The AU-717 was made a few years before cd players came around but thats not an issue at all, simply plug the cd player output L & R into the Aux input jacks L & R with L going to L and R going to R obviously (so you dont reverse the sound of what should be coming out of the left spkr with that of the right, comprende'?) You could also plug a cd player output L & R into the Tape Play L & R input jacks as well but if you plan on using any tape machines, be it cassette or open reel (reel to reel), then its logical to use the Tape jacks (Tape 1, Tape 2 in the back) for those (the AU-717 Copy selector control on the bottom right corner makes it easy to make recordings onto those tape machines connected to the tape jacks or transfer recordings from one tape machine to another).
The TU-717 is a Tuner, so I dont see why you would have any :screwy: as to which input on the AU-717 to connect it to other than the TUNER input.
If you plan on using a turntable, which was THE main playback device at the time the AU-717 was made, then you MUST connect the turntable to the Phono input, either 1 or 2 on the 717 (the next Line Sansui AU-919 amp specifically designated each one as either Moving Magnet or Moving Coil type).
There is Equalization applied (called RIAA) as well as the very small signal from the turntable cartridge output that needs to be amplified so Turntables to Phono inputs on a preamp is a must. And likewise, you do not connect any line level sources like cd players, tuners, or tape machines to the phono input.
I am not familiar with the term 'X-box', is that an outboard phono stage? If its a device to add more inputs, say you have alot of hi fi equipment, and not enough inputs on the AU-717 to accomodate them, you can use a device like the Sansui AX-7 to connect them into, or get another separate preamp , or even a receiver with separable pre/power amp sections and use its preamp section, and switch between it and the AU-717 using the AX-7:
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B/F