Sansui | Recalled For Fires 🔥- Unrepairable - Kabuki Speakers (Know Before You Buy)

[@percussion44]

I'm struck that pretty much every repair on these old units is described as tedious, time consuming, and no one wants to be bothered. Sorry to say but that's what detailed fine work is like. Finding the error, removing small parts, replacing small parts in tight areas, rebuilding traces etc. But that's what it takes to maintain old, unsupported equipment.

[@skylabsaudio]

Its too bad "most" peoples pocket books do not align. I'm sure there would be more techs willing to do that tedious work if people were willing to pay for their time. I've known a lot of career techs, none of them made much more than a bartender. Trust me as someone that quotes repair prices to customers daily- MOST want the minimum amount done to fix the problem.

[@larrysmith5413]

Try having a vintage watch collection. You need to find talented service folks, who can fabricate and have a solid parts network. That costs money. The electronic repair tech I use locally opens the unit with you, discusses what needs to happen, gives you a written estimate that you have to sign before you leave the premises. To pick up your unit, you must pay on line before coming in. The gear is hooked up to the shop’s glorious system and you beat the crap out of it before you leave. Why does he do this? To avoid having to put up with nibbling negotiation, whining and post repair confrontations on social media. Talk to any service provider about what dealing with the public is like. No one want’s to pay.

[@SinnerSince1962]

None of these folks would make watchmakers, that’s for sure!

[@percussion44]

@@skylabsaudio I have no doubt of that. I realize it's a business and it's pointless to do work that won't return value. Everyone expects the "other guy" to work for free, and for a long time now that other guy was a Chinese person. We live in a throw it away society, meanwhile govt's preach "GREEN" and block right of repair. Personally I have had to learn new skills in order to fix my own stuff myself. Cheers!

[@werner.x]

You're struck? Ho come? Is the US a socialist country? Since when? I used to repair cars. You'd be surprised, how many customers remember, how low the value of their old car is compared to the amount of hours you just put into troubleshooting or repairs. That's never a win/win - that's most likely always a lose/lose situation. A customer with money doesn't drive used cars. If you want to do time consuming work, that you don't get your rent paid with, you much better do it with your own stuff - there's at least one winner granted then. I love old time stereo too - the kind i couldn't afford, when they were new, i'm collecting now. But i'd never bother a technician with such repairs. I'd have to be really rich doing so. And i'm not. Had the wrong job.

[@nancy4don]

Another way to check individual drivers is to take the core from a roll of paper towels (you know, the cardboard-y thing left when you've used all the towels up), put it up to your ear, and put it right in front of the driver you're testing. I did this to find a blown rear tweeter on my Time Frame TF600. Worked like a charm!

[@SinnerSince1962]

Kevin, this series of videos is so educational and will help so many folks. While I’m a tech myself, and already knew many of these issues, you’ve even taught this old dog a thing or two.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you

[@stinkenstine]

The tech I bought my 9090db from went through the painstaking work of refurbishing the db board. He did the complete de-solder clean up & replaced the ribbon connectors to pin connectors and new wiring. It was well worth it & he was a good dude to fix this before he sold it.

[@Zzz-lz9kb]

Wanted to drop my vote for those AU's - they are well worth the effort! Gorgeous machines. Phenomenal sound. And once refreshed decades of good times ahead. Here's some rough math - $500-$700 purchase price, $500-$600 restoration, and you cannot get that quality of sound, power and build quality for the same money new. Also new gear depreciates rapidly vs vintage gear is pretty stable and even appreciating. Bottom line, buy a nice AU, restore it, enjoy Sansui Sound.

[@jonathanhernandez4304]

As I look towards niche services, as a mechanical engineer with electronics experience I'm recognizing a market for my retirement activities. Making these items with various 3d printers for metal and plastics is something I'm gearing up for in the next few years. My product services would be way beyond Hi Fi as I do STM32 industrial products as well. I've identified a wide range of specialized needs that are within my wheel house.

