This Japanese High-End Amplifier can be had for only $500

Sansui AU717 integrated amplifier is a vintage amplifier's delight ! Perhaps the best bargain in hifi today... with few hiccups to go through yourself.
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[@Jayiyagi]

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[@alexandrevignal7786]

My AU 517 was completely renewed ( it cost me 400 euros) by a passionate hifi lover technician and wow ! The sound is...MUSICAL :) I sometimes wished the bass could be quicker but....but... there is fluidity and kind of organic sound to it... I have the Dynaudio Emit 20 ( and Marantz 6006 UK edition CD player) and they sound great with it. I listen at level 2-3 and it fills my 25 square meters room easy :).

[@scerms]

I got a complete rig from my father, who bought it new back then. AU717, TU 717, and the SR636 Turntable. I had the AMP and Turntable completly fixed, recapped and resoldered...this stuff is just amazing! I have had many modern Hifi stuff, and let me tell you: you must spend BIG money for modern stuff to at least match these masterpieces today. I am absolutely in love. And besides the brilliant and fun sound, lets just not talk about knob-feel and the all-metal finish on these treasures, they are second to none!

[@ManiVaas]

Lucky you

[@NerdyMeathead]

The Knob Feel on the TU 717 station tuner is better than a figet spinner

[@Conek2u]

Jay, absolutely amazing review of the AU 717. As an owner of many hi end systems over the years I have been blown away by the Sansui AU 717. I first purchased the AU 717 in 1978 and after a couple of years of occasional use a problem developed and the sound was absent on the left channel. Being the young man I was I proceeded to take the cover off to repair unit. The only problem was I didn't know what I was doing. Bottom the line until this year my AU 717 sat in the original packaging, broken. I recently found a local technician that for about 400 dollars was able to repair the unit, removing all the glue and replacing many components. I'm listen now and the sound is truly wonderful, much better than expected. I connect it to streamer and let say the sound rivals systems costing 10x as much!

[@brunoprimas1483]

I rebuilt one of these for someone who had bought it brand-new. It impressed the heck out of me!

[@MichaelAmster]

I just sold a Sansui AU-D9 to someone - it was my first piece of hi-fi that I bought in 1984. It's a beast and definitely shows that some well chosen pieces from that era are a great way to get into the hobby cheap. I know it went to a good home and someone got a bargain, but it was sitting in a garage too long. Thanks for sharing. This brought back memories.

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

I received an AU-717 in 1977 as a gift. It was purchased for $375. It was the center of my music system for over thirty years, along with a Marantz Model Fifteen to drive more speakers in the system. It has what I would describe as a somewhat aggressive mid-forward sound signature. But the dual-range bass and treble controls are fantastic for tone shaping, and I've seen very few preamps that offer this level of control. So I agree, absolutely, that it is a great piece of gear. I still have it, and it still works. I've collected quite a lot of vintage gear over the years, and currently am using a McIntosh MA-5100 as my front end for vinyl. It's a bit more musical, to my ear, and a little less mid-forward. But I pulled out the Sansui and a high-end Kenwood receiver this week while I was working on the McIntosh, and really enjoyed listening to both of them. I'm really glad to see people recognizing the great designs of the 1970s Hi-Fi era. I should add that I own four Altec Magnificents, which are about the footprints of a refrigerator, and are around four feet tall. You really can't imagine what it's like to feel a snare drum punch you in the chest. Modern gear has its charms, too, but it's very hard to beat the big efficient speaker designs of that era. The McIntosh amp I mentioned is only rated at 45 watts, but driving those Altec Magnificents, it will deafen you if you pour on the gas.

[@allanellis5827]

I bought mine just over a year ago in near mint condition. Had it totally restored (yes glue was removed) and it looks and sounds amazing. Imo they are underpriced compared to some other vintage gear and highly recommend buying one if possible.

[@MetaModern87]

Thanks Jay. Now they'll be even more over priced.

[@Old_Sailor85]

Bingo...

[@Ogsonofgroo]

A couple of years ago I scored one of my dream Sansuis, an AU-DII which I believe is similar to the 717, it is a fine old beast and so far hasn't missed a beat powering a pair of Mach7 Warfedales, more than enough to rock the neighbourhood :) Great review!

[@wishbone20t]

Sansui made these amps from 1977-79, 85 wpc dual mono design

[@washingtonassis2931]

I have one AU-717 and one TU-717! They are very greats! Sound very good!

[@TorToroPorco]

Sansui was a big and popular brand back in the 70s. Seemed like all of the big brothers or fathers of my friends owned a Sansui amp or receiver of some sort back then.

