Watching the meters dance - the formidable Sansui B-2301L (for Luxury) power amp

I think the L suffix meaning limited is being assumed. It would inarguably make some sense that it does mean that, but then Sansui also did models with the word "limited" specifically in the model name, so maybe it isn't just that simple. Previous applications of the L suffix on a model number were typically found on receivers and tuners that had multi-band (beyond AM/FM) tuning capability. So, it's meaning appears context dependent, and not consistent over time, by any means.
 
honestly I was afraid to ask what the "L" stood for

That's a good one about the tuners ( 600L ) I forgot about them
 
There were numerous other models of receivers and tuners (often existing models modified to add a 3rd or even 4th band) sold in some markets, like Europe, where long wave radio was still commonly in use at the time (that being late 1960's through 1970's).

Sansui's use of L as a suffix on an amplifier (to designate an upgraded of updated version of an existing model) was first seen with the B-2301 (and 2201), so far as I know. Prior to that, suffixes like A or X were commonly to designate an updated model,.and used primarily in the early to mid 70's. The Roman numeral II saw some use in the mid to late 70's, and early 80's. Then there were "MR", "NRA" and "extra" which saw use in the 80's and 90's, as well as "MOS", but the latter was clearly self explanatory.

There was an overall lack of consistency in how Sansui approached these model naming conventions, but I guess over time it didn't really matter to them. It is one of those esoteric points that brand fanatics like myself like to debate and speculate on, and I really I'm probably overthinking and belaboring this trying to make sense out of it to begin with.
 
I have not read anywhere that the L stands for Limited. That is an assumption based on the other amps (and at least one LTD CD player) that were short run premium versions of an existing TOTL amp like the AU-a907XR / AU-a907 Limited. I did read somewhere the L described as standing fur Luxury, which is how it ended up in the thread title.

I just ordered the B-2301L factory brochure and a few Japanese magazines that reviewed the B-2301L at the time. So we’ll have some facts and period perspectives soon.
 
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Despite all the copper, I can confirm that the “wood” side panels are not wood. Nor do they have wood veneer on them. They are particle board wrapped in printed paper. This is then coated with a what I can only imagine is plastic or epoxy (I’m gonna guess plastic). Whatever it is, it is impervious to an oil based stripper. So there is no question of stripping and refinishing these. They will need full replacement. I think I’m just going to attempt a basic piano black.

IMG_4434.jpeg
 
JimEGR said:
I just ordered the B-2301L factory brochure and few Japanese magazines that reviewed the B-2301L at the time. So we’ll have some facts a period perspectives soon.
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that will be interesting!

I think the designer of the B2301 might have been gone from Sansui by the time the B2301L came out, or it was right around when he was leaving. I believe he was the one who coined "Limited" for AU-D907.

The "Decade" models were special editions of the integrateds, with upgraded power transformers. I wonder if that coincided with the 2301L production timeline?
 
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Plimpington2 said:
Despite all the copper, I can confirm that the “wood” side panels are not wood. Nor do they have wood veneer on them. They are particle board wrapped in printed paper. This is then coated with a what I can only imagine is plastic or epoxy (I’m gonna guess plastic). Whatever it is, it is impervious to an oil based stripper. So there is no question of stripping and refinishing these. They will need full replacement. I think I’m just going to attempt a basic piano black.

View attachment 3713553
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You could also probably find a gloss vinyl shrink wrap that looks similar. Wrong color but this is the idea -

Screenshot 2026-03-05 at 8.44.05 AM.png
 
JimEGR said:
Those weren’t special or limited editions, they were new models in the Alpha line.
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I'm aware of that, and was just adding those to the list of suffixes appended to model numbers. The only truly limited editions were those marked with the word "limited" and/or specifically marketed as such. I'll be curious to see if the JDM brochure you have coming for to the 2301L denotes it as a limited run of a set number for units (as with models like the B-209 or AU-111 vintage).

Of course, given the small production most of the late (after 1995) alpha series amps saw, they were effectively limited editions anyway. Making even two or three thousand of something barely qualifies as mass production, in my mind. Especially when one considers how many units Sansui made of a given model in their heydey, some probably exceeding 20,000 units made.
 
Sansuiman said:
I'm aware of that, and was just adding those to the list of suffixes appended to model numbers. The only truly limited editions were those marked with the word "limited" and/or specifically marketed as such. I'll be curious to see if the JDM brochure you have coming for to the 2301L denotes it as a limited run of a set number for units (as with models like the B-209 or AU-111 vintage).

Of course, given the small production most of the late (after 1995) alpha series amps saw, they were effectively limited editions anyway. Making even two or three thousand of something barely qualifies as mass production, in my mind. Especially when one considers how many units Sansui made of a given model in their heydey, some probably exceeding 20,000 units made.
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So what does the KX suffix mean? I have one of these coming this weekend.
 
Plimpington2 said:
So what does the KX suffix mean? I have one of these coming this weekend.
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KX denotes a model change in the Alpha line. @Sansuiman is kind of muddying the waters here by mentioning the MR and NRA in the previous post. The discussion is around limited run or special models (like the B-2301L), which there have been many of over the years.

Here is the Alpha chronology that includes the KX model - also the limited and special runs which includes anniversary models

1986 AU-a907 180 watts (JDM)
1987 AU-a907i 160 watts (JDM)
1988 AU-a907 Extra - (JDM) likely not mass produced or sold commercially
1989 AU-a907L Extra 160 watts (JDM)
1989 AU-a999DG 95 watts (JDM)
1990 AU-a907DR 160 watts (JDM)
1992 AU-a907KX160 watts (JDM)
1993 AU-a907XR Series 160 watts (JDM)
1994 AU-a907 Limited 80 watts (JDM)
1995 AU-a907MR 160 watts (JDM)
1996 AU-07 Anniversary 90 watts (JDM)
1998 AU-a907NRA 160 watts (JDM)
1999 AU-a607 NRA ii 80 watts (JDM)
1999 AU-a607 MOS Limited 50 watts (JDM)
 
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I mentioned the 607NRAii on page 4, Jim suggested I try one, I found one cheap, and bought it. Was more following up for Jim than adding to our C-2301 talk, sorry if that was unclear.

As for the paint, I'm not too concerned about it and confident enough in my ability to get it looking good again. Would rather buy that one known working but needing paint than the unknown functionality one that just sold on Yahoo.

I was considering a X-1111MOS Vintage but I bought a B-2102 MOS Vintage instead. Same exact amp but in power amp form instead of integrated so it should sound better with less going on inside. It's a shame the X-1111MOS is so beautiful though, cosmetically I prefer that one, but for performance reasons I wanted the power amp instead.
 
gammi said:
I mentioned the 607NRAii on page 4, Jim suggested I try one, I found one cheap, and bought it. Was more following up for Jim than adding to our C-2301 talk, sorry if that was unclear.

I was considering a X-1111MOS Vintage but I bought a B-2102 MOS Vintage instead. Same exact amp but in power amp form instead of integrated so it should sound better with less going on inside. It's a shame the X-1111MOS is so beautiful though, cosmetically I prefer that one, but for performance reasons I wanted the power amp instead.
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What pre you using?
 
Plimpington2 said:
What pre you using?
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Holo Audio Bliss.

It's technically a headphone amplifier but it can operate as a (very good) pre-amp as well. Measures extremely neutral and is a work of art inside.
Holo Bliss KTE Measurements - GoldenSound

Honestly I probably shouldn't buy the C-2301 and just use my Bliss but the collector part of me wants it to match my eventual B-2301.
And yes, it's strange our entire discussion about C-2301 (the pre-amp that goes with the B-2301 this thread is about) got deleted just because I mentioned price.
 

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Back to the B-2301L. There is very little on the web about this amp. Even here on AK there are only two other B-2301L threads besides this one. Fortunately both are very informative restoration threads by @Hyperion and @Bumpalump -

Bumpalump

Thread 'Sansui B-2301L / Sansui C-2301 restoration'

Hello, in this topic i will show you process of the restoration those separates, one of the best from past years, direct competition for the top of the line Technics, Sony, Accuphase
20230308_110946.jpg
We will start from power amplifier
20230308_112045.jpg
Some photo from the bottom
20230308_112310.jpg
1st I removed right power amp module, its really huge, also i like the connections design, everything can be easily disconnected
20230308_113001.jpg
Premium U-Con by-pass capacitors
20230308_113237.jpg
Really huge and solid emmiter resistors
20230308_113240.jpg
Will be lots of desoldering and soldering
20230308_113645.jpg
  • Like

Hyperion

Thread 'Sansui B-2301L - something to keep me busy?'

This beauty arrived yesterday - not mine, but belongs to another AK member who has asked me to give it the once over. Not quite sure how much I'll be doing to this yet, still learning where everything is, and assessing what might need attention. ;)

It isn't reported as being faulty, but there is no chance of me applying any power until I have given it a thorough look over. After that I'll be checking what I can with a multimeter, to make sure there are no nasty surprises at first power-on, which of course will be via DBT - further checks, and then a try on mains power.