[@michaelwright1602]

I believe folks like yourself are the future. I have a few vintage pieces that I want to repair, shops around here, one actually told me to throw away my working and very nice cosmetically Sansui 4000 stereo. Others are simply not taking on any new gear as they are backlogged. I'm buying the gear to fix my stuff, recap, tuner alignment, etc. To go through the pieces I have myself will more than pay for the electronic testing gear I have purchased. I'm looking at this gear, and with the right tools, and time, I might just become a competent repair tech.

[@DLefty]

Love Sansui SP's -

[@legomandk9964]

I have had multible Sansui models and still have a lot. Au-317, au-417, au-517, au-717, au-719 and au-919. Never had an issue with the volume knops. Regarding Sansui speakers there are some good speakers. Many people make the mistake and put them on stands. Many of them are floorstanding models. The series Sp-1200 to sp-5500 WITHOUT the X Are really good rock speakers. So there are a wide audience that use these speakers wrong. In Japan people sit mostly low on the floor. And the speakers are made to “play” with the acoustics of the floor. I have the very big sp-5500 and they are amazing.😉 The story I hear is that theres not enough bass. Try to put a Sansui valve amplifier to them and you will get blown away by the sound. I have the 500 and 500ea recievers.

[@rettbroxton1272]

I have an opportunity to buy the sansui spx9000 speakers, I would love to hear your thoughts

[@legomandk9964]

@@rettbroxton1272 I dont know that model personally. I would go for others. 🤔

[@adamwatford5234]

BUY THEM ! If they are in servicable condition. They like current. Can rattle ur windows and insides. lol@@rettbroxton1272

[@larrysmith5413]

I have a rebuilt 5000a. When I saw it advertised, I looked on line, noted the issue and made sure the boards were replaced. All I really needed to ask is “Who’s worked on this and what was done?”The seller has a good reputation, has a shop, builds custom guitar amps. It looks and sounds amazing with the perfect level of power I need. I did have an issue with drop outs when I messed with the volume range pot in the back panel but a clean with Deoxit solved that. Overall its a great receiver if its original manufacturing issue has been addressed. As always, your videos are amazing and a valuable service.

[@edjackson4389]

I agree that most of the multi driver Sansui speakers sound inferior to modern stuff for critical listening , but they are great party speakers because they get very loud without breaking a sweat. That said, I had an extra set of SP-2500s that I designed my own crossovers for and they really sound amazing. Turns out the cabinets and drivers werent the problem. It was the factory L-pads and ridiculous crossover designs that cause these speakers to fall short on sound quality (too much comb filtering). I know most people aren't going to tackle a total crossover redesign on a set of vintage speakers, but I just thought I'd share this because I had alot of fun doing it (**this is not something I would recommend unless you have crossover design experience**), and the results were great, even though they did lose a little efficiency because the 12" woofers are no longer running wide open. I rolled them off above 800hz.

[@joeblow-tp6gz]

Had my 8 Deluxe since 75, haven't really turned it off since 2000......but it does make Fire regularly!

[@Valleyplant]

My first amp was a 2000A! Love it

[@blucas8963]

Thanks Kevin! I've owned my 5000X since new and I had no idea there was a recall. I'll be checking for the defective board and won't be leaving it plugged in until I verify. I really appreciate you and your channel. I always enjoy your videos.

[@karaDee2363]

Thanks Kev, very interesting as always... I watched even though I'm not in the market for any Sansui components anymore when I was looking to buy a new integrated amp receiver, and then came across the Pioneer 780 that I bought instead, but it never hurts to have more knowledge. So thanks again🥂👍

[@craigd7738]

I love your Channel and especially the episodes concerning Sansui’s! Keep on keeping on👍

[@brotherbrian5625]

I have a set of Sansui sp 200 speakers and they sound amazing with my old tube gear. They are low wattage and have alnico magnets. I'm definitely not impressed with them on solid state amps but give them a go on some sweet tube gear.

