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Battle of the Amps,
this will take a while. I prefer to compare with longer listening sessions, not quick A/B test.
First impressions are .... these Amps have similar SQ.
Based on the specifications the amps
are similar
The Pioneer SA 8500 has been serviced by the same shop that did the AU 7700.
Sanusi - 54 watts/channel @ 8 Ohms, < .1% THD, < .15% IM for Pre and Main Amps combined, < .1% IM Main Amp only - Headphone out uses 220 Ohm 1 Watt resistors
1974 -1976
Pioneer - 60 watts/channel @ 8 Ohms, < .1% THD, < .1% IM for Pre and Main Amps combined, - Headphone out uses 150 Ohm 2 Watt resistors
1975-1977
Setup:
Setup # 1:
iPod Nano 3rd Gen 8GB loaded with ALAC rips (Various Blues) from CDs > Pure Digital iPod Dock > Coax > Schiit Modi Multibit > Rigid Y cross connect v2 (for Schiit Stack) > PYST RCA > Sansui Aux In OR Pioneer Aux in > Headphone Jack Out > Beyerdynamic DT880 Manufaktur 600 Ohms.
This setup allows the use of all Pre Amp controls.
Set Up #2
iPod Nano 3rd Gen 8GB loaded with ALAC rips (Various Blues) from CDs > Pure Digital iPod Dock > Coax > Schiit Modi Multibit > Rigid Y cross connect v2 (for Schiit Stack) > Schiit Vali 2 with adapter for 6SN7 tube > Vali 2 Pre Out > Kenable RCA > Sansui OR Pioneer Main Amp IN (Sansui Combined/Separated Switch set to Separated, Pioneer jumpers from Pre to Main are removed) > Headphone Jack Out > Beyerdynamic DT880 Manufaktur 600 Ohms.
This setup only allows control of volume from the Vali 2, the Sansui & Pioneer Pre Amps are off line.
Note - The Beyerdynamic DT880 Manufaktur 600 Ohms continue to impress me out of the Vintage Amps.
JMTC,
r2