I got the Sansui SR-525 full manual at 21 pounds. This was a very precise instrument - mounted wity a Shure M91ED Nude ellptical diamond at only 1¼ g of tracking force. Best sound I've heard from LPs (except maybe SEE Revolver with Mission 774lc tonearm and NAGAOKA MP-11 Gold cartridge). Either of those were top notch vinyl players.
I also have a SR-525 with a Shure V15 - III. Absolutely love it. Dead silent and tracks wonderfully. Sounds amazing. When I bought it I think it had been in storage since new as the box didn't look to have ever been opened and the dust cover still had original protection cover on it. I'll never sell it.
Over here yet another SR-525 owner, I have moved it along for the last 25 years without using it, but with a little tlc it plays like new! Very silent, and very nice arm with a Pickering XV-15/625E replaced it with an Ortofon Bronze, installed it and it sounds very, very good!
Thanks for the mention, Kevin. Packing that sucker up took a few hours! Did you notice that most of those 929s are shipping from Japan? So the voltage will be 100v. Not a lot in N America. That one was fully recapped after I got it because of speed issues. Enjoy!
I have a Sansui FR-5080 that I've had since 1977. It is a fully automatic direct drive intended to be a four channel unit. It is still an excellent turntable currently rocking a Sumiko Wellfleet cartridge.
I should feel very fortunate that my Kenwood KD 5070 is still my every day turntable since I bought it new back in the 70’s, but I will have to say your new Sansui is a beautiful thing to look at 🤩 Congratulations on your recent purchase.
Two of my favorites are the Dual CS-5000(I have 3), and my Dual CS-7000 Golden One. Rock solid speed, quiet, and gentle with vinyl. The only maintenance I have ever done is some light lubrication and belt replacement.
Even though I would not buy a good looking turntable that performed The Look and quality of 70's is SOOOO GOOD that it is is Easy to get a Shower that also has it where it counts all my Favorite Turntable are from the 70's and they have Never let me down and look GOOD while doing it
Great turntables! I follow “my own devices” as well, David takes his turntables seriously! Amazing packaging on that 929! Sansui is one my favorite stereo brands. Great video!
My vote is for the Technics sl1700-mk2. I’m the original owner. Aside from replacing the belt used for the return mechanism, which was an easy repair, it’s been perfect. My original cart was a Stanton 681eee-s. Cheers!
In 79 I bought a Kenwood Synthetic Marble turn table and I remember the sticker price - $325 CAN. I had a Shure cartridge on it with a sticker price of $169 CAN. It had commercial grade Acoustic feet and I could not induce record rumble no matter how hard I tried/put a 5 ft crack in a living room picture window and could easily move a solid oak coffee table across the carpet. I had ESS 3B studio monitor towers with two 12 inch woofers - 1 active and one passive - lower frequency response was 30 db/+ - 3 db. Getting down that low at high volume would actually feel one's internal organs being shaken around pretty good. I don't remember the model # though. Forgot, the Kenwood came in at 35 pounds
I need to stop watching these. I want one now! Still listening to my 1979 Dual 1257. Runs fine and sounds good after the amp recap. Thanks for another great video.
I agree that looks do play a very important part of owning a turntable or any stereo equipment because you have to be the one who looks at it. It has to be aesthetically pleasing in your space.
i prefer good sound and if you notice those 7.000€ plus turntables look more like a cooking pot than a turntable and sound amazing, and it´s my next buy a transrotor turntable, but not spending more than 5.000€ maybe a second hand working perfect
Here you go. My favorite semi-automatic turntable is the Technics SL-1400 the Mark I version not the Mark II. I just put mine back in a secondary system after being fully serviced and new rca, ground wire installed. Solid and a quality build all around.
Owned the SR-838 for over 40 years , been a very good table. Have had a few tables , the Sansui was always my favorite. Have a Rega PL 3 , quality is lacking , but sounds nice.
In the fall of 1977 Sansui 838 MSRP w/ADC XLM II $520, the 929 w/ADC XLM II was $600. Street prices were much less at $300 and $350 respectively. The Pioneer PL-570 MSRP was $400 with their PC-550E/II cart but you could pick it up for $280. The KD-5070 came in for 1978 and was a bargain. MSRP was $260 less a cartridge. The Shure V15 Type IV were popular carts for them. MSRP on them was around $150 but you could get them for $110. In those days stuff was bundled so much it is hard to research the prices. As you know the tables were paired with carts and sold for one price, many times with the "for a penny" hook. They would try to upsell you to a better cart or table with a certain receiver and speakers. I was fascinated with the whole scene. In our town of about 50k people we had no less than four independent stereo shops. Add to this a Radio Shack and the department stores and there was something for everyone. As for my Sansui 838 I salvaged it for free from an e-waste pile at Habitat thrift store about fifteen years ago. It was without a cartridge and the dust cover was broken so they were going to trash it as unsaleable. I'm glad I kept it out of the landfill.
Yamaha YP-D6 for semi-auto turntable. Though it was not considered Yamaha's top of the line, its simplicity, usability, and beauty makes it a personal favorite.
Michael Brokloff Great video as usual. The only turntable I have owned is a Luxman PD-264 with an AKG P10ED cartridge. Purchased in 1981 with my Luxman L-5 amp, Luxman T-1 tuner and psb passif II speakers. Kevin did a great job at cleaning my amp, turntable and refoamimg the speakers. The system sounds GREAT. Kevin changed out the cartridge to a Grado Red3 and I am Happy with my vintage turntable and vintage system. I'm HAPPY and isn't that the main reason we listen to music!
