Sansui 8080DB Bluetooth entry is the AUX input (150 mV line level), with two tape monitor loops and a separable pre/main loop as backups. Watch one trap: the DB is rated 85 W/ch RMS while the non-DB 8080 is the 80 W set, and some listings carry the smaller figure over. An LDAC or aptX HD adapter keeps the source clean.
Spec snapshot
| Item | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market period | ≈ 1975–1978 | Spec sheets often list the 1977 model year | HW, CR |
| Power output | 85 W/ch @ 8 Ω | Min. RMS 20 Hz–20 kHz, both channels driven; 90 W at 1 kHz. The non-DB 8080 is rated 80 W, a figure some databases carry over | SM, HE, CR |
| Phono inputs | 2 × 2.5 mV / 50 kΩ | MM, built-in stage | HW |
| Line inputs | AUX · 2 × tape | 150 mV / 50 kΩ; one tape chain is DIN | HW |
| Dolby B NR | Built in | For FM reception, the DB in the name | HW, CR |
| Pre / Main | Pre out · Main in | Separable pre/power section | HW |
| Weight | ≈ 20.7 kg | 45.6 lbs net | SM |
| Original price | ≈ $650 | 1975–77 USD list | CR, AK |
Source codes: CR classicreceivers.com · HE HiFi Engine · HW hifi-wiki.com (Sansui 8080 DB/890 DB page) · SM Sansui 8080DB service manual · AK AudioKarma community. Data as of September 2026.
Where to connect
AUX input
RecommendedDedicated line level at 150 mV and the cleanest route for a Bluetooth receiver. Select AUX and the 8080DB treats it like any other source.
Tape monitor loops
Good alternativeTwo loops, one of them DIN. Play back through the monitor path and keep the second loop free for a recorder.
Phono or Dolby path
Not for BluetoothThe phono stage boosts a cartridge signal, and the Dolby circuit shapes FM material. Neither belongs in a line-level Bluetooth chain.
Set up in three steps
- AUX first
Reserve the tape loops for decks. Turn the volume down before switching inputs.
- Connect the receiver
RCA out to AUX, USB power on, pair with the source once.
- Check the codec
Confirm the link negotiated LDAC or aptX HD in the source device developer options, then raise the volume.
Quirks and notes
- 8080 vs 8080DB confusion (verified): the non-DB 8080 shares the chassis, looks nearly identical and is rated 80 W; check the Dolby badge. Some databases list the 8080DB at 80 W by carrying the non-DB figure over, while the 8080DB's own service manual says 85 W min RMS.
- Dolby applies to FM (verified): the DB circuit sits in the tuner and tape paths, not in AUX, so a Bluetooth source is unaffected either way.
- Switch contact oxidation (commonly reported): crackle on old selectors is common at this age; cleaning treatment is standard restoration practice. Unverified
What you need
- Bluetooth receiver with RCA output, LDAC or aptX HD preferred
- 0.5–1 m RCA cable
- USB power for the receiver
FAQ
Connect a Bluetooth receiver with RCA output to the AUX input and select AUX. The two tape monitor loops serve the same purpose if AUX is already used by another source.
Dolby. The 8080DB carries a built-in Dolby B noise reduction circuit, built for FM broadcasts, which is where the name comes from. With the Dolby selector at its off position, the circuit stays out of the AUX path.
The service manual rates the 8080DB at 85 watts per channel minimum RMS into 8 ohms across 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with 90 W at 1 kHz. The non-DB 8080 is the 80 W receiver, and some databases list the DB with that figure.
With LDAC or aptX HD negotiated on both ends, the wireless stage is effectively transparent for most listeners. Keep the adapter on a fixed line-level output into AUX.
blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver
LDAC and aptX HD with RCA output into AUX; XLR and optical outputs stand by if the system grows.
Spotted something off, or own this receiver and want to share a photo? Write to yourfriends@blafili.com. Photos are published under CC BY-SA 4.0 with full credit to you; corrections are verified and applied with thanks.
Share a photo or correction- Power rating and weight: Sansui 8080DB service manual (audiocircuit.dk and akdatabase.org scanned copies), with HiFi Engine and classicreceivers.com in agreement on 85 W
- Input configuration, Dolby fit and pre/main: hifi-wiki.com Sansui 8080 DB/890 DB page
- Model year and original price: classicreceivers.com Sansui 8080DB page and retrospective, with collector listings on AudioKarma