[AppleheadMay]

Damn, just found a really great SX-1980 in Europe, but it's 110V. I hate transformers.
Have these things ever been made in 230V?
 
Your guy doesn't actually have a 230V power supply for a 1980 that I could trade for a 110V power supply with added funds from my side @Skylab ?
 
 
 

 
By the way, next to it is a Sharp Optonica fully automatic turntable, the excact same my father had ... and I used all the time  

 

[frahengeo]

   
Indeed, I already read about the overbuilt SX-1250's power supply and the general better build quality and maintainability of the 50 series compared to the 80 series, except maybe for the SX-1980.
The reasons I am leaning more towards the 1280 than the 1250 is the looks and more watts. You're really making it harder for me. 

 
 
Am I right in thinking that if I want best of both worlds (watts, looks, power and build quality) I should actually get an SX-1980?
We are talking about a whole different price class then.
 

You like the sound of the Pioneer better?  
I thought both brands were highly regarded for both SQ and quality components.
I didn't take the DB though, to avoid the problematic Dolby board.

Sansui and Pioneer are both respectable.  My 9090db is good, but does not compare to my SX-1250.  However, when comparing my Sansui 9000db and SX-1250, it is much harder to differentiate, but I still go to the Pioneer.  With that said, the SX-1250 has been recapped, the 9000db is all original.
 
Have not heard a 9090, and I've read that there are differences in sound between db, and non-db.  Seems like more favor the non-db version.

 

[SpeakerBox]

 
Sansui and Pioneer are both respectable.  My 9090db is good, but does not compare to my SX-1250.  However, when comparing my Sansui 9000db and SX-1250, it is much harder to differentiate, but I still go to the Pioneer.  With that said, the SX-1250 has been recapped, the 9000db is all original.
 
Have not heard a 9090, and I've read that there are differences in sound between db, and non-db.  Seems like more favor the non-db version.

 
I have had many pieces of gear pass through my doors from Marantz, Sansui, Sherwood, Adcom, Fisher, Superscope, Harman Kardon, and others.  None have been able to match the sound of my recapped 1250 (or recapped 750 for that matter).
 
The Sherwoods came very close though.

 

[SirMarc]

I haven't heard a 1980 or 1250, but I've heard some lower model Pioneers. I personally like the 9090 better. Just the right amount of warmth for me without sacrificing detail. Love the soundstage width and depth of my 9090 too. I'm also partial to the looks of the mid seventies pieces. Love the blue and green lights

 

[BucketInABucket]

Anyone have any experience with the Armstrong 62x-series gear? I have a 625/626 (not sure which as the seller just said it was an Armstrong receiver) and was wondering if anyone knows anything about it.

 

[Skylab]

Damn, just found a really great SX-1980 in Europe, but it's 110V. I hate transformers.
Have these things ever been made in 230V?

Your guy doesn't actually have a 230V power supply for a 1980 that I could trade for a 110V power supply with added funds from my side @Skylab
 ?

He doesn't have any 1980's. And honestly if one were to be found, one would think it would be in Europe. Japan is 100V. That one sure does look nice though!!!


On another note, I get a weekly email flyer from these guys and they have a Sansui G-22000. I almost bought it. But since I didn't I thought I would post the link here:

http://www.tmraudio.com/product/xx-458

 

[Silent One]

 
Rear view shot!
1978 Sansui G-22000

 

[buson160man]

   
Indeed, I already read about the overbuilt SX-1250's power supply and the general better build quality and maintainability of the 50 series compared to the 80 series, except maybe for the SX-1980.
The reasons I am leaning more towards the 1280 than the 1250 is the looks and more watts. You're really making it harder for me. 

 
 
Am I right in thinking that if I want best of both worlds (watts, looks, power and build quality) I should actually get an SX-1980?
We are talking about a whole different price class then.
 

You like the sound of the Pioneer better?  
I thought both brands were highly regarded for both SQ and quality components.
I didn't take the DB though, to avoid the problematic Dolby board.

I am sorry but my advice was well intended and not to confuse you. I do remember the 9090 and hearing it back then but that was a long time ago .It was a pretty looking unit . I use a concept  16.5 which does sound very good with my headphones  But you can forget the concept it was made for the pacific stereo chain in the u.s. so you will not find any with the European voltage rating ..Sometimes power ratings can be misleading . For instance the pioneers are not particularly tight on the bottom end . The higher line concept units are much tighter and more powerful sounding than the pioneers of the time . So power is not the end all reason to buy something .

 

[AppleheadMay]

He doesn't have any 1980's. And honestly if one were to be found, one would think it would be in Europe. Japan is 100V. That one sure does look nice though!!!
 

 
Yeah, those custom feet do look nice.
 

 
I am sorry but my advice was well intended and not to confuse you. I do remember the 9090 and hearing it back then but that was a long time ago .It was a pretty looking unit . I use a concept  16.5 which does sound very good with my headphones  But you can forget the concept it was made for the pacific stereo chain in the u.s. so you will not find any with the European voltage rating ..Sometimes power ratings can be misleading . For instance the pioneers are not particularly tight on the bottom end . The higher line concept units are much tighter and more powerful sounding than the pioneers of the time . So power is not the end all reason to buy something .

 
 I know and your advice is really appreciated, it put the 1250 back on my radar again.
The "making it harder" was a joke, that's why I put the wink after it.  
 
Choices, choices ... first world problems!

 

[BucketInABucket]

Vintage Armstrong 626 paired with modern Wharfedale 220s!

 

[richard51]

 
Vintage Armstrong 626 paired with modern Wharfedale 220s!

thet seems ravishing pairing...congratulations....

 

[PhoenixG]

 
 
Rear view shot!
1978 Sansui G-22000

I have mine in the bolted together configuration (fore and aft) and it seems so much less imposing haha.

 

[headphones1999]

He doesn't have any 1980's. And honestly if one were to be found, one would think it would be in Europe. Japan is 100V. That one sure does look nice though!!!


On another note, I get a weekly email flyer from these guys and they have a Sansui G-22000. I almost bought it. But since I didn't I thought I would post the link here:

http://www.tmraudio.com/product

3500$?

 

[Hutnicks]

  3500$?

The dietys of Rome alone know what a Krell KSA50 is worth these days

 
@Silentone.  Was wondering when you were going to post up pics of "The Behemoth"  Would have been splendid if you had had a pair of Porta Pro's hooked up to the outs

 

[Coolzo]

So this isn't exactly a vintage amplifier, but it is vintage, and it's awesome, sooo...

 
B&W 801 Series 80