Sansui SR-525 (1976-1978)

Name: Sansui sr-525
Brand: Sansui

A direct-drive turntable developed from SR-717 technology, produced from 1976 to 1978.

Overview

The Sansui SR-525 is a direct-drive turntable manufactured from 1976 to 1978. It was developed using technology from the SR-717 and shares a similar chassis and tonearm design with the belt-driven SR-323. The turntable features an electronically controlled direct drive system with a 20-pole, 30-slot DC brushless servo motor and a saturable magnetic core type position detection mechanism for precise rotor control. It includes a static balance S-shaped pipe tonearm with a knife-edge support system for vertical movement and a precision steel ball bearing for horizontal movement. The cabinet uses a 40 mm thick acoustic-grade chip-board base with anti-howling insulators and an insular vibration-damping system.

Specifications

Drive system	Electronically controlled direct drive
Motor	20-pole, 30-slot DC brushless servo motor
Rated speeds	33 1/3 and 45 rpm
Speed adjustment	±3.5%
Turntable diameter	310 mm
Turntable material	Aluminum alloy die-cast
Turntable weight	1.4kg
Wow and flutter	< 0.03% (WRMS)
Signal-to-noise ratio	> 64 dB (IEC-B)
Rumble	better than -72 dB (DIN-B)
Tone arm type	Static balance S-shaped pipe arm
Tone arm effective length	220mm
Tone arm overhang	17.5mm
Tone arm friction	20 milligrams vertical, 100 milligrams horizontal (10 mm deflection)
Minimum tracking force setting	0.5 grams
Acceptable cartridge weight	4 to 11g
Cartridge type	Moving Magnet (MM)
Cartridge	SV-27A (for models sold outside USA, Europe, Canada)
Cartridge frequency characteristic	10 Hz to 23,000 Hz
Cartridge output voltage	3.5 mV (1 kHz, 50mm/sec)
Cartridge load impedance	47,000 ohms
Cartridge channel separation	25 dB (1 kHz)
Proper needle pressure	1.5 ~ 2.0g
Needle tip	0.5 mil diamond spherical stylus
Pitch control	Stroboscopic pitch control system
Speed change controls	Electronic speed-change controls
Cueing	Separate lever at arm base
Compensation	Bias and Lateral Balance
Power Requirements	100 - 120 / 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Rated power consumption	5W
External dimensions	469 x 150 x 375 mm (Width x Height x Depth)
Weight	9.5kg
Accessories	45 rpm record spindle adaptor, low capacitance output cable (40 pF/m), cartridge mounting gauge
Headshell	Solid die-cast aluminum
Headshell and arm terminals	Gold-plated
Spindle and sleeve	Mirror-finished
Output cable	Low capacitance (40pF/m)
Playback capability	4-channel with appropriate cartridge
Dust cover	Hinged, free-stop tinted

Design

The SR-525 uses a high-torque 20-pole, 30-slot DC servo motor with a saturable magnetic core type position detection mechanism and a refined rotor position sensor. The tonearm is a static balance S-shaped pipe design with a special resonance absorber, knife-edge vertical support, and a precision steel ball bearing for horizontal movement. The arm holder and base are made from zinc alloy die-cast material and include a suspended anti-skating weight, lateral balancer, direct-reading balance weight, oil-dump-type arm lifter, and 5 mm arm height adjustment. The S-shaped arm optimizes stylus angle across the record. The headshell is solid die-cast aluminum with gold-plated connection terminals. The turntable rests on a 40 mm thick acoustic-grade chip-board base with anti-howling insulators and an insular vibration-damping system. A mirror-finished spindle and sleeve combination is used, and the unit includes a hinged, free-stop tinted dust cover.

Context

The Sansui SR-525 is part of the SR series, which includes the belt-driven SR-323, the wood-finished SR-626, and the higher-specification SR-929. It is listed as a "Classic Model" from the 1970s in the Sansui lineup.

Market

Common issues after long storage include dried grease, dirty or oxidized pitch control contacts, and the need for spindle lubrication. Replacement parts may be available from specialized suppliers such as djspares.com, and maintenance information is shared in user forums. The SR-525 is generally praised in user assessments and considered a "pretty decent table" with effective vibration isolation through its feet. It is noted for a design that feels modern rather than overtly vintage.