Posted by Doug on April 23, 2003 at 09:43:50:
In Reply to: sansui 6500 request of any information available posted by federico on February 01, 2003 at 08:53:25:
: My Dad has a Sansui 6500. My question is: is it a good or a bad amplifier? Should I restore it or not? How much does it cost now?
: Thanks a lot from Italy.
: Federico
Federico--
I have a 6500 (not sure if it's QR or QRX, but don't think there was much difference except for $ in the retail price) that I just replaced. It was getting to be too noisy due (I think) to dirty volume pots. I could clean it up and align the tuner, but right now I don't have the time or equipment. It has always been a grand piece of audio equipment, especially the Quadraphonic Synthesizer. You can set up rear speakers and really expand the sound. Koss used to make Quad headphones that seemed to make your head explode. The new stuff has surround sound, but doesn't have the monitor functions (for adding a Graphic Equalizer, for instance) like the 6500 has. They're set up for home theatre and just pass signals right on through. Also, they don't have the multitude of inputs & outputs and pre-amp connections like the 6500. I bought an Onkyo tuner-amp that has a monitor function and remote control, plus a better tuner to replace the Sansui. So far, I'm pleased with it. And it's much lighter than the Sansui, which has some massive transformers in it; I'm sure the Onkyo draws much less current than the 6500, and stays cooler. Anyway, if you have the knack and the equipment, it shouldn't be too difficult to restore your dad's 6500, if you can find a service manual (I have one). Once you get it cleaned up, you'll have a very good, versatile piece of audio equipment. I found a few on eBay for very little money. Good luck!
Doug