Sansui BA-5000. The Most Famous And Powerful Amplifier Ever! Will Drive Any Speaker To It's Knee's!

[@boris2342]

I lusted after Sansui stereos in Jr High school. glad to see they are not all dead

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Ya, me too. Back then my Pizza Hut income limited me.

[@donovanweber6059]

I had no trouble watching this video in its entirety. I enjoyed it from the start all the to the end. For a non professional you have a pretty good idea of what’s happening or what’s supposed to be happening at the different stages of the amplifiers circuit . Your non-professional way of explaining the electronics - IMHO - is a real strength and what kept me on board for the whole ride for the first time ever watching this type of video. This isn’t the first electronics repair/ restoration video I’ve watched but it is the first one I finished. I thank you for the education and the entertainment!

[@hobbswade]

You have the heart of a true teacher. Isn’t experience a wonderful thing? You’ve got it.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomtompkins7546]

I found a Sansui BA 3000 amplifier at my local Goodwill about a year ago. Mint Condition. $16. Wonderful amplifier.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Very nice!

[@Thechriskraft]

Holy crap! What a bargain!

[@SleepingLionsProductions]

I think I saw one at goodwill too. Not sure if it was a sansui because i wasn't into vintage audio equipment then. But it was a rack mountable one that looked really similar to the one in the video. Kicking myself for not getting it now lol

[@kawmic7]

Wtf??

[@LynchDaddy78]

You're a guy right up my alley. I've been tearing apart and fixing things since I was 4 or 5 years old, I'm 62. Every time I get something that's gone bad and I can't fix it, I tear it apart to see how the engineers designed it and how it was put together. I'll 2nd always taking before and after pictures, your phone is right there, use it. Enjoyed your video and I will watch more. Cheers 🥃

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks a lot for sharing and for watching.

[@timothyfreeman8447]

Got a 9090 db need a panel fuse holder just screw in part who has one

[@nickacelvn]

I didn't understand hardly a word you said but I appreciate the fact you do. I could watch this all day. 2:30 Can we just pause for a moment to let that sink in, "My other half" called in made the deal and brought it home for me. Sir, you sound like you have hit the jackpot. Give your other half a big hug from me to say thanks for being perfect. (For you)

[@craigm.9070]

Thank you for posting this! A great save on one of the best audio power amplifiers ever made; you don't often see these out in the wild...in any condition. I listened to one of these that belonged to a coworker back in the late 70's-early 80's through a pair of Pioneer HPM-150's; just an amazing sound, regardless of the type of music...those really were the days! This is one of those units you could call the holy grail, Sansui made some of the best equipment during this period. Thanks again for your time; a rare piece of audio equipment lives on! This really was a great save!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you so very much for your kind words. She is a wonderful example of the quality that went into the engineering and manufacturing of audio equipment in the 1970's.

[@fitzroywilliams1136]

I enjoyed your video from beginning to end. You gave me the courage to repair a couple vintage amplifiers I've been putting off for months.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much and good luck with your projects!

[@repairfreak]

What a beautiful amp! I love Sansui amps as well. You are a very generous man to give away your trouble-shooting information and share your trouble-shooting techniques. I can’t agree more with everything you said about how using a good channel can be your best friend and many other things. Once a person can identify and have a basic understanding of what the different blocks of the schematic are doing, troubleshooting becomes much easier. I love that most all amps simply mirror the other channel in board layout design. I hate schematics that continue off across many pages of paper. I have even printed in tiles and cut out and taped multiple pages together to get a larger diagram to view, or to help follow the signal onto another schematics page. I once had a Ranger 2950 Transceiver schematic download printed from my thumb drive at a local office store in huge paper format of approx 3’x3’ just so I could see it well. You provide many helpful and practical tips. I have learned same way as you have over the past 35 years. I sure wish I had some of your beautiful pieces of test equipment. However it is amazing how many things can be fixed just with a decent multi-meter, ESR type Cap tester and Cap value tester and a decent solder station. My most recent tool purchased was the Hakko desoldering gun, a bit pricey but wow, how very helpful for removing a single transistor lead for testing or pulling off whole components quickly. Your getting me interested in going back to work again, lol. Best wishes always my friend and thank you for your videos, I love watching them.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Mike, thank you so much for your kind words. It's difficult for owners of vintage audio equipment to find a technician in today's world. I hope that the video's help folks to keep their vintage equipment operating. Thanks again Mike and good luck with all of your projects.

[@repairfreak]

@@vintageaudioaddict I have a Sansui 9090 that was given to me, cant wait to crack into it and figure out its issues. I worked on it many years ago before the owner passed, his best friend then gave it to me. I remember it was a unit that also was plagued by noise in the sealed type switches. After figuring out the main issue, maybe these switches can be opened up and cleaned if no replacements are available, ”if still plagued with this issue?” Would love to hook up my Technics SL1200MK2 to it and use it as my main home unit. 😎👍

[@j.t.cooper2963]

My older brother had a Sansui 90/90 DB with a pair of Technics SB7000A's back in the mid to late 70's. That system sounded great.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MrDoneboy]

I always await your videos, Chris. Another informative adventure, down Vintage Audio Lane!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Glad you like them!

[@kennethjanczak4900]

That is one beautiful apm. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and share it.... Really enjoyed.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Your welcome and thank you so much for watching.

[@paulmurray8922]

This takes me back to my teenage obsession with power amplifiers. This one and a Peavey 2600, both wrecked, were given to me by my grandfather's DJ bud (although I've always suspected my grandfather paid for them). I eventually repaired both and, since I haven't heard otherwise, they're still working fine, decades later.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Very cool! They will probably still be operating decades from now.

[@chriselectric1116]

Hello, i want to say, i love all your videos, i am 55 and i remember what my friends brother had and back then he had a technics SA 1000, man that thing kicked ass at 330 watts per channel, and his buddy had a Sansui G 33000 and it kicked out 300 watts per channel, these things sounded great it was like they had a life of their own, todays stuff is not at all like that, anyway, again, i really enjoy your vids and i watch all of them , thanks for all the education, between you and xraytony and mr carlsons lab, we all get great education and memories of the great audio world of the past, thank you.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing. Man, I've never even seen a SA-1000 or G-33000. I'd love to have either in my collection. For many of us this equipment brings back good memories. Thank you for watching and for the kind words.

[@edmerkel2407]

Outstanding restoration. You've brought back a true work of audio art!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Many thanks!

[@stevebirmingham9650]

I remember this amp when i worked in the trade back in 1975-1976 era, thats not an amp its a welding device a power station, i remember seeing one with its preamp and i was blown away by its size and weight

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing. Yes, she is a heavyweight.

[@stevebirmingham9650]

@@vintageaudioaddict did you ever see the Luxman M6000 my god that was a beast stunningly beautiful

[@kwd-kwd]

and a clone of the Mcintosh mc 2300........

[@stevefagetaboutit8158]

@@kwd-kwd I’ve got the McIntosh 2500 and 2600…. Yes, MASSIVE.

[@denveradams4909]

While serving in the Marine Corps and stationed on Okinawa, 1978/79, I purchased a whole rack of Pioneer esoteric stereo; including the Spec-1 preamp and the Spec-2 power amp. I went with Sansui SP-X11000 speakers. Those speakers have (2) 17" woofers, (2) 6" midrange, (2) 3x6" horn tweeters and (2) 1 1/2" super tweeters per side. These speakers are unique in their design, where each stereo side is separated into (2) cabinets to isolate the woofers. The crossover was located in one half, so there had to be an electrical connection. This was done, using an (8) pin vacuum tube socket and pins. Rubber feet on one cabinet fitted into recesses in the other, and the socket/pins connected when you sat one cabinet on top of the other. As far as I know, this particular model was never marketed in the states. I bought (2) pair of these speakers and powered them with the Pioneer Spec-2, 250wpc amp. Awesome system!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

First of all thank you for your service. Wow! Amazing gear! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@sarahconner9433]

Your my hero!!

[@Shabba-doo]

What a great video! Im just getting into this hobby and im learning the same way. But you have just a great way of explaing basic trouble shooting. Thanks!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@777jones]

Thank you Vintage Audio Addict, the contents you bring us really justify your enthusiasm. Beast of an amp.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@trigger5712]

This interested the hell out of me I can’t believe it had that much power per channel for the age and it looked great at the end great job I would love to own this myself I would have loved to hear it played

[@walterpen371]

I totally agree with your comments and I'd wish that I had proper guidance. Looking back at all the broken vintage audio equipment that I could've had repaired. Anyway vintage Sansui is excellent quality. Take care and keep up the great work.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you for watching and for sharing.

[@pisbee]

I was lucky enough to to be a Sansui dealer back in the 70’s…I had the opportunity to take home every model in the Definition Series. The BA5000 was driving a pair of Cerwin Vega 15T’s (103 db/1 Watt/1 meter)…Wow!….. I even painted my Sansui Sound Room the distinctive maroon colour of the amplifier covers …it’s a beast…best amplifier I ever owned….

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sarahconner9433]

You are wise

[@stellarecosystems8228]

Available for sale???

[@pisbee]

@@stellarecosystems8228 I wish!!! I sold it over 40 years ago ….oops!!! Good luck on your quest!

