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Sansui Product History: Amplifiers 1967-2000

V. 06/27/23
  • Organized chronologically, separate blocks of JDM and International, power low to high
  • JDM = Japanese Domestic Market
  • AAFES = Army & Air Force Exchange Service
  • "Generations" currently defined by major form factor changes, and don't necessarily indicate a circuit evolution.
  • Please reply with suggestions, additions, corrections
--- INTEGRATED ---

--- First Generation ---
1967 AU-777 25 watts
1968 AU-222 18 watts
1968 AU-555 20 watts
1969 AU-777D 30 watts (JDM version of AU-777A)
1969 AU-777A 30 watts
1970 AU-555A 25 watts
1970 AU-666 35 watts
1970 AU-888 45 watts
1970 AU-999 50 watts
1971 AU-101 15 watts
1972 AU-505 12 watts

1973 AU-2000 13 watts (JDM version AU-505)

--- Second Generation ---
1972 AU-6500 30 watts
1972 AU-7500 32 watts
1972 AU-9500 75 watts
1973 AU-8500 60 watts

1974 AU-22 13 watts (JDM)
1974 AU-33 20 watts (JDM)

1974 AU-2200 10 watts
1974 AU-4400 20 watts
1974 AU-5500 35 watts
1974 AU-6600 42 watts
1974 AU-7700 54 watts

1974 AU-7900 80 watts
1975 AU-3900 25 watts
1975 AU-4900 38 watts
1975 AU-5900 45 watts
1975 AU-6900 60 watts
1976 AU-2900 15 watts

1975 AU-1100 22 watts (JDM)
1975 AU-3300 35 watts (JDM)

1975 AU-1500 22 watts (JDM)
1975 AU-3500 35 watts (JDM)

"Professional Series"
1975 AU-9900 80 watts
1975 AU-11000 110 watts
1975 AU-20000 170 watts
1977 AU-9900A 80 watts
1977 AU-11000A 110 watts

1977 AU-10000 110 watts (JDM)

--- Third Generation ---
1977 AU-207 30 watts (JDM version of AU-217)
1977 AU-307 50 wats (JDM version of AU-317)
1977 AU-507 60 watts (JDM version of AU-417)
1976 AU-607 65 watts (JDM version of AU-517)
1976 AU-707 85 watts (JDM version of AU-717)

1977 AU-117 15 watts
1977 AU-217 30 watts
1977 AU-317 50 watts
1977 AU-417 65 watts
1977 AU-517 65 watts
1977 AU-717 85 watts

1977 AU-710 85 watts (AAFES version of AU-717)

1978 AU-D607 70 watts (JDM version of AU-519)
1978 AU-D707 90 watts (JDM version of AU-819)
1978 AU-D907 100 watts (JDM version of AU-919)
1978 AU-D907 Limited 100 watts (JDM)

1978 AU-919 100 watts

1979 AU-107ii 25 watts (JDM version of AU-117ii)
1979 AU-207ii 40 watts (JDM version of AU-217ii)
1979 AU-307ii 60 watts (JDM version of AU-317ii)

1979 AU-117ii 25 watts
1979 AU-217ii 40 watts
1979 AU-317ii 60 watts

1979 AU-417 65 watts
1979 AU-519 70 watts
1979 AU-719 90 watts
1979 AU-819 90 watts

--- Fourth Generation ---

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential"
1978 AU-X1 160 watts (JDM) (and international)

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward"
1980 AU-D607F 75 watts (JDM)
1980 AU-D707F 95 watts (JDM)
1980 AU-D907F 130 watts (JDM)

"Direct Coupled"
1982 AU-D5 (B)(S) 65 watts
1982 AU-D7 (B)(S) 80 watts

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward"
1980 AU-D9 95 watts
1980 AU-D11 120 watts

