Sansui G-8700DB

Sansui G-8700DB – Fully Restored High-End Stereo Receiver in Near-Mint Condition

The Sansui G-8700DB is one of the great receiver classics from the golden age of Japanese HiFi engineering. Delivering an impressive 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and combining Sansui's sophisticated Pure Power DC amplifier concept with an exceptionally comprehensive feature set, it ranks among the most powerful and impressive receivers Sansui produced at the end of the 1970s.

The example offered here is particularly special: it has been completely restored in our specialist workshop and is in exceptional near-mint condition, both technically and cosmetically.

With 160 watts available per channel, the G-8700DB offers enormous power reserves. Yet its appeal is not simply about maximum volume. Its generously engineered amplifier section provides effortless control even with demanding loudspeakers and gives music the authority and composure for which the large Sansui receivers remain so highly regarded.

The extensive connectivity is equally impressive. Two separate moving-magnet phono inputs allow two turntables or tonearms to be connected simultaneously. Two tape loops and an additional line-level input provide further flexibility for a complete classic HiFi system.

Bass, midrange and treble can be adjusted independently, while the entire tone-control section can also be defeated for a more direct signal path. Loudness, subsonic and high filters as well as audio muting complete an unusually comprehensive control section.

One of the G-8700DB's most distinctive characteristics is its combination of classic analogue receiver aesthetics and contemporary electronic technology. The large illuminated tuning scale is complemented by a digital frequency display and the striking power meters – creating a spectacular appearance, particularly in subdued lighting.

The tuner section provides FM and AM reception with precise tuning and a clear digital indication of the selected frequency.

Sonically, the G-8700DB embodies many of the qualities that have made large Sansui amplifiers of this period so desirable: powerful and controlled bass, rich and natural midrange reproduction and refined, composed high frequencies. Despite its enormous reserves of power, its presentation remains effortless and remarkably sophisticated.

Restoration Work

• Complete technical restoration in our specialist workshop
• Amplifier section inspected and adjusted
• All relevant functions checked
• Tuner and displays inspected
• Comprehensive functional testing
• Extensive listening tests
• Long-term endurance testing under real-world conditions

Features

• 2 × 160 watts into 8 ohms
• Pure Power DC amplifier design
• Two MM phono inputs
• Two tape loops
• AUX input
• FM and AM tuner
• Digital frequency display
• Dual-channel power meters
• Three-way bass, midrange and treble controls
• Tone Defeat
• Loudness
• Subsonic filter
• High filter
• Audio Muting
• Headphone output
• Connections for two pairs of loudspeakers

Condition

• Fully restored
• Excellent technical condition
• Exceptional near-mint cosmetic condition
• All functions operating perfectly
• Ready for immediate use

Our Verdict

The Sansui G-8700DB comes from an extraordinary period when Japan's leading manufacturers competed to create ever more sophisticated and powerful stereo receivers. With 160 watts per channel, an extensive feature set and its imposing appearance, it is a superb example of this remarkable era in HiFi history.

Finding a completely restored G-8700DB in such outstanding condition has become increasingly difficult. For Sansui enthusiasts, collectors of classic Japanese HiFi and anyone looking for a genuinely powerful and charismatic vintage receiver, this is a particularly fine example.