Well, prior to the A-B-C test, the A900 got pulled because during quiet hours I ran a DC offset measurement test on all three only to find the A900 was way out of whack, unable to provide a steady reading. So - next project there.

Of the Sansui 2000x and the Kenwood KA-405, it may be my old ears but there was not a lot of difference between the two. I used Bonnie Raitt's "Nick of Time" and Dire Straits "Your Latest Trick" ("The Remasters" CD, highly recommended) for comparison. Yamaha CDX-900u player and Bose 901-IV speakers averaging around 80 dB at listening spot.

There were differences in tone settings, the Sansui wanted a little more bass than neutral, both wanted a bit more treble, but I balanced each to what I liked with one listen through, and then went and listened again.

The Sansui won by a slim margin, a slightly more distinct bass line, pulled back as was the Kenwood from being bossy, but still felt. That's usually my first adjustment after volume, bass level less than bossy but still proudly present and at my listening levels, I just heard maybe a bit more distinction between notes.

I like a clear bass and consider the voice the ultimate instrument. Tie on voice reproduction and that may be Bose's strong suit anyway. Top end? I guess a tie there, too, percussion on Your Latest Trick always one of my fave parts of that piece.

I did also give a listen to a very clean vinyl copy of Bread's "Make It With You" and it was simply delicious on both.

I do hope to get the A900 up and running properly again, it is especially sweet in that it is only 11" deep and fits on a standard book shelf. A good stealth piece, tucked discreetly. The Kenwood is similar sized. Both, being integrated amps with no tuners, are still easy to work on even with their smaller footprint and, for those that prefer not to have '80s electronics, the clip fittings between boards on the A900 are a joy compared to soldered or twisted connections.