"Direct Coupled"
1980 A-40 25 watts
1980 A-60 45 watts
1980 A-80 65 watts

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward"
"Extra" = copper plated chassis and non-magnetic elements
1981 AU-D607F Extra 80 watts (JDM)
1981 AU-D707F Extra 100 watts (JDM)
1981 AU-D907F Extra 130 watts (JDM) + MOS-FET

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward"
1981 AU-X11 160 watts (JDM)(and international)

"Direct Coupled - Super FeedForward"
1981 AU-D55F 50 watt (JDM version of AU-D33)

"Direct Coupled"
1982 A-5 (B)(S) 25 watts
1982 A-7 (B)(S) 45 watts
1982 A-9 (B)(S) 65 watts

"Direct Coupled"
1982 A-500 (B)(S) 30 watts
1982 A-501 30 watts
1982 A-Classique501 30 watts
1982 A-505 30 watts
1982 A-510 (silver and black) 30 watts
1982 A-700 55 watts
1982 A-707 50 watts
1982 A-900 70 watts
1982 A-909 70 watts
1982 A-930P 70 watts
1982 A-1000 100 watts
1982 A-1001 100 watts
1982 A-1010 100 watts
1982 A-1100 100 watts
1982 A-1100P 100 watts
1982 A-1100R 100 watts
1982 A-1110 100 watts
1982 A-1130 100 watts
1982 A-1130P 100 watts
1982 A-1200 125 watts
1982 A-1200P 125 watts
1982 A-1200R 125 watts
1982 A-1230 125 watts
1982 A-1230P 125 watts
1982 A-1500R 160 watts

"Direct Coupled"
1983 AU-M7 25 watts
1983 AU-M70 25 watts
1983 AU-M77 25 watts

"Direct Coupled"
1983 A-M800 25 watts
1983 A-M9 70 watts

"Direct Coupled - Super FeedForward"
This group received notable press attention and a Wikipedia mention
1983 AU-D101 30 watts (UK/EUR 220/240V)
1983 AU-D22 35 watts
1983 AU-D33 50 watts

"Direct Coupled - Super FeedForward"
1983 AU-D55X 70 watts

"Direct Coupled - Super Ground Free?"
1983 AU-D77X 110 watts

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward - Ground Free"
1983 *AU-D11ii 130 watts -The AU-D11 II is a special version of the AU-D707X- MORE Here

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward - Ground Free"
"Extra" = copper plated chassis and non-magnetic elements
1983 AU-D607G Extra 90 watts (JDM)
1983 AU-D707G Extra 110 watts (JDM)
1983 AU-D907G Extra 130 watts JDM)

"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Ground Free - X Balanced"
1984 AU-D607X 90 watts (JDM)
1984 AU-D707X 130 watts (JDM)
1984 AU-D907X 160 watts (JDM)

"Direct Coupled - Ground Free - X Balanced"
1984 AU-G11X 25 watts
1984 AU-G33X 45 watts
1984 AU-G55X 65 watts
1984 AU-G77X 110 watts
1984 AU-G99X 160 watts

"Direct Coupled - Ground Free - X Balanced"
1984 AU-G30X 45 watts
1984 AU-G50X 45 watts
1984 AU-G90X 130 watts

"Direct Coupled - Twin Diamond X Balanced"
1984 AU-D607X Decade 90 watts (JDM)
1984 AU-D707X Decade 130 watts (JDM)
1984 AU-D907X Decade 160 watts (JDM)

"Direct Coupled - Twin Diamond X Balanced - Compact Disc direct input"
1984 AU-D707XCD Decade 130 watts (JDM)

"Based on the circuit technology and know-how up to that time...developed through uncompromising selection of parts, improvement and hearing test."
1985 AU-X111MOS Vintage 110 watts (JDM)

"Direct Coupled"
1985 A-500 30 watts

"Direct Coupled"
1985 A-710 55 watts
1985 A-730 55 watts
1985 A-770 55 watts

"Direct Coupled"
1985 A-M90 70 watts
1985 A-M900 70 watts
1985 A-M99 70 watts

"Direct Coupled - Alpha"
1986 AU-a307 65 watts (JDM)
1986 AU-a507 80 watts (JDM)
"Direct Coupled - Alpha X Balanced"
1986 AU-a607 90 watts (JDM)
1986 AU-a707 130 watts (JDM)
1986 AU-a907 180 watts (JDM)

