Sansui Complete!

 A few years ago (more than I'd like to admit, actually) I decided that I wanted a stereo system that could play pretty much anything that had ever been recorded. I started with some components that I had left over from 40 years ago, or so and then just kept building. 

This wasn't a focused, determined build, mind you. I would simply pick up something here and something else there and kept adding. Sometimes (pretty often) the things I bought at estate sales and garage sales ended up not working, but since I only spent a couple bucks on them, it was no big deal. 

Tape decks (reel to reel and 8 tracks) seemed to be a particular problem. They have so many moving parts and belts, heads, etc that have to be in perfect working order that it's almost impossible to find a working unit "in the wild." I got several of each, with no luck.

I finally decided about 10 years ago that I would get a professionally restored reel to reel, and so I made a visit to Dallas Vintage Audio. They had a Sansui QD-5500 machine that they assured me was a good deal. I have since learned that this is a rare quad deck, and they are highly regarded in vintage audio circles, but at the time I was looking at the price tag, which was many times what I had ever spent for a reel to reel. Still, with the encouragement of a supportive Mrs. Stu, I went for it. 

And thus was the Sansui rabbit hole opened. Sansui was a Japanese company that made  some top of the line stereo equipment in the late 60s and early 70s. A few years later, I decided that I needed a quad receiver to go with my tape deck, and found, at the same store, a Sansui QRX-7500A. 

Slowly, over the years, I added a turntable and speakers. All Sansui, to keep the system as compatable as possible. Finally all I needed were a set of SP-2000 speakers, for the "rears" of the quad system. I had already found SP-3000s for my "mains." 

Ladies and gentlemen. This past week, after literally months long negotiations, I got my SP-2000s! I now have the complete system! Here is everything...

My Sansui QRX-7500A receaver with a Technics cassette tape deck, and EQ, and a (working) Panasonic 8 track on top!

One of my SP-3000 speakers. These are huge and heavy, but sound great!

The QD-5500 reel to reel that started the craziness...

My Sansui SR-1500C turntable that I found on Marketplace. By the way, it's sitting on a Sony 200 CD changer...also found on Marketplace.

And finally, the SP-2000s!

I still have to hook up the SP-2000s, but I tested them before I bought them and they work great! So, now that the system is complete, I guess I'll have to find another white whale to chase. Such is the life of a collector!

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!