Sansui 350A Vintage and Classic Stereo Receiver - 20 WPC with Phono

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General:
This Sansui 350A is a classic vintage receiver hailing from the early 1970's, and an excellent entry point into the world of classic HiFi.

We really love the look of this receiver. Its half-silver, half-glass faceplate paired with the iconic green AM/FM tuning dial is both distinctive and unmistakably Sansui. Thanks to its timeless design, it pairs easily with gear from many different eras.

Key features include a full tape loop, tone controls, a built-in phono preamp for turntables, and an AUX input. Rated at 20 watts per channel it would pair well to efficient speakers such as the Klipsch Heresy series. We also tested it with vintage KEF speakers and more demanding modern 4 ohm Sonus Faber speakers where it sounded musical and warm, with a bit of that vintage midrange quality found in Sansui from this era.

A full-color reprinted owner’s manual is also included on heavyweight paper. The receiver will be packed using our custom in-house process for safe transport to its new owner.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
The cabinet veneer is peeling on a couple of the rear corners. We decided to leave it as-is for the next owner to decide how to handle. Minor signs of wear otherwise. 

Overall it presents very well for being about 56 years old!

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA, Speaker spring terminals, Captive power cord

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, reprinted manual on heavyweight paper, and power cord.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Tuning range: FM, AM
Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8 Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 30 Hz to 30 kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 1%
Damping factor: 45
Input sensitivity: 2.2mV (MM), 150mV (DIN), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 65 dB (MM), 70 dB (line)
Channel separation: 50 dB (MM), 50 dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN)
Speaker load impedance: 4 Ω to 16 Ω

Dimensions:
16.38 × 5.71 × 11.81 in

Weight:
19.8 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1970

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only.

We start by connecting the "Pre-Out" jacks of the receiver to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

To test the tuner, we connect one of the tape outputs to the Sencore PA81 and the antenna terminals to a Sencore SG80 which allows us to “simulate” an ideal radio station using precision test signals instead of music. This device, in conjunction with an oscilloscope allows us to properly evaluate the following parameters:

1) AM Reception (Where Applicable)
2) FM Mono Reception & Tuning Meter Function
3) FM MPX Reception (Stereo)
4) Dial Tracking: How accurately the tuner dial or display indicates the actual frequency of the broadcast being received.
5) Stereo Separation: A properly working stereo tuner will have minimal crosstalk between the left and right channel.
6) Sensitivity & Signal Strength Meter Function: By lowering the output of the SG80 we can simulate weak stations and determine how well the tuner will be able to pull in weak distant stations. This adjustment also helps us verify signal strength meter function.

If the tuner has acceptable performance related to the parameters above, we connect the unit for listening tests with a simple dipole antenna. We listen for audio reproduction quality of local stations and evaluate how many stations the tuner can receive while we sweep through the dial. We are looking to verify that the tuner can decode stereo on strong local broadcasts and pick up a wide variety of local stations at the bottom, middle, and top of the frequency band. At this point we also test convenience features such as muting, filters, built in oscilloscope function, etc.

Next we test the power amplifier section by connecting the receiver's speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1 KHz tone on one of the line level inputs.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.