[@idsupplantsego]

I have two Sansui's. The au-x501 and au-x701. Both still work and drive my Martin Logan CLS IIz's. These are stable down to 1½ Ohms with a THD 0.005%. You can also bypass the tone controls and run them "direct". They both are Class A/B, with the first 10 Watts pure Class A. Two years ago I saw an active sale on eBay for an au-x701 that sold for over $2,000 US. There's a reason why audiophile' still buy these 30 year old amps.

[@lunam7249]

yep, this vid doesnt get it

[@locort3203]

Hi! I agree with you. I have a Pioneer 949A since new. Very reliable and sounds very well, these type of gear is under rated.

[@amazoidal]

I bought a Marantz 19 Receiver new in 1973 and I still use it everyday. No ICs, 66 discrete transistors. I haven't replaced any capacitors yet.

[@DarrenPersad]

I've been using a 1969 Sansui 2000A in my bedroom for as long as I can remember - it was my dad's first piece of audio equipment back in the day, and it's been a fantastic little unit. It will need proper restoration after over 50 years of use, but it is still soldiering on well enough. The sound signature is fantastic, and it even handles some of my less efficient speakers just fine. Actually, more than just fine, better than some of my modern hardware boasting 100, 200, 300W+ of power, and other seemingly impressive figures on paper. This is one of a few Sansui products I own and each has been an integral part of their respective setups for years. They're fantastic pieces of equipment for many different uses. I will definitely look into picking up an AU-717 to augment some of the additional audio equipment I'm looking to get in the coming months. Excellent video, cheers!

[@bernardinovite2707]

Ahhhh yes how I fondly remember my Sansui 9090 db and 7070 db integrated stereo amps. Especially the 9090 db which came with a built-in dolby generator that was adjustable and and a phono amp that wasn't half bad. It was a thing of beauty,kept your room warm in the winter and helped you get a workout if you ever felt the need to move it.😊

[@stephenmcbride6359]

The reason for the sloppy bass is the main caps in the power supply. They were never meant to last nearly 50 years. Replace those and a few others and they are an amazing amplifier. The 818 and 919 however were even better. I have owned these amps in the eighties and recently and can hear the difference.

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

I still have the original caps in mine, and I've had techs check them out. But each time I've been told they're on-spec. Really a durable amp.

[@ronaldruelan4491]

@@BruceRichardsonMusic same here. My previous tech told me the same but when my new tech did the recap, my 717 sounds amazing. You'll find out yourself when you do yours. :)

[@marcus1970]

I remember lusting over one of those (I wasn't even 10 at the time !) I feel that I've lived through 2 golden ages of Hifi.... 70s into the 80s... and again now. ... Sansui is a brand I'd love to be revived..... For their BIG amps.

[@AndyBHome]

What I wish is that a Chinese company would produce basically this design again, roughly identically to the original, replacing only the few things that can be made unquestionably better today than they were back then, branded with the name of the Chinese manufacturer, with the best quality control they can muster, and sell it for whatever they have to, maybe just around $1,000 USD? Maybe it would have to cost more, maybe it could cost less? But if someone were willing to make a design that is so good that it's still valuable after 40+ years, then I'd think someone could establish themselves as a new "high end" brand by simply reproducing this with modern production methods.

[@nicksundby]

Great video. Tone controls are great...amps with no tone controls drive me nuts.

[@RoselynNY]

I own a Sansui AU D11ii, similar to alpha series, from early 80’s purchased in Japan. Recapped and upgraded with better parts. This sounds way better than my other high end modern amp/preamp combo that I own costing > $10,000 USD. Not the most powerful amp but still has no problem driving Magnepans 1.7s. My favorite of among 10+ amps I own. Sansui is legendary. Too bad they ran out of business. They should consider reviving that brand.

[@richardbeebe1861]

Best vintage amplifier I ever owned was a Sansui AU D 11 II. A BEAST

[@louisdefunes8952]

Hey Jay,i owned the AU-719(maybe not as good as the AU-717),restored; sounds great (for my ears, in my small room), paired with Dali Oberon 5. Right now i own the AU-505,AU-4400 and at this moment i use the AU-317(all 3 amps restored). Had this amp years ago, but sold it. Now i bought it again and keep it, love the sound. Even the exterior is like new. It's from 1978!! Crazy! Payed €200,- for it, from a Brazilian guy who restored it himself. Play music via Bluesound Node 2i(wired connected to the internet); Spotify and Tidal.

[@alexandrevignal7786]

I own the AU517 ( recapped) it’s wonderful :) It got completely renewed to the factory settings and original specs. For sure the bass isn’t as quick as modern amps but...it’s MUSICAL ! There is an organic fluidity to it, it shines and has enough power to drive any speakers. My Dynaudio Emit M20 ( 86 db sensitivity) just sing right even at low volume (level 1 on the volume knob). Turn it to 3 and they fill my 30 square meters room ...For a 700-800 euros budget ( restoration included) you have a very decent amp.

