Here we go. G-8700DB vs AU-222. Got a switch box….

[Robisme]

Well, two switch boxes. One for speakers and one for source.

Both recently restored.

The little AU-222 held its own. The bass and midrange are more forward than the big G, and it has a fuller sounding presentation. The G is cleaner with better separation between instruments. The AU-222 makes the G-8700DB sound a bit thin, and the G-8700DB makes the AU-222 sound a bit bloated, but not in a bad way.

Controls were flat and speakers were RSL Elans.

First CD was Steely Dan. Then came Metallica and Eric Clapton.

I kept them at reasonable levels, because the AU-222 wouldn’t have a chance of keeping up with the
G-8700DB.

The only reason I compared these two is because the G is on the bench waiting to be picked up by the owner, so figured what the heck. And, I just got the switch boxes the other day and wanted to play around with them.

Bottom line is they both sound good, but I do prefer the clean sound of the G. If I turn up the bass and midrange a couple notches, the G starts to sound full like the AU-222, but still tighter and cleaner.

That said, without a switch box, and having to swap cables around, I may have found the AU-222 more pleasing to listen to. This happened when I compared it to a couple amps without using a switch box.

 

[Copanel]

Based on this test, I would choose the AU-222.
The AU-222 also has the advantage of an anodized black front panel; it is compact, simple, and—I believe—more reliable.
I forgot to add that the little guy is rated for 4–16 ohm speakers.

 

[Scott Muni]

My test results are very similar to this. Since 98% of my listening is at lower volume, the 222 always wins me over.
A recent addition to my collection is a AU505. Very similar to the 222, low end punchy with a cleaner top end and will play slightly louder.

 

[Robisme]

Just compared the 222 with a Marantz 2230. The 2230 was just restored as well.

Interestingly, the AU-222 and the 2230 sound pretty similar, though the AU-222 definitely has clear more defined highs. The AU-222 is definitely the winner here.

If I did not have the switch boxes, and had to swap cables around, I would probably think they sound pretty much the same.

 

[bhairavi]

PS Robisme have you tried using the tape mon input? I've found it to have a lot less background hiss.

 

[Robisme]

PS Robisme have you tried using the tape mon input? I've found it to have a lot less background hiss.

I don’t notice a difference. No real noticeable hiss.

Rob

 

[JimEGR]

Loved this thread/eval!