New Sansui G-9700!

Zitro
Zitro Posts: 864
edited March 2010 in The Clubhouse
Hey guys, I decided to pick up a Sansui G-9700 that I was offered for only $100. He was the first owner and had a lot of vintage stuff; said he's been collecting since he was 17 (he's 59 now). She is a beauty. The sound is POWERFUL and very dynamic. Cosmetically, she's damn close to perfect. She does have some issues though, and I'll have to see how I can address them, starting with a good cleaning and deoxit. While the output is perfect if you play from the tape monitor, if you play through the tape/aux input only one channel (left) plays. If you try to use the tone controls, power/volume dramatically plummets in the right channel. Both channels work fine with tone defeat engaged. Most of the digital tuner display bulbs are out, and the FM isn't really picking up anything except the occasional static. Looks like I have a lot of researching to do to try and solve these issues, but for $100 I am very happy with it. If I decide I don't have the time or money to fix it, I'll just sell it for $100 just to break even. Very nice amp though, and brings me back to the days when my dad and I used to listen to music in the living room with the exact same model

EDIT: Here are some specs on this thing; it is a beast. 200 wpc, pretty low distortion considering it's age (built in 1979). http://www.sansui.us/SM-G9700.htm

Here are some (admittedly terrible; I need to get a better camera) pics of her.
- Jeremy

Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
Post edited by Zitro on
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Comments

  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited March 2010
    Sweet!!!!. Love the vintage stuff.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,425
    edited March 2010
    Congrats on the score...

    If you do decide to part with it, may I please be at the top of the list?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Congrats on the score...

    If you do decide to part with it, may I please be at the top of the list?

    Thanks, and duly noted :cool:

    I doubt I will get rid of her because it's really a fantastic receiver; we'll see how much work it takes to restore her. For all I know, its just bad contact and some compressed air and deoxit will solve most of the issues.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited March 2010
    Wow! That's a killer piece from an awesome era - the receiver wars! Nice catch!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • ALL212
    ALL212 Posts: 1,577
    edited March 2010
    Now that's cool - for a couple reasons. The pictures on sansui.us are of the unit I used to own and sold to Isao. And to date myself - I was the original owner. There is a fairly active Sansui users group on Yahoo. They might be able to assist with repair info.

    Very nice!!
    Aaron
    Enabler Extraordinaire
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  • Tower Boss
    Tower Boss Posts: 52
    edited March 2010
    Congratulations on the big G. You should also look into the Exclusively Sansui forum over at AK. Plenty of resources to help restore the beast.

    Regards,
    Mike
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    Thanks guys. Still listening to it now :)

    I'm gonna give her the one over with compressed air and deoxit all of the contacts and see what that takes care of; I have a feeling that is most of the issue. If not, there are a lot of Sansui techs over at AK and hopefully they can help me restore her to factory condition. For now, I'm just enjoying the music.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,824
    edited March 2010
    that is some really nice looking vintage gear
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    Thanks :)

    I know I asked this already (please dont yell at me lol) but I haven't hooked up my Monitor 5jr's (SL2000 tweeter, no passive radiator) because I wasn't 100% sure they were 8 ohms. The Sansui manual specifies 8 ohm speakers only. Is there anyone who is 100% sure they are 8 ohms? I've read that they can vary, and might actually be 6 ohms, depending on when they were manufactured.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • snow
    snow Posts: 4,337
    edited March 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    Thanks :)

    I know I asked this already (please dont yell at me lol) but I haven't hooked up my Monitor 5jr's (SL2000 tweeter, no passive radiator) because I wasn't 100% sure they were 8 ohms. The Sansui manual specifies 8 ohm speakers only. Is there anyone who is 100% sure they are 8 ohms? I've read that they can vary, and might actually be 6 ohms, depending on when they were manufactured.

    That Sansui will do just fine with a 6 ohm load like anything else just dont play your music with the volume set at 11 on a scale of 10. I used to have one of these G-9700's they are really underated at 200 WPC actually closer to 275 into 8 ohms. Also if you sell you should be able to get 300-400 for that unit even with the problems you mention.

    BTW Welcome to the forum Mike AKA Towerbosss

    REGARDS SNOW
    Well, I just pulled off the impossible by doing a double-blind comparison all by myself, purely by virtue of the fact that I completely and stupidly forgot what I did last. I guess that getting old does have its advantages after all :D
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,425
    edited March 2010
    There is something inherently wrong with having an MP3 player plugged into a fine piece of vintage gear like that...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited March 2010
    Nice, and I see Orlando sweet. :)

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    snow wrote: »
    That Sansui will do just fine with a 6 ohm load like anything else just dont play your music with the volume set at 11 on a scale of 10. I used to have one of these G-9700's they are really underated at 200 WPC actually closer to 275 into 8 ohms. Also if you sell you should be able to get 300-400 for that unit even with the problems you mention.

    BTW Welcome to the forum Mike AKA Towerbosss

    REGARDS SNOW

    OK, I'll hook up my Polks tomorrow and give it a go. Someone on AK bench tested theirs, and I think they got around 275 per channel also, so good guess :cool: I wouldn't really want to make money, just break even and get my hundred back, so someone else can fully utilize it. i doubt I'll sell it; the more I listen to it, the more I love it lol.
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    There is something inherently wrong with having an MP3 player plugged into a fine piece of vintage gear like that...