[@stellarecosystems8228]

@@pisbee i wasnt even born 40 years back sir 😀

[@adaboy4z]

I found my center piece today a Yamaha B-2 amplifier and T-1 tuner from 1978 at estate sale. It was the last day of the sale and an hour before shutting down. The sticker price was $1450 and the wife of the deceased said I make you a deal and I paid $300. She wanted me to take it as she felt I would cherish it as her husband did. She said several men were resellers that told her they would come back later. The amp obviously had been sitting for years. It was dirty inside and out. It needed a lot of cleaning especially the pots. I spent several hours cleaning and inspecting. I finally plugged it in and power! The meters glowed and the music was sweet via vintage Yamaha NS-670 speakers also purchased that day. It has now replaced my Yamaha CR-2040 that I just obtained a week before at an estate sale. I enjoy your commentary! 🙂

[@scofab]

I have an AU-7500 in my desktop system... I love it. And despite the "rated" 32w p/c it'll blow me right out of my desk chair driving a pair of DALIs. Another one that will never be for sale... neither that nor the TU-7500 that came with it. Both NOS, checked/overhauled by me with BT added to the tuner to preserve/add function. Beautiful job... well done, and thanks for taking the time. PS: FWIW I cut my teeth in electronics building Radio Shack and Heathkit kits... back in the day, ya. Those were great learning, and great practice. Subscribed, and cheers from Japan.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Cheers from the USA. Thanks so much for the kind words and the sub. Your AU-7500 is a wonderful integrated amp. Sansui made so many great products back in the day.

[@MSKhan-dh9id]

Sir, First thank you for in depth narrative and component description. I have subscribed and watch your videos from time to time. I love the vintage audio and grew up in the cassette tape era. Now I own three Nakamichi cassette decks including Dragon, a RX 303 and RX202. Also a HK 491. Recently I paid quite a bit of money getting them cleaned and restored. I would love to learn how to work on them and your videos and detail description is very useful. I would love to learn more starting from the basic. The only request I would make is that if you can, please record the videos when you are working on an equipment like this one. Thank You again for such details.

[@subculture-records]

Essentially, it's a constant current amplifier. It's far from being the most powerful amplifier ever, though, given that we now have pro audio amplifiers capable of delivering 30KW into 1 Ohm loads. Great vid.

[@rainbowmat8204]

My favorite Amplifier Sir, I never had it but i love it so i took circuit diagram and print all PCBs by hand , Wound power transformer, connected all together and made it my self with locally available parts... definitely not a professional standard but satisfy myself...I wish may be i am able to purchase it some day.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

WOW, what a beast, a keeper for sure

[@vintageaudioaddict]

She is a beast alright. It feels like I'm picking up a motorcycle engine when I move it.

[@crimsonghost6454]

That is a monster. What a gem,you are very fortunate. Thanks for the great videos.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Yes, thanks for watching!

[@chefbink61]

Boy your lucky to have one of these amps!! They still bring $$$$$ if you can find one, and boy they do sound nice.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

The BA-5000 is one of the classic's and yes, I am lucky to own her.

[@BC-ni3sk]

Very nice results! I was stationed in Japan and asked to go there for the audio equipment. While in the Air Force I bought a few systems and really didn't realize how substantial audio was at the time, 1973-1974 which for anyone out there that was the Golden Era in audio for Japan. The exchange rate was absurd, 400 yen to the dollar where today it is about 90 yen to the dollar. Sansui, Akai, Pioneer, Teac and others were the big boys of the day and they made a lot of the audio equipment at great prices!! A kid in candy land.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much for sharing. So much great back in the day and yes the exchange rate didn't hurt. Thank you also for your service.

[@tommywingate2220]

Oh the joy! Even without knowing the future having the opportunity to shop for and find stereo equipment at prices that didn’t disqualify you from being as ridiculous as you want. I had that opportunity in the Philippines while on the USS Constellation in 1976. I chose from a slightly smaller sampling than you and decided on the Sansui 9090 db along with a techniques sl-1200 turntable and 4 Sansui sp-1500 speakers. I was almost broke when I remembered my then young wife was interested in some furniture. At the very last moment I borrowed some money and had a couple of kinda ugly furniture items thrown onto the Connie. So nice they went with me to San Diego and then shipped to Whidbey Is. Wa. I didn’t particularly care for military life BUT my last year I certainly enjoyed and over the years looking back at that cruise with fond memories. Just for the record I don’t have that glorious set up anymore and I also jettisoned the wife but as I noted the memories are still crystal clear. Take Care

[@josephchamberlain3681]

Once again, thanks for these invaluable videos. Please keep making them.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Glad you like them! Thanks a lot for watching.

