Top 5 (Sansui) Integrated Amplifiers
- Thread starter JimEGR
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Will have to watch later, but the amp pictured is telling in itself. I've come to the conclusion that the professional and definition series components are the best looking gear of the solid state golden era. The aesthetic design of these was simply phenomenal, and one less appreciated aspect of discussing Sansui's history is who was responsible for the design work. I assume it was done in house, and wish we had some kind of background on that part of the company and the staff that was responsible for it.
Whoever was doing the design work really had an eye for making visually pleasing and usable gear. I might argue the follow on series, the AU/TU-717 was quite an accomplishment in understated but good looking gear as well. It also bucked the trend of flashy, silver faced components that was prevalent at the time.
And of course, the sound of the Sansui gear is legendary. That tends to get most of the discussion, but I think the outward design is an issue that deserves further discussion.
Whoever was doing the design work really had an eye for making visually pleasing and usable gear. I might argue the follow on series, the AU/TU-717 was quite an accomplishment in understated but good looking gear as well. It also bucked the trend of flashy, silver faced components that was prevalent at the time.
And of course, the sound of the Sansui gear is legendary. That tends to get most of the discussion, but I think the outward design is an issue that deserves further discussion.
Couldn't agree more on all of those points - especially the trend defying and trend setting AU-xx7 series.
It would be very interesting to learn more about the Sansui esthetic and user interface designer(s) - form and function as clean and captivating as the Sansui Sound. The word "Sansui" having meaning seeming to guide the ethos -
Bio and image from Sansui.us
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I have two of the five mentioned. I have to agree they are pleasing to the ears, and eyes as well.
The first line says it all though. The fav five list will change from person to person.
The first line says it all though. The fav five list will change from person to person.
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Indeed, the list of top 5 will be highly subjective, though I can predict we will likely see quite a few "votes" for the AU-111, AU-517/717, AU-9900/11000/20000, AU-919 and AU-X1. I'll be interested to see others choices that aren't necessarily either the most famous or most common models, either older or newer than the frequently cited ones I've just listed.
For example, I really like the earlier 70's models like the AU-555A, 666 and 888, as well as the AU-G99X from 1984-85. I haven't given much thought to my own top 5 list just yet, but some of those could easily make the cut. I do have an AU-111, AU-101, AU-555A, AU-9900A, AU-710, two AU-919, A-80 and an AU-G99X here. Which covers a lot of the highlights from 1967-85.
For example, I really like the earlier 70's models like the AU-555A, 666 and 888, as well as the AU-G99X from 1984-85. I haven't given much thought to my own top 5 list just yet, but some of those could easily make the cut. I do have an AU-111, AU-101, AU-555A, AU-9900A, AU-710, two AU-919, A-80 and an AU-G99X here. Which covers a lot of the highlights from 1967-85.
I am still newer to Sansui and it wasn't that long ago that I was researching which Sansui integrated amplifier to get (turns out MORE is which "one"). At the time, combing the Exclusively Sansui AK thread archives, three seemed to standout with high community praise and well suited for my listening levels, speakers and room - the AU-555a, AU-717 and AU-9900 - not in any particular order.
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Well, I finally watched the video now that I'm winding down for the evening. Was actually a bit impressed he put the AU-505 on his list. It's a great amp, but my expectation going in was that he'd go in for the big dogs. And he mostly did, but the 505 and 7700 were two I didn't necessarily expect. The others are all pretty safe bets for being favorites among a lot of Sansui aficionados.
Overall, I like his list and can't find much of anything to argue with. I'd like to have seen the AU-111 there, but it is rare enough (though probably more common than the AU-20000) that I can understand him not pursuing one. And perhaps he prefers solid state. I will have to further explore his channel to see what his take is on tubes, since this is the first video of his I've seen.
The other somewhat amusing thing about the video (to me anyway) is that he nearly echoed my sentiments about Sansui's aesthetic design in my first post upthread. Clearly I'm not the only one with a deep appreciation for that aspect of the gear, not that I expected I was in any case. Just kind of funny to hear someone else convey it in nearly the same way I did. I'll tip my hat to him for making that a big part of his presentation, as I think that doesn't get enough attention in discussion.
It makes sense that it is mostly about the sound, but nearly all of Sansui's gear is quite striking up until the early-mid 80's when their more budget conscious stuff got pretty wild with gimmicks and lots of small pushbuttons. Their better gear continued to be understated and decent looking, though I personally think the style peaked in the mid to late 70's. The loss of toggle type switches was a big loss IMHO.
