Sansui VS Akai Sound Comparisons

Chris Gorman - Honky Tonk - At The Movies - The Pink Panther

[@smyrnianlink]

Akai sounds like a perfect amplifier.
Sansui sounds like live music.

[@mbarr704]

The Sansui sound so good I wish I can find one to buy. That is the sound I have been
looking for, I am 73 but I can hear every instrument from this set-up. Thanks!!!

[@MrBonivinci]

You can find Sansui receivers on ebay. I see them everyday. They aren't cheap !!!!

[@arttafil6792]

MrBonivinci, They never have been. I remember while I was stationed in Japan in the late 60’s that there was always arguments about Sansui vs everything else. The biggest sellers were the Pioneer units. Most of that was due to the costs. Even in the PX they really weren’t cheap. Mostly the enlisted men below the rank of senior NCO’s went Pioneer while the staff NCO’s and the officers went either Sansui or Marantz.

[@willydebelg5543]

Maybe you should keep your computers soundcard and speakers: they too reproduce the sound of every instrument!

[@haihuachen2627]

@@arttafil6792 stationed in Japan / Korea / Taiwan ... the guy who killed JFK, ever stationed in Taiwan ... ( Japan domestic models, the quality should be better than the machines that they tried to sell to the US servicemen )

[@RUfromthe40s]

along the years i heard many sansui sistems but compared with others they don´t seem that far good , just a matter of taste in sound ,i even compare frequencies from brand to brand and only discover that some components are better in one brand compared to another,like akai tape recorders and thorenz turntables,but this talking about the 70´s and it´s seems a infinity of litle diferencies even mono systems from early 60´s, lot´s of people tell me that an equalizer destroys the original sound, but it´s not economically viable to have several systems at home instead of using a good equalizer, they are not cheap or available new, regards

[@soullaaristotelous4376]

Sansui amplifiers i think is the best name ever. until now have the most amazing sound from all the brands.

[@zulkarnin]

It is two very nice vintage preamps, but I love the Sansui, one hell of cool looking and good sounding preamp. Your recording to UA-cam it is absolutely amazing.

[@AstroHunter5280]

i never really understood the preamp

[@audiokachina1]

insane comparison, integrated vs separated plus the arm and cartridge, thousands vs hundreds.

[@Deeky76]

Absolutely correct 👍

[@sundarAKintelart]

Is thousands really 10sX better in reproduction. Nope.
Enjoy music, not in a lab.

[@Xantylon74]

Technically speaking, we only hear the preamp here, the computer was conneted via line out/Headphone out. But he was playing with tone controls and even loudness. I still noticed the better separation, but this could be the cartridge from the Linn Turntable.

[@NFL1976]

Sansui an audiophile's dream still today. The BA 3000 amp @ 50lbs was a true powerhouse, when Japan overbuilt all of their electronics, and products always out performed their specs. 170 wpc @ .05%THD, 5Hz to 100kHz- absolutely sick and almost unattainable. The preamp was second to none as well. The Akai is cute, but not in the same league.

[@petersvan7880]

The Sansui is really impressive.

[@egiljo72]

The Sansui is much clearer sounding, but I think the Akai sound has more soul.
Want both 😎

[@rottenrobbie66]

The big Sansui sounds so sweet . Lots of detail . I love this series of Sansui ( Definition Series) it’s the TOTL .
The Akai sounded ok and as he tweeked the knobs to dial it in it got better , but not as detailed as the Sansui .

[@peterderidder9922]

BTW thanks for posting this vid , it was verry interesting ! in fact they both beauties from long time ago.

[@manzanaresantonio]

The sansui sounds sweeter and the midrange is outstanding. The Akai sounds good too, but the Sansui takes the prize in my modest opinion.

[@jackjack1923]

I completely agree

[@vaughanstiven511]

They both sound fantastic

[@danielesbordone1871]

Sansui blows it away in a second.

[@katjaboelieable]

No and i am a Sui adept , Akai is way underrated and the AM 2950 is an excellent integrated. Sure i want to have the defenition gear its also extreme eyecandy

[@bassieadriaan4278]

Nothing against Akai Sansui sweeps your wildest dreams!

