Sansui Product History: Amplifiers 1967-2000
- Thread starter JimEGR
- Start date
Wally1955
Well-Known Member
Aloha Sansui Aficionados
SANSUI AU-5500 Specifications Sansui
Here what I found
AU-22 STK016
AU-2200 STK016
AU-3300 NEC D188A B545A TO-3
AU-3500 NEC D188A B545A TO-3
AU-1100 TO-66
AU-1500 B509D TO-66
AU-3900 sanyo B509D TO-66
AU-4400 2sc1444 TO-66
attached missing AU-33 in the list
use the Sanken 2SC1444
Build to last
In 1974
(I now see this comment on likeness has already been posted)
It looks like it's in there near the start of the list in 1974. Great to see some live-action pictures!
--- SECOND GENERATION ---
1972 AU-6500 30 watts
1972 AU-7500 32 watts
1972 AU-9500 75 watts
1973 AU-8500 60 watts
1973 QA-7000 12 watts (QUAD)
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
AU-33 = AU-4400?
Wally1955
Well-Known Member
@Wally1955, you are correct that the QA-5000 and 6000 are part of that lineup, with probably most of those two models having been made in 1974, given their similarity to stereo amps that were in production that year. QA-7000 was based on a slightly older design, more like the AU-9500 and related models.
Plimpington2
Super Member
Where does the AU-G99X fit in here? Or is it too late of a model? I have one and think it’s a real peach.
Nice. At the beginning of the new Sansui sound revolution!
BIRTH OF X-BALANCED
"Direct Coupled - Diamond Differential - Ground Free” (The birth of X Balanced (in integrated))
1983 *AU-D11ii 130 watts
"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
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I am pretty sure the AU-D11 II isn't a feed forward design, everything else, i.e. DC-DD, GF, X-Balanced, just not SFF.
Yes thanks for the correction! I updated the master list in post #1. I think I pulled that detail from my he AU-D11.
Very impressive amount of work and dedication has undoubtable gone into researching all this info. And it very much appreciated by me, as I am new to this game and searching for a Sansui amp to buy. But in doing my searching and learning, I have run across articles and YouTube videos mentioning particular known problems with certain models. Is there any sites available out there that lists by model the known problems of each of the amps. I know I'm probably asking for to much, but just hoping. I have learned that some amps (not necessarily Sansui) are to be avoided because certain replacement parts cannot be sourced, or at least any available replacements are cheap Chinese knock offs. It would be nice to have this type of info at hand before jumping into a bottomless pit.
No such comprehensive list exists. There is no Sansui amp I would avoid, there are workarounds for the handful of Sansui amps that contain parts no longer in production, and plenty of community her to find originals through. Your best bet is to post in the forum if you have a Sansui in mind. If you don't have a Sansui in mind yet, I would recommend the AU-717 as a strong entry point into the brand, and maybe the last Sansui you'll ever need.
AK is the perfect place to describe what you're looking for, what your needs are... and ask "what are the brands or models I should be considering... and which should I avoid". That is best done in a new thread here in the Exclusively Sansui forum (if you're only looking at Sansui) or the Solid State forum if you're considering more than Sansui.
When you make a new thread for your question and many people's responses, be sure to say you are looking for recommendations and opinions rather than "looking to buy" as that kind of thread is only allowed in our Bartertown forums.
Thank you for your reply. I was considering that particular amp, but have read that the glue used on their boards was a problem and needed to be removed. I don't know if this is accurate or not.
True. Not as big of a deal as it sounds like though. And true with most Sansui's as well as some other manufacturers during this period. The reality is any amp from any manufacturer from this period will really need a restoration to run reliably. That's the entry fee to the Golden Era.