• 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

Good Sansui Years?

gagelle

gagelle

Super Member
Hello All,
This is my first post on the Sansui Forum. I'm a Sansui fanatic. I have more Sansui amps and receivers than I can use at once and am always looking around for something new to try. Unfortunately, I don't have an unlimited budget. But this is my question: I've read that the good Sansui years ended around 1979. Yet, I keep reading accolades about the AU-D9 and AU-D11 which were made (If I'm not mistaken) after 1980. Does this series still have the same Sansui quality found in the 1970s? I've read that they have very sophisticated circuitry that even exceeds some of the 70s amps.
 
Register to hide this ad
From about 1980 onward it gets gradually more difficult as time passed, to find truly great Sansui equipment - there are notable exceptions some of which you have mentioned in the AU-D9 and AU-D11, & AU-D11 II these being just some which buck the trend. There are quite a few other notables, however build quality was always suffering after that time.

By the time the "R" series receivers and "A" series amplifiers were released Sansui really were on the slippery slope...

Not really possible to single out years (like wine) that are better than others.

Just my personal impression.
 
Last edited:
Hyperion said:
From about 1980 onward it gets gradually more difficult as time passed, to find truly great Sansui equipment

By the time the "R" series receivers and "A" series amplifiers were released Sansui really were on the slippery slope...
Click to expand...
1988 they produced AU-X1111Mos Vintage as one of the best and during 90's the they continued Alpha models which begun 1986. Just avoid first half of 80's :yes:
 
OooooH dear, that means my AU-D11 II is in the 'years to avoid' zone being August 1983 production :scratch2: :tears:
 
Sansui made fantastic stuff till 2001, mainly for the Japanese market. There rest of us got the BPC.

al607_mos_limited_5.jpg
 
In 1987 Sansui made the AU-X701 and AU-X901 "Vintage Series" as part of thier comeback into the high quality stereo amplifier business. These are high quality, really fine amps, and sound really very nice. They are a 'more musical' type amplifier being rebadged Japanese domestic "alphas". And they do have plenty of power RMS.

I seen an AU-X701 sell on eBay for $96. Unreal. Usual price is about $250. The AU-X901 rarely come up for sale but when they do they can be had for $500-$850+, and sell for double that in Europe. I have the 901 and it's really a fine amp. So much so that I'm totally satisified with it and not looking for any other amp.

I'm not sure if the AU-X501 is an alpha, or of the same high quality of the 701/901, but they guys that have them really like and totally enjoy them. Most folks think that they are just more BPC (black plastic crap)...they are not.

The other nice thing about them is that they were made in 1987, I.E., not 'that' old, componet speaking. Really nice amps.

From 1987 to 1999/2001 Sansui made top quality alpha designated amps as well as the 07 Anniversary and AU-X1111, and the AU-111 tube amp in two versions in 1999 and 2001 if I remember correct. The problem is that they go for 'Big Dollars' and are usually Japanese voltage, and if you wanted one you have to get it shipped to USA and that would be $1000+/- I believe, so I've read from guys who bought them. Also you would have to go through a middle man like 'mailorderjapan' to obtain it off Yahoo Japan because Yahoo Japan only sells to the Japanese and is a closed market to the rest of the world very unfortunatly. Alphas do come up for sale sometimes on eBay Germany and eBay England but then again shipping costs are high and they are still Japanese voltages/Hz. Some, not many, are dual voltages. Sometimes one 'pops-up' on eBay USA but they sell for like $1600+, plus shipping costs.

Between 1980 and 1987 there were a couple or few amps people really seem to like. Like the AU-D11 II.
 
Last edited:
This is not bad i think :thmbsp:
I have this !
 

Attachments

  • au-alpha907dr.JPG
    au-alpha907dr.JPG
    42.1 KB · Views: 47
  • pics_v2.php.jpg
    pics_v2.php.jpg
    99.4 KB · Views: 35
Sansui got bad in 80 to 85 making some bad products,but the 900 series where good stuff in general. 907 alpha series from 1987 to 2001 is the best i think
I got 3 AU 907 alpha DR and 1 CD alpha 717 DR.

O
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom