Sansui Seven vs AU-717 0r AU-919

[JVB]

I currently have a pristine Model Seven and a 3300. I like both and have them driving Sansui SP300
or Marantz Imperial 6's. Both speakers are very efficient and sound nice with these receivers, just doesn't
take much to drive them, very different sounding speakers which is nice, each excel at different types of music.
Wanting something with more watts to explore some speakers that require more power, are the integrated amps mentioned above going to sound similar or any different with the speakers I already have?
Asking because I will have to part with the Model Seven to buy the integrated amp. Model Seven and 3300 sound pretty close to my old ears.
I'm assuming some one hear already has all the mentioned gear.
thanks
J

 

[ghamilton]

The 919 is the best of that list.

 

[oldsysop]

IMO, AU-717

 

[Robisme]

Well, while some may prefer the "full" sound of the AU-717, and its loudness button, the AU-919 is by far the better amplifier.

I sold my AU-919 to a co-worker years ago, for $300, because I preferred using a loudness button when listening at low levels.
These days I don't listen much at low volume and would now be very happy with the AU-919.

Rob

 

[JVB]

Well, just like blondes and brunettes , everybody's got a flavor, thank goodness.
Variety is what its all about. that said unless I missed something, nobody is chiming in that has both integrated amps and receivers. my concern was that the integrated amps would not have the warm sound of the receivers, and that because the integrated amps do go for much less than the old monster receivers, I was headed that way.
My speakers are listed, my favorites are in this order Sansui SP 300 , Marantz model 6,
KLH 6. The Marantz and KLH can't come close to the Sansui's for Jazz or Blues, the horns rock in the Sansui's. Moving on up as in 2-3k in speakers plus big upgrade in Cartridge, I would like something that can push inefficient speakers , the simpler designs do have their limits. Thanks for the input.
J

 

[rickb119]

To me, if a receiver/amp has a "warm sound", it's because it lacks clarity and detail. I have a recapped Pioneer SX-850 that, to me, has a very warm sound. Very nice, very pleasant to listen to. The problem with it is that it doesn't draw me into the music like my Sansui AU-919 does (also recapped). The 919 has been described as a "straight wire, with gain". You hear the music (as much as your speakers will allow), just as it was recorded. That has it's downside too as I've tossed more than a few CD's because I couldn't stand to listen to a poor quality recording. Wouldn't have bothered me so much with the Pioneer, but it does with the Sansui. The good news is, with a good recording, you hear each and every beautiful, wonderful note and nuance of the music.

I've heard some amps described as being clinical sounding. The 919 is crisp, clear, clean and detailed, but NOT clinical. Driving my Sierra 2's, I can listen for hours with absolutely no listener fatigue. (And I have severe tinnitus.)

I once did a side by side comparison between the two using Charles Mingus, "AH UM". With the Pioneer, the music played and was over before I realized it. With the Sansui, I sat there and listened to and heard each and every wonderful note.

Another issue with the 919 is that it needs to be recapped. If only for what's called the "black flag" caps. Those caps have been known to cause the amp to oscillate and fry the unobtainable output transistors. Once properly restored, it should last another 40 years.

Having said all that, I would imagine that the AU-717 doesn't give up much (compared to the 919), and at probably a more affordable price. Had I to do it over again, I'd strongly consider the 717.

Just giving my opinion.

 

[JVB]

I like scotch there are many kinds , its really an acquired taste. Took many years to get there.
Maybe I have a high tolerance for pain. In music / speakers / amps / cartridges I like warm and by no means fuzzy, not clear, lacking detail, no mids or highs, just warm as in to my hearing I can do it it all day, I have modern gear with hi tech expensive polks, Klipch and high end Daks , very crystal clear, no coloring, hear everything, and to my old ears cold. In the end, I guess I'm just chasing more of what I grew up with in the 60's with this Sansui gear. Lord knows that a good TT and cartridge mean just as much, although the room you listen in rules.
But nothing fuzzy in my system, until 2:00 am and then it's not the stereo.
J

 

[blhagstrom]

The Seven should have a rich full tone sound.
Some say warm, others say muddy.

The AU-717 is a full on power house.
Do be aware that unless it is properly restored, it will not perform right and may lay down at any time. There is a list of known weak points that need to be addressed.
It should be plenty of power and very clean and clear in sound.

Never had or heard an AU-919 but I read that there are some things that should be addressed as well.

 

[DAnny45acp]

The 919 will be the best of the three- but is not cheap and will need work - like was stated need to replace the "black flags caps" ASAP. Having owned all 3 at one time I found the AU-9900 which is in the same price range - if you watch you can sometimes find for under 5 bills- The 9900 IMO is a better sounding amp of the 3 you listed.

 

[JVB]

Thanks for the heads up,
I try to buy local which in my neck of the woods, upstate NY, can relate
to some rather long drives. So far the drives have been worth it, think
I'm 6 out of 7 on finding keepers. I'll keep looking

 

[rickb119]

You might consider becoming a subscribing member here (upper right corner of the home page.) For $25.00 per year, you get access to Barter Town, a forum where members buy, sell and trade with each other.

No 717/919's available at this time, but there is an Eight Deluxe listed, in MA.

 

[rickb119]

One more thing to be aware of is the 717/919's are 8 ohm minimum amps. I think I knew that but I've had mine several years and forgot. I remembered (actually looked it up) when I wanted to find out how the KEF's (4 Ω) sounded using the Sansui, and it got very warm. It did however make me realize that I need better power for the KEF's as it made them sing.

 

[bluesky]

AU-717 is really a nice amp (had one) & has the 'loudness' feature. My favorite of the two.
AU-919 is really a nice amp & has the 'jump' feature if your into records.

I've heard the 919 like to be played with some power applied and is the best, of course, but I prefer 'loudness'. I don't CRANK music. I play music at lower volumes.

The 717 is a super fine sounding amp with Sansui 'coloring'. Excellent Bass. Sounds like listening to a live concert. It's a beast. Imagine the 919 is the same.

 

[pete_mac]

One more thing to be aware of is the 717/919's are 8 ohm minimum amps. I think I knew that but I've had mine several years and forgot. I remembered (actually looked it up) when I wanted to find out how the KEF's (4 Ω) sounded using the Sansui, and it got very warm. It did however make me realize that I need better power for the KEF's as it made them sing.

You can run one pair of 4 ohm speakers on the 717 if you wish.

The notation on the rear of the amp says: "when you connect two pairs of speaker systems, each of them must have an impedance of 8 ohms or more"

This is to ensure that the nominal impedance is no less than 4 ohms if two pairs of 8 ohm speakers are operated simultaneously.

Of course, the nominal impedance of a speaker and the actual measured impedance at various points may be two very different things!

 

[barclay t.]

My 919 runs a pair of 4 ohm Epos Epic 2s and makes them sing beautifully without breaking a sweat. I've noticed no undue warmth issues. The manual states that 4 ohms is fine, but yes, not to attach a second pair of speakers at the same time. I haven't tried other speakers yet, but I have to say I'm delighted with the sound of this combo.

 

[Hyperion]

AU-919 is really a nice amp & has the 'jump' feature if your into records.

The AU-919 'Jump' switch can be used with any input, but I notice only the smallest of changes when using it on mine (other than the level change). But feel that's only because I did a superb job of rebuilding my AU-919 - including the 'Flat Amp' which is switched 'out' when using 'Jump' (so Jump On or Off, I/you can hardly tell the SQ difference).

 

[rickb119]

You can run one pair of 4 ohm speakers on the 717 if you wish.

The manual states that 4 ohms is fine

Thanks to both of you.

When it started getting very warn, instead of simply looking on the back of the amp, I checked an online site that stated "8 ohm minimum". I should have realized that cranking the volume to the 12:00 o'clock position "might" have caused it to get warmer than with my normal bookshelf near field listening.

 

[bluesky]

The AU-919 'Jump' switch can be used with any input, but I only notice the smallest of changes when using it on mine (other than the level change). But feel that's only because I did a superb job of rebuilding my AU-919 - including the 'Flat Amp' which is switched 'out' when using 'Jump' (so Jump On or Off, you can hardly tell the SQ difference).

Thanks for the write-up!

 

[JVB]

Well , on the way tomorrow to pick up a Sansui Model 8 that threw itself at me and then moving on to picking up an Au 717. I'm having two zero 100's restored that should be ready, early I hope, next week so if all goes well should be a fun week trying different combo's. The 717 reputedly has been completely redone by a good shop so hopefully there's paperwork to support that, I know the work can get expensive.