My first turntable was a semi-automatic Sansui SR-212, which I bought new in the very early 1970s. It functioned flawlessly but I decided to upgrade to a Harman/Kardon Rabco ST-7 with linear tracking tonearm. It was also semi-automatic. The Sansui was set it and forget it, while the H/K was a bit finicky. At least H/K included the technician's manual, so you could do all the adjustments and repairs yourself. The H/K was also a real conversation piece in it's day. In the end, after all these years, I can't honestly say which I preferred. I never regretted buying the H-K but I also remember wishing I could have kept both. So, I guess I'd have to call it a wash.
As far as semi auto, my favorite of the ones I’ve owned is a Pioneer PL-115D. I just bought a Dual 1219, but it’s on its way to Bill at Fix My Dual, but I’m really looking forward to playing it when it gets back. Loved the video. You know back in the day, for some reason Sansui didn’t get a lot of traction or attention in my locale, but now I really appreciate their style and quality. Great, fun video, Kevin.
it´s a great turntable the PL-15D ,i´m still waiting for him to go bad,it was my second turntable after the PL-43 also from pioneer, also have a Dual 1224 from my grandmother dual system that came with a shure cartridge and stylus still working today ,fully automatic with great sound
Thanks for another great video Kevin.. I don't recall ever seeing many Sansui turntables back in the day, but what you just showed here look really nice ! The turntable I've always had since 1978 and swear by is the.. Technics SL 220 with a Audio-Technica cartridge... Inexpensive, no thrills and plays records beautifully....
Love the Sansui stuff. I have a Pioneer PL-540 and really like it. It was gifted to me by a dear friend in need of some reconditioning. I had it gone through by Magnetic Tape Recorder in Louisville. It works great and sounds really good. There is just something satisfying about the sound of the arm returning at the end of the record. So put me down as a vote for the PL-540. Ric Tennessee
Wow, didn't know about those turntables. They're great! And the packaging looks like how the Japanese would package a turntable, and that is a great compliment! And I've actually never owned a semi automatic. Manual only.. Boring but reliable..
Good points, exactly like I think. I own a SR929 with ortophon 2M blue too, cabinet rebuilt in MDF blackpiano finishing, and lose the lettering of course. The feet of mine were loose so I found some solid rubber cones anti-vibration pods with a sphere on top, that fits in the original feet holes. But the most important upgrade done were the wiring replacement by Cardas Pure Silver deleting the RCA plate, so the wiring go straight from the cartridge to the preamp, that really provides a way better sound fidelity. Very nice gear, underrated on the eBay in my opinion.
Awesome turntables and great video! I think that turntables are works of art, it's the vinyl that sucks. I packed my Pioneer table away back in 1985 when I received a CD player for my birthday. I sold most of my vinyl and bought CDs. I've been subbed to My Own Devices for quite a long time.
I have no semi automatic TTs, only manual and fully automatic. But I am a Dual fan so the Dual 704 is something I would like. I believe it is the semi automatic version of the 721 witch makes it a safe bet. Just for the fun, the following entry does not stand a chance. This semi automatic (or rather auto stop) is the Philips 212. Over in Europe it has a bit of a cult status. It only stops the platter. But the nice thing is that it uses an optical sensor to trigger the stop. The gig is that in doing so it has the mechanical simplicity of a fully manual TT. That is good for sound but it does not guarantee you get no electronic gremlins. They also have electronic touch buttons, which I think is a good idea on a TT. And they have Germanium transistors inside, but as far as I know the actual mechanical power switch is the weak link which is a classic for Philips. I believe the almost identical 312 was a real semi auto, but it is the 212 that has the cult status for all that it is worth.
My favorite semi-automatic turntable is the Pioneer PL-518. I picked it up at a garage sale for $7 back in 1991 when I first moved from West Des Moines to St. Louis and it has been my daily driver ever since. I’m sure there are better decks (he’ll, alive got a Denon DP-1200 in my basement setup that’s probably better) but the nostalgia is strong with the 518. Can’t wait to see your results. Cheers.
That packaging reminded me of my Kenwood 7010 when it arrived. Not as tall but way wider. Heck, I even made a cardboard car for my kid from the outer box. But it came basically ready to go, I had sent my cartridge ahead and it came all set up and aligned. Did have to adjust the counterweight a little because even with all the measures taken to prevent anything from moving it did a little. It is a big beast too (19" wide) coming at around 30lbs. Those Sansuis are pretty cool though. And if you had any doubts about making those videos, there you have it, it helped you find one of these beauties. PS: and yes, Dave is a pretty chill guy and his videos are interesting.
@@brunohebert1351 Nice. I have a KP-990 bought from him, and a Pioneer PL-50L II which he refurbed, but I bought it from someone who bought from him. Great service.
Kevin, great intro to the Sansui TT, though they don’t get mentioned much on sites like vinylengine, I’m sure they are great to own. I already submitted my choice on your last post, but I was pleased that we agree on the Denon DL- 160 cartridge. As you reveal your favorites, I think we have similar tastes in hardware. I think you mentioned the Denon DL-301 MK II cartridge which I also cycle into my listening sessions is another less-known cartridge. I did have to invest in a preamp for that cartridge and found it (Denon DL 301) to be a great purchase. I hear new sounds with this cartridge that forces me to revisit some vinyl that I have set aside and now they are entirely different. Thanks for the journey.
A truly "Learning Moment" installment. Ashamedly, I did not know that Sansui even made tables. I know we did not sell them at Franklin Music. Both of the examples you showed are gorgeous. The piano black finish looks flawless, and I would almost be afraid I might leave a fingerprint during use. Stunning table. I'm going to have to guess that one of the "Buckhead" Atlanta shops sold Sansui, but given the clientele of the Lenox area of Atlanta, I am sad that I never got a chance to see one of these beauties until now. Thank You. Yeah, the packaging was pretty amazing. Go Home Depot !!