[@tomreidy1237]

Another great video Kevin. Keep them coming

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Just picked up a clean pair of SP-3500. A bit of bass boost, mid cut and serious volume did the trick. They LOVE Sabbath! That said, I’ll be flipping them soon.

[@renebollengier1111]

I have an AU-719. The volume knob is ok but not perfect. I had to recap the unit, mostly the phono pre amp. Was well worth the effort. I bought this thing in 1979 and am still using it!

[@turbomustang84]

Pioneer made some speakers in the 80s that rivals Sansui's king of Kabuki's throne . The CS 903 etc had a lot of speakers in a cabinet not deep enough to take advantage of huge woofers . Polk made fantastic speakers in the late 80s and early 90s that still sound great today

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree

[@LakeNipissing]

Interesting... I thought only the Sansui SP-Z99 had LED power meters... Pioneer did it too. The CS 903 speaker layout looks a lot like the Sansui SP-X9700.

[@keenedgedesigns]

I am in a different industry but deal with potentiometers on Vitamix blenders. Most of the time cleaning the contacts and bending the spring back works. Also, whenever I take something apart I take lots of pics.

[@pedrodepacas4335]

I had a 9090db and it was fine. Now I have a 9090, no dolby. Good too!

[@chemicalspore]

I still have my 7 way sansui speakers and Kenwood component stereo system from 1982.

[@jeffrichmond6399]

Oh crap , this explains alot with my AU-517 and AU-417, but no problem with my AU-317 AND 217 . Thx for the heads up !

[@Dave__f]

I have a sansui 5000 with the correct boards. Its working fine for the most part id still like to find a tech and have someone look it over. It definitely has issues but still sounds great but i can't find a tech who seems to know anything about them. Thanks for another great video!

[@jonathanhernandez4304]

The title indicates "FIRE" , and your first comment in the opening is, "this is a fun one" . I like your sense of humor....

[@skylabsaudio]

It's pretty damn dark, not gonna lie. I didn't pick up on that though, lol.

[@dhpbear2]

12:10 - I believe their speakers cabinets were sized to match the width of their *components* ! They really do remind me of larger versions of the speakers offered with *Yorx* and *SoundDesign* all-in-one systems !

[@mikecampbell5856]

I would suggest using an external volume control. I have two vintage amps that I installed headphone amps with RCA ins/outs in the tape monitor one loops. You can use pre out and power in too. If you can find a spot on the volume potentiometer that works, use the remote control to control volume. I am using two Sabaj A10h units but there are many others out there.

[@TSUTENKAKU007]

As usual, another very informative presentation and always appreciate everyone of them. In regards to the Sansui speaker, you are right on the money. I remembered when I was in the Air Force back and stationed in Japan back in 1975, boy, you should see almost 100% of the airmen used to buy these speakers left and right. They were like 5 way or 6 way speaker with full of drivers inside. We used to used them to crank up the Led Zeppelin and other rocks blasting inside the dormitory. Most of them had those monster Sansui quad receivers. Right off the military base, they used to have audio/stereo store by the name of Pony. I remember they used to have like over 100 speakers once can listen before buying one pair and yes, they had this type of 5 or 6 way crappy speakers. By the way, have anyone heard a speaker brand name of Tamon? That was another 5 or 6 way speaker they sold, very cheap but good to crank up rock very loud, suited for the military personnel that time. Yes, I have been around and have seen all kinds of events. I thought JBL and Sansui got together in some way to do speaker making business in the past?

[@pauldez5516]

Thanks for your channel. I own a pair of Sansui SPL800s I got in the Phillipines in the late 70s. Love em...Had the surrounds replaced in the 90s but never went into the crossovers. Still sound great. Looking for a trusted vintage audio repair shop here in Miami for my G9000 that's been sitting in the closet for about 15 years with a bad right channel. Ready to resurrect it. Thanks again for the great content

[@LakeNipissing]

Feelings _not_ hurt! LOL. I have Sansui AU-20000 connected to Sansui SP-Z99 speakers (18" woofer / 5 way), with the LED power meters in them ! They have survived being 'abused' by both the Sansui AU-20000 integrated amplifier and the massive Hitachi SR-2004 receiver without burning out. Also have a pair of Sansui SP-X9700, which might be the Kabuki king with 7 speakers! That's it. Lots of Sansui audio equipment, but only those two pairs of Sansui speakers.