[@apollorobb]

Ive been doing Electronics repair particularly HiFi audio and Pro audio gear for 35 years and i can testify if you dont know what your doing dont dig into your favorite piece of gear as a first project find something cheap and try to fix it and i never let a unit leave my shop with more than 30MV offset . That Amp reminds me of working on G-33000 and 22000 receiver amp sections .

[@greenlanternseven]

Awesome. ..Sansui made some of the best gear ever, I have my grandfather s Sansui Receiver model 7000 and it is so well made and the sound is outstanding from 1971 , built like a tank Accuphase level of Tokyo Japanese quality,

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Couldn't agree more!

[@kylesmithiii6150]

Congratulations for the nice equipment and restoration work done! You work very professionally, with passion and meticulously.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you very much!

[@joachimwenz557]

I had a friend in the US Army buy a BA 5000 for me at the Army base in Mainz- Kastell. I still own it. The power transistors and the main switch needed replacement 20 years ago. All the rest is still original. I guess that machine is the reason my hearing is somewhat impaired now.

[@eaustin2006]

I loved the sound of the old Sansui receivers. I'm confident this power amp is incredible. I envy you.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks. Sansui made great gear back in the day. You can't go wrong with almost any of their vintage equipment.

[@j.p.wagner6461]

I love working on this stuff. Modified a Denon POA-2400A output section & PS (MJ15024 triple-complement per ch + six 10000uF 80V NEC caps per ch). Awesome.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@fusionfan6883]

I remember an old Phase Linear power amp I owned, it literally scared me every time I switched it on and I swear the ceiling light dimmed each time! It sounded majestic but they did have a the nickname, Flame Linear😳😊

[@antoniograncino3506]

That along with the Crown DC series were notorious speaker eaters.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Yes, vintage audio equipment did/does have some downsides. If you keep the old equipment maintained your chance of disaster is reduced but never eliminated.

[@FlatBroke612]

@@vintageaudioaddict there’s a dandy DC protection board available for the Phase Linear amps from watts abundant to solve that issue. Beauty BA-5000 btw... I’ve got an AU-7900 and it sounds great too.

[@diogenescamat9365]

You’re good instructor 👍 I love those explanations very helpful 👌

[@tonelives1023]

What a great video and better at teaching than anything I can remember. Super thanks

[@gime3steps]

Awesome piece of equipment, as you mentioned like myself the appeal of the Sansui gear was at the top of my list. Thanks for the video!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@TheDarrenSR]

U couldn't beat Sansui right up somewhere up into the 90's , My dad has the 1000x that was a beautiful amp

[@Panos125S]

Lot Of Wires Compared With Today Machines .... But Sansui Sound Was Unbeatable 💎

[@lastdayz9877]

BEAUTIFUL AMP!!!....I have the baby brother, the BA-2000.

[@hydorah]

Nice I like the tip on testing output transformers by running a low voltage through them. I have a massive HH V800 classic PA amp. Although it's clean enough for Hifi, if you need 800 watts, that is. Watching you work away here reminds me of all the dirt that was inside that when I first got it. It was full!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@ebayerr]

This guy sounds like Tom Bodett,the guy who did those "Motel 6" commercials... I keep waiting to hear him say,"we'll leave the light on for you."

[@vintageaudioaddict]

lol

[@jedclampett4215]

Thank you for uploading this great video. I still have my Sansui BA-2000, CA-2000 & TU-9900 that I bought back in 1978 in Guam, a Teac X-1000R and Nakamichi ZX-7 that I bought in Germany in 1984, that I use fairly regularly. Except for changing a couple belts on the tape decks, everything has been working fine. BUT, I know I'm going to have to go inside and start changing Caps, etc. on everything. I've done a number of old AA5 radios and other electronics, but, tearing apart my pride and joys are another thing. Watching your video, I'm fairly confident I can do it. I've already watched your vids on the CA-2000 & X-1000R so, this one just adds to the confidence...Thanks so much.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much for the kind words. So cool that you still have your vintage audio gear. The equipment brings back a lot of memories for me as I'm sure it does for you. With you having some electronics experience I'm sure you will be successful if you restore your gear in the future. Thank you for sharing your story and for your service.

[@cjay2]

Just be sure to carefully observe the polarity of the electrolytic caps when replacing them. They must be placed with proper polarity.

[@jedclampett4215]

@@cjay2 Yes, Thank you, I will. I learned that a long time ago, but, while repairing some AA5 radios, it seems to be a common mistake not to.

[@nathanwatrous1519]

I watched this video, I am pretty much the same way you are when it comes to amplifiers, except for I have a passion for the old Bogan PA amps. Have a collection of restored and future projects I like to work on in my spare time.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing. It's great that you are keeping the old electronics going.

