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Sansui rack setups - would love to see them!

JimEGR

JimEGR

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I’ve seen some great rack setups posted recently @jd-audio @EdibleHead. Would love to see more pictures and descriptions of them - and others - please post them here! There is apparently no thread dedicated to member rack setups.

@bluesky built an excellent thread compiling the different rack models

I am making progress with my hi-fi workshop/studio build out and the recent rack setups I've seen here inspired me to take advantage of the new bigger space and finally assemble my rack setup. This is a complete set(not inc the turntable) I bought locally from a gentleman who worked as a deep space satellite engineer in Japan. He bought the setup new and complete and had it shipped back to the states. With the exception of the rack and turntable, it is the exact same setup as promoted in a Sansui brochure from the period. The rack is really well built. I am curious why he ended up with this one and not the Sansui GX-5 - maybe budget, maybe availability? I have not seen the GX-5 in person so I can't compare quality.

Unknown rack - not Sansui?
SR-222MKII Turntable
TU-217 Tuner
AU-317 Integrated Amplifier
AX-7 Audio Console
SC-1110 Stereo Cassette Deck

The AU-317 is totally rebuilt. The rest is all original - and I discovered the TU-217 needs lamps - first time I've powered it up :).

These all black Sansui rack setups are a striking snapshot of Sansui history. Love the looks and sound of this generation of Sansui gear.

Sui Rack.png

IMG_5099.JPG

IMG_5084.JPG

IMG_5088.JPG
Still need to air gap the AU-317...
 
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@JimEGR, tbe TU-217 has no dial lighting. That was one of the cost reductions versus the TU-317. Lighting could be added, but IIRC the power transfromer has no secondary to use as a supply voltage for a lighting load. The 317 (and other models up the range) used a clear plastic diffuser that runs the length of the dial, with openings within the diffuser to go around the lamps which are of the "rubber boot" over wedge base with wire lead types on the 317.

I believe the diffuser was omitted from the TU-217 as well, being there was no need for it with the lack of factory lighting.

A length of LED "tape" of proper color temperature warm white and a regulated power supply to eliminate AC flicker and keep the light level output from being obnoxiously bright could be installed. Obviously the meters should be lighted as well, as they are on the 317.
 
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Sansuiman said:
@JimEGR, tbe TU-217 has no dial lighting. That was one of the cost reductions versus the TU-317. Lighting could be added, but IIRC the power transfromer has no secondary to use as a supply voltage for a lighting load. The 317 (and other models up the range) used a clear plastic diffuser that runs the length of the dial, with openings within the diffuser to go around the lamps which are of the "rubber boot" over wedge base with wire lead types on the 317.

I believe the diffuser was omitted from the TU-217 as well, being there was no need for it with the lack of factory lighting.

A length of LED "tape" of proper color temperature warm white and a regulated power supply to eliminate AC flicker and keep the light level output from being obnoxiously bright. Obviously the meters should be lighted as well, as they are on the 317.
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing that out! I thought it interesting the cassette player lamps were still good but not the tuner - the price point constraints make sense. I’ll let it go and leave it factory.
 
JimEGR said:
I’ve seen some great rack setups posted recently @jd-audio @EdibleHead. Would love to see more pictures and descriptions of them - and others - please post them here! There is apparently no thread dedicated to member rack setups.

@bluesky built an excellent thread compiling the different rack models

I am making progress with my hi-fi workshop/studio build out and the recent rack setups I've seen here inspired me to take advantage of the new bigger space and finally assemble my rack setup. This is a complete set(not inc the turntable) I bought locally from a gentleman who worked as a deep space satellite engineer in Japan. He bought the setup new and complete and had it shipped back to the states. With the exception of the rack and turntable, it is the exact same setup as promoted in a Sansui brochure from the period. The rack is really well built. I am curious why he ended up with this one and not the Sansui GX-5 - maybe budget, maybe availability? I have not seen the GX-5 in person so I can't compare quality.

Unknown rack - not Sansui?
SR-222MKII Turntable
TU-217 Tuner
AU-317 Integrated Amplifier
AX-7 Audio Console
SC-1110 Stereo Cassette Deck

The AU-317 is totally rebuilt. The rest is all original - and I discovered the TU-217 needs lamps - first time I've powered it up :).

These all black Sansui rack setups are a striking snapshot of Sansui history. Love the looks and sound of this generation of Sansui gear.

View attachment 2812051

View attachment 2812067

View attachment 2812066

View attachment 2812069
Still need to air gap the AU-317...
Click to expand...

