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This Sansui 8080DB is just back from a visit to our tech who did a thorough cleaning, full-system test and LED relamping and sounds fantastic. The Sansui 8080DB is a powerful, classic mid-1970s vintage Hi-Fi stereo receiver known for its solid 85 watts per channel, Dolby FM noise reduction, triple tone controls, and iconic black and brushed aluminum look with blue/white meters, offering excellent sound quality for vintage audio enthusiasts, for whom it is still a highly-coveted piece.Power Output: 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency Response: 10Hz to 30kHzTotal Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than 0.1% at rated powerTuning: FM, AMInput Sensitivity: Phono (MM) 2.5mV, Aux/Line 150mVSignal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): Phono 70dB, Aux 90dBFeatures: Dolby Noise Reduction, 3-way speaker selection (A/B/C), Pre-Out/Main-In jumpers, Dual Meters, Triple Tone Controls (Bass, Mid, Treble).Dimensions: Approx. 21.7" W x 7.5" H x 16.9" DWeight: Around 47 lbs Service History: No service records were included from the prior owner. Here at the shop we did routine inspection and our tech did a thorough cleaning and testing and relamped the dial with new, warm LEDs.Cosmetic Condition: Overall we rated this at Very Good (see pix). Please note wear and tear on the wood cabinet ( vinyl wrap), and a few small imperfections on the faceplate.In the Milwaukee Area? Stop in our shop to inspect/demo.
At US$1,100, this sits a bit above the typical used market for a comparable Sansui 8080DB, but not by a huge margin: it’s above the US$1,073 75th percentile, so I’d call it slightly ambitious rather than a bargain. If it were closer to US$1,045, it would read as fair; at US$1,100, you’re paying a small premium for the right example.
That premium can make sense if this is a clean, original, well-kept unit, because the 8080DB has the kind of big, authoritative Sansui sound and classic build that keeps demand steady. For a buyer, the upside is strongest when the owner can document service history, intact cosmetics, and fully working tuner/DB section; if those boxes are checked, it’s still a respectable buy.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sansui, a pioneering Japanese audio brand, traces its origins to 1947 when it was founded in Tokyo by brothers Sakurai and Shunichi Yamamoto. Emerging from post-war Japan, the company quickly established itself as an innovator in consumer electronics, leveraging precision engineering to craft components that rivaled Western counterparts. Its heritage is rooted in the golden era of hi-fi, where Sansui's commitment to sonic purity helped define Japan's rise as a global audio powerhouse.
The brand excelled in a broad spectrum of hi-fi categories, with particular renown for its integrated amplifiers, receivers, and tuners that delivered warm, dynamic sound. Sansui also produced acclaimed speakers, turntables, cassette decks, and later digital converters, emphasizing robust build quality and innovative features like direct-coupled circuitry for low distortion. These products catered to audiophiles seeking balanced performance across analog and early digital domains.
Today, Sansui holds a cherished position in the vintage collector market, revered for its mid-to-high-end gear from the 1970s and 1980s—icons like the AU-series amps remain sought after for their musicality and reliability. While no longer a frontline manufacturer, its legacy endures among discerning buyers restoring classics or hunting timeless performers, blending nostalgia with enduring value.
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