[@dugaldhutchings404]

Great job, beautiful piece.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you very much!

[@2creativo11]

Another goodie from VAA, Thanks!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

My pleasure!

[@maxpower78-15]

Im drooling. My god thats beautiful.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for watching.

[@maxpower78-15]

@@vintageaudioaddict always!!!

[@russellesimonetta3835]

I have a Phase Linear 400 from the early 70's. Needs a rebuild. All the caps are dead but,, a clean beast.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

I have one myself. Great amp!

[@centaurojz]

Awesome video, like always. I have watched many of your videos over the last 3 years or so, but never seen one that shows how to search for an equivalent component such as a Vintage Transistor, since the vintage gear numbers are not made anymore, do you have a video that shows how to find vintage equivalent parts? Thank you very much.

[@reneneron2971]

What a beautiful piece of audio equipment.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you

[@wattheheck6010]

Thank you, VAA! Fabulous post of your patience and end result. At a healthy age 70, I am sniffing around KZbin for info on acquiring vintage audio systems. Stumbling on your outstanding resurrection of a BA-5000 video, I realize I have a lot to learn. Where do I start to look for vintage equipment without being swindled? How do I learn to use a signal scope and oscilloscope intelligently? How do I learn to recognize the specific function circuit boards, the parts needed and where I can buy replacements? I have a computer network background and am comfortable around electronics. I once enjoyed a Nikko 7075 Receiver, Rotel turntable, BIC Venturi speakers and Sony dual cassette deck. They did not make the trip back to the US from overseas, but my 300+ vinyl records are with me! Now I have the time to make this my hobby, too. But I am at a loss as to where to begin. Ideas?

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Your very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It sounds like you are well on your way into the world of vintage audio. In today's world most of the information that you need is somewhere on the internet. Someone has posted somewhere the answer to most of your questions. No one person has all the answers. Welcome back to vintage audio. Thanks a lot for commenting.

[@jmagruder7796]

Wonderful Video

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you very much!

[@sunahamanagai9039]

Just finished watching. Excellent work and excellent video!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Much appreciated!

[@HealthFitnessMartialArtsDEng]

So awesome how you go through your method of restoration. How do you figure out what to use for obsolete transistors much less double up on some? Mahalo for another awesome video

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching. Being a hobbyist I've learned mostly from folks out here on the net.

[@ottohonkala6861]

What a gratifying project, done so well. Kudos!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you very much!

[@ivansbacon]

You "could care less" How much less could you care? Sorry pet peeve, I could NOT care less, is the proper saying. Thanks for your videos. I am a Sansui fan.

[@Noeman2009]

Please Sansui, make another great integrated amp. I love your products.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Can you imagine the retail price for an amplifier like this today.

[@Noeman2009]

@@vintageaudioaddict Still cheaper than Macintosh, I think. But Sansui can make budget and mid range amps that are more affordable, right?

[@leonardosemienchuk7437]

The electrolytic capacitors of the power supply have been changed? Fantastic power amplifier!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Not yet! She is still running on her originals. I know.....I know....That's against my own rules.

[@cabronesse386]

WOW! so much love and passion for this fine gear! Congrats man!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks a ton!

[@Marcel41021]

I bought my BA 5000 new and still have it in an unused room. At some point in its life the right channel would cut out when I jiggled the right channel output rotary dial so I retired it. It has not been abused like this one but could use some TLC. Someday I would like to get it rebuilt and use it again. I also have a TU 9900 and a CA 3000. I haven't used these in decades but they worked fine when I stored them away.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Wow! That is all amazing gear. I hope that you get it all up and running again. I'd love to have a CA-3000 and a TU-9900 in my collection. Maybe someday.....

[@sarahconner9433]

There's a vintage repair shop in Las Vegas

[@chuckfalls]

I have a Sansui QSD-1 QSD1 4 Channel Synthesizer Decoder Surround that used to work, but I had the cover off and I was tapping stuff with the eraser end of a pencil,and something sparked and went dead.the fuse in the back of the unit is good! Thanks to your video I will give it another look to see if anything looks obvious! I would like to have it working,or at least power up so I can sell on EBay!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Yes, give it a good look over. Power Off! Thanks a lot for watching and good luck.

[@rainbowmat8204]

Excellent Work Sir

[@skeggjoldgunnr3167]

Have you ever listened to some quadraphonic LP's? I had a table / cabinet that was a quadraphonic turntable / two speakers / album storage all in one that had two satellite speakers. I bought it at a yard sale when I was 14 with money I earned bagging groceries and doing late night floor cleaning buffing waxing on an air force base at their headquarters building. My dad drove me around through six states tracking down specific albums that were quadraphonic. That was in the mid 70's. He thought it was the neatest thing 'since sliced bread. I left it with him when I went in the Army. One day in 2012 I had to fly out to his funeral. My sister called me into his bar room / five car indoor fully finished heated living space garage that he built. There it was. A note on the back he had pasted on said "Rebuilt by (his name) on (date)." He had collected another for parts, had a few styluses, needles, entire cartridges, replacement parts in bags and labelled. He bought a pallet rack for the parts unit and speakers. A list of components replaced, their values. His neighbor came over and said he stayed in that room working on his harley or his Indian just wrenching, drinking cans of Pabst and changing albums. A Jefferson Airplane album was left on it. I turned my back on it. I couldn't take looking at it, for it would remind me of how I miss him every time I wanted to listen to it.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Maybe? A long time ago. Sorry about your dad but thanks so much for sharing his and your story. Vintage audio equipment and music was a big part of many kids/young adults life's growing up in the 60's and 70's like myself.

[@mitfreundlichengrussen1234]

Baby is back! And it wears the perfect "I drive them all" makeup.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Step right up, your voice coil is next. LOL

[@cayde-6.0]

always wanted that when I first got into audio. it's crazy but I think the vintage gear sounds better imo! The newer amps and receivers don't have the same sound.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Totally agree!

[@anderssoderlind90]

Nice amp, I have restored several sansui I love how they sound even if I use tube amps. Next project is an AU G90X that has lost one of this channels i got all the part, next thing is to find time for it.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks. Glad that your keeping the old gear making music.

[@David-sw3on]

I love your laid-back way of teaching.. you give confidence to people such as myself that anything is learnable. Also your Sansui G-9000DB Amplifier?.. Now that is a real Beauty!! Thanks for your wisdom.👍😉🇨🇦

[@vintageaudioaddict]

You are so welcome! Thank you for the kind words.

[@spacemissing]

Experience is something you get Just After you really need it, and it is proportional to the value of the equipment ruined.

[@Dutchamp]

What a beast 300watts on 2 ohms woouw that should use lot of mains power. Wich I had one. And I'm into tubeamps and this would be my transistor taste. Nice video

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you for watching!

[@Dutchamp]

@@vintageaudioaddict you done a ton of work. Respect for your work. Good to use 105 degree electrolytes. And I bet you recapped all small electrolytes. Good you found a solution for those transistors who are not made anymore. Wish I had one to restore. 😊

[@zachnorton5233]

This was great to listen to. I found many of the initial things you were talking about, like HiFi engine for stuff, and starting on a piece of junk to learn on I was doing too! I JUST spent the last 4 months trying to get a BGW 750a going. I broke a part on the soft-start circuit when I was replacing the power caps. Didn't even know what I broke... couldnt figure it out. Asked for help on different sites and youtube pages. I ended up emailing a guy in the Philippines that was nice enough to tell me what I needed even though the schematic didn't tell any more than a pic of a fuse and a part number. So I got the part from Mouser and wired it in... Wham! it started up. But the SCR had blown... removed i and I now have a great sounding amp. It's kinda scary moving into someinth w so much power. But like you said, this is something that few people know what to do to fix them anymore. Thanks for being a cool dude!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much for watching! Well Man, it sounds like you have vintage audio repairs nailed. You did everything necessary in today's world to the vintage audio equipment back running again. Good Job!

[@darrenthompson3696]

Repairing these older generation through hole electronics are a pleasure to work on. They are designed to last unlike this modern SMD based technology rubbish. It amazes me how many people connect the wrong speakers to their amps and when they don’t understand why the amp fails is just a regular occurrence. Only thing I would advise would be to steer clear of cheap multimeters. For safety I always advise people to get a good branded multimeter such as Fluke, Tektronix, Amprobe or Agilent. The cheap multimeters can and have exploded even if they are on the correct range.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you for sharing.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

Fantastic work very good. Thanks for sharing

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@haroldalexis4200]

I am extremely impressed with this entire video your skills in this great. This model by SANSUI doesn't look like a day of over 1 years old. 45 years ?! When i viewed the model through out it i didn't see any cosmetic blemishes in the afterwards i'm sorry it looks brand new! I tackled exactly what you advised. with an older model probably the same age as your SANSUI amplifier. It was a Diasound it was nothing but mechanical problems it was junk! But in those days i was working with consoles & tabletop stereo systems. But I had no idea this Electronic giant contained so much inside. It would intimidate some. Not me.😅 I have had so many Stereo systems since then. Many have survived never needing servicing except one of my JVC stereo receiver i purchased in 1986 the pilot light blew out & i replaced it with a new one surprise i didn't have to solder it at all! That looks like a powerhouse in sound how many watts ? I love vintage models they look ageless. Your testing equipment 100% professional! Todays market is a joke where have all the components gone? All we're left with are boring receivers that aren't compatible anymore with our classic vintage components. Amplifier to a tuner or pre amps to another amplifier that's what made shopping for audio sound systems grand. I truly enjoyed watching this i may have interest in a model you showed Fisher had one similar with VU meters. Today you have Mcintosh its extremely too expensive i will stick to what i viewed i will be viewing your other videos. Meanwhile enjoy your set & the 🎵 music.👍👋👋😀

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you so much for sharing and for the kind words!

[@Arn560]

Just saying the model number puts tingles down my spine. Nothing comes close!

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Looks Fantastic ! You did an excellent job. I have an old Marantz 2325 and it’s old and still rocks but it’s time frame a up-date. It pushes a Pair of Klipsch K-Horns and another pair of Belles Kilpsch Speakers, early La s callas ! It Rocks but last year it burned a bulb out. It is very clean and everything is Walnut , speaks and Marantz look Beautiful ! I’ve used them for over thirty years . Quality! As everything like me it’s old and I’m sure it could be better. The new parts would probably make sound much better. It’s my keep until I die pieces. The combination is Great still push goosebumps on me. I feel like you do, and I’m in my 60’s now still Love it all ! It would cost a small fortune to get that much music today and the quality probably isn’t going to be as good or any better . Yeah, like you I’m set in what I want ! I’m old school and have always remembered to Don’t fix something that’s not broken ! Plus I would want to deliver my stereo and not ship ! Honesty today is much harder to find. I’ve read up and watched videos about the up date. There are packages with everything you need available for it and many other valuable old stereos. I can’t do it but I will find someone and take a trip ! Hand delivery. I started with a Sansui 7700 in the 70’s Marantz tuner . Wish I had kept that amp ! Had the big Sansui receiver and wish I had really kept it ! Now they are thousands of dollars ! Keep it up , beautiful work !

[@gazzacroy]

great video, great amp. top stuff i enjoyed watching this :)

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Much appreciated!

[@hegonefishing9122]

That ishow I feel about my Phillips 572/578 combo, permanent n.f.s

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@VINTAGEO]

Great work as usual! What would be your favorite amp/receiver in your opinion? I know this is probably a hard one to answer..

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks! That is hard to answer. Sometimes I'll be listening to certain equipment and think that's the perfect setup.....Then I'll hook up something else and I'll think the same thing.

[@VINTAGEO]

@@vintageaudioaddict I totally get it!

[@dennisdickey2267]

wow. What a monster. But our old Phase Linear 700 was a real beast too. 350 watts times two at 4 ohms. You will never need all that power. My old Kenwood integrated amp at 120 watts times two is just enough. I'd go McIntosh tube anytime.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing.

[@statedace3]

Very nice.I guess I'm starting my collection by just not getting rid of my old equipment.just saved a Technics SL-1700 MK2 from a second had store. still had the Acutex M320 III STR Cartridge near mint elyptical stylus.replaced the Que and return belt and arm rest lock and for my $250 purchace and about $50 in parts I did good.wouldn't have had the guts to work on this stuff if it wasn't for guys like yourself showing it can be done with time and patients..

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for the kind words. Sounds like you are well on your way to keeping your equipment operating. The older audio equipment is built so well that once you get it up and running again you should be good to go for many years of reliable service.

[@marcump]

Great job!

[@stintus1]

Excellent job

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you very much!

[@claudiosassetti3944]

Un oggetto senza tempo !!!! Ancora oggi ha un fascino non riscontrabile negli oggetti odierni....

[@vintageaudioaddict]

grazie per aver guardato.

[@arthursimpson6331]

Great video you truly are great at what you do and i totally enjoyed this. I have been a Sansui owner for years and now have a G7700. Do you have any restoration video for this model? I looked through your listing but did not see one.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! No, I don't have a G-7700 in my collection. About the closest model that I have is my Sansui G-9000DB.

[@bobkrueger194]

Chris, I always enjoy your videos. Your experience and willingness to share your knowledge is priceless. I see your go-to choice for power supply caps are Nichicon PW series. I've used them when I can. Curious to know what your go to cap choices are for bipolar, signal path and other general use caps? Oh....also, I never see such finds like you have. That is truly impressive

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I truly appreciate it. As far as the capacitors go for me I've found that I can't tell the difference in sound between a soni-cap and a Nichicon or a Panasonic in the signal path for example. I do stay away from the no name brands because name brands are not very expensive.