[@szymonbanasiewicz6993]

sansui is the best ... the sound is fantastic

[@hamiltonontkeith]

Thanks

[@jameshopkins7333]

Bought my Sansui at the px in Germany in 1985 along with the polk SDA II's. Ortifon cartridge. Nothing I have got compares. Don't forget the Harman Cardin 3 head. I got all that for about $1400.00 and still have them.

[@donbrus2687]

I think this comparison shows that by correcting the tones of the Akai a little you get a truly remarkable sound comparable to much more expensive amplifiers.

[@sclogse1]

I will never stop being amazed that all the sounds being produced are coming off of a sheet of vinyl, when the sources of the sounds are extremely expensive pianos, horns, percussion instruments, saxes, strings, etc. It's crazy.

[@maxigabime5308]

both are awesome, I wish I could have one of these but they are so hard to find in good shape and they are so expensive here in Argentina, thanks for a great video!♥

[@andyenmitubo]

Tengo un AU 11000 un Yamaha CR2040 , Sansui 717 y un Pioneer sa 9500, el que peor suena es el AU 11000 no te dejes engañar por la pinta... mi mejor Amp es el Au717 y no es tan caro en Argentina comparado con los otros...

[@ericconanan2281]

Sansui is more realistic sound, but the Akai sound is clearly balance Mid, High and Low range is Good.. 👍👍👍

[@johnwallace1729]

Sansui is rich realistic ,sounds like the musicians are in the house, ive owned both , sansui .

[@johnbravo7542]

How can you compare the sound when your playing the record on a different turntable, and cartridge, and your playing around with the nobs The Sansui was probably double the price of the Akai when it was released.

[@lesmatthews459]

That's why I went with the Akai when they came out!

[@arnatsemtappra3822]

and you playing around with the knobs

[@arnatsemtappra3822]

I'm also going with Akai from this clip

[@aegisofhonor]

it was actually closer to 3 times the cost, Akai made very few separate amplifiers, except the super high end 9500 series from the late 80s, which would be a much closer comparison to these Sansui amps.

[@user-yb4gs7ur8n]

VERY, VERY FINE...SUPER AUDIO VINTAGE...JAPAN 🙏👍👌👠

[@hamiltonontkeith]

Thank You Юрий Юрочка

[@viperfixer6517]

I have the Sansui CA-3000 preamp driving two BA-3000 power amps and all analog inputs. Reel to reel, vinyl, and ELCASET. These amps are NOT from the 80's. They are from 1975 and are known as the Definition Series. They were, for many years, some of the only equipment certified by the RIAA for true fidelity. Friends and visitors who own McIntosh, Classe, and Rotel are in tears when they hear these. They are driving two B&W 802D speakers as the A pair, with two CDM-1NT's as the "B" pair. They were certified as 170WPC into either 4Ω or 8Ω. When the 802D's are hit with heavy bass, their impedance can drop into the 2.5Ω range. These. Amps. Don't. Care. No distortion. No wow and flutter. Using the bridging switch on the rear, they become 340W monoblocks. There are options for cartridge impedance and capacitance as well controlled by switches on both the front and rear of the preamp.
Sansui also made a Pro Series which, IIRC, was the AU20000, and was basically a CA-3000 and BA-3000 in one integrated unit. Same look. Same beautiful sound.
I have also owned several Akai units similar to these in this video. Compared to the Sansui, they sound muddy, not warm.
When I'm done with my Sansui units, my daughter will gladly own them. Nothing today under $20,000 compares. No offense, I've heard almost all of the high end amps, and they are great, but they just don't get the sound that these produce. Modern amps, even tube, can sound muddy or cold and too crisp, sparkling. And toss the subwoofer.
Give you an example of definition - Colman Hawkins, in his piece titled "Night Hawk", has a warm, soulful sound. BUT - his reed on his sax is cracked in the piece. You can hear it when it vibrates and squawks. We tried an experiment where my friend brought over his McIntosh MC275 tube amps - 500wpc. Beautiful amps. With only changing the amps, that clarity disappears.
Same thing, but different with a pair of Classe CA-150's, the sound was crisp, dry, and flat. Too digital sounding.
The Sansui units shown here give a hybrid sound. The warmth of tubes, and the brightness and clarity of solid state without being harsh.
No matter what you like, enjoy it!

[@Badassvidsz]

Sansui is the winner for me too but Akai is also a great brand :-)

[@RUfromthe40s]

this is one of the best pre and amplifier ever made ,if with good speakers it delivers a perfect sound , i own a spec-1 and a spec-2 from Pioneer given to me by my father after buying a completre new REVOX/Studer system which cost a fortune at the time but he gave to me his top of the line system from pioneer, this from the 76 catalog, only the dynamic expander is a bit older but good to listen to old jazz records, it makes sounds in the back heard much better

[@jackjack1923]

Astonishing, this is a real video with music?
Because it sounds amazing and is really hard to believe it that Sansui sounds totally woowww

[@dudbois742]

for listening to Akai loudly and for evening calm Sansui music

[@eighteenin78]

Listening to this video on a 3/4" speaker in my laptop, I am not going to make a call. But I did grow up with an AU20000 in the house, so that tells you my bias.

[@nicomeier8098]

I like the Sansui much better then the Akai. Clearer sound, more natural and focussed, really very nice indeed. Thanks for sharing, love these comparison vids of yours!!

[@jukingeo]

That is because the Sansui is a much larger, more powerful system. As other's pointed out, this isn't a fair comparison. Case in point, fiddling around with the knobs on the Akai. Tests should be done with the tone controls flat (or turned off), filters and loudness OFF. I couldn't tell if the Sansui has a loudness contour, however the Akai has one and it is "on". I had noticed the Sansui pre-amp the tone controls weren't set to flat with the mid and highs at +1...and the defeat switch is off. So this wasn't a fair test, however, I have heard others audition Sansui with Akai products before that were more evenly matched and generally, the Sansui generally wins out. But I was amazed with the Akai's performance as that beat out Pioneer and Yamaha, of which are more well known. It is definitely a close second to the Sansui.

[@leschwartz]

No complaints at all about the Sansuii sound, very impressive, but the Akai sounded more open and airy to me.

[@jackjack1923]

I've just bring it my Sansui speakers and receiver
OMG THIS SOUNDS SO SWEET AND NATURAL 😲😲
COMPLETELY SMASHED ME AUĆ
EXCELLENTO MAMI

[@TheSponge33]

What a sound! Perfect!

[@denistremblay8029]

My Sansui AU 7700 is heaven musical sound..... No comparison with akai.....

[@eseoleimeseoleim5254]

wow recording soung is very gooooooooooood .U have a also good recording gear as well thanks

[@JD-sn1lr]

I wish you had adjusted the Akai frequencies before you started recording. And comparing an integrated Akai amp to the Sansui separates seems a bit one sided based on the amount of electronics and probably the cost of each. But, thank you for the video, it was very enjoyable.

[@tapemaster8252]

I'd be happy with either one, it's just tweaking it to your liking 🔉🔉🔉

[@leptitblond80]

Fantastic !

[@mikeables]

Been watching for that record for so long. lol. Really hard to find in Seattle area Love both rigs but Sansui is best. Good movie!

[@totsblanca1528]

From the Philippines
- oh how I love hearing vintage audio equipment, SOUNDS GREAT, NEVER FADES DUDE.
- I wish I could have "some" of these!

[@GilbertoHelou]

Hello and thanks for this video, can you please start again due to not being in the same conditions

[@bassmanaudio1543]

Sansui a real miracle but akai with less cost is my choice . Great sound both

[@ernestobalagtas8133]

I think the audio doesn't come from the speakers. It is recorded straight to the video recorder because it is very clear and no outside noise and when he pans the camera the sound doesn't change a bit.

[@hamiltonontkeith]

Your right!, I'm comparing amps, not speakers, they would have been included in the title if it were a speaker comparison, Thanks for your interest

[@socksumi]

I would need to live with these pieces, listening long term to a variety of music with tones and filters and loudness deafeated to get a handle on which one is preferable. Playing over UA-cam while continuously adjusting bass/treble and filters doesn't reveal much.

[@hadebui]

the Sansui impresses with its construction it has great facility to drive any speaker In fact I had the opportunity to hear many Sansui and Akai there is no color there is a big difference

[@masudaharris6435]

This is a nice demonstration of the differences between the sounds of the two amplifiers, but I would also like to compare vocals, such as Karen Carpenter, between the two.

[@hamiltonontkeith]

Is there a particular song by Karen Carpenter?

[@SansuiAu717]

sansui +++++++ ,better control from right to left, better soundstage , clear really well detail , good punch

[@luisobregon5931]

Me quedo con el sansui !!

[@James-hb6ee]

Hmmm, too many variables here to make a comparison. No loudness control on the Sansui, tone controls were engaged, but not turned up too high, 100K phono loading for that cartiridge, but I couldn't tell what the cartridge was so don't know if that is appropriate or not. Loudness WAS engaged on the Akai, plus the tone controls, so NO WAY was either of them set to flat response. Different turntables and cartridges, don't know what speakers were used, etc. Nice gear though. I have the Sansui preamp and the matching TU-9900 tuner, but never got around to buying the matching amp. Never seen that Akai before. Nice piece. For what was presented, I vote for the Sansui over the Akai in this instance. :)

[@mjtaiger2479]

De lo mejor sansui

[@Xantylon74]

Akai sounds not bad at all, but the Sansui sounds much more detailed, clear, more focussed. It's a different level. Ok, you use another turntable, cartridge etc. but this is clearly the Quality of the Sansui amp.

[@Gemuk-man637]

That Linn LP12 is a reference turntable recognised by most HiFi reviewers. So of course the sound is far better.

[@RUfromthe40s]

what about U.S. brands they don´t matter or even european ones, regards

[@socksumi]

@@Gemuk-man637 A fine turntable but subject to way too much hyperbole and exaggeration promulgated by Linn's manufacturer Ivor T. and the biased British audio press and assorted Linn groupies which spawned the embarrassing Linn cult of the late 70s and 80s.

[@Xantylon74]

@@socksumi Technically speaking, we only hear the preamp here, the computer was conneted via line out/Headphone out. But he was playing with tone controls and even loudness. I still noticed the better separation, but this could be the cartridge from the Linn Turntable.

[@stelthy100]

i LIKE THE SOUND OF THE SANSUI BUT THEY ARE BOTH NICE.

[@79trabant]

Excellent version of Pink Panther theme ,on Pink Panther trail!!!

[@hifiutopia4968]

I have a am2850 and it sounds a amazing

[@shlooky]

Where can I buy vintage Sansui power amps and pre amps?
By the way, Akai back in the day had the best tape decks with glass based heads etc.

[@Badassvidsz]

Try on ebay

[@Nicnackity]

Why does everyone have to fumble with the knobs. Listen without distraction. Love both of them and great demo song, one of the best I’ve heard. Love whole video (except those hairy arms lol). Nice job.

[@allannavarra113]

Superb sansui

[@iowaudioreviews]

Trying to make a solid comparison through UA-cam isn't possible. Variables of equipment between the two change. Both are expensive and both sound good to different ears and both are exceptional pieces of equipment. Niether is definitively better as fidelity is preferential.

[@RUfromthe40s]

Akai is also a very good brand and i also own some 70´s and 80´s components from this brand but at the time most of the brands had a lot of quality just people preferencies made them more famous or not but Akai was always more refered by it´s tape recorders , cassette or reel to reel decks. i myself have a 1970 reel deck from akai with heavy use ,today it still records perfect ,it´s very dificult to a cassette deck record with it´s quality, i also have other reel decks like the 76 pioneer and the revox that belonged to my father ,this older one only records with ferric tapes ,better tapes it records but with a high-level of distortion, when their GX heads appear also had great cassette decks and reel decks, normally much better than several other brands from the same year, the nakamichi deck you´ve showed in a video i also have it in perfect working condition because my father kept it working all this decades with maintenace done by proper nakamichi technicians, it´s also incredible how good it sounds. it made me buy the DRAGON when it came out and in the 90´s i bought another because a friend told me that it had been improved but both the worst decks i ever had ,they look well engeniered but built with the cheapest material they found ,i live in a very hot region on south of Europe ,maybe the hotest region also very dry ,i´m refering to this because at the time i recorded cassettes almost everyday and it lasted only 3 years working perfect this already having a lot of care because of the heat but both started to fail very fast, lucky me people think it´s a good deck ,even made money with both of them ,after stop using them, still working but some parts made of cheap plastic became out of shape and it started to notice a litle vibration while playing and recording cassettes , when selling them i described all it had but still sold them for a crazy amount of money, the one you showed in a video is very old but still working perfect, also have a ZX-9 ,a CR-7a ,a cassette deck 1 and a BX-2 bought at the same time of my first dragon but it works perfect today with regular maintenace. sorry for getting out of topic , Akai as good amplifiers but Sansui as a lot of good amplifiers above Akai quality wich is also good in my opinion

