• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Concept 11.0 Receiver vs. Sansui AU-919 Integrated

Two Steps

Two Steps

Active Member
I have a mint Concept 11.0 in my closet that could use refurbishing internally. I have always lusted for an AU-919 and am at a crossroads. My options seem to be a) pay a good chunk of change to get the 11.0 up to sonic snuff or b) sell the 11.0 for good money and find an AU-919 or AU-717.

Does anyone have direct experience with either of these units? My everyday driver is a refurbished Marantz 2230 and Sansui 661.

I have no experience with higher wattage units and what power and authority they bring to the table.

Here are the specs for the Concept 11.0. Does anyone one know the sound signature of the Concept receivers?

upload_2016-12-6_10-28-29.png

Here are the specs for the AU-919.

Specifications
Power output: 100 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.008%

Damping factor: 100

Input sensitivity: 0.1mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 74dB (MC), 90dB (MM), 100dB (line)

Channel separation: 75dB (MM), 70dB (MC), 80dB (line)

Output: 150mV (line), 1V (Pre out)

Speaker load impedance: 8Ω (minimum)

Dimensions: 430 x 168 x 428mm

Weight: 21.4kg



I appreciate the input. In my head I am looking for authority, a clear presentation of music, solid bottom end and not too harsh. I like what the Marantz 2230 offers in regards to 'smoky' presentation but I am looking for a bigger sound with a bit more clarity. My source is Google Chromecast Audio streamed from Spotify Premium with the Extreme Quality setting.
 
Register to hide this ad
Bump. I know that the Concept line was mostly found in the West so perhaps not many have experience with the Pacific Audio house brand. Unfortunately, I am only 31 so I really don't have any direct experience :)
 
Two Steps said:
Thanks for the vote. I'm not trolling and/or unappreciative, but could you embellish as to why you recommend I make the move to the Sansui?
Click to expand...
Build quality, sound, plenty of pwr for most spkers. I also like it's looks. To be fair,...I know nothing about the concept 11. If it is a receiver (includes tuner section) then if it's as good as the Luxman R-1120 ( which is fantastic) then I would still go for the 919.
 
Setting aside the "receiver vs. integrated amp" aspect, I think you'd find both units to be pretty exceptional. The 11.0 is built extremely well, as is the AU-919. Both are well-regarded sonically. There's probably some differences in the features you'd want to consider, # of usable inputs for what variety of sources comes to mind. The 11.0 has more flexible tone controls than the AU-919, if that matters to you. I haven't owned either, but have owned/used their cousins i.e. Concept 6.5 and 5.5, and an AU-717 I've had forever. A good friend of mine that has very good tastes in audio gear as an owner and an expert tech has spoken favorably about the 11.0 and it's bigger brother, the 16.5.

Don't think you can go wrong with either, if you decide to have the 11.0 refurbished and a SoCal-based tech is ok, be sure to touch base with Pacific Stereo, the owner at Tapeheads.net - he's definitely the go-to for Concept restorations.

John
 
There are some downsides to the 919...black flag caps, special outputs, sansui glue... If you decide on the 919, make sure it's been restored with those specific items in mind. Otherwise, you'll not only pay the chunk-o-change for the Sui, but then also need to restore it vs just restoring the 11. Just a thought.
 
I recapped my 919 myself. Something this old would need it. That includes the concept. If you are not willing to do this, then you shouldn't get either one.
 
That's a hard decision.... The Concept 11.0 is supposedly the nicest sounding in the Concept line... Not as easy to come by in my parts. I have a Concept 2.5 and I think it sounds and feels very good. Quality stuff.
But than again a Sansui 919 would sure be nice!
 
Thanks you guys so much for chiming in! ghamilton, fuxtor, jheu and durbin - I truly do appreciate your time and the community here.

As I prefaced, as someone getting into this hobby who never had the chance to be around the big players in vintage sound, I have to do a lot of web based research as I don't have many people around me who have the same obsession. I don't know a single person who has any hifi stuff at all actually.

And ghamilton, indefinitely am an advocate for restoration. I just have to be strategic with the finances as my wife will crucify me if I get too carried away and/or get into a situation that is an endless money pit.

Does anyone know if the Concept line has a signature sound? I have read the Sansui AU series is balanced, not harsh, and has an authoritative bottom end...
 
jheu02 said:
There are some downsides to the 919...black flag caps, special outputs, sansui glue... If you decide on the 919, make sure it's been restored with those specific items in mind. Otherwise, you'll not only pay the chunk-o-change for the Sui, but then also need to restore it vs just restoring the 11. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree with this post. It's not clear that one would be significantly better than the other sound-wise, and the cost of acquiring and restoring a 919 would be significantly higher than just restoring the 11.0 you already have. Power-wise, they're comparable. Looks-wise, they're totally different. I'd say if you can live with the look of the Concept, that would be the more practical way to go.

I've restored a few SS receivers/integrateds, as well as tube units, but I personally wouldn't want to deal with the Sansui glue - I just don't have the patience to deal with cleaning that up in addition to desoldering all the old components and putting in the new ones. But that's just me.

I have a Concept 5.5 (which probably doesn't sound too terribly different than the 11.0), Sansui 8D, but no Sansui AU series.
 
If you already have the Concept, and you like it that much, then that would be the way to go,....unless your rich. In that case,...get a new Lux!
 
ghamilton said:
If you already have the Concept, and you like it that much, then that would be the way to go,....unless your rich. In that case,...get a new Lux!
Click to expand...

I am definitely not rich haha...I live in California so that puts me behind the eight ball from the get-go with our high cost of living. More importantly though, I am married and have a 3 year old; so that pretty much dooms me for play money until my daughter is a bit older and my wife and I start making a bit more money. This is why everything I do 'hobby wise' has to be calculated. I am however, always welcome to donations under the guise of "Keeping HiFi Alive for Future Generations" :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom