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Can an 881 sound better than an 8080?
- Thread starter quatsino
- Start date
xoaphexox
Supernatural Anesthetist
The AU-9500 is designed very differently than the 881. In my opinion they don't sound the same either. That said, though, I would never get rid of either. I sold a modern digital surround receiver in favor of downgrading to 2-channel and using my 881 because it sounded so much better.
In my opinion, the AU-9500 outclasses and outperforms the 881, but the 881 has a 'heavier' 'fuller' sound to it. Several times in this forum I have read that the AU-9500 is the most tube-like sounding Sansui SS amp, but I have not had the fortune of hearing a tube amp yet.
FWIW, both the 881 and the AU-9500 I listened to were recapped with Panasonic FC/Vishay Roederstein
The 881 still seems to be the best bang-for-buck TOTL Sansui out there, costing about 1/4 of what the AU-9500 is going for lately.
In my opinion, the AU-9500 outclasses and outperforms the 881, but the 881 has a 'heavier' 'fuller' sound to it. Several times in this forum I have read that the AU-9500 is the most tube-like sounding Sansui SS amp, but I have not had the fortune of hearing a tube amp yet.
FWIW, both the 881 and the AU-9500 I listened to were recapped with Panasonic FC/Vishay Roederstein
The 881 still seems to be the best bang-for-buck TOTL Sansui out there, costing about 1/4 of what the AU-9500 is going for lately.
Thanks alot for the review. I am currently exploring both ends of the Sansui spectrum, from the pre-AU-XX00 series to the post AU-X17 series. I have never heard either a 9500 or a 919 but am interested in the experience....as well as a D11II (I have owned a D9...beautiful sound but I am partial to loudness buttons). Problem I have experienced is if you slightly overpay for something like a D11 it's tough to be made whole if you decide to sell. But I digress.....
xoaphexox
Supernatural Anesthetist
If you are partial to loudness buttons then you will not want to look at the AU-919. Although, loudness has a set level for both bass and treble that can also be set manually. +8dB bass, +6dB treble would be the equivalent of pushing in the loudness button if my memory serves me.
If I had to choose between a 9500 and a 919, I would pick the 9500 for looks and the 919 for sound.
If I had to choose between a 9500 and a 919, I would pick the 9500 for looks and the 919 for sound.
Duffinator
Spin The Black Circle
Like X just said no loudness button on the AU-919. That didn't stop me and I'm very pleased with the sound quality. One feature the 919 does have is an input for a MC cart which was important to me. From what I've seen, heard, and read, you are on the right track looking at the 919, D11, and D11II. The 919 was the first series to have an input for the MC cart and both the D11 and D11II have them.
nosirrah
RIP 11-19-2019
8080 vs 881
Ok, here ya go....
I have both the 8080 and 881, I have several in each series of receivers, 7070,9090,5050, and 990. Also have 661,881, gave away a 771 annd regret it.
All are excellent, however, the 881 has that warm fullness in tonal quality most notable in the AU 7500, 9500 integrated amp series, I think if I A/B tested the 881 versus the AU 7500 it would be hard to tell the differance using cdp as source.
I think the 8080 has warmth as well, but it doesn't play as "fat" at the lower volume settings as the 881, the tuner section on the 8080 performs better, the flywheel tuner is smoother to me. I listen to a lot of FM.
When more power is needed the 8080 is better.
The 881 has real walnut veneer case, 8080 crappy simulated wood grain vinyl.
The 881 vent strips on the case are commonly broken, it's a steel grill on the 8080. The 881 knobs are nicer. the tuner needle doesn't light up on the 881.
They are different and if I could only have 1 receiver between the 2, the 8080 narrowly wins.
Casey
Ok, here ya go....
I have both the 8080 and 881, I have several in each series of receivers, 7070,9090,5050, and 990. Also have 661,881, gave away a 771 annd regret it.
All are excellent, however, the 881 has that warm fullness in tonal quality most notable in the AU 7500, 9500 integrated amp series, I think if I A/B tested the 881 versus the AU 7500 it would be hard to tell the differance using cdp as source.
I think the 8080 has warmth as well, but it doesn't play as "fat" at the lower volume settings as the 881, the tuner section on the 8080 performs better, the flywheel tuner is smoother to me. I listen to a lot of FM.
When more power is needed the 8080 is better.
The 881 has real walnut veneer case, 8080 crappy simulated wood grain vinyl.
The 881 vent strips on the case are commonly broken, it's a steel grill on the 8080. The 881 knobs are nicer. the tuner needle doesn't light up on the 881.
They are different and if I could only have 1 receiver between the 2, the 8080 narrowly wins.
