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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
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Garywest ...

I love that turntable .. very musical. 

You're a music lover first and not an equipment geek. Keep the Sansui as a spare and go with tubes.  It doesn't have to be really expensive. Check out the modified Dyna 70's. Maybe a modified Dyna Pas pre-amp as well. 

Find out how to contact "Grover."  He builds excellent Dyna 70's.  A friend has one and its pretty amazing. I don't have his contact number, but someone here may chime in. 

OP
bmontani
193 posts
 
The 717 was a great product for its time. If i was on a budget I would recap using really good caps, Jensen, Mundorf or something equivalent.  If you are open to spending some $$$, there are some fantastic newer products in integrated. Before i purchased my current separates, i was very happy with a BAT vk 3000se. There are some other fine choices available for less. 
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
electrolytic capacitors are notorious for failure - they are made with a paste that is mildly corrosive - at some point manfs. started putting buffering agents in them - not sure when but it was AFTER the mid-1980s

Besides that, they must be conditioned for proper function; they will lose that if not used for some time

they are likely to have been used in both power amp and pre-amp 

some types of caps can lose capacitance just from aging - I don't recall which types and don't know if they were used in your equipment, but electrolytics definitely change in C as the electrolyte evaporates

I suppose changing out capacitors after some years needs to be considered standard maintenance, like changing the brake fluid on a car.

** the above is all standard electronics engineering practice and NOT subjective tweeker fru-fru **

So...
I suggest listening to some equipment from nad, Cambridge Audio, Rotel or similar well-engineered products that can be returned in 30 days or so if you do not like them.

Select some revealing program material - female vocal, snare drums, deep bass, piano, etc. and try to set up both A/B switching on short 1 minute or 30 s. segments as well as extended periods of listening.
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