Sanyo DCX 233L
In the early 80s, the audio market for the average consumer was a mature one, a market in which big companies, with history and reputation, were competing. It’s not surprising that many consumer audio equipment of that time offered good sound. The Sanyo DCX 233L receiver is one of many examples.
Sanyo DCX 233L was not intended for audiophiles, but for the average consumer. It had a typical design for his time, nothing fancy. The same modesty was to be found in the specification sheet.
About the sound:
With the right speakers, the Sanyo DCX 233L produces a relaxed, laid-back sound, without being lazy or lacking pace. It doesn’t shine with power, attack or speed, but it’s not faint or unimpressive either. It’s not for critical listening and high resolution, but that doesn’t mean it’s opaque or closed in sound. Placed in the right system, this receiver provides an open, balanced and musical sound.
Do not pair the Sanyo DCX 233L with audiophile, high-resolution or power-hungry speakers. Try it with consumer speakers, small or medium in size, easy to drive, preferably from the same period and in a closed cabinet. Among the speakers I tried, Sanyo DCX 233L sounded good with: Saba III A, Box 270/1 (by Summit/Heco/Rosita) and Canton GLE 50. However, when more complex and demanding speakers were used, Klein und Hummel Telewatt SL 35, I felt that something was missing in sound and that the amplification was not getting everything from the speakers.
The same applies to signal sources. The Sanyo DCX 233L sounded good with the Grundig CD 7550 CD player, but when the higher resolution Sony CDP-X333ES was used, I felt that the amplifier was not doing justice to the source.
So, for a better synergy, try Sanyo DCX 233L in a system with components from the same class. It might be easy to get a nice, musical sound from this receiver, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for audiophile and high resolution performance.
Sanyo DCX 233L has a decent phono stage and it sounds good with the Dual 1219 pickup. It doesn’t have the musicality of the Dual CV120’s integrated phono, but it’s nice, clear and pleasant enough to be rated as above average.
The radio reception of this receiver is very good, better than that of some separate tuners I have: Dual CT 19, Akai AT 2400. The sound is decent, but below the quality of the listed tuners.
In conclusion, the Sanyo DCX 233L is a perfect receiver for beginners on a budget: it’s cheap on the second-hand market and offers decent/good sound. Not an audiophile or high resolution sound, but one that is balanced and easy to enjoy. I could recommend this receiver to the more experienced hobbyist in search for a second system, also. In the end, Sanyo DCX 233L was a pleasant surprise for me.
The only major minus of this receiver for me is the fact that it only has two inputs, Phono and Tape.
Technical data:
Made in Japan, 1980-1982
Power: 2x25W in 4 Ohms, 2x23W in 8 Ohms
Input: Phono, Band
Output: 2 pair of speakers, 4-16 Ohms
Dimensions: 420 x 125 x 260 mm, 7 Kg
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