I’m a sucker for a good looking turn table. I purchased both my TP 600 SA Sanyo and the Rotel RP 3000 on esthetics. The sound is fantastic on both. The Sanyo is semi automatic and the Rotel fully manual. Love them both. Although not as pretty but a great workhorse is my TP 1020 Sanyo. Enjoyed your video.
I have two favorite semi-auto turntables: Yamaha YP-701 Marantz 6350Q The Yamaha is belt drive and looks amazing IMO. It has a solid cast aluminum chassis with individually suspended platter and motor. The all-metal tonearm is suspended with the platter like an AR or Thorens. Overall, it both looks somewhat minimalist but also sophisticated, and it does it's job as a turntable as well as any other I've used. The Marantz has the wonderful 6300 series look, but adds quartz lock and auto shut off so you can have the looks and the convenience of a semi auto table too! The strobe dots are also wonderfully positioned behind a lens that is viewed next to the platter so you don't have a visible bump for the strobe light itself.
yes on YP 701, not sure where it landed over 20 years ago during my travels, however i have its replacement safely in my Speakeasy lounge and its staying put this time....great table as you indicated, looks and sound..which cartridge for yours?
@@recalcitrantone I'm actually trying to figure out which cartridge I want on it now. I recently got a good deal on an Ortofon OM30 so I'm trying that out. I've liked the sound of my Stanton DE680EE on the table. But I think I'm ultimately going to fall back to the Shure M97XE. Looking to get a V15V someday, though. And a JICO SAS someday, too. Even if I really like the table and have no plans to change it, I'm not immune to fiddling with the rest of the setup haha.
Only had one semi auto a Technics SL-Q2. Quarts locked DD. Think they come in around 15 Lb. Can be had cheap, are work horses and easy to repair. Not much in the looks department ha. Had one I picked up cheap. Sold it a year ago in prep for a multi state move. Should’ve kept it. Would love to see a video on the Technics broadcast based TT’s, SP-10 SP15. I think others as well maybe a 20, 25??
I picked up my SR 838 for $40 several years ago. It's a lovely machine, and I love the piano black color. Just wish the tone arm holder wasn't so fiddly.
Wish you would show the action on these tables. I have several tables now including a sansui that I bought just to go with my ca/ba 2000 amps. I was blown away by how slow and gentle the arm drops. I could make a sandwich. I own a Pioneer that is so clunky ,it’s like a jet landing-on a carrier. I miss myKenwood KP 5022. Darth likes “ Staying Alive” BeeGees.cheers.
I picked up a SR838 off eBay recently for $120 shipping included with minor issues like missing platter mat, headshell, dust cover and the line link for the anti-skate, I think people were scared to bid cause the counter weight pig tail was off it... though included.
the best of all from known brands is the SP-10 or following models ,i own a SP-1 and it´s already a incredible good turntable all personalized or the SL-1000, MKII or the R ,this from Technics off course, in the 80´s i bought a beautifull PL-707 from Pioneer ,it sounded incredible good but didn´t arrive to the 90´s where i was using a 74 Pioneer ,the PL-15D other great model ,any 72 model from pioneer beats the new Pro-ject turntables by far this with prices around 1.000€ ,i have to say that a older friend of mine bought a Pro-Ject and it sounded good i was amazed but when he tells me that between the turntable and the cartridge he spent 14.000€ ,Having some of the best turntables ever made.Well, he can
I have a Sansui XR-Q9. It is fully automatic and it is beautiful. The design for the automatic function is the most ridiculous of any I have seen. Check out 12voltvids: XR-Q9 Turntable from Hell! I could really use some guidance converting it to manual. I also have a Kenwood KD 5070. Great turntable, but mine sporadically looses speed. I need to do some work. My heaviest turntable is a Sota Sapphire I at 44 lbs. Still trying to get it running. Two of my favorite semi-automatic turntables: Harman/Kardon T65C and Philips GA-312. They both have a very cool aesthetic and pretty stable. The Pioneer PL-518 and Technics SL-1700 MK I are solid performers, but not nearly as interesting.
I grew up with a Miracord and always lusted after Dual but always liked the look of these and Micro Sekei (sp)? Now i want an 828. nawww I would still like to have a Dual 12xx with a Stanton 681EE
Grado is my go to brand ,today but starting on the wooden cartridge and stylus (one piece),the v15 from shure was great , the ortofon quintect S is ok and also the 2mLVB from Ortofon ,the Cadenza black it´s far better but not for my pocket or the hana ML or MH, i only got them because a rich friend of mine ofered me all of them, including a Pro-Ject xpression i think ,that i told him that i was very thankfull but i would sell it and he has a technics SL-1200 stoped for years ,i told him if he could instead give me the technics he appeared in my home with the SL-1200 and a SL-1500 and told me ,if you prefer them ,i will never use them again and i kept the two old technics ,the Pro-Ject was very bad compared to the ones i already had, i just remenbered now two of the best turntables of the 70´s weren´t refered, the PLC-590 and the PL-530/40 from Pioneer, 79 model, plinth in cast iron and a vu meter type with the needle to assure the correct speed having also the stroboscope, the same VU meter type needle for the correct speed in the PLC-590 a kind of SP-1 for Pioneer ,series 20 from 76 or earlier
Brilliant! Turntables. No component of a complete and proper Hi-Fi setup is sexier than the turntable. It has a very simple job to do which, ironically, has nothing to do with creating sound. It must spin its platter at a specific rate and at a consistency only just finer than our brains can detect "woOOow" and "fluh uh uh uh tter". That should also show how the idea that you shouldn't pay more for the cartridge than you payed for the TT is misguided. Shipping nightmare preventative measure #1. The Five-Foot Drop Test. If you feel fully comfortable with the thought of dropping to the ground the packaged up TT from 5 feet , then it's probably safe. 😊
My vote goes to the technics SL-D2. I bought one new in 1978 cost $178 plus tax w/o cartridge. About a month ago for the first time I cleaned it and added couple of drops of oil and still works and looks just like it didn't 1978 couldn't be happier with it , I'll have it until I die. Does everything a turntable should do turns at the right speed. And tracks the cartridge. Added benefit if I doze off now at my age it returns the tonearm. and turns itself off. What else you want?.