Looks Really NICE! Beautiful.

Congrats!!

Now all you need is one of those 'accessory cases (drawers)'. 3 sizes - shallow, medium, deep.
 
JimEGR said:
Thanks! I recently missed one. I won’t let that happen again.
Click to expand...

They do 'pop-up' from time to time, but they don't come cheap... folks know what they have - something special. :)

But... well worth it! Puts a smile on your face every time you see it!! :music: And put something into it!! :thumbsup:

Happy Hunting and Good Luck!

:beerchug:
 
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For the sort of money those rack drawers tend to get, one could buy a good quality modern rack drawer in matte black, and have a Sansui logo badge affixed to it, or even screen printed on the drawer face, for probably less money spent. Sure, it wouldn't be the genuine article, but if it's just about coordinating appearance, then why not?
 
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Sansuiman said:
For the sort of money those rack drawers tend to get, one could buy a good quality modern rack drawer in matte black, and have a Sansui logo badge affixed to it, or even screen printedcon the drawer face, for probably less money spent. Sure, it wouldn't be the genuine article, but if it's just about coordinating appearance, then why not?
Click to expand...

I’d want the “genuine article” :) .
 
Ok now I have an official Sansui rack. Had to act quick. And get on the road for it. Success. It’s in pretty good shape. Missing the factory screws. And the previous owner rebuilt the underside of the base with some aftermarket casters. I’ll probably try to undo the base modifications. And find some factory or close to factory casters. And track down some factory screws. Super happy to find one!

Shuttling it back from the big city now :)

FE463218-69F6-40B3-A3CE-381948651E06.jpeg 343CD8F4-293E-4D13-9906-716336A3B550.jpeg 1994D47E-4F15-49F6-BF9B-E0FCE8ADC831.jpeg
 
Being a purist is fine, and I understand the mindset; I used to think the same way.. I've become more pragmatic lately, though. For what those "official" drawer units fetch, I'd rather commit those funds for the purchase of an actual piece of gear I've been wanting, an original copy of a service manual, or a NOS factory part whose function isn't easily duplicated by a readily available substitute at lower cost.
 
thanks @JimEGR for starting this thread.

Here’s a few more photos of my Sansui AU Series Rack System. I fell in love with 70’s Sansui after hearing a TU-417 Tuner and just loved the look and sound of it. 15 years later and many hours scouring the net to find all the pieces I wanted. The AU-717 and super rare MA-7 were both found locally, unbelievable and they were deceased estate I believe, a Sansui dealer or collector here in Australia. Both units International voltage and perform as new. The AU-717 has been completely refurbished by the #1 and best Sansui vintage HIFI tech in Australia @skippy124.
The GX-5 Rack was an eBay buy from the U.S. and it arrived in very bad shape, dinged corners and lots of damage.
I restored it to better than new condition with a full tear down and rebuild, side panels were stripped of vinyl, repaired and filled all damage with builders resin and re-veneered in genuine American Oak timber. Metal rails were acid dipped and powder coated satin black. All Cage Nuts and Screws are original Sansui.
TU-717 was another U.S import and multi-voltage, it’s completely original and sounds incredible.
The AX-7 also a U.S import, the only component I’ve not tested or used as yet.
The Sansui Accessories Case was found locally and an 8 hour drive to pick it up but these are super rare so I had to do it to complete the rack.
The SR-636 is my most recent acquisition from the U.K, and is mint including all original packaging. I’m currently using a Denon 103R cartridge on it and it sounds great.
Speaker cables are vintage Sansui PS-107C, unbelievably I found these locally on Gumtree and grabbed them within minutes of being listed. Maybe even rarer than a MA-7 and matching Monitor Consolette.

For anyone looking to build a similar system, it’s possible. Be patient, enjoy the searching, bidding and finally getting that elusive piece you’ve been looking for. It’s a fun journey and very rewarding.

724772E5-C7CE-47F4-8D6C-58E9BDE1FEBB.jpeg 25C3D6C6-7AA1-49D5-AA60-9326E00E7A77.jpeg 4F63C29C-1038-4324-BA65-6920B6C5E8EE.jpeg 7CD33810-D029-429B-A7B5-1F58F63B848E.jpeg
 
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EdibleHead said:
thanks @JimEGR for starting this thread.

Here’s a few more photos of my Sansui AU Series Rack System. I fell in love with 70’s Sansui after hearing a TU-417 Tuner and just loved the look and sound of it. 15 years later and many hours scouring the net to find all the pieces I wanted. The AU-717 and super rare MA-7 were both found locally, unbelievable and they were deceased estate I believe, a Sansui dealer or collector here in Australia. Both units International voltage and perform as new. The AU-717 has been completely refurbished by the #1 and best Sansui vintage HIFI tech in Australia @skippy124.
The GX-5 Rack was an eBay buy from the U.S. and it arrived in very bad shape, dinged corners and lots of damage.
I restored it to better than new condition with a full tear down and rebuild, side panels were stripped of vinyl, repaired and filled all damage with builders resin and re-veneered in genuine American Oak timber. Metal rails were acid dipped and powder coated satin black. All Cage Nuts and Screws are original Sansui.
TU-717 was another U.S import and multi-voltage, it’s completely original and sounds incredible.
The AX-7 also a U.S import, the only component I’ve not tested or used as yet.
The Sansui Accessories Case was found locally and an 8 hour drive to pick it up but these are super rare so I had to do it to complete the rack.
The SR-636 is my most recent acquisition from the U.K, and is mint including all original packaging. I’m currently using a Denon 103R cartridge on it and it sounds great.
Speaker cables are vintage Sansui PS-107C, unbelievably I found these locally on Gumtree and grabbed them within minutes of being listed. Maybe even rarer than a MA-7 and matching Monitor Consolette.

For anyone looking to build a similar system, it’s possible. Be patient, enjoy the searching, bidding and finally getting that elusive piece you’ve been looking for. It’s a fun journey and very rewarding.

View attachment 2817598 View attachment 2817599 View attachment 2817600 View attachment 2817601
Click to expand...

Inspiring project!
 
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EdibleHead said:
thanks @JimEGR for starting this thread.

Here’s a few more photos of my Sansui AU Series Rack System. I fell in love with 70’s Sansui after hearing a TU-417 Tuner and just loved the look and sound of it. 15 years later and many hours scouring the net to find all the pieces I wanted. The AU-717 and super rare MA-7 were both found locally, unbelievable and they were deceased estate I believe, a Sansui dealer or collector here in Australia. Both units International voltage and perform as new. The AU-717 has been completely refurbished by the #1 and best Sansui vintage HIFI tech in Australia @skippy124.
The GX-5 Rack was an eBay buy from the U.S. and it arrived in very bad shape, dinged corners and lots of damage.
I restored it to better than new condition with a full tear down and rebuild, side panels were stripped of vinyl, repaired and filled all damage with builders resin and re-veneered in genuine American Oak timber. Metal rails were acid dipped and powder coated satin black. All Cage Nuts and Screws are original Sansui.
TU-717 was another U.S import and multi-voltage, it’s completely original and sounds incredible.
The AX-7 also a U.S import, the only component I’ve not tested or used as yet.
The Sansui Accessories Case was found locally and an 8 hour drive to pick it up but these are super rare so I had to do it to complete the rack.
The SR-636 is my most recent acquisition from the U.K, and is mint including all original packaging. I’m currently using a Denon 103R cartridge on it and it sounds great.
Speaker cables are vintage Sansui PS-107C, unbelievably I found these locally on Gumtree and grabbed them within minutes of being listed. Maybe even rarer than a MA-7 and matching Monitor Consolette.

For anyone looking to build a similar system, it’s possible. Be patient, enjoy the searching, bidding and finally getting that elusive piece you’ve been looking for. It’s a fun journey and very rewarding.

View attachment 2817598 View attachment 2817599 View attachment 2817600 View attachment 2817601
Click to expand...
@EdibleHead Amazing setup! I had no idea Sansui made rack-mount speakers!
I just pulled my GX-5 out of the basement after 20+ years and am in the process of repurposing it for rack mounting computer equipment.
 
Cool! How? The fronts secure to the track via the handles, but is that it? Is there an additional mounting at the rear? Is it easy to get gear in and out? Do you lay the rack on its back to mount the gear?

Thanks!
 
Generally only the rack handles on the front are used to attach the equipment to the track. But for the AU-D707 amplifier I added extra back support because it is more then 20 kilos. So the rear part of the amplifier rests on two corner anchors:
1689251796459.png
I can hardly imagine that the rack handles are sufficient for weights like these.
As for your other question: I place the rack on its back when removing heavy items (amplifier, cassette deck), but the other items can be added and removed with more ease when the rack stands upright.
 
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@STirFriedFp Beautiful setup! I have the AU-517, TU-717, and SC-1110. Always wanted - well, everything else.
They're boxed up in the basement waiting for me to re-cone my 1975 Advent speakers. Someday...
 
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