The Sansui FR-5080, produced between 1979 and 1980, represents the pinnacle of the Sansui FR series—a top-tier turntable that combines luxurious build quality with superb performance. Weighing in at around 13 kg, it’s a solid and confident piece of hi-fi engineering that reflects Sansui’s golden era.
This fully-featured semi-automatic turntable offers auto-start, auto-return, and a repeat function, all driven by a separate, silent-function motor that handles these operations without affecting platter speed or tonearm tracking. Every movement is smooth and quiet, making for a refined user experience.
The direct-drive system ensures excellent rotational stability and reliability, avoiding the maintenance issues often associated with belt-driven decks. Sonically, the FR-5080 delivers a detailed, balanced and full-bodied sound, making it ideal for serious listening sessions.
Originally, the FR-5080 came equipped with the Sansui SV-40X cartridge and SN-40X Shibata stylus, which are CD-4 quadraphonic compatible—a clear indicator of its audiophile pedigree and technical ambition at the time.
The tonearm design allows for precise tracking and minimal resistance throughout playback, contributing to an immersive listening experience. Combined with its robust, low-resonance chassis and superior isolation, this turntable holds up impressively even by today’s high standards.
If you’re looking for a vintage Sansui that blends automation with audiophile-grade performance, the FR-5080 is an underrated gem that deserves serious attention. A piece of analog history that still plays like a dream.
This is the second one I've had
This was the first one I had
Motors: 20-pole, 30-slot DC brushless for platter drive
Drive system: Direct spindle drive, electronically servo-controlled
Wow and flutter: less than 0.03% WRMS
Signal to noise ratio: better than 62dB
Rumble: better than -70dB
Platter speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
Fine speed adjustment: +-3.5%
Weight: 12,8kg