Sansui's "Definition Series"
If you have spec sheets or any other literature, please scan them at 150 dpi and send it to me via email.
Note: these linked images are LARGE.
This page will contains features, and specs for all the models in the "Definition Series".
These are the; CA-3000, BA-3000, BA-5000 and AU-20000.
Please email me your reviews and comparisons of this equipment!
I posted the data sheet below, and just a couple of hours later, the following high quality scans came in from a dedicated SANSUI enthusiast!
Unbelievable!
Less than one week after posting about the build sheets, someone sent me copies of theirs!!!!
Here are two different build sheets. One for the CA-3000, and one for the BA-3000. Here is documented proof that these vintage Sansui units beat their specs, by a LARGE margin!
CA-3000 build sheet
Take notice of the 80 dB S/n ratio, on the PHONO
inputs!!!! Phenomenal!
The distortion is also less than HALF of the specification!
BA-3000 build sheet
Take a look at those ASTOUNDING distortion specs!
Here's both of them
A kind reader has sent a brochure from Canada, that is chock full of details on these models. A different piece of literature led me to group them in with the Professional Series. hmmm, a mystery.... Any help on sorting this out would be appreciated.
Ok, from what I can see, the Definition Series had the burgundy colored covers.
According to the brochure, Definition Series components came with a factory data technical test certificate. If anyone has one of these piece of documentation, please send it to me. Sansui always underrated their components and it would be interesting to see what the factory measured specs would be on one of these units, compared to the factory published specs.
This documentation also states that the AU-20000 is a combination of the BA-3000 and CA-3000. I had suspected this was the case, but here is published proof!
It also states that both the BA-3000 and BA-5000 could be "strapped" (bridged) for mono operation.
Interestingly, the specs for some of the quad receivers show up in this brochure. This helps to date and correlate these components with others in the range.
Here is a product comparison you may find interesting.
Comparison of the Sansui CA-3000 Preamplifier and the Sansui AU-20000 Integrated Amplifier
Here is a picture showing a CA-3000 sitting on top of an AU-20000. There is very little difference in the features. They are listed in a table below the picture.
Notice that the Au-20000 is on and operating as shown by the power output on the meters. Those are my XL-300 speakers behind them. These have a pair of PM-C100s on top for bass reinforcement. Also, a BA-F1 is visible under the amps in the entertainment center.
| CA-3000 | AU-20000 |
| Meters only read dB referenced to arbitrary 0dB output level | Meters read level in dB, and also power output. |
| Tone Controls have selectable center
frequencies; Bass 400, 200 and 100 Hz. Treble = 8, 4 and 2 kHz |
No turnover controls, but identical high and low filters |
| Tape functions identical but the CA has rotary knobs for both monitor and copy functions. Strangely, the switch positions are reversed between the models. | Tape functions identical but the AU has a rotary knob for the copy function, and a flip switch for the monitor function. |
| CA has no speaker control. It is replaced by the headphone level control | No headphone level control. Replaced by speaker control; A or B or A+B |
| No Protection feature annunciator light | Has Protection feature annunciator light |
| Phono 1 has a load selector for varying cartridge impedance loads | Function is moved to a rear panel slide switch |
| Phono 1 and 2 share a common variable capacitive load switch; 10, 100, and 200 pf. | No such function on this model. |
| power consumption 50 watts | power consumption 350 watts |
| weight, a little heavy for a preamp | Oh My God! |
| Really poor speaker output section, that's a joke.... | Magnificient Amplifier section! Clean, unpressured and powerful! |
OPINION:
I own three AU-20000s. My personal opinion is that it is a HELLUVA DEAL. You get all the great preamp function of Sansui's best preamp, and a hefty 170 w/c amplifier. My AU-20000 that is in daily use regularly smacks down on much more powerful amplifiers. I have compared it to many amps rated at 250 w/c or more and it just plain sounds better. Especially when driven into clipping. As soon as the other big amps clip, they sound like welders. The AU-20000 just jams right on thru it. The meter are useless for detecting clipping. You can only use your ears.
So sonically it is very nice. Comparing the build quality to other medium to high end equipment will always bring you back. These are wonderful amps.