I just rediscovered the sound of my Sansui 9090db as well. I've had it for nearly 30 years and it has never let up. It is the most reliable audio component I have ever owned.
This weekend I disconnected the amp section and connected the Sansui as a pre-pro to a Bryston 4bsst amp with a Sony ES SACD player through the aux input and an Oppo dvd-a player through tape 1 play inputs. Tried it with various speakers and I was wowed by how good it sounded. Compared to my Arcam processor it sounded a bit warmer but very pleasing and just as clear. Also the tuner section is without equal. I was tempted to buy a new stereo processor for music only but the 9090db has won that honour.
