Just picked up one of these bad boys. One word... Wow!
This thing is sweeeet! I was expecting comparable performance to my other regulars. The likes of... Yamaha CR-2040, Marantz 2330B, Pioneer SX-1080. One quick listening session is all it really took to rate this one pretty much top of the heap. Don't get me wrong they are all very good but this one I think is special. :yes:
If I had to describe it somehow, I would say it is the best of what the 2330B and the Yamaha 2040 have to offer.
Dead smack in the middle of them tonally.
Not too bright, not too mellow. Just the right amount of liveliness mixed with warmth. Images like crazy!
I thought it was going to be pretty hard to beat the Marantz :nono: well...:scratch2: I think it met its match!

This girl is definitely a keeper for me. My original thought was to sell it. Paid only $100 for it. But she's staying with me.
The condition is excellent except for some flaws in the wooden case.
Can anyone recommend someone who is good at redoing the case for this thing? I don't know maybe it just might need refinishing. I could trade some cool vintage gear for the service :scratch2: :D I'll post some pics tomorrow. The metal and the knobs are perfect... not a scratch.
Funny I use to own an 8080db before but I never remember it sounding this good. Wonder if there is a difference internally with parts.

Great find.I picked one up recently and compared it to a luxman R-117.Very close and the lux is from what i gather, one of the best receivers out there.Definitely a keeper.

Funny I use to own an 8080db before but I never remember it sounding this good. Wonder if there is a difference internally with parts.
There is almost no difference internally between the 8080DB and the 9090DB. The 9090DB has a larger transformer, 4 more output transistors and tone turnover/defeat switches. Other than that they are identical internally.

Whats wrong with case?

- Pete

I suppose I am picking nits.... but the main power capacitors are also larger on the 9090DB aren't they?

No, both the 8080DB and 9090DB use 12,000uf main filter caps. The voltage value is higher for the 9090DB but the capacitiy is identical. The 9090/8080 series use significantly smaller caps, 6,800uf.

Other than power output, the 8080DB and 9090DB have identical technical specifications.

- Pete

Thanks for setting the record straight Pete! :thmbsp:

I think I knew that once upon a time; must be having another brain cramp.

Congrats, the 9090DB is definately a fine receiver. Glad you are enjoying yours. Next up, I see a big G in your future..:scratch2:

Here are some pictures of the new baby.
I took some of some of the blemishes on the wood case.
Maybe I'm being too picky but I like to get me stuff as mint as I possibly can.
The face and knobs are outstanding.
Any recommendations on how to refinish the cab would help.

Couple more...

There is almost no difference internally between the 8080DB and the 9090DB. The 9090DB has a larger transformer, 4 more output transistors and tone turnover/defeat switches. Other than that they are identical internally.

Whats wrong with case?

- Pete
Pete, thanks for the clarification.
I don't know why the 9090db sounds better to my ears than the 8080db did :scratch2: I wonder could it be that the tone defeat on the 9090db makes it sound cleaner?
Anyway... you can see in the pics the blemishes on the case.

Pete, thanks for the clarification.
I don't know why the 9090db sounds better to my ears than the 8080db did :scratch2: I wonder could it be that the tone defeat on the 9090db makes it sound cleaner?

It is entirely possible that much of this can be attributed to the units "aging" or deteriorating at different rates units over their 30 year life-span.

What he said ^. If anything the added complecation of the turnover/defeat switches will more likely deteriorate the sound quality as they age.

- Pete