AU-101 speaker recommendations

[Gomatty]

Hello! I’m new to the audiophile community and don’t know much about it. I picked up a Sansui AU-101 to run a technics sl-d3 I had. I love how simple and sleek it looks and for my inexperienced ears it sounds pretty good. Currently have it connected to a pair of JBL Northridge E10’s. My assumption is that better, larger speakers might improve the experience. What should I look for in a speaker, not necessarily a specific speaker, that will pair well and get the most out of my amp?

We listen to rock, folk, bluegrass, jazz, and some R&B. Probably in that order as well. Usually volume is in the 3-4 range.

 

[mr.jones]

Nice looking set up! If you want to stay vintage consider Dynaco A25, KLH6 or OLA Large Advents. These may take a while to find. In the meantime upgrade to any well reviewed larger speaker with a high efficiency rating.Second hand Klipsh speakers are easy to get although a lot of people do not like their sound and consider them shrill sounding due to the horn tweeters, They may not be to your liking if you listen to acoustic music.

 

[Scott Muni]

Real happy with the JBL L-82's. Have the retro look, 8 ohm load to keep the old amps safe. Also pretty efficient even with my 12 watt 331.

 

[JimEGR]

Welcome and very nice setup! You stepped right into a phenomenal sounding (and looking) Sansui. Simple is better and the AU-101 is a master of minimalism.

You'll need sensitive speakers with the lower power AU-101 (lower power does not at all mean lower sound quality BTW). Another vote for Klipsch - Heresy or Forte for that space. Could even try a KG series. You might also try an ADS speaker - almost all are great.

Really, what I think would blow your mind, would be a pair of Zu Audio DW6 or the large bookshelf DWX (the DWX would set right where your current speakers are) -

DWX


DW6

 

[Gomatty]

Thanks for the awesome recommendations. A friend just offered me a pair of PSB image B25’s. Not sure how they rate but I’m leaning towards vintage but primarily value.

 

[Gomatty]

Nice looking set up! If you want to stay vintage consider Dynaco A25, KLH6 or OLA Large Advents.

All of these are right up my ally stylistically. What is considered high efficiency? Does that vary based on the amp?

 

[mr.jones]

All of these are right up my ally stylistically. What is considered high efficiency? Does that vary based on the amp?

No it depends on the speaker. Efficiency also known as sensitivity is measured in dB (decibles). It is how loud in decibles a speaker gets with a certain amount of power(watts). Around 86dB or higher is considered efficient (also called sensitivity) You can look up the specs on newer models such as klipsch or Polk. If you do not listen to your music blasting loud and in a smaller listening area efficiency is less of a concern. There is no hard and fast rule or magic number on this. When the AU101 was first on the market a lot of people listened to them with KLH ,Dynaco or Advent speakers.
PSB makes good speakers. Those have a sensitivity rating of 91 dB which is pretty good and should work for you. You can get those and keep an eye out for something vintage you may like better.

 

[BLAH BLAH]

My vote also for high efficient speakers...90db plus(90%+)...the higher the better...
Once you match those desirable retro speaker looks with a high efficiency rating...your nearly there...
Just a question of hearing and listening to your preferred retro speaker sound...

 

[Gomatty]

Hooked up the PSB’s and they are a huge upgrade over the JBL e10’s. Totally different listening experience. Now I feel like I can take my time and find the right vintage set for the right price. Thanks again for all the suggestions.

 

[quadmatrix82]

Keeping the vintage theme tannoy little gold monitors work well with the 101

 

[danixmen01]

I would recommend the Polk 10B, I use them with a Sansui 210 (10w) and it sounds simply wonderful, sublime! You can't go wrong with these speakers. Don't worry because they have a sensitivity of 89db, I don't go over the 10 o'clock potentiometer. Greetings

 

[Gomatty]

Update: I ended up replacing the psb’s with a pair of infinity Rs-325’s shortly after which we have been very pleased with. But, I’ve been keeping my eye out for a set of Advent OLA’s and today I found a pair locally. The very fine gentleman who sold them to me bought them new in 1976. He just turned 70, had some great stories. Woofers and tweeters have all been professionally replaced in the last 10-20 years. They look great and have been well cared for. Most importantly, they sound great! The 501’s were being used as decorative stands but won’t be using them with these.