Sansui AU-555a Versions?

[JBEHBA]

Is anyone familiar with there being multiple versions of the AU-555A with differently colored/finished faceplates? Did the international and NA versions have different faceplates?

I recently acquired a second amp and noticed a few differences between them as I was cleaning this one up. Below are the differences I've been able to discern so far - Unit A being existing and Unit B being the recent pick up, including serial #'s.

Unit A (s#014050256)
Black/Purple(?) faceplate - see photo comparison
Faceplate text appears to be silkscreened vs etched
No internal voltage adjustment (117V)
Black Elna Caps
Quick-acting fuses 2.5A

Unit B (s#832030365)
Black faceplate
Etched faceplate text
Internal voltage adjustment
Grey Elna Caps
Quick-acting fuses 2A

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sansuiman]

A couple of thoughts:

Sansui models made specifically for export to the US were given a single primary transformer (120VAC) and perhaps some additional fusing to meet UL requirements. Canadian market versions were similarly setup for approval by CSA. So, that isn't unusual to find.

The faceplate having screen printed versus engraved legends is also not uncommon in that time frame. The Eight (or was it Eight deluxe?) came both ways depending on age of production, with the older units being engraved, and later production being screen printed. This was a cost reduction measure, clearly.

The anodizing could have some minor variation in production I'm sure, but suspect the purplish effect you are seeing is more a result of fading or perhaps chemical damage (less likely). I have a TU-919 here with a purple tint to the matte black anodizing that was clearly was not like that when new as the back side of the front panel is truly black. I figure long term exposure to direct sunlight (through a window) faded the color. It is now a parts unit, as I used pieces from that one to repair three other TU-919's as it had other problems in additional to the color-mismatched front panel.

The different color of the capacitors is of no particular significance, just a production change by the vendor; in this case Elna. The different fuse ampacity may be a UL listing directive, or simply a running change Sansui decided was needed.

 

[BLAH BLAH]

Yes i had two AU-101s and the difference in colour was striking...one black the other purpley black...

 

[JBEHBA]

Thank you both!

Regarding the facebplate color, the consistency of the purple coloration is very consistent on the front so from the possibilities you suggested and Blah Blah's comment on his AU-101s, it seems it's likely a variation in anodizing at some point during production. Either way, they each look great! Now to decide which to keep, or make it easy and keep both haha.

 

[SteevG]

You can date your AU 555a's

Unit A (s#014050256) Looks like May 1974 production. 3rd digit is year, 4th and 5th digits are month.

Unit B (s#832030365) Looks like March 1972 production.

I have one similar to your B unit. I had the grey Elna's replaced along with about everything else.


Steve

 

[JBEHBA]

You can date your AU 555a's

Unit A (s#014050256) Looks like May 1974 production. 3rd digit is year, 4th and 5th digits are month.

Unit B (s#832030365) Looks like March 1972 production.

I have one similar to your B unit. I had the grey Elna's replaced along with about everything else.

Steve

Yes, thanks! I did note the production dates which supports the cost-cutting explanation of the printed vs engraved faceplate.
The B unit is out for recapping with Justin @ QRXrestore, looking forward to hours of listening once it's finished!