[@SuperMcgenius]

I used sell these in the 70’s, dual power supply. A good recap can make a big difference in the bass and well everything. The old Harman Kardon from the 70’s were also very good. The smoothness is also to do using discrete circuitry instead of ic chips. Yes to changing the speaker connection.

[@joeygonzo]

People have no clue how good HK's are . This was before the AVR's came out. The PM series of amps would compete with the best amps today.

[@sixstringsdown1]

Any thoughts of the NAKAMICHI STASIS POWERED RECEIVERS from the mid 1980s?

[@DougMen1]

Those Sansuis and the Kenwood high speed DC integrateds from the 70s (the KA7100, 8100, 9100, and similar later models, like the 601, 701, etc.) were/are IMO the pinnacle of great sounding and relatively affordable Japanese hi-fi from that time period. Both the Sansuis and Kenwoods are fetching far more today than they cost new back then. The only Japanese gear I liked more at the time was Luxman, but it was a lot more expensive. Yamaha, Pioneer, JVC, Marantz, and Technics were making some really good amps then too, but I liked the Kenwoods and Sansuis even more.

[@syhi7971]

Restored vintage audio gear kicks! Onkyo M200, Sansui CA2000 System and i couldnt be more satisfied. The sound and built quality you get for the price is outstanding. The glue also becomes conductive with age and shorts out components :) Fun stuff.

[@redsnappa7837]

I still use my Sansui AU-317 II, purchased new in 1979, every day. I like the way his idea of the price creeps from $500 up to $1500 - plus $400-$500 for repairs - in the course of the video

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I'm currently having my AU717 recapped. It was a gift along with a mint TU717 from my Uncle who bought them new. I have the rack handles and original boxes also since they were stored in 1980 until 1996 when he gifted them to me. They drive speakers like amps that cost far more. I passed on the Bose 901's he had since I don't care for Bose products. But the Teac reel to reel will be coming here shortly and that thing is a Monster. Great review.

[@68arild]

this was a great amp my buddy had it in the 80's

[@privateersharleydavidsonha5340]

Super GREAT vid Jay! There are some gems out there and its a lot of fun hunting them down...Very Satisfying! Anyone can go out and buy a nice new $2000 + amp ... Whers the fun in that...Lol Thanks again.

[@donde2k]

Be careful about buying anything off eBay, like a classic Sansui. Unscrupulous collectors will find an item, cannibalize all the needed parts out of it, replace with cheep parts, then sell it as “Vintage! Minty! Plays Like NEW!!”

[@RUMBLEGO1]

Well this is a video i probably should not have watched. Purchased this amp new in 1978. The 20 second standby light would continue to blink and would not shut off. Never repaired it and moved into tube amps. So it just sat on the shelf. Read about all of the glue problems and thought that i didn't want to spend the money to have it refurbished. So when i moved 2 years ago i just through the beast in the dumpster....ARGH! I had NO idea there was still that kind of value for those even in a not working condition. Big bummer to know that.....ouch!

[@billbrandon5936]

my first amp in 1973 was a sansui....loved that thing.....so warm sounding ...dont know how they did it...

[@milesdufourny4813]

This series of Sansui's, the Harmon Kardon 402, and the NAD 3080 were absolutely the best integrated amps of the seventies.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Had a 3020e

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Just looking at this Amp got me interested!! Hope it sounds heavenly!! Amazing video like always!!! Keep up the good work!!

[@Below-td6xx]

I run my .7 Magnepan's with a Marantz 2325, and it's a wonderful setup. Harmon Kardon 430 is also a sweet sounding unit, just not as big on the power as the Marantz. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work!

[@DougMen1]

I had the Kenwood KA7100 60W/channel integrated, which cost $300 new in the mid 70s, and they are now going for over $600. I've seen some selling as high as $1200. It was a fully dual mono design, and was DC (direct coupled), meaning NO caps in the signal path.

[@epi2045]

I think it’s the golden age in audio right now.

[@Fred-gf5qe]

Build quality was better in the 1970's . Those were the days of the wattage wars. How many receivers do you see these days at 300 watts per channel and .009 THD? Vintage stereo gear is highly sought after for a reason.

[@joeygonzo]

@@Fred-gf5qe there were no 300 WPC in the 70's or 80's outside of the massive giant top of the line Pioneer and Technics .

[@Fred-gf5qe]

@@joeygonzo Do your research. It was the watt wars. Sansui G-33000 is my dream receiver at 300 WPC and .009 THD. Many receivers of that era put out more than 180 WPC Some of the finest sounding equipment came from the 70's and early 80's big market for vintage stereo equipment and for good reason.

[@laurelhardy4064]

Bare wire is the best way to connect your amp to the speakers, just make sure you keep them clean.

