AU 999 & TU 999 vs to the 719?

[c3conv]

Contemplating on purchasing the AU999 and TU999. How can this differ from the 717 series? In sound? and in design?

 

[L'wood]

I can only comment on the 717 series. It is in a word, KILLER!! I've had the AU tuned up, and it is now much more precise, direct--it lost all of it's sluggishness. One of my TU's (I have three) has just had a significant overhaul, and it is now a GIANT KILLER! Sound, sensitivity and selectivity are near my McIntosh MR 74...I truely can't believe it sounds this good. It competes with most when nothing has been done to it, surprisingly.

 

[c3conv]

What are the things you did to improve them? change of caps? resistors?

 

[Morden2004]

Contemplating on purchasing the AU999 and TU999. How can this differ from the 717 series? In sound? and in design?

This is my opinion only - so this is not from direct experience.

I own a pair of AU/TU-999's and they are pretty great units. Because they are from a design period wherein Sansui still had tube equipmnent (mid to late 1960's) I think that they have a somewhat different tonal quality about them compared to the later Sansui's (and I have 2 from the late 70's and one for the early 80's).

So, given the advancement in EE design by the late 1970's I would likely opt for the AU/TU-717 series.

Paul

 

[Sansui Louie]

You can't beat the AU-999 and TU-999 for charm, nostalgia and solid feel and build. Man, they knew how to build things in those days! Solid solid solid.

Might not spec out as well as later models, but it'll likely be working long after others have met the dustbin.

 

[c3conv]

I don't mind if they sound different as long as they are transparent and clear. Can I have transparent sound from the 999's?

If you don't mind what will be the difference you find between the 999 and 717? Less treble? More bass? etc?

 

[shelby1420]

IMHO you should expect a little cleaner clearer more transparent sound from the 717, and lots of bass, very clean tight bass, either way they are both classics from Sansui!!!!

 

[Sansui Louie]

I think most sound is transparent! <giggle>

 

[Robisme]

I have an AU-888 in one room that sounds very clear and life like. I prefer the 888 over my Onkyo 4500 MKII, Sansui 5900Z, Kenwood 6050, or Nikko 7070.
But when I fire up the AU-719, I remember why it's heading up my main system. While IMO the AU-888 looks better than the 999, I have not compared the two sound wise. But I would pick the AU-717 or 719.
Can't go wrong with either series.
Rob

 

[c3conv]

thank you all for helping.