Description
Sansui 5500 receiver. Fully revitalized. Classic Vintage.
Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. was founded in 1947 as a manufacturer of transformers, but already in the 1960s it gained a reputation as a serious producer of audio components. Despite its huge popularity (especially in the United States) in the 60s and 70s, after 1985 the company began to bring much less profits than its rivals (Sony, Pioneer or Technics). It was the end of the heyday of hi-end equipment, which was related to an increase in sales of personal computers. At that time, Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. focused on the production of high-end components in Japan, and also started to produce high quality TV sets and other video equipment, while stopping exports. At the end of the 90s, the brand name was used on video devices manufactured by other companies.
Eventually, Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. as part of Grande Holdings went bankrupt in 2014. It is worth noting that Sansui was the first company to use transformers in audio equipment, and first to introduce to the market a high-voltage tube-transistor (hybrid) amplifier and a QS / RM system (Quadrasonic System / Regular Matrix), which allowed to obtain four-channel sound from two-channel one.
Sansui products already in the 60s were world-famous for their great quality of sound engineering, great design and the highest performance. This was possible mainly because each model was created from start to finish by Sansui experts. Only the best parts were used in production to ensure uniform and highest quality, and each device was repeatedly checked with the most accurate measuring instruments before it reached the customer. Thanks to this approach, Sansui Solid State receivers were characterized by low interference parameters, higher damping factors, greater dynamics, and above all, much better sensitivity and selectivity.
The 5500 model is the result of many years of work by Sansui and detailed research concerning the design and production of high-quality audio equipment. This receiver has been equipped with an amp section often referred to as a masterpiece, designed to bring out every subtle colour of the original sound, whatever the source. The 5500 model is distinguished by an extremely sensitive tuner providing high selectivity and excellent sound quality.
The receiver also offers various setting options to meet the needs of even the most demanding listeners, allowing you to enjoy advanced sound reproduction.
The model has been equipped with a new, enlarged enclosure made of exotic teak wood, which brings out its beautiful design characteristic of the 70s. The wood finish is Chinese oil produced from natural oils. Potentiometers are in perfect condition. The plastic elements of the enclosure have been cleaned and painted using the automotive wet painting technique. The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
New green illumination of the front panel.
Collector’s item. The device is in perfect condition.
Technical data:
– power – 2 x 45W at 8Ohm, stereo
– FM 88-108 MHz range, does not require re-tuning
– frequency response – 20Hz – 40kHz
– total harmonic distortion – 0.4%
– input sensitivity – 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (DIN), 150mV (line), 3.5mV (microphone)
– signal-to-noise ratio: 70dB (MM), 80dB (line)
– weight – 26 kg
– channel separation – 50dB (MM), 50dB (line)
– output – 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN), 0.8V (preamplifier output)
– damping factor – 30
– dimensions – 55cm x 19cm x 36cm (width x height x depth)
– year of production – 1971
– made in Japan