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Which Sansui integrated to try?

An AU-D11 II, when set up and running right, is in a different league than anything else Sansui produced. Running mine for a couple of years now without any issue. I do have the great fortune of having a tech how knows these things inside and out. Once he adjusts it right, it stays adjusted.
A truly awesome amp.
 
Hi all, all I am saying about the loudness feature on the AU-717 is that when you play music at very low volumn, like 1 to 2 clicks up, 1 or 1 1/2 on a scale of 1 to 10, the loudness feature is great at these low volumns! My house has cathedral ceelings throughout and has a cutout wall 3/4s of the way up the kitchen wall, which is pretty fine - i love it, and which separates the kitchen and living room, for design, and the whole house becomes one big set of speakers with the stereo in the living room. If I play it louder than 2 clicks up, well, my house becomes one gigantic set of speakers and it is just 'w a y' to loud. So...the loudness feature is really great for my application because I get a lot of base out of my 4 each SP-2000s. Perfect!! This is why I like the AU-717, it's perfect for my requirements. It gives me really fine sound at extremely low volumns. That's all. If I crank it up to like #5 its like "being with" the Rolling Stones on stage. You would need ear plugs. In a different house the AU-919 would for sure be my amp of choice (or a CA 3000with a BA 5000!! with JBL 4344s). Sansui Forever!! :music: :thmbsp:
 
Well I love my AU-719!! Not related very much to either the 717 or the 919. This is one sweet sounding amp and you won't be reading much on any issues with this one either. I listen to LPs more than anything else on this one and I'm happy. Are there better phono sections out there, yes there are, but if you are looking for an integrated Sansui this one is mighty fine and has a good phono section ta boot (and a loudness button for those old 50s and 60s records that can sometimes use a little help on the low end.

Cheers,
Bob Brown
 
I have an AU-819 that was tuned up by Glenn/EW, and also an AU-919. I used to have an AU-719. These amps are all very nice, hard to go wrong with any of them.

AU-719: 90wpc
AU-819: 90wpc
AU-919: 100wpc (some sources say 110wpc)

The AU-819 is by far the most rare in this series and may have been in production for less than a year (not sure about this). It is curious that Sansui had two 90wpc amps in their line at the same time.

The AU-819 (and 919) have the option of separating the pre and power amp sections, whereas the AU-719 does not. The AU-819 also has the MC/MM phono section options like the AU-919. The AU-819 has a loudness switch, whereas the AU-919 does not.

Here's some more info about differences among these models that I gleaned from the archives here:

"Besides the 819 having the loudness switch instead of the 919’s muting switch, the controls are identical. They both have the nice MC phono preamp circuit. They have the same exact driver board and the same heatsink casting. However, the 100wpc 919 has four Sanken output transistors per channel, but the 90wpc 819 has just two trannies per side.

The 919 has separate transformers for the preamp and amp sections (torroidal), compared to the 819’s big el-core with separate windings. Although both have four 15000µf filter caps, the 919 has the larger oval ones also seen in the G-9000 receiver.

I think it is fair to say that the 819 is a “lower-powered” 919. On the other hand, the AU-719 is clearly an updated (DD/DC circuit) AU-717. The list prices in 1979 were: 719 - $575; 819 - $700; 919 - $800."

When Glenn/EW tested my AU-819, he found that it produced about 120wpc at .009% distortion, about 30% more power than advertised. This was before he rebuilt the protection circuit or set the bias and offset! I think this conservatism about power output is common to other Sansui amps of the time, and also to other manufacturers, e.g. Kenwood.

The AU-717 seems to be the Ford F150 of the Sansui line. The sold tons of them, apparently, judging by how often you see them come up for sale. People seem to love them but problems with glue melting and damaging other components appear to be common. Compared to amps in the -19 series, the AU-717 is said to sound a bit warmer and "fat", whereas the -19 series are a bit more refined and detailed.

I'm currently running the AU-819 in my main system while I wait for quadbob to finish a complete recap of my AU-D11 II. There has been a long-running and probably never to be resolved debate about the merits of recapping, so I am looking forward to hearing how it sounds. That model is known to be a major PIA to set up right, but that is another thread...
 
Choices

riverrat said:
I have an AU-819 that was tuned up by Glenn/EW, and also an AU-919. I used to have an AU-719. These amps are all very nice, hard to go wrong with any of them.

AU-719: 90wpc
AU-819: 90wpc
AU-919: 100wpc (some sources say 110wpc)

The AU-819 is by far the most rare in this series and may have been in production for less than a year (not sure about this). It is curious that Sansui had two 90wpc amps in their line at the same time.

The AU-819 (and 919) have the option of separating the pre and power amp sections, whereas the AU-719 does not. The AU-819 also has the MC/MM phono section options like the AU-919. The AU-819 has a loudness switch, whereas the AU-919 does not.

Here's some more info about differences among these models that I gleaned from the archives here:

"Besides the 819 having the loudness switch instead of the 919’s muting switch, the controls are identical. They both have the nice MC phono preamp circuit. They have the same exact driver board and the same heatsink casting. However, the 100wpc 919 has four Sanken output transistors per channel, but the 90wpc 819 has just two trannies per side.