Overall, I like his list and can't find much of anything to argue with. I'd like to have seen the AU-111 there, but it is rare enough (though probably more common than the AU-20000) that I can understand him not pursuing one. And perhaps he prefers solid state. I will have to further explore his channel to see what his take is on tubes, since this is the first video of his I've seen.
The other somewhat amusing thing about the video (to me anyway) is that he nearly echoed my sentiments about Sansui's aesthetic design in my first post upthread. Clearly I'm not the only one with a deep appreciation for that aspect of the gear, not that I expected I was in any case. Just kind of funny to hear someone else convey it in nearly the same way I did. I'll tip my hat to him for making that a big part of his presentation, as I think that doesn't get enough attention in discussion.
It makes sense that it is mostly about the sound, but nearly all of Sansui's gear is quite striking up until the early-mid 80's when their more budget conscious stuff got pretty wild with gimmicks and lots of small pushbuttons. Their better gear continued to be understated and decent looking, though I personally think the style peaked in the mid to late 70's. The loss of toggle type switches was a big loss IMHO.
In one of his other videos he talks about Marantz (even has a little jest about people being hypnotized by the Marantz receiver blue lights), and how he has many clients who own pretty much every Marantz including "the big dogs" and he says that those folks if they had to choose one choose the modest 30 watt 1060. There is a sonic purity emanating from the lower powered and simple circuits, it seems. Been my experience too. No way I am giving up my AU-X1 though
.I like his content and perspectives. Quality over quantity.
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Heh. My experience has been an interesting journey over nearly 3 decades now. At the outset, my general attitude towards collecting was to go straight to the top. I sought out the biggest receivers, amps, top model turntables and cassette decks (though my interest in cassette waned pretty quickly) and tuners that Sansui made. Speakers, reel to reel decks and CD players were eventually added to the gear I hunted.
About 5-6 years ago now, I started to take note of the smaller, less ostentatious parts of Sansui's product line. It was then I discovered a lot of exceptionally enjoyable gear I'd spent many years overlooking. So, I began to seek out and purchase some of those as well. Models like the AU-101 and 210 receiver have really blown me away by how much I enjoy them.
I've no plans to get rid of my big dogs either, but have to admit I could be happy listening to many of these smaller and less flashy pieces. Never expected I'd come around to that point of view, but there it is. Go figure
About 5-6 years ago now, I started to take note of the smaller, less ostentatious parts of Sansui's product line. It was then I discovered a lot of exceptionally enjoyable gear I'd spent many years overlooking. So, I began to seek out and purchase some of those as well. Models like the AU-101 and 210 receiver have really blown me away by how much I enjoy them.
I've no plans to get rid of my big dogs either, but have to admit I could be happy listening to many of these smaller and less flashy pieces. Never expected I'd come around to that point of view, but there it is. Go figure
That's going to put the cat amongst the pigeons...
AU-505/999 are overrated
Not nice!
pete_mac
Super Member
I'm personally not a massive fan of the 9500, but I certainly cannot argue with the rest of your list!
I have four Alpha 907s and three Alpha 607s (or equivalents) in the house and they are all sound fantastic
Seems to me the 9500 is the single most divisive integrated amp Sansui made. Not having heard one myself, I can't make a statement on it either pro or con, but based on much reading of discussion here and elsewhere over some years, it is an amp that is either loved or hated. That leaves me struggling to understand what is so different about it's sound to cause so much debate.
^^^^^ It’s kinda hard to describe with words, really. It’s one of those amps you almost have to listen to to understand it sonics. I had one (9500), it was a beautiful one-owner example.
I did the Full-Monty to it. I loved the looks, but just couldn’t get excited about the sound, so I sold it. Sucks because it was such a beautiful unit and the last of the Sansui founder’s design.
I did the Full-Monty to it. I loved the looks, but just couldn’t get excited about the sound, so I sold it. Sucks because it was such a beautiful unit and the last of the Sansui founder’s design.
That divisiveness makes it all the more intriguing. This craft is so subjective. Might be magic! Might not be!
I did all the research I could before getting mine. All the AK questions and such, it about drove me nuts trying to decide what to do- get one or not!! I really thought the last design HAD to be “the ****”, unfortunately it wasn’t, at least for me anyway.
