Sansui CA 3000 (1976)

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 in the Sansui "Definition Series." Sansui marketed it as the finest control stereo preamplifier the company produced. It was manufactured in 1976 and designed as a state-of-the-art preamplifier, with the emphasis on build quality and full functionality. Sansui described it as "uncompromising and built for eternity." The construction is massive and the components are selected, which fits the company's push for 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 has massive construction and selected components, designed for durability and high performance. The layout allows extensive adjustment, with multiple filter options, precise tone controls and comprehensive metering. It all sits in a heavy chassis that measures 460 x 178 x 373mm and weighs 13.3kg.

Context

As the top model in the Sansui Definition Series, the CA 3000 was engineered to be the highest level of control amplifier Sansui offered. It has excellent basic performance and extensive functionality for audiophiles of its era.

Market

One listed CA 3000 was priced at $3,830 USD. Another listing, from April 18, 2017, asked CAD $2,000. A seller noted that complete sets in good condition can sell for $5,000 USD when they include the matching TU 9900 Tuner. The matching BA 3000 power amplifier adds another $2,000 to the value.