The 919 has separate transformers for the preamp and amp sections (torroidal), compared to the 819’s big el-core with separate windings. Although both have four 15000µf filter caps, the 919 has the larger oval ones also seen in the G-9000 receiver.

I think it is fair to say that the 819 is a “lower-powered” 919. On the other hand, the AU-719 is clearly an updated (DD/DC circuit) AU-717. The list prices in 1979 were: 719 - $575; 819 - $700; 919 - $800."

When Glenn/EW tested my AU-819, he found that it produced about 120wpc at .009% distortion, about 30% more power than advertised. This was before he rebuilt the protection circuit or set the bias and offset! I think this conservatism about power output is common to other Sansui amps of the time, and also to other manufacturers, e.g. Kenwood.

The AU-717 seems to be the Ford F150 of the Sansui line. The sold tons of them, apparently, judging by how often you see them come up for sale. People seem to love them but problems with glue melting and damaging other components appear to be common. Compared to amps in the -19 series, the AU-717 is said to sound a bit warmer and "fat", whereas the -19 series are a bit more refined and detailed.

I'm currently running the AU-819 in my main system while I wait for quadbob to finish a complete recap of my AU-D11 II. There has been a long-running and probably never to be resolved debate about the merits of recapping, so I am looking forward to hearing how it sounds. That model is known to be a major PIA to set up right, but that is another thread...
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Nice post Riverrat...well done, and accurate.
I think the older AU 9500 is still my choice if I could only have 1 integrated amp. It does "color" the sound, has proven reliable, and has a unique look.
I have the AU 717, AU 9900, AU 7500, AU 9500, among others, and my main system is a BA/CA 3000.
The 9500 is my garage system, nothing plays my NPR Blues better.
Casey
 
I am wrestling with trying either an AU-9500 or AU-D11II. I owned an AU-D9 and was very impressed with the clarity of that machine. I sold it because I have so many other amps including an AU-9900 that goes virtually unused.

I am restoring several 771's and 881 receivers and while involved in that process begin to lean toward the 9500...but then I turn on the 717, which drives a B-2101 (which drives a set of subs) and I begin to vacillate toward the 919....D11...................
 
OK. I'm going to buck the trend. The 881. Not too expensive, enough power for most uses, easy to fix, a blast to listen to.
 
As having owned some Sansuis and repaired some other Sansuis my personal choice would be AU-D9 followed close by AU-719(or 519) and AU-X501.

One sleeper that I also really like is AU-G77X11 not to be confused with AU-G77X. AU-G33X is a smaller version that also sounds very good.

My advise is to stay away from those that are fully X-balanced.Thay are prone not to work correctly,and do not sound better even if they work(for some time).

AU-X501,AU-D9 and AU-G77X11 are only X-balanced in the preamp and with these there are no problems.

I still own an AU-X701 wich is really the same as AU-D11 11 and AU-G90X but as I say, stay away from those.
/gusten
 
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I bought my AU719 in 1980, and have never had the need or desire to replace it.

I also have an AU717 I bought this year and feel the same way about it.
 
gusten said:
My advise is to stay away from those that are fully X-balanced. Thay are prone not to work correctly,and do not sound better even if they work(for some time).

AU-X501,AU-D9 and AU-G77X11 are only X-balanced in the preamp and with these there are no problems.

I still own an AU-X701 wich is really the same as AU-D11 11 and AU-G90X but as I say, stay away from those.
/gusten
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The AU-D11 II is an X-Balanced amp, although Sansui called it something different- the "X-Balanced" term came out later.

I'm not a tech, but I have heard from more than one source the the AU-D11 II can be difficult to set up correctly, and that there can be problems with it. But I would heartily disagree with the statement that this model "...does not sound better even if they work" (if this is what you are saying).

I do not have a great set of ears, but the excellent sonic characteristics of this amp were quite apparent to me, even in comparison to the very good AU-819 and 919. I think there are others who would agree- bigerik for one, and others who own this amp have chimed in to similar effect.

I do agree that some of the early 80's Sansui integrateds are sleepers- not quite the build quality of earlier models, but excellent refined and detailed sound.

EDIT: quadbob (who is recapping my AU-D11 II) told me that the AU-G90X is visually identical to the AU-D11 II and almost identical in design, but uses lesser quality parts (e.g. caps) in some areas, reflecting some cost cutting by Sansui. (QB has rebuilt several of each model.)
 
gusten said:
I still own an AU-X701 wich is really the same as AU-D11 11 and AU-G90X but as I say, stay away from those.
/gusten
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If you are not wanting those, then just ship them my way.
If set up right, they are damn reliable and the sound is in a different league than anything Sansui produced before them. But, as stated, they have to be set up right.
Kinda like saying a Ferrari is a car to avoid because you need to spend more time at the mechanics than you would with your Honda....
 
AU-517 is still my choice.

