Saturday, January 16, 2010

Receiver - Sansui 7900-Z


Sansui gear has always fascinated me. They made some outstanding amps and receivers and some real clunkers - depending on the decade, usually, but this one falls outside the pattern. This 1981 little gem sounds quite good to me - both the tuner and the amp section hooked to a CD source. What it lacks in punch it makes up for in. . .well, not much compensation there, but it's perfect for a small room system. Quite an attractive dial and front panel as well.

This is not mine - had the opportunity to buy it from a pawn shop, but decided against it. They wanted $100 for it, and I think it's worth about $75. Took some pics though to share :)

Any of you have any experiences with the Sansui 7900Z? Chime in through comments or email. Thanks.

What's it worth?

In very good condition: $75 - $100

16 comments:

  1. we have this one and a couple of more a3900z and don't know what the other one is. they have a great sound to them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have mine since new--equalizer, tape deck, speakers and turntable all have worked fine for 30 years now.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have had mine since 1980 and it still works great.

    ReplyDelete
  4. got a sansui 9900z 160 watts and it blows away any receiver in the 2,000 dollar bracket now days. So you tell me how much these are worth, especially in mint condition

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    2. There is a 7900z for sale right now at my local repair shop for $400. It is basically mint except for 2 minor issues 1) the tape monitor 2 button is missing (can still be activated with a toothpick) and 2) the blue LED lights to the far left are out. I purchased a G-7700 from the same shop 4 years ago but fried it twice within 6 months because unbeknownst to me I was plugging it into low voltage AC outlets in the old house I lived in at the time, which these DC power amps are especially vulnerable to. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I hadn't given it back to the repairman in exchange for a possible future deal on another comparable receiver. I believe that possible future deal has now finally arrived, since this 7900z is basically the same thing as the G-7700, the main difference being strictly cosmetic. When my G-7700 was cranked up to half volume or more the power was downright intimidating, as it would wipe the floor with ANYTHING IN IT'S PRICE RANGE!!! Well, what do you think? Should I jump on it, try to bargain, or just forget about it?

      Delete
    3. Hi Anonymous, my name is Jim W. I have had my Sansui 7900-Z since around l983. I bought it from a goodwill store in 83. I have had nothing but great success and enjoyment with this unit. My unit is in excellent condition and would like to sell it. I think I would let it go for $300. If interested call me at: 619-313-8766. I'm in San Diego,ca.

      Delete
  5. The 9900z can go up too 300 or more its a great receiver I cant turn mine past two its just too damn loud for an apartment...

    ReplyDelete
  6. I FOUND MY Z7900 AT A GARAGE SALE FOR $20.00 IN CINCINNATI OHIO IN NEAR MINT CONDITION.I ALSO HAVE AN 8080 RECEIVER AS WELL.LOVE THE POWER OF THESE VINTAGE SANSUI RECEIVERS HAVE.

    ReplyDelete
  7. $100 was a steal, you should of got it ... I love mine...you say lacks punch??? must be your speakers...serious clear power, stunning clear reception. Never any issues. I have some other vintage power houses but this one is still my fav. overall... Unfortunately they don't make them like they use to

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm amazed at the neg attitude some have for the Sansui Z line.
    I ran a Pioneer SX-1010 for 15yrs and wouldn't trade my
    9900Z for another one.
    Buy smart instead of buying what's popular..it's the best deal out there for the money!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  10. this reciever the 7900 z is worth around $500.00 + in mint condition i would like someone to go out and try to find one equal we own this reciever and hooked it to a pair of bose 901 speaker and blew them out its that powerful

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just bought my 2nd one for 485.00, using my old one for parts.I had kenwood 9600 a little better also pioneer 1050 but for the price ill stay with my sansui.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have had my 7900Z since 81. It has been nothing short of spectacular. Loud and clear sound every time I turn it up. My kenwood kl888X speakers do help. Old school. Wouldn't trade them for nothing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just got mine. Less than 200 bucks. A beast..

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin