| i have a technics su-z800 integrated amp with matching st-z400 tuner. aquired it at a thrift shop for $6.00 really clean inside and out . works fine , no problems at all. it says 303 watts on the back . has 4 speaker connections and hey can both be ran at the same time. it also has an impedance switch on the back. i was wondering if anyone knows anything about it and what speakers originally go with it, etc.... also is it worth trading it for a sansui 9090db??? |
| I have an SU-Z900, which came with a medium-price system "package" in '85. If you notice, the tuner is connecting to the amp with a proprietary cable, as is the dual-cassette deck. This was a cost-cutting design for sure. On the plus side, the 303 watts indicate power consumption. You can expect 80-100 watts per channel. The internals consist of a single "power block" per channel, and the cooling is better than average, using copper pipe to a decent heat sink. I found the Z900 very dynamic with sound quality that rivals the Kenwoods of the early 80's - sort of average plus. I sold a KA-5700 and a Nikko NA-690 just recently and kept the Z900 for a backup amp. Both use discrete transistors and look much better than the Technics - but don't sound nearly as good! The Z900 is not the best amp, but it's a nice power-house in a smart small package, and I suspect the same is true for your Z800. Give it a good listen before you let it go at a ridiculous price (due to market perception...) |
| I'm working on a Technics SU-8044 integrated amp and "I'm" not impressed with it. It looks like some corners were cut on parts and case construction. I think this series was the begining of the cost cutting effort and to hell with audio era. It's wasn't there yet but I think Technics was making the turn with this series. On thing I have found I DON'T like the sound of units with Darlington power transistor packs. I don't know why but find myself just unimpressed with their sound. And I think the su-zxxx has them. But do check first with others who know more than me. I would keep the 9090 if you are happy with it. If not then don't trade it for an untested unit. charles |
| Originally posted by agile_one Are you positive of that Model #? Here's the definitive Vintage Technics site, and I don't see it there. In general, Technics up to about 1981-82 was great stuff. Premium quality, and many interesting features - nothing like what they've become. |
