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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
timlub
2,039 posts
 
If the Sansui is sentimental,  I'd recap it... All electrolytic would need to be replaced, not just the power supply filter caps.... All of todays caps should be an upgrade over the old caps that Sansui used and overall its sound quality should improve a bit... If its not sentimental,  I'd dump it... Something like an Audio Refinement Complete would smoke it.  
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,618 posts
 
If the Sansui's like an old friend that you can't bear to part with, by all means update it.  The improvements will be more to extend it's lifespan rather than quality, MHO...
For the same or slightly more $, you could update to something new(er), if you want to tread into the Bluetooth/WiFi/surround this n'that/whatever catches your fancy....since you're at a crossroads of sort....

Lots of shiny new toys out there....here...wherever...*G*

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.
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