"Direct Coupled - Alpha"
1987 AU-a307i 65 watts (JDM)
1987 AU-a507i 80 watts (JDM)
"Direct Coupled - Alpha - Custom Capacitors"
1987 AU-a607i 90 watts (JDM)
1987 AU-a707i 130 watts (JDM)
1987 AU-a907i 160 watts (JDM)
"Direct Coupled - Alpha X Balanced - Custom Capacitors - MOS FET - Compact Disc direct input"
1987 AU-a907i MOS Limited 80 watts (JDM)

"Direct Coupled - Alpha X Balanced - Ground Free"
1987 AU-X201 30 watts
1987 AU-X301 65 watts
1987 AU-X501 80 watts
1987 AU-X701 90 watts (int version of JDM AU-a607i)
1987 AU-X901 130 watts (int version of JDM AU-a707i)

"Direct Coupled - Alpha X Balanced - Ground Free - Diamond Differential"
1987 AU-X711 100 watts

"Based on the circuit technology and know-how up to that time...developed through uncompromising selection of parts, improvement and hearing test."
1988 AU-X1111MOS Vintage 110 watts (JDM) (and international)

"Direct Coupled - Alpha - Ground Free"
1988 AU-a307 65 watts (JDM)
1988 AU-a507 Extra ??? watts (JDM)
1988 AU-a607 Extra 90 watts (JDM)
1988 AU-a707 Extra 130 watts (JDM)
1988 AU-a907 Extra - (JDM) likely not mass produced or sold commercially

1989 AU-X111 30 watts

1989 AU-X911DG 100 watts

"L Extra" - first use of nonmagnetic transistors, all later versions had these
1989 AU-a607L Extra 90 watts (JDM)
1989 AU-a707L Extra 130 watts (JDM)
1989 AU-a901L Extra 160 watts (JDM)

1989 AU-a555VS 80 watts (JDM)
1989 AU-a777DG 90 watts (JDM)
1989 AU-a999DG 95 watts (JDM)

"DR and later" - upgraded circuitry and components
1991 AU-a607DR 90 watts (JDM)
1991 AU-a707DR 130 watts (JDM)
1990 AU-a907DR 160 watts (JDM

1991 AU-a 607 MOS Premium 45 watts (JDM)

1992 A-X750 40 watts

1992 AU-a507R 65 watts

"α -X balanced"
1992 AU-a607KX 90 watts (JDM)
1992 AU-a707KX 130 watts (JDM)
1992 AU-a907KX160 watts (JDM)

"Hyper α -X balanced"
1993 AU-a507XR Series 70 watts (JDM)
1993 AU-a607XR Series 90 watts (JDM)
1993 AU-a707XR Series 130 watts (JDM)
1993 AU-a907XR Series 160 watts (JDM)

1994 AU-a117K 30 watts (JDM)
1994 AU-a317K 55 watts (JDM)

1994 AU-a505XR 60 watts (JDM)

1994 AU-a907 Limited 80 watts (JDM)

1994 A-a7 50 watts (JDM)
1994 A-a9 50 watts (JDM)

"New Hyper α -X balanced"
1995 AU-a607MR 90 watts (JDM)
1995 AU-a707MR 130 watts (JDM)
1995 AU-a907MR 160 watts (JDM)

1995 AU-X517R 65 watts
1995 AU-X619R 65 watts

1996 AU-07 Anniversary 90 watts (JDM)

1996 A-E350 25 watts
1996 A-E550 55 watts
1996 A-E750 90 watts

1996 A-E770 50 watts
1996 A-E770 75 watts

1996? AU-a607MRX 90 watts
199x? AU-a707MRX 130 watts - unknown if ever in production. literature only confirmed.
1997? AU-a907MRX 160 watts