This monster...
  • Like

Edit:

Looks like AK is having some issues right now. Those two links to AK threads are presenting differently - bump's showing a bunch of photos and hyperion's showing none - weird - I did not intend for that. I don't like these new thread link boxes either - too big and too busy.

I am also trying to post a link to a great B-2301L restoration on Amp8 website in Japan but AK keeps blocking the addition of that link.

I messaged the admin's about the issues. For anyone who hasn't seen it - web search for Amp8 then click on "Sansui" then click on "B-2301L. 7th unit".

Here is a screenshot of the page -
Screenshot 2026-03-07 at 2.30.49 PM.png
 
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JimEGR said:
Back to the B-2301L. There is very little on the web about this amp. Even here on AK there are only two other B-2301L threads besides this one. Fortunately both are very informative restoration threads by @Hyperion and @Bumpalump -

Bumpalump

Thread 'Sansui B-2301L / Sansui C-2301 restoration'

Hello, in this topic i will show you process of the restoration those separates, one of the best from past years, direct competition for the top of the line Technics, Sony, Accuphase
20230308_110946.jpg
We will start from power amplifier
20230308_112045.jpg
Some photo from the bottom
20230308_112310.jpg
1st I removed right power amp module, its really huge, also i like the connections design, everything can be easily disconnected
20230308_113001.jpg
Premium U-Con by-pass capacitors
20230308_113237.jpg
Really huge and solid emmiter resistors
20230308_113240.jpg
Will be lots of desoldering and soldering
20230308_113645.jpg
  • Like

Hyperion

Thread 'Sansui B-2301L - something to keep me busy?'

This beauty arrived yesterday - not mine, but belongs to another AK member who has asked me to give it the once over. Not quite sure how much I'll be doing to this yet, still learning where everything is, and assessing what might need attention. ;)

It isn't reported as being faulty, but there is no chance of me applying any power until I have given it a thorough look over. After that I'll be checking what I can with a multimeter, to make sure there are no nasty surprises at first power-on, which of course will be via DBT - further checks, and then a try on mains power.

This monster...
  • Like

And another restoration thread found on AMP8 site with dozens of great (and frightening corrosion photos)

Edit:

Looks like AK is having some issue right now. Those two links to AK threads are presenting differently - bump's showing a bunch of photos and hyperion's showing none - weird - I did not intend for that. I don't like these new thread link boxes either - too big and too busy.

I am also trying to post a link to a great B-2301L restoration on Amp8 website in Japan but AK keeps blocking the addition of that link.

I messaged the admin's about the issues. For anyone who hasn't seen it - web search for Amp8 then click on "Sansui" then click on "B-2301L. 7th unit".

Here is a screenshot of the page -
View attachment 3715506
Click to expand...
These will be very useful to me - thanks for finding them. I hope to get into my B-2301L in the next few months. I have to build a lazy Susan first. Every encounter now is a Greco-Roman wresting match with these monsters.
 
After I picked up the B-2301L I started the hunt for a pair speakers that could honor the greatness of this legendary power amp. Incredibly, and not long after, I came across a pair of ADS L-1530. They needed a total rehab, but considering how rare they are and how big of a fan of ADS speakers I am, I did not think twice about the commitment. I restored the cabinets and had some of the drivers rebuilt. And now, this BA-2301L / L-1530 combo is the most impressive sound field I’ve heard here. I am floored. I’ll be settling into this for a long while I suspect.

Speaker restoration here for anyone interested

JimEGR

Thread 'ADS L-1530 restoration'

Picked these up locally recently. Fully functional, but needing some cosmetic attention. Scratched woofer cones, broken base, scratches, dents and stains. One mid with grill cloth prints and the other mid was deformed.

I sent the mids to Richard So for rehab. He treated the tweeters with a PO in 2024.

Working on some clean replacement woofers with a seller.

For the cabinets I stripped them down and built them back up. Wood hardener, Bondo, wood filler, Murphy’s Wood Soap, Bar Keepers Friend and sanding.

The bases required a lot of attention, but turned out nearly new again. I repaired...
  • Like
  • Love

IMG_2108.jpegIMG_2111.jpeg
 
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That looks like a very nice pairing, wow

I see the "907L extra" listed in post #112 so maybe that model has clues to what L stands for

Has anyone gone through KX/XR/DR/NRA etc & figured out what all those letters mean? :p

National Rifle Association model
 
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