Sansui CA 3000 (1976)

Name: Sansui CA 3000
Brand: Sansui

Flagship stereo preamplifier from Sansui’s Definition Series, built with precision components and extensive signal control options

Overview

The Sansui CA 3000 is the top model from the Sansui "Definition Series," marketed as the finest control stereo preamplifier the company produced. Manufactured in 1976, it was designed as a state-of-the-art preamplifier with an emphasis on superior build quality and comprehensive functionality. Described as "uncompromising and built for eternity," the unit features massive construction and selected components, reflecting Sansui's pursuit of long-term reliability and high-fidelity performance.

Specifications

Year of Production	1976
Frequency Response	10Hz to 100kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.03%
Input Sensitivity	3mV (MM), 130mV (DIN), 130mV (line)
Signal to Noise Ratio	70dB (MM), 90dB (DIN), 90dB (line)
Channel Separation	60dB (MM), 60dB (line)
Output	130mV (line), 30mV (DIN), 1.3V (Pre out), 8V (Pre out Max)
Dimensions	460 x 178 x 373mm
Weight	13.3kg
Sensitivity (Phono 1 and 2)	1.5 mV, 3 mV, 6 mV
Pickup Load (Phono 1)	30Kohm, 50Kohm, 100Kohm
Input Capacitance (Phono 1 and 2)	10pF, 100pF, 200pF
Controls	Phones Level, Treble: +/- 10, Midrange: +/- 5, Bass: +/- 10, Volume: Log dB Scale, Mode: Reverse, Normal, L+R, L, R, Tape Playback: 1, 2, 3, Copy: Source, 1>2-3, 2>1-3, 3>1-2
Switches	Power, Low Filter: 40Hz, Off, 20Hz, Hi Filter: 7kHz, Off, 12kHz, Treble: 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, Bass: 400Hz, 200Hz, 100Hz, Meter Input 40dB, Meter Input 0dB, Meter Output, Tone Inclassicaudio.com, Tone Defeat, Muting: 0, -10dB, -30dB, Tape Play: Source, Playback, Input Selector: Aux, Phono, Tuner, Phono 1, Phono 2
Jacks	Headphones
Indicators	Power LED, Left Level Meter: -50dB to +5dB, Right Level Meter: -50dB to +5dB
Rear Panel Inputs/Outputs	Tape 2 Record/Play (DIN), AC Outlet Unswitched (4), AC Outlet Switched (3), Phono 1 (L, R), Phono 2 (L, R), Tape 1 Play (L, R), Tape 1 Record (L, R), Tape 2 Play (L, R), Tape 2 Record (L, R), Tape 3 Play (L, R), Tape 3 Record (L, R), Tuner (L, R), Aux (L, R), Output 1 (L, R), Output 2 (L, R)

Design

The CA 3000 features massive construction with selected components, designed for durability and high performance. Its layout supports extensive adjustment capabilities, including multiple filter options, precise tone controls, and comprehensive metering, all housed in a robust chassis measuring 460 x 178 x 373mm and weighing 13.3kg.

Context

Positioned as the top model in the Sansui Definition Series, the CA 3000 was engineered to represent the highest level of control amplifier available from Sansui, offering excellent basic performance and extensive functionality for audiophiles of its era.

Market

A listed CA 3000 was priced at $3,830 USD, while another listing from April 18, 2017 asked CAD $2,000. A seller noted that complete sets in good condition, including the matching TU 9900 Tuner, can sell for $5,000 USD, with the matching BA 3000 power amplifier adding an additional $2,000 to the value.