Late to the discussion here. What would be the late 80s Sansui to have..? I have a Sansui AU-X 711, and would like to match it in style. My amp has the new Sansui logo so that is a must...
Oh I do agree it’s about looks ..the 929 looks sharp…it reminds me of my Denon DP 64f cept mine is full auto…the Japanese back in the “Golden Era” of HiFi borrowed design cues from each other..oh and it pisses me off that Shure shut down their cartridge biz
I’m using the 838 with a DL-110 and a record clamp that is wide enough to block the cartridge from hitting the label if I’m distracted. So it’s a safeguard to the manual return. Doesn’t bother me one bit. Paired with the IFi Zen Phono 2 using balanced output. The TT is stock except for the cartridge and cartridge wires. But I might look into new feet one day. Any suggestions?
I have a Sansui P-L40. A low end linear tracking model. I got it for free and put some work into it. Not worth very much. I rarely use it. I have a KD-2055. It is pretty nice.
I have the Sansui SR-838, bought it with a faulty switch, from my research seems like that was an issue with the 838, is that true. I have not fixed the switch but it is on my to do list. I had to replace the feet, the harden rubber was badly cracked. It is solid and silent just as you said, it hardly gets much playing time because of the fully manual aspect... It's auto compatriots Pioneer Pl 630, Denon 47F get more attention but yes the Sansui is great "eye candy", excellent build, and firm on placement...
those turntables that absorve any vibration are more recent never had that problem but 70´s turntables came with feet made of rubber with suspenctions also the turntable it self had suspenctions and isolated from factory ,and direct drive engines making noises that are heard in the music only in the 80´s cheapest turntables ,mine with a lot of heavy use direct drive with quartz engine till today i don´t hear a sound coming from them i can tap on the plinth and hear nothing ,try to do that in a modern turntable
If you are going to purchase a manual table..I would go with a Thornes and/or Linn. At least they are easy to fix and "upgrade-able". Including tonearms. "Darth Fader" would probably own an "Empire" table. Tony Montana would probably own a SOTA with an SME-V18 tonearm.
I got the Sansui SR-525 full manual at 21 pounds. This was a very precise instrument - mounted wity a Shure M91ED Nude ellptical diamond at only 1¼ g of tracking force. Best sound I've heard from LPs (except maybe SEE Revolver with Mission 774lc tonearm and NAGAOKA MP-11 Gold cartridge). Either of those were top notch vinyl players.
I also have a SR-525 with a Shure V15 - III. Absolutely love it. Dead silent and tracks wonderfully. Sounds amazing. When I bought it I think it had been in storage since new as the box didn't look to have ever been opened and the dust cover still had original protection cover on it. I'll never sell it.
@@TheMrkaninja They are beautiful instruments
Over here yet another SR-525 owner, I have moved it along for the last 25 years without using it, but with a little tlc it plays like new! Very silent, and very nice arm with a Pickering XV-15/625E replaced it with an Ortofon Bronze, installed it and it sounds very, very good!
Informative video! The msrp for these in 1977 was $430 for the SR929 and $390 for the 838
We're talking over $2,000 in today's money.
Thank you!
Thanks for the mention, Kevin. Packing that sucker up took a few hours! Did you notice that most of those 929s are shipping from Japan? So the voltage will be 100v. Not a lot in N America. That one was fully recapped after I got it because of speed issues. Enjoy!
Seeing the quality packing of the turntable that you'd shipped, definitely makes me want to buy equipment from you!
When I looked they were all from Japan.
@@heimatliebe116what are you looking for?
I really appreciated the extra packaging care, David. Worth every penny. Thanks again!
I have a Sansui FR-5080 that I've had since 1977. It is a fully automatic direct drive intended to be a four channel unit. It is still an excellent turntable currently rocking a Sumiko Wellfleet cartridge.
I should feel very fortunate that my Kenwood KD 5070 is still my every day turntable since I bought it new back in the 70’s, but I will have to say your new Sansui is a beautiful thing to look at 🤩 Congratulations on your recent purchase.
Thank you!
Sansui AU 717 amplifier. What a amplifier that is. Will take on ANY amplifier under 100 watts all day&night long. enjoyed your video mate
Yes, I drooled over them in my youth...and. Still Drooling... Go Manual! The simpler the better.
I have 2 Technics 1200. love them
Back in the earlier 70's, the solution I found for the tip towing thing - I made a solid wood mount screwed to a wall - worked great
Two of my favorites are the Dual CS-5000(I have 3), and my Dual CS-7000 Golden One. Rock solid speed, quiet, and gentle with vinyl. The only maintenance I have ever done is some light lubrication and belt replacement.