1997 A-a77 50 watts (JDM)
1997 A-a99 50 watts (JDM)

1997 AU-a205 30 watts (JDM)
1997 AU-a305R 55 watts (JDM)
1997 AU-a305RX 65 watts (JDM)
1997 AU-a505RX 80 watts (JDM)

"Ultimate α -X balanced"
1998 AU-a507NRA 60 watts (JDM)
1998 AU-a607NRA 80 watts (JDM)
1998 AU-a707NRA 130 watts (JDM)
1998 AU-a907NRA 160 watts (JDM)

1999 AU-405 60 watts (JDM)

1999 AU-a607 NRA ii 80 watts (JDM) (January 1999 - October 1999)

1999 AU-a607 MOS Limited 50 watts (JDM) (December 1999 - August 2000) --- THE LAST SOLID STATE SANSUI ---
--- SEPARATES (NOT A COMPLETE LIST ---

Pre Amplifiers
1968 TC-505 (pre amplifier w/tuner: pre-ceiver) (JDM)
1970 CA-606 (JDM)

Power Amplifiers
1968 BA-60 20 watts
1968 BA-90 28 watts
1971 BA-100 30 watts (JDM)
1970 BA-150 45 watts (JDM)

Pre Amplifiers
"Definition Series"
1975 CA-3000
"Professional Series"
1976 CA-2000

Power Amplifiers
"Definition Series"
1975 BA-3000 170 watts
1975 BA-5000 300 watts
"Professional Series"
1976 BA-2000 110 watts
1975 BA-1000 45 watts (VFET amplifier)

Pre Amplifier
1979 CA-F1
Power Amplifier
1979 BA-F1 110 Watts
 
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A few suggested updates below.

The following 230V models also exist:

1990 AU-a907DR 160 watts (230V) (Note: no X added to this model number)
1995 AU-a707MRX 130 watts (230V*)
1995 AU-a907MRX 160 watts (230V*)
*according to the service manual these are also available as 110V versions, however there is no sales evidence to support this


This should be updated to 230V too as it is not a JDM model:

1995 AU-607aMRX 90 watts (JDM)


There are no records of the X701DR - I suspect it is a typo?
 
pete_mac said:
A few suggested updates below.

The following 230V models also exist:

1990 AU-a907DR 160 watts (230V) (Note: no X added to this model number)
1995 AU-a707MRX 130 watts (230V*)
1995 AU-a907MRX 160 watts (230V*)
*according to the service manual these are also available as 110V versions, however there is no sales evidence to support this


This should be updated to 230V too as it is not a JDM model:

1995 AU-607aMRX 90 watts (JDM)


There are no records of the X701DR - I suspect it is a typo?
Click to expand...

Thanks Pete. Just made the changes! My eyeballs and my brain burn out after a while of doing this...

Regarding the AU-X701DR, I pulled that one from the sansui.us website. I have not been able to find any other information on it either. Typo on their site? Supposed to be the international equivalent of the KX series...??? Do you have any knowledge of this?

From the sansui.us site -
"... AU-Alpha907KX was introduced in 1992. One the international version of this series was AU-X701DR...."
 
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JimEGR said:
Thanks Pete. Just made the changes! My eyeballs and my brain burn out after a while of doing this...

Regarding the AU-X701DR, I pulled that one from the sansui.us website. I have not been able to find any other information on it either. Typo on their site? Supposed to be the international equivalent of the KX series...??? Do you have any knowledge of this?

From the sansui.us site -
"... AU-Alpha907KX was introduced in 1992. One the international version of this series was AU-X701DR...."
Click to expand...

Seems like a typo to me! There are a few things on that website that appear incorrect.

Firstly, I haven't been able to find any evidence that there was an international version of the 907KX regardless of model name.

Secondly, it doesn't seem logical for Sansui to have used the same nomenclature for the naming of the international version of the DR and MR model range (notwithstanding the addition of the 'X' at the end of the name for the 230V examples of the MR) only to deviate from this formula for the KX. It would also be an odd choice to name the international version of the TOTL 907KX as a X701, as this was the international equivalent of the lower-end 607 models back in the day.
 
pete_mac said:
Seems like a typo to me! There are a few things on that website that appear incorrect.

Firstly, I haven't been able to find any evidence that there was an international version of the 907KX regardless of model name.

Secondly, it doesn't seem logical for Sansui to have used the same nomenclature for the naming of the international version of the DR and MR model range (notwithstanding the addition of the 'X' at the end of the name for the 230V examples of the MR) only to deviate from this formula for the KX. It would also be an odd choice to name the international version of the TOTL 907KX as a X701, as this was the international equivalent of the lower-end 607 models back in the day.
Click to expand...

Sounds reasonable! Removed it from the list. Thanks!
 
JimEGR said:
Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Super FeedForward - Ground Free"
1983 AU-D11 120 watts
Click to expand...
AU-D11 is from late 1980 as far as I can find.
And doesn't have the Ground free ( first naming for x-balanced ) circuit design.
Ground floating came with the AU-Dx07G Extra series directly followed by the development of the B-2301.
Interesting to see is that after the first implementation of the X-balanced design in the B-2301 Sansui first released the AU-D11 II and AU-D77X in 1983 (named GF (Ground Free) internationally and just started to produce the AU-Dx07X series for the domestic market after this, early 1984.
 
GrisPato said:
AU-D11 is from late 1980 as far as I can find.
And doesn't have the Ground free ( first naming for x-balanced ) circuit design.
Ground floating came with the AU-Dx07G Extra series directly followed by the development of the B-2301.
Interesting to see is that after the first implementation of the X-balanced design in the B-2301 Sansui first released the AU-D11 II and AU-D77X in 1983 (named GF (Ground Free) internationally and just started to produce the AU-Dx07X series for the domestic market after this, early 1984.
Click to expand...

Got it! I actually had duplicate entered the AU-D11 - for some reason with the AU-D11ii. Fixed now. That corrects the topology error, too. Thanks for catching that.

The Sansui topology evolution is a fascinating tale! And a large part of what I think makes Sansui so interesting - that and the Perfect SQ decade after decade :).
 
pete_mac said:
The 907Extra was never mass produced and sold (from what I understand), so I agree that it shouldn't be included on the list.

However, for the Sansui alpha nutters out there, at least one prototype was produced (thanks to @Cafad for securing this unicorn!)View attachment 2921032View attachment 2921033View attachment 2921034
Click to expand...

Still not sure why there isn't a drool emoticon here yet!

If there is not strong opposition to leaving it in the list, I would like to include it, to maintain accuracy. It exists.

I have noted as follows -

1988 AU-a907 Extra (JDM) - likely not mass produced or sold commercially
 
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Whoa, a bonafide prototype unit. Or perhaps more accurately considered a preproduction sample, as it is a complete unit (cosmetic parts and all, even a properly executed rear panel with all expected production markings screen printed). The label with Kanjii markings and hand written notes is a bit too blurry to make out, but I'm betting it has some pertinent info like a unit number, build date, assembler/inspector ID and such. Would be great if a cleaner, more legible shot of it could be posted. Might even be able to translate the Japanese wording to find out what it says.

While not on the thread topic, I'd love to hear the story of how that ultra rarity was tracked down and purchased, if at all possible. One would expect there had to be at least a few others built as samples for testing and evaluation before the project was scrubbed. Maybe those went home with some long time senior staff as a spiff?

I'm aware of a couple of instances back in the 80's where prototype computers were so "gifted" to company employees when the project was cancelled, and never hit regular production. Sort of a consolation prize for those who worked hard on the development, only to see it still born. I find this stuff fascinating, especially for "the ones that got away".
 
Sansuiman said:
Whoa, a bonafide prototype unit. Or perhaps more accurately considered a preproduction sample, as it is a complete unit (cosmetic parts and all, even a properly executed rear panel with all expected production markings screen printed). The label with Kanjii markings and hand written notes is a bit too blurry to make out, but I'm betting it has some pertinent info like a unit number, build date, assembler/inspector ID and such. Would be great if a cleaner, more legible shot of it could be posted. Might even be able to translate the Japanese wording to find out what it says.

While not on the thread topic, I'd love to hear the story of how that ultra rarity was tracked down and purchased, if at all possible. One would expect there had to be at least a few others built as samples for testing and evaluation before the project was scrubbed. Maybe those went home with some long time senior staff as a spiff?

I'm aware of a couple of instances back in the 80's where prototype computers were so "gifted" to company employees when the project was cancelled, and never hit regular production. Sort of a consolation prize for those who worked hard on the development, only to see it still born. I find this stuff fascinating, especially for "the ones that got away".
Click to expand...
It popped up Yahoo auctions Japan - further info here (a lot of Sansui Alpha info throughout @Cafad's thread

www.stereonet.com

Sansui Alpha Series Amplifier Reviews

www.stereonet.com www.stereonet.com
 
peterott said:
Still missing my beloved AU-a907MRX 160 watts (230V) here :angel:
Click to expand...
pete_mac said:
1995 AU-a707MRX 130 watts (230V*)
1995 AU-a907MRX 160 watts (230V*)
Click to expand...

@peterott - Got it! That is a rare one - the AU-a907MRX. (I missed @pete_mac note above)

Question though - @pete_mac @peterott
Can you confirm release years and if the AU-a707MRX actually exists?
AU-a607MRX - 1996 first date in database
AU-a707MRX - none in database or on web
AU-a907MRX - 1997 first date in database


And only two of these beauties in the database - is one of them yours @peterott if not can you reach out to @LBPete to have it added?
Screen Shot 2023-06-29 at 7.34.58 AM.png
 
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I have supplied both numbers. One ist mine, one is eradoncic's.

This supermodel is actually mine
www.good-old-hifi.de

Sansui AU-α907MRX

Dieser Verstärker stammt aus dem Jahr 1995 und ist das größte Modell der legendären 07er-Serie von Sansui - alles x-balanced-Vollverstärker. Solide wie der Felsen von Gibraltar gebaut, unglaubliche 33 kg schwer, satte Leistung von zwei mal 160 Watt sinus an 8 Ohm über die gesamte...
www.good-old-hifi.de www.good-old-hifi.de

The service manual mentions all 3 of the amplifiers, but I have not yet seen the 707MRX anywhere. Maybe also a unicorn like 907 Extra? Who knows...
 
peterott said:
I have supplied both numbers. One ist mine, one is eradoncic's.

This supermodel is actually mine
www.good-old-hifi.de

Sansui AU-α907MRX

Dieser Verstärker stammt aus dem Jahr 1995 und ist das größte Modell der legendären 07er-Serie von Sansui - alles x-balanced-Vollverstärker. Solide wie der Felsen von Gibraltar gebaut, unglaubliche 33 kg schwer, satte Leistung von zwei mal 160 Watt sinus an 8 Ohm über die gesamte...
www.good-old-hifi.de www.good-old-hifi.de
Click to expand...
Stunning.
 
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JimEGR said:
@peterott - Got it! That is a rare one - the AU-a907MRX. (I missed @pete_mac note above)

Question though - @pete_mac @peterott
Can you confirm release years and of the AU-a707MRX actually exists?
AU-a607MRX - 1996 first date in database
AU-a707MRX - none in database or on web
AU-a907MRX - 1997 first date in database
Click to expand...

That's an excellent question. It is covered via the service manual, however that's no guarantee it was produced.

My spidey-senses are telling me that whilst Sansui produced a 607, 707 and 907MR, they only made the 607 and 907MRX and skipped the 707. Given it was the 'international' model with a lower overall production volume across all of the MRX vs the MR, this was likely a deliberate decision to rationalise the model line-up offered internationally. I'm guessing though! :)



907mrx manual.jpg
 
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