I have tried AU-517, AU-819, AU-9900 so far, but regardless of the spec, my choice still towards AU-517, all I know is it share similar design with 717, but with shorter signal path (less switches for signal), which personally think that it's an advantage when compare with 717 (or other AU). It's an all-round playing machine.

Just my advise, 517 is a nice try for starting Sansui's fever! :music:
 
Well I just pulled the trigger over at eprey on another Sansui! Of course the wifey doesn't know that yet :D. I've got a super AU-719 as mentioned earlier in this thread and now I just did it again on an AU-D11 II for $200 beans.

Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140163253493&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=004

Hope it gets here lookin like it does in the pics. Now I will be able to see/hear the diff between my 719, AU-D11 II, and my bi-amped AU-999s (with a TU-9070 pre which is crystal clear). I just wish the 719 and the AU-d11 had pre out main in jacks.
I paid $200 for the 719 so I may keep the keeper .... er wait maybe I can find another room for the 719 after the swap. Yeah thats it.

Ya gotta whatch out this Sansui stuff is addictive.

Cheers,

Bob Brown
 
bebopdeluxe said:
dr*audio:

Thanks for confirming what I believed - that in terms of engineering design and construction (the things that relate to sound reproduction), the AU-919 is just about as good as it gets in a Sansui integrated amp (with the potential exceptions of the AU-20000/11000 and the AU-D11 II). Whie I acknowledge that, stylistically, the 9500/9900 has a great "presence", and I recognize that the 9900 is loved by many for its more "tube-like" sound (whatever that means), I also wanted/needed to have a MC phono stage - which most Sansui integrateds (including the 9900) simply do not have.

Of course, my 919 just had a complete overhaul by EchoWars...which certainly does not hurt.

;-)
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My opinion is slighty different to the others!

Forget the MC input! just get a good MC phono pre-amp and feed it into an Aux input. MC's need to be well matched to the amplifier and in my experience I have never found a built in MC pre. that good enough for the better MC cartridges.

For example one of my MC cartridges is a Linn, to get the best out of it I feed it thru a Naim Stageline, not a "Super" MC pre. but it is matched to the linn cartridge so it sounds supurb!

If you go down this path and use a separate MC pre-amp you will have much more choice in choosing your amplification?
 
Duffinator said:
So the AU-D11 II doesn't have pre in/out? From the pictures of your amp there is a switch above the speaker terminals, what is it for?
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I think that is a switch that must be set to match the impedance of whatever speakers the amp is pushing. Not sure why the amp needs this...

That is a great price for this amp, they've been going for about $400 recently. But the seller didn't specify anything about how, or even whether the amp works. I am always leery of such auctions, especially when they say "sold as is" and such. But it looks as if they will allow a return, so that is a good sign.
 
riverrat said:
I think that is a switch that must be set to match the impedance of whatever speakers the amp is pushing. Not sure why the amp needs this...

That is a great price for this amp, they've been going for about $400 recently. But the seller didn't specify anything about how, or even whether the amp works. I am always leery of such auctions, especially when they say "sold as is" and such. But it looks as if they will allow a return, so that is a good sign.
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Oops. The pics looked so good I forgot to notice that there was nothing about condition. Dammit, I hate when I do that. I've sent the guy a message about the condition after the fact and also asked if he could please bubble wrap and double box etc. His feedback looked good and the pics were good, the exterior condition looks minty ... we will see. Regarding the preamp outs - I'm pretty sure the're are none but I've not seen this amp in person yet. Also the Euro version of the 719 does have pre outs but I don't think mine does. Some do some don't on the 719. If someone with an AU-d11 II could clarify that would be awesome. I'd love to drive my bottom end on my EV Sentry III speakers with this amp. I've got a MIGHTY FINE Technics SU-9070 pre that is really really good. That pre not only looked good on paper but once I got it running it sounds EXTREMELY quiet and flat to a point where I've been looking for a... ahem... equalizer (one with all the pretty lights too), I'm a sucker for pretty lights as I like to listen to the music by candle and psychedelic lights. Call me 70s, go ahead. Nothing like some early Dr John with the candles and funky lighting from my Sansui gear and those Sentry speakers, oh and some beer. I'm having a good day. Phillies won, I went to work and made a bundle (for me),won an AU-D11 II on ebay, broke the news about the knee jerk eprey purchace to my girl. It's all good. The amp has to work.... the amp has to work... good karma good karma. Beers are cold... the amp has to work.

OK going to listen to NPR roots session - Pine Leaf boys are one.

Cheers,

Bob Brown
 
How much power do you need?

I really like the sound of a Sansui 555a through Altec Madrid 872B's...Very warm and tube sounding, and more than enough oomph for efficient speakers...:music:...:thmbsp:
 
Ok - update to my auction site win. The seller replied to my e-mail about condition of the amp. Here's his reply:

"When I took it out of service everything worked except 1 indicator light. I don't remember which one. I replaced it with surround sound about a year ago. I will be bubble wrap and pack correctly"

Sounds good to me.:banana::banana: I wonder what Surround Sound system he replaced it with.

Psheeeew....for now... the UPS gods are with me?

Bob
 
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