Even though I would not buy a good looking turntable that performed The Look and quality of 70's is SOOOO GOOD that it is is Easy to get a Shower that also has it where it counts all my Favorite Turntable are from the 70's and they have Never let me down and look GOOD while doing it
Great turntables! I follow “my own devices” as well, David takes his turntables seriously!
Amazing packaging on that 929!
Sansui is one my favorite stereo brands.
Great video!
Thank you!
The 2 turntables I really loved using are the Kenwood KD-750 and the Sansui SR-717
Dual CS-5000 is the semi-auto that I have. I haven't had many to compare with, but sounds great to me.
My vote is for the Technics sl1700-mk2. I’m the original owner. Aside from replacing the belt used for the return mechanism, which was an easy repair, it’s been perfect. My original cart was a Stanton 681eee-s.
Cheers!
In 79 I bought a Kenwood Synthetic Marble turn table and I remember the sticker price - $325 CAN. I had a Shure cartridge on it with a sticker price of $169 CAN. It had commercial grade Acoustic feet and I could not induce record rumble no matter how hard I tried/put a 5 ft crack in a living room picture window and could easily move a solid oak coffee table across the carpet. I had ESS 3B studio monitor towers with two 12 inch woofers - 1 active and one passive - lower frequency response was 30 db/+ - 3 db. Getting down that low at high volume would actually feel one's internal organs being shaken around pretty good. I don't remember the model # though. Forgot, the Kenwood came in at 35 pounds
Those Sansui's sure are good lookers👍 - 👍
I need to stop watching these. I want one now! Still listening to my 1979 Dual 1257. Runs fine and sounds good after the amp recap. Thanks for another great video.
I agree that looks do play a very important part of owning a turntable or any stereo equipment because you have to be the one who looks at it. It has to be aesthetically pleasing in your space.
i prefer good sound and if you notice those 7.000€ plus turntables look more like a cooking pot than a turntable and sound amazing, and it´s my next buy a transrotor turntable, but not spending more than 5.000€ maybe a second hand working perfect
Here you go. My favorite semi-automatic turntable is the Technics SL-1400 the Mark I version not the Mark II. I just put mine back in a secondary system after being fully serviced and new rca, ground wire installed. Solid and a quality build all around.
According to the 2002 Orion Blue Book, the SR-838 was $440 and the SR-929 was $530 list price.
Owned the SR-838 for over 40 years , been a very good table. Have had a few tables , the Sansui was always my favorite. Have a Rega PL 3 , quality is lacking , but sounds nice.
Very nice!
In the fall of 1977 Sansui 838 MSRP w/ADC XLM II $520, the 929 w/ADC XLM II was $600. Street prices were much less at $300 and $350 respectively. The Pioneer PL-570 MSRP was $400 with their PC-550E/II cart but you could pick it up for $280. The KD-5070 came in for 1978 and was a bargain. MSRP was $260 less a cartridge. The Shure V15 Type IV were popular carts for them. MSRP on them was around $150 but you could get them for $110.
In those days stuff was bundled so much it is hard to research the prices. As you know the tables were paired with carts and sold for one price, many times with the "for a penny" hook. They would try to upsell you to a better cart or table with a certain receiver and speakers. I was fascinated with the whole scene. In our town of about 50k people we had no less than four independent stereo shops. Add to this a Radio Shack and the department stores and there was something for everyone.
As for my Sansui 838 I salvaged it for free from an e-waste pile at Habitat thrift store about fifteen years ago. It was without a cartridge and the dust cover was broken so they were going to trash it as unsaleable. I'm glad I kept it out of the landfill.
My favorite semi-automatic turntable is Marantz 6100. Congrats for your channel, very nice. Regards Marcelo from Brazil
Thank you very much!
Yamaha YP-D6 for semi-auto turntable. Though it was not considered Yamaha's top of the line, its simplicity, usability, and beauty makes it a personal favorite.
Michael Brokloff
Great video as usual. The only turntable I have owned is a Luxman PD-264 with an AKG P10ED cartridge. Purchased in 1981 with my Luxman L-5 amp, Luxman T-1 tuner and psb passif II speakers. Kevin did a great job at cleaning my amp, turntable and refoamimg the speakers. The system sounds GREAT. Kevin changed out the cartridge to a Grado Red3 and I am Happy with my vintage turntable and vintage system.
I'm HAPPY and isn't that the main reason we listen to music!
Thanks for sharing!
My first turntable was a semi-automatic Sansui SR-212, which I bought new in the very early 1970s. It functioned flawlessly but I decided to upgrade to a Harman/Kardon Rabco ST-7 with linear tracking tonearm. It was also semi-automatic. The Sansui was set it and forget it, while the H/K was a bit finicky. At least H/K included the technician's manual, so you could do all the adjustments and repairs yourself. The H/K was also a real conversation piece in it's day. In the end, after all these years, I can't honestly say which I preferred. I never regretted buying the H-K but I also remember wishing I could have kept both. So, I guess I'd have to call it a wash.
The Sansui SR636 gets daily play....looks and sound as good as big brothers.....keeper
As far as semi auto, my favorite of the ones I’ve owned is a Pioneer PL-115D. I just bought a Dual 1219, but it’s on its way to Bill at Fix My Dual, but I’m really looking forward to playing it when it gets back. Loved the video. You know back in the day, for some reason Sansui didn’t get a lot of traction or attention in my locale, but now I really appreciate their style and quality. Great, fun video, Kevin.
it´s a great turntable the PL-15D ,i´m still waiting for him to go bad,it was my second turntable after the PL-43 also from pioneer, also have a Dual 1224 from my grandmother dual system that came with a shure cartridge and stylus still working today ,fully automatic with great sound
I’ve got a Dual as well. Mine’s a 1219.