[@skylabsaudio]

Own it! Honestly, I have never heard the SPx9700s. Maybe they'd make me a believer? Who knows, crazier things have happened. Thanks for watching!

[@officialmikethompson]

I was surprised to find the 9090DB Dolby board was not as bad to work on as everyone described, but, it is extremely time consuming even with the proper re-work tools. I can see the average customer not wanting to pay for that in real time…

[@SirTinnlee]

Just had my 9099 DB, was not a big deal, the ribbon cables are part of the issue and not to bad to fix.

[@thechuckster1971]

My little Sansui 800 chugs along cool as a cucumber. It is such a great little performer and 22 wpc is plenty.

[@stephensams709]

I still own a 717 and a 919 and they may very well have that problem. They worked when I quit using them, but that's been quite some time ago.

[@IxMOODYxI]

I diy cleaned my au 717 I disassembled the pot it is tedious but can be done if you are very careful.

[@ckcisapplings]

I have a pair of Sp2000s and sp2500s and they sound amazing.

[@ricasacasari1883]

I felt sad when I heard about the AU series, I have the 719 and the pot was little scratchy when I bought it but I was able to dexoit through a tiny hole that is on the knot, I have other receivers with normal open pots and even with tons of deoxy cannot fix all the scratchyness... I see your point, once this pot gets bad there is no replacement and it's sad.

[@72vespa]

These types of videos really help the hobby of vintage audio enjoyment, Keep them coming ! Maybe think about doing the flip-side and list what gear from popular manufacturers made solid. relatively easy repairable models lines. List by years made or series type.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks! Good idea.

[@ethimself5064]

Just started - Those look like real beasts

[@tuantrd]

Sansui 5000a with jbl 4312a and 4301b sound so nice bass is so low no subwoofer needed I’ll never let it go.

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@raygarafano3633]

Yup, gonna, gonna stick with my Cerwin Vega SL-12's and 15's.

[@hugobloemers4425]

Some of the two way speakers from Sansui have an other problem, and it is surround stiffening. The surround is made of impregnated cloth and that hardens. That result is a rise in the resonance frequency which causes a loss of base. Indeed, what a pithy because Sansui speakers with their grill on really look fantastic.

[@henrychinaski5223]

I appreciate your thoughts on Sansui speakers. I will add for those Sansui enthusiasts there is a way to get the most out of a pair of SP-3500's or the SP-2500's. First, do change the caps to the tightest tolerances you can find. I got mine at Dayton and re-capping the crossovers, cleaning the tone pots (plus for convenience adding binding posts) significantly opened up the spaciousness of these two pair of speakers. Also, I replaced the extremely stiff surrounds on the big woofers in the 3500's. I used Cerwin Vega foam surrounds to replace the factory cloth type. This allows the woofer some added travel and, I think, a better bass response. Just my thoughts.

[@adamwatford5234]

Some just need to be played for a week or two. Most have not been used regularly for years. The rubber will loosen to a good degree.

[@johnnyyu819]

I have owned a Sansui SP-3500. If I drive them with a solid state amp…man…they sound cranky, noisy with no clear definitions. However, when I drive them with a vacuum amp (EL 34 or KT 88) only 15 w per channel max, they sound absolutely fabulous. Highs are airy, mids are silky and bass are fat/thick but not muddy. If you own Kabuki speakers, give the vacuum tubes amp a try. These speakers are so easy to drive, but can be overpowered easily…. Thank you.

