TU-666 found in attic

[Patriot2020]

Hello all,

I just found this TU-666 tuner in the attic at my mom’s house. It belonged to my grandfather, but I had no clue it was there or how long ago he stored it. From the research I’ve done so far, it seems to have quite a following. I don’t know much about audio equipment, so what do I have here in terms of value, rarity, cool factor, etc. Pictures are below.

It definitely works. I’d like to clean it up but don’t want to ruin the finishes, and would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[ivandezande]

In terms of quality for a tuner, it's not really anything to write home about, but if you would have an AU-666 or 888...well. Lemon oil/Howards/etc on the wood case will glow it right back up. For the faceplate, I let the knobs soak in soapy water and clean the faceplate with 401.
They don't come around very often, I had a AU-666 for a few years and never found one in my price range.

 

[onwardjames]

Whoa. Very nice find. I would gently wipe it down with any decent furniture polish, it looks like it's in fantastic shape.

More will chime in. As to value, anyone's guess, but that would require being in dollars and sense forum, I believe.

Also, WELCOME TO AUDIOKARMA !!!

 

[kydog]

I love mine & it does have a following in the Sansui group, You’ll have no problem selling or if you prefer, Enjoying it. It’s one cool piece

 

[LBPete]

It was a mid level tuner of the era. They sell in the $100 -$200 range on eBay. Yours was the 12th one produced in September of 1970. Looking at the database, they were produced from about May of 1970 to about July of '72. You will need to connect it to an amplifier and a FM antenna to test it.

- Pete

 

[Patriot2020]

Thank you all. I cleaned up the exterior (more pics on the way), and now I’m wondering about the cleaning on the inside. I’ve been reading about contact spray and Deoxit ad nauseam, but haven’t found too much info on cleaning the TU-666 specifically. Is there any “safe” cleaning I could do without risking any damage?

 

[LBPete]

How to clean a tuner thread. Lots of good information in that thread.

- Pete

 

[LBPete]

By the way, Casey (nosirrah) and I had a running joke that a TU-666 only picked up static if you tuned across a Christian radio station.

- Pete

 

[Patriot2020]

Thank you. I’ve read that thread but can’t find much about cleaning/maintenance beyond tuning caps and pots.

I see that the tuner has few moving parts: tuner dial, am/fm mono/fm auto selector, muting switch, noise canceling switch, and power button. The power button is my only concern currently, as it is a bit loose in the “off” position. It’s also a bit sluggish when moving from “on” to “off” position. I looked inside and it seems the sliding metal parts that move the button get kind of stuck on the way out. What type of lubricant should I use there?

 

[LBPete]

The linked thread is all about cleaning the tuning cap. Other than that, cleaning the rest of the tuner is no different than cleaning any receiver. There are lots and lots of threads on cleaning. Vacuum, brush, isopropyl alcohol and deoxit D5 are your friends. Just keep in mind you have to get the deoxit INSIDE each switch and pot. It often takes some disassembly to get access to the opening in the switches and pots.

- Pete

 

[gizzyman47]

If you do open it up and poke around, don't touch the tuning fins with your fingers.

 

[bolero]

always liked the round dial on those!!

looks great at night

 

[slimecity]

Yes, this tuner has a feature that allows you to listen to Led Zepplin songs backwards......

I always wondered if this tuner would be the best pairing to use with an AU-555. I reckon they would look great together, There wasnt also a TU-555 was there?

 

[LBPete]

There is indeed a TU-555 as well as an AU-666 amplifier.

- Pete

 

[BLAH BLAH]

Yes, this tuner has a feature that allows you to listen to Led Zepplin songs backwards......

I always wondered if this tuner would be the best pairing to use with an AU-555. I reckon they would look great together, There wasnt also a TU-555 was there?

I pair up both my TU-555 and AU-222...they match well in size!
Here's the link on AK...https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/the-runt-of-the-litter.774709/#post-10616147

 

[AnalogueBen]

As said previously the tu-666, indeed does match with the AU555A, AU666 and even the big AU888, if you're lucky enough to have one of those!
Nice tuner to have

 

[gslikker]

It does pair with those for looks, perfectly.

Nevertheless, I never use the TU666, it is quite basic and can not compare with the other turners or receivers I have (a Sansui Seven among them).
You will need a good antenna, otherwise you can not get any "little bit weaker" station in stereo.

Indeed, rare, cool factor, looks......if not needing money and if not in the way, keep it!