Register to hide this ad
That's a pleasant surprise considering the old receiver crowd here.
I liked the AU-555 that I had about 40ish yrs ago.
My first step away from receivers while still in HS.
Last edited:
I'll nominate the AU-101, or at a bit more output power, but very nearly identical in all other respects, the AU-505. I own an AU-101, and have found it to be a golden little amplifier. Simple and sweet.
I'm sure others here will mention the AU-2200. I don't own one, nor have I heard one live in person, but it has been highly spoken of here in the past. My only reservation with it would be the fact it uses Sanken brick type output devices, and I prefer fully discrete output stages if only for ease of serviceability.
The AU-4400 would be the next step up from that, and I believe it is all discrete. Also, these two are amongst the only silver face integrated amps Sansui made until the early 80's, in case you favor that over the black panel design that Sansui was long known for.
I'm sure others here will mention the AU-2200. I don't own one, nor have I heard one live in person, but it has been highly spoken of here in the past. My only reservation with it would be the fact it uses Sanken brick type output devices, and I prefer fully discrete output stages if only for ease of serviceability.
The AU-4400 would be the next step up from that, and I believe it is all discrete. Also, these two are amongst the only silver face integrated amps Sansui made until the early 80's, in case you favor that over the black panel design that Sansui was long known for.
Last edited:
At 30 watts the AU-777a was also a spectacular amp as well (about 1969) but they are relatively rare to find. The AU-777d is the Japanese domestic wired for 100v so it needs a step-down on 120v house current. There are a few of them available directly from Japan most of the time.
The AU-222 definitely has some fans here. Again, not one that I own, so can't comment on it's sound. It's build quality will be excellent though, owing to it's age. Likewise, the 117/217 are very nice amps as mentioned by @AUD101, with a slightly more modern take on the Sansui sound.
The AU-777A (or D) is a great amp, though both variants are tougher to find than others already listed here, and these days are they are rather costly, since their quality and popularity have been well established. Simply put, there are generally better deals to be found, unless you really specifically want the 777A/D.
The AU-777A (or D) is a great amp, though both variants are tougher to find than others already listed here, and these days are they are rather costly, since their quality and popularity have been well established. Simply put, there are generally better deals to be found, unless you really specifically want the 777A/D.
I own most of the Sansui integrated amps that are under 30 watts. If I had to pick one it would be the AU-101. The rich, sweet sound coupled (and yes cap coupled too 
) with a minimalist control bank and the only needed two speaker output to me is the ideal "One Ring To Rule Them All" on the low powered Sansui integrated front. And it is GORGEOUS! As classic as it gets for Sansui looks.
A very close second to the AU-101 would be the stoic AU-217. I love this one too. Spent many months listening to it exclusively.
And a third. If you are feeling adventurous. The later, exotic and rare, Euro model (240V), AU-D101 with a more advanced, distortion neutralizing topology. While not as sonically rich as the other two, I promise you will hear more of the music than you’d heard before. My first play of this machine still haunts me with the detail of Bruce on the harmonica on Nebraska - the sonic edges just aren't there on anything less.
Any of these machines (in my post and other folk's posts in the thread) matched up with some high quality, reasonably sensitive speakers produce pure sonic Heaven. (I am a big fan of ADS, Klipsch and Zu Audio speakers).
Factor in purchase cost, restoration cost, community support for the model, desirability if resale is a factor and also potential NLA or non-discreet components as @Sansuiman mentioned. Those IC Sansui do sound exceptional too. And NOS NLA parts are still around, for now.
) with a minimalist control bank and the only needed two speaker output to me is the ideal "One Ring To Rule Them All" on the low powered Sansui integrated front. And it is GORGEOUS! As classic as it gets for Sansui looks.A very close second to the AU-101 would be the stoic AU-217. I love this one too. Spent many months listening to it exclusively.
And a third. If you are feeling adventurous. The later, exotic and rare, Euro model (240V), AU-D101 with a more advanced, distortion neutralizing topology. While not as sonically rich as the other two, I promise you will hear more of the music than you’d heard before. My first play of this machine still haunts me with the detail of Bruce on the harmonica on Nebraska - the sonic edges just aren't there on anything less.
Any of these machines (in my post and other folk's posts in the thread) matched up with some high quality, reasonably sensitive speakers produce pure sonic Heaven. (I am a big fan of ADS, Klipsch and Zu Audio speakers).
Factor in purchase cost, restoration cost, community support for the model, desirability if resale is a factor and also potential NLA or non-discreet components as @Sansuiman mentioned. Those IC Sansui do sound exceptional too. And NOS NLA parts are still around, for now.
Last edited:
Scott Muni
Well-Known Member
I have au222, au555a, au317, 331 receiver.
Of those it's hard to pick an over all winner, they are pretty close. If the house was on fire, and could only grab 1, it would be the au222. What a fine sounding 18 watts.
Never heard the au101, and I should get one in the collection.
Of those it's hard to pick an over all winner, they are pretty close. If the house was on fire, and could only grab 1, it would be the au222. What a fine sounding 18 watts.
Never heard the au101, and I should get one in the collection.
emartine
Active Member
I really like the looks of au222, but never heard one. What I dont like of its design is that the first stage (the phono one) is used on the aux input. The signal is lowered with a voltage divider at the aux input, to then be amplified by the phono stage. Why is that? Other designs just jumps this phono stage when aux input is used..
For cheapness, so that the Phono stage is dual purpose, functioning as either 'Phono' or 'Aux' amplification. Thus saving 2 transistors (per channel), and their associated components, but making the switching (and fault finding), more complicated.
Last edited:
emartine
Active Member
I see.. but that stage should amplify with a RIAA curve while the aux doesnt need that.
Edit: i think au555 do the same, but au555a doesnt.