[@williamhiles7404]

Hahahaha. That's why we called 'em Sansuey!!! LedHed Pb 207.20 🎶 🎸 🎹

[@siriosstar4789]

here's a bit of trivia about Sansui - in the late 1960s at Travis Air Force Base , they had a fleet of C141 cargo planes . when they returned from Cambodia and vietnam for service ,they were empty except for the stuff that the crew and their friends had bought at a huge discount . i remember seeing a lot of Sansui equipment , rattan furniture and a substantial amount of weed and hash 😂 there were no inspections or duties etc so the captain could load the plane with all manner of goods .

[@kerryedavis]

The only fire problem I ever heard of, back in the day, was Marantz amps/receivers going into some kind of "oscillation" causing speakers to catch fire inside. One case that happened at that store, involved ESS speakers, which fortunately are not ported so the fire couldn't persist once the air inside the speaker was used up.

[@kkoller8952]

Good Point about the Sansui 9090 and 8080 db models .... even if the db circuit can be fixed, it's a useless circuit since the few FM stations that ever broadcasted in Dolby stopped doing so many, many moons ago! That's why, in my opinion, the regular non db 9090s and 8080s are the ones to look for! Even better, the best bang for the buck in that series of receivers is the 7070....less power, same sound, and fewer headaches!😉

[@MarvinHartmann452]

I've repaired a sansui AU-X1 once, it has burned track on the PCB. I don't know what they did with it to have it damaged this badly. The 5050 and up serie are awesome looking and sounding receivers. Very well made, besides the higher model DB version being problematic. Great informative video as always.

[@MarvinHartmann452]

"Kabuki" in "putting on a show, a spectacle, which I deeply agree with you, they are maybe good enough and certainly awesome looking, there's definitely better speakers to buy. I use my hands and make a cone to listen if all the drivers are actually working. It works well if don't have a piece of cardboard handy.

[@jim010109]

Great video, keep up the great work.

[@michaelmeeter2589]

have you heard the Sansui sp-300's from 1968? i have a set and they are pretty sweet.. way to Heavy though.. the reviews are outstanding..

[@marcstull4203]

You have great humility 🙂

[@skylabsaudio]

=)

[@quiksr20]

Hey Kevin, great video.. Do you know off hand if the AU-317 uses the same volume control as the ones you mentioned? I love love love the AU-717 ( wanted one forever ) but now that I have a few good power amps ive stopped looking for a 717 and considered a 317 ( series 1 ). Off hand do you know if the AU-317 would sound as good as the AU-717 if im just using it as a pre-amp?

[@SinnerSince1962]

One thing I’ve noticed, if a pot or switch is problematic historically, it was generally made by Alps.

[@skylabsaudio]

lol

[@hyperluminalreality1]

What about the glue Sansui used to hold down electrolytics to the amp boards? You never mentioned that major Sansui problem. I repaired an AU-717 that had bad component lead corrosion due to that glue. They were sloppy when applying the glue for each cap during factory assembly. That glue is often splashed onto nearby components. That glue turns caustic or acidic. A resistor had a lead eaten completely away, and a glass zener was visibally oxidized inside and tested bad out of circuit. Those damaged components kept the unit in protect mode. That was about 15 years ago. The unit still powers my friends main system in his living room. Oh yeah. The hole drill method worked for me, and that cleaning might have prevented permanent oxidization inside the ganged potentiometer. Sealed the holes with E6000 because that is what I have on my bench for stuff like that. Drill them holes and clean clean clean! Ya got, Ya got, Ya got nothin' to lose!

[@skylabsaudio]

I forgot about the glue!

[@nrd515]

That glue, and similar cap glue used on a lot of other brands of audio equipment has caused a lot of repairable stuff to be trashed, sadly. I bought a couple of old stereo receivers off eBay and one of them, not sure which one it was, had that glue all over the ps board and the components were all eaten up, and traces were pretty much gone. Just getting it off was a huge hassle and sadly after I spent a lot of time working on it, a couple of the output transistors failed. I ended up selling it to a friend who needed a tuner board for a similar receiver. I remember it was a Radio Shack Realistic branded one, but can't remember who made it, Fostex or RS, etc.

[@dtracy03ss]

I would pay 300 for a Gauranteed Working piece for those models. This Day and Age if you want a great Working and Sounding Sansui it's Gonna Cost! But behind my Pioneer I Love these Recievers and Amps. But would have a Quality Back Up on Hand! Keep up the great Vids! Have you installed a light kit on a Fender Edition MoFi? Would it be a Good Look? Have a good one!

[@Stormbringer748]

I own a JDM AU-D907, zero issues with the pot but understand the need to highlight potential issues. Here's a question though, what percentage of units that you've repaired/serviced have had this issue? Is it the occasional or every second kinda thing?

[@Audiomainia2310]

Hi Kevin - Im about to pick up a Pioneer SX 780 / completely reconditioned. New wood - immaculate condition. Anything to worry about regarding this model?

[@bifff8433]

My Sansui AU-717 is completely unusable because of the dirty volume pot. Tried drilling holes to clean it. Worked for a bit. I did see someone selling a newly built replacement on eBay at some point. I am sure it sold. Hopefully another will show up again.

[@skylabsaudio]

I feel your pain. Truly sucks.

[@luislunacortez1929]

Hi Kevin thanks for your video my tech replaced the pot of my Sansui AU-719 using 100kohms instead of the original 150 kohms unrepairable and i think he added a resistance i m not sure . What wiil be the issue can damage something or change the sound? Thanks for your response.

[@toddclarke1580]

The Au series has the pre amp out , power amp in , put a outside $50 passive volume in the loop. Or even better , rca patch a remote controlled passive volume.

[@skylabsaudio]

I agree, have used those in the past as a solution (for me). It just depends on the owners level of OCD and what they are comfortable living with. Some people just want things original and don't want extra gadgets. Nothing wrong with either, IMO

[@YuengsNwings]

I have a very nice refurbished AU-5500, and I use a MiniDSP Flex in the loop for subwoofer integration, Dirac Live, and remote volume control. I keep the amp pot at 12 o'clock to prevent the Flex from clipping, and an in-line pot between the Flex and the main-in to protect the speakers. So happy with this setup.

[@zachz96]

Kevin, What do you think of Crown and Audio-Technica?

[@solodolo6018]

I got a AU 719 a couple months ago and the volume pot was scratchy. Wasnt that hard to dexoit it. I just loosened it to were I could seperate the panels and get my straw inbetween and spray it.

[@skylabsaudio]

I've been successful with that method as well. Other times, not. You are a lucky one

[@walterw2]

got a little worried when you showed the ebay listing for the $300 volume pot for an AU-D9 because that's what i have! mine works great though, loud, clean and balanced left to right. i upgraded from an AU-D5 which had the exact problem you've described before with sansui, unbalanced L-R volume until you crank it up more

[@KWE.ECLECTIC]

I own SP 200's. I bought the pair for 50.00, so how could you possibly go wrong. I have not seen a better pair of speakers at the price point. The only thing I will mention is the speakers are base heavy., but once again, at 50.00 it's a nice deal. I use these speakers in my small office, and they are absolutely fine for the application. I have some old Polk 7A's in my living room that do sound better, but I also paid a bit more for that pair. So, I would say the entire situation could only be judged subjectively. If you can find a pair of old Sansui's for under 100.00, I would say they are well worth it, but if you pay over 100.00, maybe the deal would sour a bit, again, this is strictly subjective.

[@johnvincent4048]

I know someone who has a Sansui G-9700 he purchased new when he was in the service around 1980. He has not used it since the 1990s. It powers on but no sound in the left channel. I've been trying to get it off him for years. Is that a desirable receiver? I don't want to throw stupid money at him. Any thoughts?

[@saltywalt57]

What did the F1040 board in the Sansui 5000 actually do? What function?

[@supermopar7497]

I have a set of Sansui speakers. I thought that they were awesome , until I put a set of MCSs on the B side. Technically the MCSs are Technics. The Technics smoked the Sansuis.

[@jay_ham_VintageHiFi]

I would think most audiophiles have OCD, myself included. We keep our gear clean and pristine

[@alexw890]

Sansui did release one 2 way speaker but it’s very hard to find. Can’t remember where I heard about it, maybe here…

[@raygarafano3633]

A very busy box of speakers, I'll stick with my SL-12s and SL-15s.

[@lordjefferson1234]

How Dare you! OMG You can't say that! Thanks for the video 8)

[@jonfoss3437]

I bought some sansui speakers from reverb had to return them the tweeters didnt work, too expensive to find replacements, the did have that kabuki sound. Meh. I sent them back because someone that likes them might want them for parts. I almost considered gutting them and cutting new baffles and updating them, the boxes were nice

[@MrKrownpimp404]

Great more sansui for me.😂😂😂

[@ripjones5294]

Never had any experience with Sansui speakers, since Franklin Music did not sell them. However, they sound much like the BIC stuff we did carry. Boomy bass, and not much definition otherwise. A certain type of listener would gravitate to them, and ultimately buy them. I NEVER would. Awesomely familiar looking shirt, for this installment.... Rip

[@DLefty]

Strange but I find the SP's to be the opposite of what you describe - the bass is anything but boomy - most find it a bit light. Definition wise, they sound very good IMO - the mids on these are very good and better than most of the 2 way's the guys on here drool over. These speakers do mid's very well and if you are looking for a speaker that does a nice job on strings, horns or acoustic stuff, these are worth a listen. Sometimes peoples impressions of speakers are based on what they read and not what they hear - give them a listen with decent gear and you might change your mind. I'll also add, they do not sound like BIC's - although they might LOOK like them. Sansui used high end drivers in most of the SP line - especially the early ones. Really solid cabinets, and high quality crossovers - they put as much effort into building speakers as they did in their other gear and there's no reason to think the engineers that designed this stuff, didn't know what they were doing.

[@KODA-vs8kp]

i have a Sansui 5000A i just checked the Driver Board it has a F-1006A ????? EDIT: maybe im looking at the wrong board?

[@thorerik678]

Same pot as Pioneer Spec 1? Same issues?

[@Walker.greg369]

Amp’s especially power amps should not have a “sound” Sound is the property of the first active such as a DAC or cartridge. And most certainly your speakers. You can of course modify sound with the line level AKA preamp.

[@doylehargrave233]

I have an AU D 907F Extra that I loved but died and Terry Dewick has had it almost 10 years and still can’t repair it…

[@robertyoung1777]

In my opinion it’s smart to purchase audio products that have met UL (USA), CE (European Union) and/or CSA-US (Canadian) safety standards. Fires and shocks are a complete and avoidable bummer.

[@kerryedavis]

Subject changes to the Sansui speakers at 11:20 but the "chapter title" doesn't.

[@jez2234]

Hey Kevin lm not an expert but aren't Alps volume pots still available,I know your not going to be exact match and you may have trouble fitting it.

[@skylabsaudio]

Yes, Alps is still making pots. Find one that fits and you got a nice money maker on eBay. I wouldn't assume others haven't tried though- they have.

[@1ring2rule3pigs]

Folks, Kabuki is a Japanese dramatic play. KUMIKO is the Japanese woodworking artform used to make Sansui grills. YW 😁👍

[@SurnaturalM]

That's the point. These speakers are all show, no performance.

[@1ring2rule3pigs]

​@SurnaturalM I have a pair of Sansui sp-3000s, sp-1700s, and SF-2s. I also have Infinity il40s, Fishers, Boston Acoustics, and KLHs. All have been maintained and have new caps and clean L-pads. I love the 1700s, and the il40s are obviously great. That being said, if I were forced to keep just one pair I really think I'd keep the sp-3000s. The il40s are like a 2000 Porsche 911 Turbo. The sp-3000s are like a 356A Porsche. Which one to drive? Depends on the road and whether you're racing or just cruising. Same with Sansui speakers. 🎉

[@goodun2974]

Note that many of the "blue velvet" pots sold online that look like the one at 4:53 are counterfeit and often have poor tracking.

