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I need advice.

Background: I am a devoted music listener for over 50 years.  Most of my knowledge of technology is from the 70's.  
Objective: The best sound quality I can get from my system.
I have numerous amps, turntables and speakers.  The best of these is as follows:
My audio system;  Thorens TD 160 with Stanton 680EEE cartridge, Sansui AU 717, JBL L112
The Sansui (as far as I can tell) is untouched as far as any refurb is concerned. The overall quality of the audio as far as I can tell is good.  But it is what I listen to every day so I have no source for comparison. I have read that an amp that is 30+ years old is due for refurbishment (new caps, etc.).  I have been quoted $350 - 400 for a total refurbishment of the Sansui 717.  I would consider having this work done if it would make a noticeable improvement in the audio quality.  What  can I expect from such an investment?  I welcome any suggestions.
garywest
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,218 posts
 
Don't do anything.  Keep it exactly like it is.  Recapping will increase the long term reliability, but it won't really better the sound quality.  If the Sansui is functioning properly, no buzzes, static etc., then why spend money on it.  Realistically, if the Sansui worked well for the past 38 years, then it probably will work well for another few years.

Btw, the 717 and the JBLs are a classic combo.  Love the Stanton.  Very cool.
garywest OP
4 posts
 
Thanks Hwy 61!  
I'm not going to fix what ain't broke. It IS a classic combo.   I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything. BTW is the recapping all about the power amp or the pre-amp or both.  Just wondering, because I have a Carver M-0.5t I could hook it up to.  What do you think?
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,239 posts
 
The 70s gear is nostalgic (been through this hobby’s evolution from 1971 onward....) and that’s where the sentimental bias floats through.

the cold hard facts are that this old era gear cannot compete with the current era offerings.

I would strongly suggest that you personally audition/test-drive something current before you commit more repairs cashola to the old stuff..... the differences in performance improvements are not subtle.

This exists without prejudice to the fact that that old gear ... especially the Sansui .... has a questionable and minimal FMV thst is highly likely less than what you will fork out now, and it’s only a question of "when" the next round/stage of repairs arises.
garywest OP
4 posts
 
any recommendations?
not into features....  I mostly spin vinyl
kennythekey
593 posts
 
I still have my TU-717 tuner, but it's on a shelf, so I have not listened to it in quite some time. I used to own the AU-717 as well. About a year ago, I got stuck without a modern preamp, because I replaced my integrated amp with power amps and could only insert my Boulder L3AE line stage as a temporary solution. The Boulder is only 26 years young as compared to your Sansui of 40 years. Wow, the Boulder sounded good, but after I had a cap explode in my old and untouched Heathkit amp a while back, I decided to replace the caps in my Boulder. After some break-in, the Boulder sounds fantastic and I have no urge to go shopping right now.
Kenny
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