Sansui is among the few vintage turntables that I havent owned and am not very familiar with.
I LOVE the look of these two Sansui.
Thanks for another great video Kevin..
I don't recall ever seeing many Sansui turntables back in the day, but what you just showed here look really nice !
The turntable I've always had since 1978 and swear by is the.. Technics SL 220 with a Audio-Technica cartridge...
Inexpensive, no thrills and plays records beautifully....
I have been using a Soundesign 6620. It’s been working great. Thank you for your videos and podcasts. I have learned a lot!
Great to hear!
Love the Sansui stuff. I have a Pioneer PL-540 and really like it. It was gifted to me by a dear friend in need of some reconditioning. I had it gone through by Magnetic Tape Recorder in Louisville. It works great and sounds really good. There is just something satisfying about the sound of the arm returning at the end of the record. So put me down as a vote for the PL-540.
Ric
Tennessee
Wow, didn't know about those turntables. They're great! And the packaging looks like how the Japanese would package a turntable, and that is a great compliment!
And I've actually never owned a semi automatic. Manual only.. Boring but reliable..
Good points, exactly like I think. I own a SR929 with ortophon 2M blue too, cabinet rebuilt in MDF blackpiano finishing, and lose the lettering of course. The feet of mine were loose so I found some solid rubber cones anti-vibration pods with a sphere on top, that fits in the original feet holes. But the most important upgrade done were the wiring replacement by Cardas Pure Silver deleting the RCA plate, so the wiring go straight from the cartridge to the preamp, that really provides a way better sound fidelity. Very nice gear, underrated on the eBay in my opinion.
Perfect packing by all means
Awesome turntables and great video! I think that turntables are works of art, it's the vinyl that sucks. I packed my Pioneer table away back in 1985 when I received a CD player for my birthday. I sold most of my vinyl and bought CDs. I've been subbed to My Own Devices for quite a long time.
I have no semi automatic TTs, only manual and fully automatic. But I am a Dual fan so the Dual 704 is something I would like. I believe it is the semi automatic version of the 721 witch makes it a safe bet. Just for the fun, the following entry does not stand a chance. This semi automatic (or rather auto stop) is the Philips 212. Over in Europe it has a bit of a cult status. It only stops the platter. But the nice thing is that it uses an optical sensor to trigger the stop. The gig is that in doing so it has the mechanical simplicity of a fully manual TT. That is good for sound but it does not guarantee you get no electronic gremlins. They also have electronic touch buttons, which I think is a good idea on a TT. And they have Germanium transistors inside, but as far as I know the actual mechanical power switch is the weak link which is a classic for Philips. I believe the almost identical 312 was a real semi auto, but it is the 212 that has the cult status for all that it is worth.
My favorite semi-automatic turntable is the Pioneer PL-518. I picked it up at a garage sale for $7 back in 1991 when I first moved from West Des Moines to St. Louis and it has been my daily driver ever since. I’m sure there are better decks (he’ll, alive got a Denon DP-1200 in my basement setup that’s probably better) but the nostalgia is strong with the 518. Can’t wait to see your results. Cheers.
I have a Sansui P50(made in the Gokdrn Era)For a basic no frills belt driven turntable with a plastic “plinth” it’s fantastic.
That packaging reminded me of my Kenwood 7010 when it arrived. Not as tall but way wider. Heck, I even made a cardboard car for my kid from the outer box. But it came basically ready to go, I had sent my cartridge ahead and it came all set up and aligned. Did have to adjust the counterweight a little because even with all the measures taken to prevent anything from moving it did a little. It is a big beast too (19" wide) coming at around 30lbs.
Those Sansuis are pretty cool though.
And if you had any doubts about making those videos, there you have it, it helped you find one of these beauties.
PS: and yes, Dave is a pretty chill guy and his videos are interesting.
Did you buy it from Capt Mark?
@@paulv22 yes indeed
@@brunohebert1351 Nice. I have a KP-990 bought from him, and a Pioneer PL-50L II which he refurbed, but I bought it from someone who bought from him. Great service.
Very cool. Of these two, I think I would go for an 838.
Love my 838. I use an Audio Technica At440mla cartridge on mine. Sounds sweet.
I've got a SR-333 with a Technics 270c. I love it so these must be fantastic.
Kevin, great intro to the Sansui TT, though they don’t get mentioned much on sites like vinylengine, I’m sure they are great to own. I already submitted my choice on your last post, but I was pleased that we agree on the Denon DL- 160 cartridge. As you reveal your favorites, I think we have similar tastes in hardware. I think you mentioned the Denon DL-301 MK II cartridge which I also cycle into my listening sessions is another less-known cartridge. I did have to invest in a preamp for that cartridge and found it (Denon DL 301) to be a great purchase. I hear new sounds with this cartridge that forces me to revisit some vinyl that I have set aside and now they are entirely different. Thanks for the journey.
Love the Denon carts- very reasonably priced as well, IMO
I have a Yamaha YP-D8 it is about 45 lbs. with a Goldring G1012GX cart.
Sounds amazing
A truly "Learning Moment" installment. Ashamedly, I did not know that Sansui even made tables. I know we did not sell them at Franklin Music. Both of the examples you showed are gorgeous. The piano black finish looks flawless, and I would almost be afraid I might leave a fingerprint during use. Stunning table. I'm going to have to guess that one of the "Buckhead" Atlanta shops sold Sansui, but given the clientele of the Lenox area of Atlanta, I am sad that I never got a chance to see one of these beauties until now. Thank You. Yeah, the packaging was pretty amazing. Go Home Depot !!