Casey
bordeno
Super Member
The comparison between the 881 and 8080 discussed here seems analogous to the difference I hear between my Sony STR-7065 and Yamaha CR-1020. I love both receivers, for different reasons; I'm not parting with either so don't ask me which I prefer. The Sony has the mellower, warmer if you will, martini-like sound while the Yamaha has a cleaner, more natural sound with less distortion - ever so slightly so. The tuner in the Sony is significantly better, but I love the looks and elegance of the Yamaha.
I've never heard an 881 but I did have a 7070 and probably shouldn't have parted with it.
They're all nice, its just personal preference. But this thread is making me sort of want to get an 881. They go for a song on eBay...
I've never heard an 881 but I did have a 7070 and probably shouldn't have parted with it.
They're all nice, its just personal preference. But this thread is making me sort of want to get an 881. They go for a song on eBay...
reggaenaut
Addicted Member
Very helpful:much appreciated. Thanks.
TheAnalogman
Tell me about it.
I wish I could specifically reply about the 8080, but my 1 cent opinion is my 661 blows away my 5000X. I was stunned when I first hooked up the 661.
cfranz
That's my boy
Have had an 881 and 9090 and 9090db. Prefered my 881. My sister won't give it back, I may have to hurt her.
I've been mentioning this (the 881 as a top, relatively low cost tuner) in several places recently.
There is/was one on E-Prey for $130 includes shipping. My wife would kill me but it really should go to a good home.
I've been mentioning this (the 881 as a top, relatively low cost tuner) in several places recently.
There is/was one on E-Prey for $130 includes shipping. My wife would kill me but it really should go to a good home.
MilanBogovac
New Member
I have 221 since I was born. Father bought it in USA in '77.
Lot of amplifiers including Sansui (Au517, 317mk2, G4700) Yamaha theatre, some Sonies, Pioneer, lot of NADs, and recently Cambridge Audio CXA60. All great stuff but non of them can't compare with Sansui, and non of the Sansui can't compare with 221...until recently when I acquired Sansui 771.
It is same sound signature as 221, but much deeper, more detailed, more involved. Bass is amazing. Little 221 has real punch but this 771 is like subwoofer powered. But without headache heaviness like from big subs.
I'm aiming now for the 881, because I heard that it is even better than the 771. I just can't imagine better sound because sound of 771 is just amazing. I really didn't heard anything better in my life and I heard a lot of things.
Milan
Lot of amplifiers including Sansui (Au517, 317mk2, G4700) Yamaha theatre, some Sonies, Pioneer, lot of NADs, and recently Cambridge Audio CXA60. All great stuff but non of them can't compare with Sansui, and non of the Sansui can't compare with 221...until recently when I acquired Sansui 771.
It is same sound signature as 221, but much deeper, more detailed, more involved. Bass is amazing. Little 221 has real punch but this 771 is like subwoofer powered. But without headache heaviness like from big subs.
I'm aiming now for the 881, because I heard that it is even better than the 771. I just can't imagine better sound because sound of 771 is just amazing. I really didn't heard anything better in my life and I heard a lot of things.
Milan
Scott Muni
Well-Known Member
I have a 9090DB, AU717, AU555A and a mighty mouse 331. If I had to sell off the equipment, the 331 would be the last one to go.
Amazing sound for a measly 12 watt STK module.
Amazing sound for a measly 12 watt STK module.
SimplerTimes
Super Member
I agree. I almost turned down buying my 881 for that very reason. But it was such a good price I went for it anyway. Glad I did as it sounds better than my G-6000. In fact, it is actually the best sounding 60 watt receiver I have ever heard…
SimplerTimes
Super Member
The 881 is even better than the 771. I’ve had both and will attest…
MilanBogovac
New Member
I wonder what will be your impressions
I bought the 771 three months ago and can fully confirm your statement. The sound is indescribably good; I've never heard anything better. I can't imagine anything better. The 881 should sound just like the 771, but out of pure curiosity, I'm going to buy the 881 and test it with a switch. There's no need to buy an 8080 or 9090, as the 771 and 881 are the best receivers in the world. I own the best speakers in the world, the Elac Reference DBR 62; the sound is simply unsurpassed. Even the Sansui G22000 and G33000 can't compete; they're just loud. Best regards from Germany
You might get differing opinions on your selections, but I'm glad you've found nirvana with your selections!
I've owned several Sansui receivers over the years and they all bring their own distinctive sound to the table (771, 881, 7000, 7070, 8080, 890, 990, 9090db, G-8000). I enjoyed them all, but I liked the 7000 the best out of all of them. It's currently the only Sansui remaining in my stable.
Welcome to AK!!
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