[@danielsotomatamala6886]

Es dificil dar una opinión, viendo y escuchando un video por este medio, para eso hay que estar en el lugar mismo para sentir mejor los detalles, ahora por lo que pude distinguir, en mi opinión me quedo con SANSUI, pero realmente por muy poco, ambos son equipos de muy alto nivel, y cualquiera que prefiera el AKAI o el SANSUI, ambas preferencias estaría bien, muy buen sonido ambos, ya el preferir uno o el otro es cosa de gustos, incluso puede haber alguien que no encuantre gran diferencia de sonido y se incline por escoger el que más le guste por la estética del equipo

[@evilsdog1638]

totalmente de acuerdo 👍

[@zweer13]

Thanks, your system is a killer. Both sound exceptional, but Sansui is bringing another dimension with that bass. And what kind of turntable can give this sound. Are other formats utter crap.

[@pedrodamaso9502]

I like the sansui

[@toker53]

The Sansui has tons of life with all the instruments even here on UA-cam.

[@arnatsemtappra3822]

even hear on this UA-cam

[@arnatsemtappra3822]

Sansui has tone of live

[@Hunter-lm5fg]

For me sansui sounds much much beter, all the lows, mid and highs. Greater clarity and separation. Akai sounds basicly.

[@bigone137]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@user-hg4rm4uz1e]

sansui treble win, akai bass win!

[@shadowgameplay2023]

Akai has great sound

[@joseluisbustosdonoso1393]

Es cosa de gustos como dijeron anteriormente..
Al estar grabado no se oye como estar ahí en persona.
Pero Sansui destaca en lo natural , me parece un sonido más realista y es muy cálido ..👌🏻👌🏻

[@socksumi]

I much prefer the Linn / Sansui combo, no contest. Not sure what cartridge you're using in that system but it sounds damn good and may account for much of the difference.

[@Michael-w8v]

Very nice! I don't want to paying $2000 for new record, so I bought Marantz 6300. It work really good and better.

[@leancove9662]

In any case super sound from the Sansui,which has the bass flat and treble only one notch.

[@midnightrider1178]

Very nice Equip!

[@Strikovski]

iwant to by the sansui

[@klubstompers]

Sansui is so clean and clear in the hi and mids, but no punch down low, while the Akia is muddy up top, but has a good bottom end, which is funny because my Sansui 9090db has an amazing bottom end, mid and high.

[@MrMiljan407]

Loudness is on

[@klubstompers]

@@MrMiljan407 Loudness is only used for low volume playing, i dont play anything at low volume.

[@MrMiljan407]

I mean UA-cam and the Akai AM-2950. It has Loudness on

[@klubstompers]

@@MrMiljan407 Gotcha!! Now it makes sense why the Akai is bringing more low end.

[@vintagestereo]

great movie, the sansui is the better sound but the price difference between these 2 units is huge

[@tomb375]

Sounds Amazing, Nice, and The Winner is.......... Sansui! .. Killed it!

[@pvb9964]

Akai AM-93 would blow Sansui away

[@ekitannata6794]

SANSUI....👍🏻

[@lesmatthews459]

Also - went out and bought that CD!!
Thanks!

[@telcomannix4162]

Les Matthews can you please name the artist? Fantastic arrangements!

[@lesmatthews459]

@@telcomannix4162 Chris Gorman. He has several different albums

[@giantodo]

Can you let us know the name of the recording in playing in the video?

