So with the pioneer sx-838 burning in and waiting for cosmetics I decided to have a look at a Sansui 881 that is up next for servicing. This is an early 70’s am/fm receiver which packs plenty of power for its size. You understand completely though when you try to pick this unit up, it weighs a ton. Sansui really oversized the power transformer in this one. Rated around 60wpc into 8 ohms from the factory this was one of Sansui’s powerful units with plenty of headroom. Not only does this receiver have power it has wonderful warm vintage sound, with a massive soundstage.
Cosmetically the receiver does not need much, it is in great shape. Cabinet has a little bit of veneer bubbling but very acceptable. Face looks great and lights even work but will be replaced. Now on to first startup.
The receiver brought up on a variac just to check thing out as it powers up, no problems. Removed from dummy load and moved to a medium sized pair of bookshelf speakers the unit sings. Awesome sound quality and very deep and wide. All seemed good until a slight hum noticed as previous owner informed me of. Very low volume both channels 60hz hum. This receiver is all original so it’s hard to say at this point what the cause but first guess points to bad ground of a board or failing power filter cap.
Well this guy is getting a good servicing and cleanup. Here’s a few nudes of the 881. I like the way the power amp board mounts vertically into a slot. More info to come and further testing.
