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Sansui Au-a907dr vs Au-d907x

rittmaster

rittmaster

New Member
Hello everyone! It's my first time posting on the Sansui forum.

I was planning on buying an Au-D907x from a local repair guy, but I was just informed that he can't get the machine fixed and might have to source another junk unit to try and fix and sell.

I've already been in conversation with this guy for 2 months, so it seems I'll have better luck cutting my losses with this plan and look on the online market for a 907. I came across a full-restore Au-d907x, but it's slightly out of my budget...

In comes the Au-a (alpha) 907dr for just around the price I had agreed on for the repair guy's d907x. This one does not note any restoration performed, but that all channels are in working order (big grains of salt being taken).

Doing some digging it looks like the internals are very similar, including a similar X-circuit design and dual mono construction.

Does anyone have experience with the bigger alphas? The MOS limited is quite attractive but also out of my budget. I will be driving JBL S2600 speakers (91db sensitivity) so I was hoping for lots of breathing room with power so I can play at lower volume when necessary.

The same guy who is selling the full-restore d907x also has a d907F (not extra), but from what I can tell it's lacking the power and the dual-mono construction of the X and the alpha-DR.

Any advice you can provide would be appreciated!
 
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They're both outstanding amps, and comparable at 160w into 8 ohms

the 907DR uses later LAPT output devices, has XLR power amp inputs, 2x speaker outs, higher end cosmetic hardware ( copper feet, chassis ). Tamura power transformer. The power supply shares ground between LR channels, which probably isn't a big deal

the 907X Decade has quality USA built MC transformers if that matters to you. A huge specially designed EI power transformer. The power supply is a true dual mono design with separate grounds for LR channels. Only the D11ii, **07X models & the big power amps were like that afaik.

I'd be happy with either. I bet they both sound incredible, in good working condition.

An unestored 907DR may need looking at: any notorious Sansui glue should be removed as over time it eats components & can cause short circuits. There may be other aged parts.

I wonder what's wrong with the 907x? If priced the same, I'd take the restored unit. Assuming he is actually restoring it & not just getting it running.

Some people here probably own both, hopefully will get more opinions

Those JBL speakers look really nice!
 
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Thanks for the reply!

There is a restored 907x for outside of my budget... I tried negotiating but am not feeling a lot of wiggle room unfortunately.

I've also seen a 907F and 907F extra, these are more in my budget, and restored.

Is there a huge difference between the F/Extra and the X/Alpha DR?

I'm looking at a combination of Mercari and Yahoo Auctions.
 
Ah, not a Decade, no! All of what i'm seeing are X only.

I don't know if it's kosher to post links or not, but here are some of the units in question...

Moderator edit: removed links to auctions as prohibited by AK rules.

Obviously I'm more than tempted by the 907X, and the DR if it's working properly.. I asked about the phono stage as I intended to listen to records.

But the 907F extra restored seems like a good deal too. If the 907F extra is just as good, then I'll consider it.
 
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Honestly at their age I would be inclined to take the most reliable/best restored version. Those are all good amplifiers

But parts may be hard to find if things fail, and it'll cost time & money to fix
 
I've had my D907X for a few weeks now. It's very clean and in excellent condition. I bought it from one of our technician friends here on AK. It's an outstanding amplifier. In particular, the phono stage is easily the best in my collection. It's a perfect pairing with my XP-99/AT3100S of the same era. Then there's the smooth clean power. A beautiful sounding amp. It and the X701 have a brighter and more resolving sound than my older stuff which I describe as having more tone or warmth as most people say. Highly recommend the D907X, but that doesn't mean I won't have my eye out for an Alpha! I don't think you can go wrong.
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petesui said:
I've had my D907X for a few weeks now. It's very clean and in excellent condition. I bought it from one of our technician friends here on AK. It's an outstanding amplifier. In particular, the phono stage is easily the best in my collection. It's a perfect pairing with my XP-99/AT3100S of the same era. Then there's the smooth clean power. A beautiful sounding amp. It and the X701 have a brighter and more resolving sound than my older stuff which I describe as having more tone or warmth as must people say. Highly recommend the D907X, but that doesn't mean I won't have my eye out for an Alpha! I don't think you can go wrong.
View attachment 3586238View attachment 3586239
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Beautiful setup!

I would love to be able to buy from AK, but I live in Japan so it's more realistic for me to peruse the local market. Luckily, there are a ton of them floating around! Just need to find the right one in the right condition..
 
I had a 907DR and when giving it to service, they found a couple of Sansui glue under caps that was removed and several caps replaced, as well as a new relay and going through the procedure of setting bias and offset correctly. It was a rare 230V machine. Loved the sound of the CD source, absolutely amazing and a further step-up from my AU-919. Incredible sound. Though I didn't like the phono sound at all which was trebly and somehow "off". Gave the thing once more to service and they replaced several out-of-spec-parts on the phono-stage which improved the sound again a lot.
 
rittmaster said:
Beautiful setup!

I would love to be able to buy from AK, but I live in Japan so it's more realistic for me to peruse the local market. Luckily, there are a ton of them floating around! Just need to find the right one in the right condition..
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You're at the source! From here it seems like you have endless options in Japan. Can't wait to see what you find.
 
bolero said:
Absolutely

And MC gives other options if you ever do get a MC cartridge: most prefer using transformers for them.

Lots of people use the FET MC preamps built into receivers & they're fine.

See who else chimes in here, don't just listen to me
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As I mentioned, the phono stage on the D907X really is excellent. Very clean and clear. The AT3100S snapped right into place when I turned this control knob. Really good.
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bolero said:
The designer of the 907X, Hirano-san, said he specifically wanted to improve the phono circuit from the previous 907 model
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He succeeded! It's certainly better than the 11000 and D9 from my experience. I've yet to use the phono on the X701.
 
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