Sansui AU-919 modern equivalent
- Thread starter Gumbee
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smurfer77
Super Member
ha.... I was going to say an Au-X1Really the only 'modern' equivalent of the AU-919 is a fully restored AU-919.
Another valid choice.ha.... I was going to say an Au-X1
The AU-X1 has the same devotion to the provision of quality Phono inputs, and in this case even greater care taken to ensure that vinyl reproduction is of the highest quality.
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Don't leave it too long, the Sansui Glue is quietly munching away, and you are missing out on hearing some marvellous reproduction from both of them.
smurfer77
Super Member
This reminds me... I nee to do some surgery on my AU-Alpha707. A bunch of glue on caps is eating away as some things that you don't want nibbled on....
Eeeew - no you don't
smurfer77
Super Member
If I recall correctly the roles of each PT in the 919 is split between main amp and preamp, compared to the 717 where it's dual mono design, with each PT doing both main amp and preamp for each channel. I can only think of three other integrated amps like the 919 in this regard, using a separate transformer for the preamp.
Sansui AU-X1, AU-X11 and AU-Alpha607NRAII. There may be others but that's all I can think of, and yes, none new.
Some technology like car design has leapfrogged forward. Your example of these two Camaros illustrates this difference well. In 1969 the Z28 was leading edge production performance design but It had many shortfalls. For example, it's total lack of safety technology made those cars quite lethal. The ZL1 on the other hand is more powerful, faster, stops better, uses less fuel and is way cleaner from an emissions standpoint and is way safer. While the Z28 is certainly a collectable automotive milestone, there is really no comparison on the technology stage. Current production technology is simply better in every way.
The AU-919 on the other hand is a masterpiece of the "wire with gain" audio school. It reproduces sound perfectly, nothing added, nothing removed. Even with today's technology there are few if any modern amps that can compete head to head. Certainly amplifier design has changed any actual sonic improvement is tiny if at all.
A properly restored AU-919 will go head to head with the very best amps made today. You certainly can't say that about any 1969 automobile.
- Pete
Agree with Pete's assessment of this. And why worry about the modern equivalent to an AU-919 when the real thing can still be readily purchased (yes, somewhat costly, I know) and can be restored for many years of further enjoyment. Besides, overall build quality will still probably be better than all but the most esoteric, obscenely expensive amps presently in production.
Anyone with big money to spend can buy a brand new amp, but something like a 919 is more of an heirloom as I see it, and worth putting the work and expense into a restoration to have something truly special, rather than the newest, shiny obsession.
Obviously, as a big fan of vintage audio I'm biased, and I'll readily admit that. But, I look at this old gear as something exceptional, as it was the culmination of numerous factors - economic, technological, heck, even social in some respects - such that we will never see the likes of again. Very much a product of it's time, and in a good way.
For me it goes beyond just listening. It is part nostalgia, but also a deep respect for the achievements of the companies - and the individuals working for them who contributed exceptional skill and talent to design and execution of this gear - that inculates the ongoing fascination with vintage audio equipment. Some may think that is an odd way to think of big metal boxes full of electronics, but it works for me.
Anyone with big money to spend can buy a brand new amp, but something like a 919 is more of an heirloom as I see it, and worth putting the work and expense into a restoration to have something truly special, rather than the newest, shiny obsession.
Obviously, as a big fan of vintage audio I'm biased, and I'll readily admit that. But, I look at this old gear as something exceptional, as it was the culmination of numerous factors - economic, technological, heck, even social in some respects - such that we will never see the likes of again. Very much a product of it's time, and in a good way.
For me it goes beyond just listening. It is part nostalgia, but also a deep respect for the achievements of the companies - and the individuals working for them who contributed exceptional skill and talent to design and execution of this gear - that inculates the ongoing fascination with vintage audio equipment. Some may think that is an odd way to think of big metal boxes full of electronics, but it works for me.