    Agreed. Like I said, it was only for testing purposes; I have a vintage cd player and a tt that I will hook up to it soon.
    disneyjoe7 wrote: »
    Nice, and I see Orlando sweet. :)

    Thanks :) Yup, live right by UCF, I'm a student there.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    I finally got the GyroDec in my possession, but I still need to fix the PSU. Once I do, out of curiosity I'm going to hook the dec up to my NAD and Cambridge Audio 540P phono preamp, then to the G-9700's built in phono stage, just to compare. If the LSi's weren't 4 ohm, I would love to see how they sound on the Sansui.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,778
    edited March 2010
    Great deal on a sweet Monster Receiver! A unit like that is probably worth doing a full restore and tuner alignment. I imagine a good technician could make that thing better than new and your cost would still be less than the going rate for an un-restored unit on Ebay.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    Great deal on a sweet Monster Receiver! A unit like that is probably worth doing a full restore and tuner alignment. I imagine a good technician could make that thing better than new and your cost would still be less than the going rate for an un-restored unit on Ebay.

    I'm trying to figure out just how much that would cost, because I would love to restore her. It's a great sounding machine and it looks awesome. I can't make the damn thing sound even partially strained lol. Nothing internally has been checked or cleaned yet, so I'm sure it's just going to get better.

    If you guys have never tried one, you should definitely see if you can score a deal on a vintage amp, just to see :cool:
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    Well I opened up this bad boy and damn was it dirty inside. Dust, spider webs, 3 dead spiders and a dead beetle lol. I cleaned up as much as I can with compressed air and applied Deoxit to the pots and switches I could access without completely ripping this thing apart; I'm too nervous to really take it apart. The circuit board that contains the tone controls has a layer of mucky stuff on it; is it safe to apply Deoxit to circuit boards and wipe it down?
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,778
    edited March 2010
    I wouldn't spray deoxit on the circuit boards. Its really a waste for that, and it won't really clean anything up. For circuit boards, I just use a soapy, dilute ammonia mix. I have some small brushes (I think they call them 'acid brushes'). I just dab them in the soapy mix and then brush lightly over the circuit boards. Use very sparingly, then blot (where you can reach) with paper towels. Don't let the liquid pool up. It should just be a light coating. The brush really picks up most of it and you must rinse frequently.

    Of course, you need to let everything dry for at least 24hrs before powering the circuit again. I only do this for the really dirty/gummy/nicotine/tar stained boards. Boards that aren't as dirty, I just run a dry brush around and it picks up the stuff that the compressed air didn't remove.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    I wouldn't spray deoxit on the circuit boards. Its really a waste for that, and it won't really clean anything up. For circuit boards, I just use a soapy, dilute ammonia mix. I have some small brushes (I think they call them 'acid brushes'). I just dab them in the soapy mix and then brush lightly over the circuit boards. Use very sparingly, then blot (where you can reach) with paper towels. Don't let the liquid pool up. It should just be a light coating. The brush really picks up most of it and you must rinse frequently.

    Of course, you need to let everything dry for at least 24hrs before powering the circuit again. I only do this for the really dirty/gummy/nicotine/tar stained boards. Boards that aren't as dirty, I just run a dry brush around and it picks up the stuff that the compressed air didn't remove.

    Ok, thanks for the advice; I will give this a shot :)

    After I cleaned her out, I fired her up and I finally got sound out of the tuner, but only one channel .Obviously, I hit something that helped but I have no idea what it was lol. I guess I'll have to go over her again and clean everything REALLY good. I need to find a schematic for this unit.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    Also, I got the radio to come in again, but only out of the left channel. What do I need to clean to get it to come on in the right channel?
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,778
    edited March 2010
    For the FM tuner, you will need to send it to a technician for a diagnostic and alignment. Look at FMtunerinfo for discussion about the need for alignment on older tuners.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    Thanks for the site link. Boo spending more money lol.This is not the best hobby for a college student; I still am trying to get my gyrodec up and running, and its turning into a money pit. I'm thinking of just holding off on that for now and getting a brand new Rega P1 completely assembled with arm and cartridge for $395 shipped as my first starter table. Then, when money is more accessible, fixing the gyrodec.

    I can still sell the Sansui and use that to fund the table, but its such a badass receiver, I really don't want to.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    Ahhh...finally got the Monitor 5jr's hooked up the the Sansui....wow, amazing what a clean 200 wpc does to Diana Krall from these old speakers. Nice stuff!

    Question though. The speaker input section (A+B) states that total impedance load must be 8 ohms or greater when running both speaker outputs. So does that mean I cannot run my Klipsch towers and Polks (both 8 ohms) simultaneously? Wouldn't that give me a 4 ohm load?
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,778
    edited March 2010
    Personally, I would never run A+B on a piece like that. You are asking for trouble ($$$) if you start to push that old amp.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited March 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    Personally, I would never run A+B on a piece like that. You are asking for trouble ($$$) if you start to push that old amp.

    Good point. I just got me curious because if running A=B doubles the load, if Sansui expects an 8 ohm total load at all times, wouldn't you need 2 pairs of 16 ohm or greater speakers? It doesn't make sense.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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