Thanks, Rip!
I’m a sucker for a good looking turn table. I purchased both my TP 600 SA Sanyo and the Rotel RP 3000 on esthetics. The sound is fantastic on both. The Sanyo is semi automatic and the Rotel fully manual. Love them both. Although not as pretty but a great workhorse is my TP 1020 Sanyo. Enjoyed your video.
I’ve got a 929 that I found at a goodwill. It’s a beautiful thing but needs to go in for service. I’m ready to put it into service
The SR-929 looks gorgeous,
As someone who worked on the Death Star project for Vader I can confirm that his favourite band is Motorhead.
Lol, "killed by death"
Rega Planar 3. Been around for 50 years and still going strong.
These sound like nice tables. However I love 10 Dual tables, including the 1229
Favorite semi-automatic TT: Technics SL-1401
I have two favorite semi-auto turntables:
Yamaha YP-701
Marantz 6350Q
The Yamaha is belt drive and looks amazing IMO. It has a solid cast aluminum chassis with individually suspended platter and motor. The all-metal tonearm is suspended with the platter like an AR or Thorens. Overall, it both looks somewhat minimalist but also sophisticated, and it does it's job as a turntable as well as any other I've used.
The Marantz has the wonderful 6300 series look, but adds quartz lock and auto shut off so you can have the looks and the convenience of a semi auto table too! The strobe dots are also wonderfully positioned behind a lens that is viewed next to the platter so you don't have a visible bump for the strobe light itself.
yes on YP 701, not sure where it landed over 20 years ago during my travels, however i have its replacement safely in my Speakeasy lounge and its staying put this time....great table as you indicated, looks and sound..which cartridge for yours?
@@recalcitrantone I'm actually trying to figure out which cartridge I want on it now. I recently got a good deal on an Ortofon OM30 so I'm trying that out. I've liked the sound of my Stanton DE680EE on the table. But I think I'm ultimately going to fall back to the Shure M97XE. Looking to get a V15V someday, though. And a JICO SAS someday, too. Even if I really like the table and have no plans to change it, I'm not immune to fiddling with the rest of the setup haha.
@@AerFixus me too....I am trying goldring e3; shure m91Ed..
@@recalcitrantone I haven't tried an M91ED on it yet. You are giving me ideas. I have one I could try...
@@AerFixus I would be interested in your thoughts...I thought i would have time today, but maybe tomorrow...
Only had one semi auto a Technics SL-Q2. Quarts locked DD. Think they come in around 15 Lb. Can be had cheap, are work horses and easy to repair. Not much in the looks department ha. Had one I picked up cheap. Sold it a year ago in prep for a multi state move. Should’ve kept it.
Would love to see a video on the Technics broadcast based TT’s, SP-10 SP15. I think others as well maybe a 20, 25??
My favorite cartridges, hands down, are the Shure V 15 Type III, #2 would be the M95 ED (shure)
I picked up my SR 838 for $40 several years ago. It's a lovely machine, and I love the piano black color. Just wish the tone arm holder wasn't so fiddly.
Garrard 401 SME armed up works well for me, along side a audio technica AT LP 1240 for playing with 🌚
Wish you would show the action on these tables. I have several tables now including a sansui that I bought just to go with my ca/ba 2000 amps. I was blown away by how slow and gentle the arm drops. I could make a sandwich. I own a Pioneer that is so clunky ,it’s like a jet landing-on a carrier. I miss myKenwood KP 5022. Darth likes “ Staying Alive” BeeGees.cheers.
I picked up a SR838 off eBay recently for $120 shipping included with minor issues like missing platter mat, headshell, dust cover and the line link for the anti-skate, I think people were scared to bid cause the counter weight pig tail was off it... though included.
Darth Vader's favorite composers are Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Wagner. He also likes some modern music like Tangerine Dream.
Of course Tony Montana listens to J J Cale's "Cocaine"
Grace F9 ,Safire Cantiliver, Hyper Eliptical Nude stylus a dream cart
the best of all from known brands is the SP-10 or following models ,i own a SP-1 and it´s already a incredible good turntable all personalized or the SL-1000, MKII or the R ,this from Technics off course, in the 80´s i bought a beautifull PL-707 from Pioneer ,it sounded incredible good but didn´t arrive to the 90´s where i was using a 74 Pioneer ,the PL-15D other great model ,any 72 model from pioneer beats the new Pro-ject turntables by far this with prices around 1.000€ ,i have to say that a older friend of mine bought a Pro-Ject and it sounded good i was amazed but when he tells me that between the turntable and the cartridge he spent 14.000€ ,Having some of the best turntables ever made.Well, he can
Also, maybe David should do a how to video on packing.
I did! A while back.
Great video!
And..Darth Vader probably take Yamaha PX-2 :-)
I have a Sansui XR-Q9. It is fully automatic and it is beautiful. The design for the automatic function is the most ridiculous of any I have seen. Check out 12voltvids: XR-Q9 Turntable from Hell! I could really use some guidance converting it to manual.
I also have a Kenwood KD 5070. Great turntable, but mine sporadically looses speed. I need to do some work.
My heaviest turntable is a Sota Sapphire I at 44 lbs. Still trying to get it running.
Two of my favorite semi-automatic turntables:
Harman/Kardon T65C and Philips GA-312. They both have a very cool aesthetic and pretty stable.
The Pioneer PL-518 and Technics SL-1700 MK I are solid performers, but not nearly as interesting.
