(early 00s) was that they skipped a ton due to vibrations. Things like thumping bass, and even trucks driving down the road would make it skip. He tried several solutions to isolate vibrations, but it never worked out and he ended up selling it.

[@christopherpappas7474]

That speed comparison messed with my wee little head and I didn't even have on headphones! I have a Sansui system from 1980, actually a 1978 manufactured, and damn it still kicks ass! Was deeply saddened to see it go the way of the Dodo... :(

[@Bassquake76]

Sad how global consumerism and demand for cheap tat caused the downfall of once great company names.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

TheElectricnoob I sometimes go for the cheapest usable stuff when I can't afford the good stuff. But once a company delivers the cheap tat experience for something priced like quality, I generally drop them completely at almost any price. Over the years my personal "do not buy" list has naturally grown and now includes a few brands that others praise.

[@atomaudio419]

I agree that the Sansui of the later 80's-early 90's was all round a shadow of its former self. I have a lot of Sansui amplifiers from the earlier years, and they are fantastic

[@MoultrieGeek]

Fantastic review and history of Sansui. Another quality brand bites the dust. Sad.

[@Boojakascha]

Also SCOTT was scavenged by the Chinese^^

[@twistedviewlabs]

Around 1986, I moved back to the L.A. area and made friends with this Korean kid my age (I was 11) up the street. His parents had a Sansui system from around 1984 or so and had recently acquired a Mitsubishi CD player as an addition. Anyhow, I remember listening to records on that turntable and it not sounding as good as my uncle's Technics turntable from the same era. It was akin to the Sharp all-in-one my grandmother got some 2 years later. Very thin sound and cheap construction. The stylus was similar to what's on those horrid Crosley turntables now.

[@gluttonousmaximus9048]

11:03 OK I'm gonna make this messed up music clip as my default ring tone.

[@SpikeKastleman]

My dad had this player. He LOVED his old Sansui equipment.

[@Tajemni3]

10:42 I love this comparison!

[@connorm430]

Great video. Sad to hear about Sansui nowadays. I have a pair of Sansui headphones from 1969 and they perform really well! Nice quality piece of kit! I can imagine how good they must have been with the rest of their equipment back in the 70's.

[@CooKiesHouseCannabisCo]

I see the projector wasn't a lasting addition to that room.

[@onometre]

His wife must complain about all the stuff he doesn't end up using lol

[@CooKiesHouseCannabisCo]

@@onometre rather 'em be chasing hertz over skirts?

[@darrylkelly7958]

Listening to you through my free set of Sansui SP-2000 6 speaker 4 ways that were going to be thrown to the tip by the original owner who bought them new in 1971. They're beautiful.