[@werner.x]

Alps had poor tracking in the days before internet. Whenever you purchased a stereo pot replacement in the 80s, the tracking was off at least one click. Really annoying. The must have had contracts with their customers to deliver them only their matching ones - and the rest was for retail stores, i assume.

[@ahmadalawadhi538]

Love vintage receiver speakers car but the problem parts it is big risks if it expensive. Befor we buy any vintage we think how we will rapier if it damaged . So expensive vintage think it is big risks

[@robertdavis5714]

Well done because I learned something this morning. Did not know about those plastic (I Hate plastic) volume pots, really like those AU's, have yet to buy 1, now I question if I ever will. And a AU9000 just sold on CL in my area for $1000. Dolby, wish that was never invented.

[@hifipi3.14]

Nice to see my TA 300 did NOT make this list.

[@bshingledecker]

In my experience, anything with a 1040 designation causes misery of some sort or another.

[@skylabsaudio]

Interesting. To be added to 11:11 and 13, aye?

[@bshingledecker]

@@skylabsaudio I was referring to the long form... Taxes. which, with you having your own shop, is a nightmare I'm sure.

[@jonathanhernandez4304]

I never use my Sansui speakers. My Quad system uses them in the rear to hold up my DCM speakers. In other words, they are serving as speaker stands and conversation pieces. They are NOT efficient or good sounding. But I refuse to part with them.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Thanks for another great video I enjoy them I got Sansui speakers I haven't used in 30 years I hate to just throw them away but maybe I'll just give them away some kid I'm sure 10 year old kid would love them have a great day thanks and I'll keep fixing stereos when Allen Bradley closed they threw away dumpsters full of brand new potentiometers what a waste they were great they were incredibly made🙃

[@stevestar9999]

Loved the 5000x,..must have done hundreds of the board up grades.. What was great I would have hundreds of good 1040 boards.. I use to build custom power amps with them.. Also ,. how do you spell crap in electronic components,..."A-L-P-S"

[@1sostatic]

I'm surprised at the encapsulated control issue...Alps replacements are available. Typically in UK between £35 to £80 depending if RC2000/RA2020 Rotel, SA9800 Pioneer or Sansui style...some are switched fixed resistor types and some are variable track

[@skylabsaudio]

If you can find a new replacement pot for the AU-717, 719 or 919, I'll take 10, please :)

[@goodun2974]

Many of the supposed Alps "blue velvet" pots being sold online are counterfeit and are very poor quality.

[@1sostatic]

@@goodun2974 The one's sourced from Audiophonics in France have been perfect performers in my experience. I have restored product that has been with customers for years with them.

[@thechuckster1971]

Maybe this is daft observation, why would a sealed device need to be cleaned? Seems counter intuitive, no?

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree. Maybe their goal was for them to last 20 to 30 years- and they did.

[@revelry1969]

Sort of click bait dude. I got a 9090DB for 20 years. Had it recapped including the db board. Your image shows “Fire “ and a 9090DB. Wish you didn’t do this one

[@ethimself5064]

I don't believe that I would buy vintage audio these days - ya never can tell and I'm not too fussy about spending s pile of loot upgrading. perhaps if it was certified with a solid warranty. Locally a year or so ago I was at a high end retailer and they carries some vintage audio gear of which I was somewhat interested in an Elite Pioneer receiver. It had no price tag so I asked about it. The lady said they had into an vintage repair shop 45 minutes down the road 3 times and still not fixed. I was somewhat bummed out as it was a good looker.

[@skylabsaudio]

Yeah, that 90s stuff is tough

[@2222222aaa]

Ha! Good deal man. Keep dogging Sansui speakers. Keep the price down on theses gems for people that know.

[@SurnaturalM]

Sansui and sony must have been the worst offenders when you talk about kabuki speakers. They put out some monstrosities in the early 80s.