Subbed at MOD. Good channel. Thanks for giving him exposure. Nice turntables! 👍
The Kenwood 5070 is Manuel and automatic 🤘
:: awesome. love my xp-99
My favorite semi auto turntable SONY PS X4
I grew up with a Miracord and always lusted after Dual but always liked the look of these and Micro Sekei (sp)? Now i want an 828. nawww I would still like to have a Dual 12xx with a Stanton 681EE
why not both?
Grado is my go to brand ,today but starting on the wooden cartridge and stylus (one piece),the v15 from shure was great , the ortofon quintect S is ok and also the 2mLVB from Ortofon ,the Cadenza black it´s far better but not for my pocket or the hana ML or MH, i only got them because a rich friend of mine ofered me all of them, including a Pro-Ject xpression i think ,that i told him that i was very thankfull but i would sell it and he has a technics SL-1200 stoped for years ,i told him if he could instead give me the technics he appeared in my home with the SL-1200 and a SL-1500 and told me ,if you prefer them ,i will never use them again and i kept the two old technics ,the Pro-Ject was very bad compared to the ones i already had, i just remenbered now two of the best turntables of the 70´s weren´t refered, the PLC-590 and the PL-530/40 from Pioneer, 79 model, plinth in cast iron and a vu meter type with the needle to assure the correct speed having also the stroboscope, the same VU meter type needle for the correct speed in the PLC-590 a kind of SP-1 for Pioneer ,series 20 from 76 or earlier
Brilliant! Turntables. No component of a complete and proper Hi-Fi setup is sexier than the turntable. It has a very simple job to do which, ironically, has nothing to do with creating sound. It must spin its platter at a specific rate and at a consistency only just finer than our brains can detect "woOOow" and "fluh uh uh uh tter". That should also show how the idea that you shouldn't pay more for the cartridge than you payed for the TT is misguided.
Shipping nightmare preventative measure #1. The Five-Foot Drop Test. If you feel fully comfortable with the thought of dropping to the ground the packaged up TT from 5 feet , then it's probably safe. 😊
It very nice
My vote goes to the technics SL-D2. I bought one new in 1978 cost $178 plus tax w/o cartridge. About a month ago for the first time I cleaned it and added couple of drops of oil and still works and looks just like it didn't 1978 couldn't be happier with it , I'll have it until I die. Does everything a turntable should do turns at the right speed. And tracks the cartridge. Added benefit if I doze off now at my age it returns the tonearm. and turns itself off. What else you want?.
Late to the discussion here. What would be the late 80s Sansui to have..? I have a Sansui AU-X 711, and would like to match it in style. My amp has the new Sansui logo so that is a must...
Wow!
Thorens 145 o think Mk Ii probsbly a ortofon blue would go nicely on it. It’s my dream turntable for now
Oh I do agree it’s about looks ..the 929 looks sharp…it reminds me of my Denon DP 64f cept mine is full auto…the Japanese back in the “Golden Era” of HiFi borrowed design cues from each other..oh and it pisses me off that Shure shut down their cartridge biz
Agree. Right at the revival of turntables too. Odd choice by Shure
Technics SL-D2 gets my vote.
I’m using the 838 with a DL-110 and a record clamp that is wide enough to block the cartridge from hitting the label if I’m distracted. So it’s a safeguard to the manual return. Doesn’t bother me one bit. Paired with the IFi Zen Phono 2 using balanced output. The TT is stock except for the cartridge and cartridge wires. But I might look into new feet one day. Any suggestions?
Darf Vader would listen to credence clear water's "Bad Moon Rising "
Toca disco bonito 😊
Lol Darth Vader would definitely have the Imperal March on Repeat
I have a Sansui P-L40. A low end linear tracking model. I got it for free and put some work into it. Not worth very much. I rarely use it. I have a KD-2055. It is pretty nice.
Dual CS 5000. (or 7000 to go with your piano black table)
I have the Sansui SR-838, bought it with a faulty switch, from my research seems like that was an issue with the 838, is that true. I have not fixed the switch but it is on my to do list. I had to replace the feet, the harden rubber was badly cracked. It is solid and silent just as you said, it hardly gets much playing time because of the fully manual aspect... It's auto compatriots Pioneer Pl 630, Denon 47F get more attention but yes the Sansui is great "eye candy", excellent build, and firm on placement...
Mady by CEC! :-)
Try a Picering. XUV4500Q cartridge
those turntables that absorve any vibration are more recent never had that problem but 70´s turntables came with feet made of rubber with suspenctions also the turntable it self had suspenctions and isolated from factory ,and direct drive engines making noises that are heard in the music only in the 80´s cheapest turntables ,mine with a lot of heavy use direct drive with quartz engine till today i don´t hear a sound coming from them i can tap on the plinth and hear nothing ,try to do that in a modern turntable
If you are going to purchase a manual table..I would go with a Thornes and/or Linn.
At least they are easy to fix and "upgrade-able". Including tonearms.
"Darth Fader" would probably own an "Empire" table.
Tony Montana would probably own a SOTA with an SME-V18 tonearm.
LOL, good call on the Empire!
My old black lab would like to know what you’re doing with all that bubble wrap….😂
Lol
JVC QL-A7
Please give an approximation of that shipping cost: distance and shipper, please! And Happy Father's Day!
Its been a few months but I think it was $120 from Florida to Iowa
@@skylabsaudio That is very reasonable for peace of mind, thanks.
Pioneer pl71 Manual AT 95E cartridge.
I have a Sr 525. Got it at a thrift store for 12$. Much prefer manual turntables.
Denon 59L
Darth Vader has no need for an automatic turntable. He can use the force to move the tonearm.
Darth must be listening to the first 5 BLack sabbaTH LPs😮😮😮
LOL- didnt think of that.