[@andydelle4509]

Was the output transformer a true transformer or an auto-transformer like McIntosh used? On Roger Russell's McIntosh page he explains why they used the auto-transformer, same reason, to keep a constant load on the output transistors but it also has another advantage. If an output transistor shorts to rail, the transformer is a very low DC resistance so it just blows the rail fuse - and reliably without counting on the DC resistance of the expensive speaker.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

It's an auto-transformer. Rumor had it that Sansui copied McIntosh but I'm not sure.

[@jorges.p.7838]

HI ¡ ... GREAT VIDEO ... What do u think about Technics SE-A3 MK2 ? , Pioneer Exclusive M5 ? , Onkyo M-510 Grand Integra ? , Accuphase PX-650 ? , Marantz SM1000 ? ... SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO 👌

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you and greetings from the USA. Those are all very good pieces. Most of the older audio equipment was built to last and it has.

[@FLH3official]

Excellent video. I'm happy to have subscribed to your channel.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks and welcome

[@walkingrobin9965]

Awesome keep making these videos

[@vintageaudioaddict]

More to come! Thank you so much for watching.

[@mab7175]

The most satisfying power amp I repaired was a vintage Macintosh Power Amplifier. Was a far superior engineering reputation in design and the audio quality than Sansui. My favorite enjoyments were repairing Marantz Power Amps before Saul Marantz sold his company to Sony.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing

[@sarahconner9433]

Try again..... 300 wrms/channel into 8ohms!!! In 1978!! Sansui was rocking the roller skating rinks, while the pitiful tubes of Mac were in a mansion near a piano... At full power sounding Quietly

[@elliotthall5543]

Thank you very much, Sir.

[@johncolson1294]

I have a citation 16 Harmon Cardon left channel hums. I would love to have it back in working order. I used to fix tv's and stereos when I was younger but now my memory doesn't let me do what I could back then. I have transistors to replace the old ones but I know there's more to repairing it. What would it cost to have it restored? It would dim the house lights when I cranked it! I miss that!!!!

[@vintageaudioaddict]

It could be your power supplies filter capacitors causing the hum but it could be many other things. I have a citation 16 and it's a very nice amplifier so it would be great to get yours back running. If you are unable to repair it, google "vintage audio repair" and see if anyone comes up in your area. A full restoration is probably going to cost a few hundred dollars but it may be less expensive just to repair the issue that your having. Someone is going to need to take a look at it to be sure what the issue is.

[@johncolson1294]

@@vintageaudioaddict thanks!

[@robertliskey420]

Oh my goodness, I have it's mate the CA-3000, quite a while ago, not sure what happened. Have been into this goofy hobby for about 50 years so I know a little bit, and High school had one of the best electronics courses at the time but this one has me stumped just no output. Have to admit I am more a vacuum tube guy, we had transistors in H.S. but we did not mess with them way back then too sensitive! And expensive!

[@micheltremblay4774]

I have a Kenwood Basic M1 and M2, that last one can push 220 W/ch into 8 Ohms, 400W/ch into 4 Ohms and it can drive speakers down to 1 Ohm and it weights 34.1 lb (15.5 Kg). I bought them new in 1985 and its been blessing me with power and excellent amplification of the source ever since. The Sansui, Pioneer and a few other Japanese receivers and amps were real Monsters of power. I was selling those in the 80's and went for the Kenwood for the Sygma Drive. Great info and memories. Thanks and take care.

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thanks for sharing and for watching. Kenwood made some great audio gear back in the day like your M1 and M2. My first real piece of hi-fi was a Kenwood KA-3500 integrated amp. Still have her today.

[@micheltremblay4774]

@@vintageaudioaddict I had a few Kenwood,Technics ands JVC receivers as second system, they were mostly great units for efficients speakers. I have a Dragon that will go to a recap job, the tire is hard and shinny and belts are a must too, as soon as I can spare a few thousand dollars, expensive but totally worth it. Going to watch the videos you made on the Dragon. Thanks.

[@sarahconner9433]

Correct

[@morrisonAV]

Wonderful job showing a classic piece of Sansui gear. I owned two CA-3000 preamps from the same Definition Series and always dreamed of mating it with either the BA-3000 or the BA-5000. Never could find one. Like you, I collected a ton of audio brochures during my teen years and I was going to offer to give you my Definition Series brochure but it looks like you already have one. Did you ever figure out where those original bias transistors were mounted. Sure looked weird hanging out there in mid-air wrapped in tape! ;-)

[@vintageaudioaddict]

Thank you for watching. Yes, the original bias transistors were mounted in clips that were attached to the heatsink/power transistor assembly. The clips were still attached to the assembly. I used the same clips and mounting hardware for my replacements. I'd love to have a CA-3000 to match up with my BA-5000. Maybe someday......