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AU-717 vs KA-8100

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erik92da

Active Member
I have a Kenwood KA-8100 and may get the chance to buy a Sansui AU-717. Is the Sansui a big upgrade from the KA-8100, or are they pretty similar? They are both dual mono, and about the same power (75 wpc for the KA-8100, 85 for the AU-717).
 
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I still wonder about tonal qualities of the AU-717. I figure the two units will be similar as far as power, but the preamps could be quite different. My Sansui G-6000 receiver from the same time period sounds totally different than the KA-8100.

If the AU-717 has the sound of the G-series, then I think I may really like it.
 
I've had both, and compared them extensively. The Kenwood is very accurate with great extension on top and bottom, bordering on a dry presentation. The Sansui is much richer, warmer midrange, with a darker treble. After I restored the Sansui, it gained the treble extension of the Kenwood, while retaining its warmth and richness. I believe the Sansui, when restored, is in another class above the Kenwood. That's not to dismiss the Kenwood, only that the Sansui is an extraordinary performer. You have to go way up the food chain to find another amp that significantly outperforms it.

As far as other matters go, the Sansui is much more solid in build quality, but the Kenwood is definitely easier to work on. That Sansui is not for the faint of heart!

The Kenwood is good, no doubt. But the Sansui AU-717 is a period icon.
 
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jhoyt said:
I've had both, and compared them extensively. The Kenwood is very accurate with great extension on top and bottom, bordering on a dry presentation. The Sansui is much richer, warmer midrange, with a darker treble. After I restored the Sansui, it gained the treble extension of the Kenwood, while retaining its warmth and richness. I believe the Sansui, when restored, is in another class above the Kenwood. That's not to dismiss the Kenwood, only that the Sansui is an extraordinary performer. You have to go way up the food chain to find another amp that significantly outperforms it.

As far as other matters go, the Sansui is much more solid in build quality, but the Kenwood is definitely easier to work on. That Sansui is not for the faint of heart!

The Kenwood is good, no doubt. But the Sansui AU-717 is a period icon.
Click to expand...

That is what I was thinking. I have recapped the KA-8100 except for filter caps. I would agree with your assessment of the Kenwood, being accurate, but not really "rich".

I think I will try for the AU-717...
 
jhoyt said:
...

...As far as other matters go, the Sansui is much more solid in build quality, but the Kenwood is definitely easier to work on. That Sansui is not for the faint of heart!

...
Click to expand...

jhoyt, would you expand upon that thought please? I have never owned one of the classic Sansuis. What are some of the difficulties associated with working on the AU-717?
 
There are threads in the Sansui forum about rebuilding an AU-717. Particularly difficult is the power supply board, which is situated between the big power caps and the heatsinks.

A great resource for rebuilding one of these is here: http://www.cdkands.com/AU717-1.html

This is the website of AK's very own Megawatt, and there's a lot of great information.
 
Man, that Megawatt does a nice job!
I have a Kenwood 8150 and a Sansui AU-719. The Kenwood is a great piece of gear but I like Sansui's bass better. I believe there is some magic going on with those Hashimoto transformers.
 
jhoyt said:
I've had both, and compared them extensively. The Kenwood is very accurate with great extension on top and bottom, bordering on a dry presentation. The Sansui is much richer, warmer midrange, with a darker treble. After I restored the Sansui, it gained the treble extension of the Kenwood, while retaining its warmth and richness. I believe the Sansui, when restored, is in another class above the Kenwood. That's not to dismiss the Kenwood, only that the Sansui is an extraordinary performer. You have to go way up the food chain to find another amp that significantly outperforms it.

As far as other matters go, the Sansui is much more solid in build quality, but the Kenwood is definitely easier to work on. That Sansui is not for the faint of heart!

The Kenwood is good, no doubt. But the Sansui AU-717 is a period icon.
Click to expand...


dido...
 
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