Pre 1982 Sansui units were built with the best components and materials which gained that company a huge following and rep worldwide. American management was parachuted in shortly thereafter to deal with competition from Sony, Pioneer, and Matsushita, and the rising yen. Their cost-cutting zeal lowered the Sansui brands quality image. The company never recovered and eventually went bankrupt. There is a code in the serial number which reveals when the unit was built and on which production line but any units built before 1982 have really stood the test of time and are usually outstanding buys.

John