New member, questions/ID on a Sunn 200S

[fazeka]

Hi there SUNN lovers.

New SUNN lover here. Have an opportunity to purchase a 200S.

I'm originally a Fender and Ampeg guy (forgive me) and have no idea on authenticating SUNN amps. If it helps, my father bought a new Sceptre in 1972. I remember that amp until he sold it in the early 1980s... lol

Anyway, looking for some advice/guidance on this 200S. I'm seeking something as original as possible.

Here's a few pics. Not the greatest but hoping with these that those who are in the know will tell me if it's all there or if there's anything non-original.





For example, I didn't know that the chassis rears had black paint. Is this original?

Also, is that some kind of solid state rectifier plug in near the power transformer? Shouldn't it normally be a GZ-34?



Also, I see the (output?) transformer is slightly leaning to one side. Is that indicative of the chassis bending/cracking where it mounts? I know these have hefty transformers.



Also, what year(s) does this look like?

[Soundmasterg]

The rectifier should be a GZ34 tube if stock, but for bass the solid state rectifier plug in is likely better.

The black paint is not stock but it doesn't hurt anything. You would probably hurt the chassis more to try to take it off unless it came right off with acetone or something like that. Any lettering is likely painted over already.

The transformer leaning slightly just means it was probably shipped somewhere and people weren't careful. As long as all the wiring is attached and nothing is cut or frayed then it is fine.

The grille cloth indicates that this is an early 200S, probably from around 1967-1968. I used to have one of these early ones and they are a little less power than the later ones, but sound better IMHO. It probably has Dynaco tranformers rather than the later Schumacher or Western transformers.

Nice amp!

Greg

[fazeka]

Hi Greg,

Thanks for your reply and info on this amp.

As I've been researching other 200S's, one thing I'm confused on is that this one is the only one I've seen so far that has 16-ohm and 8-ohm outputs. All the other 200S's I've been looking at have 8-ohm and 4-ohm outputs.

Any idea why?

[Soundmasterg]

Taps are there for 4 ohm, 8 ohm, and 16 ohm. It just so happens that on your amp the 16 and 8 are on the back chassis. Sunn used a switching jack on one of the jacks but it is possible to wire up whichever impedance you want. On an old 200S I used to have, I went with 3 normal jacks, drilled one more hole, and put all three impedances on the back.

Greg

[loudthud]

This thread contains info on various output transformer taps with pictures.

https://forum.sunnstillshines.online/index.php?topic=4844.msg18880#msg18880

[fazeka]

Very handy resource!