[@hamiltonontkeith]

Chris Gorman - Honky Tonk - At The Movies - The Pink Panther

[@giantodo]

@@hamiltonontkeith thanks, beautiful recording

[@frankabarca9189]

Both of them sound great but I'm pretty sure that the volume on the Sansui is up more than the Akai

[@alponmars]

Sansui is more natural and soft. Every audiophile must have at least one Sansui amp.

[@jameshopkins7333]

just got the rotel rc-1590 for $2g's Can't compare to the Sansui AU-d11-2s amp I got from the PX 40yrs. ago.

[@haydave420]

GREAT sound,wish I was standing there.

[@MrJulioAmbrosio]

Sansui Super

[@keith2599]

GEORGEOUS AMPS...

[@zukispur5493]

I'm a sui man myself. AU 717. I LOVE HER AND SHE LOVES ME🌚

[@TheDistrict644]

Sansui has better specs for sure. Cleaner and more detail. Maybe i missed, but, what amp is the Sansui? The face n knobs look like the black face 9900. Ahh.... CA, BA

[@lorindamikaela]

I am a Akai man and I love those Akai amps but the Sansui sound really good too. I'd be happy with either brand. Love the turntables. You have a great audio setup. What model Akai amps are those, I think they are either AM-2850 or AM-2950? Great video & thank you for sharing.

[@hamiltonontkeith]

AM-2950. Thanks

[@lorindamikaela]

if you ever want to sell your AM-2950 please message me as I will be interested......thx.

[@hippydippy]

Makes me proud to be a Vintage Sansui owner & collector! The Sanui's smoked the Akai.... PERIOD. End of Story.

[@hippydippy]

BTW... How did you record the audio? Sounds amazing & what kind of speakers are playing?

[@tallisrocktube]

I think the speakers play a big role in this test/ comparison

[@bizmakerbhang5953]

Good comparisons! Thanks for my eye-openings. Sansui, brighter than AKAI. But, this expression does not mean Akai is darker. Akai is more comfortable at highs and mids. I have Sansui AU-555A, and it matches with B&W CDM1NT, believe it or not, it is quite better than Braun L630. One thing from sansui I do not suspect is that the sounds are bright and seeming clear, but, I feel some curtained with high tone filter from natural sound. Marantz 2285 with Vandersteen Model 2 was very natural and comfortable from highs to lows. Natural sound must be high-end as I say.
Anywan, back to this clip, I prefer Akai for long listening.

[@felipemirandatorres7491]

Me gusta el AKAI

[@argimiroperdomo9702]

Me quedo con Sansui...jajajja

[@cesarantoniorios4476]

Que hermoso equipos no llegaron para aca la Argentina cual es su valor actual seria mucho mucho para comprar por esos lados?seria un completo amplificador ecualizador. Cassetera o algun lugar donde se pueda comprar?desde ya GRACIAS desde Argentina

[@TheFerdy8888]

Sansui Win..... More transparent..... This is the sound must be reproduced. Akai might be more pleasing for some "average ears", but it is not the sound in the studio. Sansui might be to "bright" in the middle, but you have tone control after all😉. Pair that Sansui with good subwoofer will do all the freq response. My humble opinion 🙏. I own Sansui AU 717 and 7700 myself. And AU 717 my fav...... Nice set up sir🙏

[@user-xh2qi7tn2l]

Sansui более красив на СЧ, ВЧ оба усилителя играют одинаково, там проблема в динамиках, они воспроизводят НЕ медь, а удары палочкой по кровельной жести - это явно проблема АС...

[@rbnjr]

Please setup a mcintosh preamp amp turntable thru your phono amp so i can hear it as well... your sound quality rocks!

[@stefanogarani56]

Bello, meraviglioso...

[@Tony-uq4ig]

i have a sansui 5900z receiver that i had serviced and sounds beautiful and i am thinking of selling only to someone who appreciates vintage equipment such as sansui and others like pioneer sx790 or rotel rx603 which i have all 3

[@Toggymok]

You let the Sansui Play, but fucked with the Akai knobs almost non-stop. I'd take the Sansui power amp over the Akai anything, anyday.

[@jonathanbliss1945]

The Sansui is the best sound on You Tube very full, natural, expressive. It really bounces. The Akai is also very good, but sounds like good hifi.
How do you record these videos?
What bearing is in the LP12 and what cartridge, VDH?