[@joeygonzo]

For less than $500, you can snag 80WPC Yamaha, Denon , Onkyo or Harman Kardon integrate amps. They can easily reach 200wpc at peak. And nobody is going to convince today's amps sound better at the same decibel reading. Please, if the current is steady and the speakers are not clipping, you won't be able to tell the difference between high end amps now versus 70's and 80's high current/high damp factor integrated amps.

[@golfjunkymusicjunky8370]

Mime is 43 years and still running as new….with jbl l100 schitt Freya plus bluesound node 2i and schitt mani with rega. Planner…….HEAVEN…

[@earlismarks7108]

Wow...Flashback city...lol...thanx for the memories...😎

[@kentxx12]

Sansui AU-717 Stereo Integrated Amplifier (1977-79)

[@Ogsonofgroo]

Also the AU-DII, a fantastic amp. They're usually pretty reasonable but as folks are realizing how good they are, getting harder to find, I have had the chance over he years to play with a few old Sansuis, and, when they did it right they frikken rocked! :) Right from the little receivers from the '70's, to the big monsters, they made the world better for music imho.

[@markcarrington8565]

Hi Jay, nice video about vintage gear. I've been pulling vintage amps apart for fun for a while and there are a couple of things worth mentioning. Firstly, the glue on the machines I bought didn't cause the corrosion, it was electrolytic fluid that leaked out of the failed caps, which is nasty stuff. Clean it off with alchohol or similar spirit. Secondly, if a cap fails on a modern machine, it was likely under-rated, so it's fine to replace the individual cap, ideally one with a higher voltage rating. For vintage gear, it makes no sense not to do a full recap, as all the electrolytics will eventually fail so you may as well fit some really nice new ones like Elna Silmic IIs and DNMs for the main smoothing caps. While your at it, change the speaker connectors to decent binding posts, another big step up in sound quality, even if you use bare wire. Plugs or spades add convenience but detract from sound quality.

[@cameronkrause4712]

the Sansui au 717 is famous for its deteriorating glue/epoxy. It becomes very corrosive and must be cleaned up when refurbishing these units. This is a completely separate issue from leaking caps.

[@jeronunkoffunk9437]

This was an awesome and surprising review, familiar with various Sansui amplifiers, dad bought his two sansui amps in Japan during Vietnam. Unfortunately the price of these things are skyrocketing now maybe beyond their justifiable value. But great review of contrast and comparisons. A change from the usual 👍🏾👍🏾

[@harrybaque5502]

Just got one for $799usd completely restored, WOW best hifi purchase I have made!

[@ralph7585]

Great video Jay! Honest and clear. I've my Denon PMA-2000IV for 17 years still going strong. Just had the bias cheched over. Will keep It forever, great amp, lots of current also a dual mono design outputs 2x 80 Watts / 8 Ohm. 24 Kg, old school stuff!

[@myplaguesify]

this will blow any sansui terms of sound quality

[@brandonburr4900]

I would also consider the older accuphase 202 integrated. Those are worth getting and restoring and sound great as well.

[@Fond0fBlondes]

4:20 You don't need to fiddle with the tone controls with these vintage gear. You just flip the loudness switch! I don't remember Denon being a major player in the 70's. Technics, Sony, Pioneer, Sansui and possibly Yamaha were dominant in the integrated market. I still have my retro Sansui car cassette/radio front end that requires an external power amp.

[@joeygonzo]

Not right. Loudness switch is only when you play at low volume. Tone controls once you get past 25%. Tape monitor was created for the equalizer . Equalizers are great . Some speakers like Cerwin Vega can be fatiguing ( squakers ). Knock some of the frequencies down.

[@JohnLeaf]

What amp you bought after sold the au 717?

[@Zockopa]

The AU-717 is a very good amp if properly renovated,but certainly not a bargain,because collectors drove prices through the roof years ago. The smaller AU-317 on the other hand is still cheap and more of a bargain. Its less powerfull and has reduced connectivity and a smaller featureset,but is still a typical Sansui earpleaser. Anyway,personaly before investing 1k into a 717 i would go after a 919 or a 11000A. Also,that good amplifiers today are better sounding than say 40 years ago is a PR - myth. What got better on average are speakers.

[@dpla9752]

I agree on the lower power models being a bargain. Same build quality, and chances are you can easily live without the extra buttons and watts.

[@Zockopa]

@@dpla9752 Well,the whole circuitry is simplified in smaller models too,its not just knobs and watts less. A Au-317 can be noticeable bettered through a skilled tune up & renovation,although the same can be done with higher models too but it will cost significantly more in time and parts. This goes way beyond changing lytics in every case. However,seen from a practical cost/benefit relation the smaller models are more efficient. As i said,the higher models are collectors items and their prices are inauspicious meanwhile.

[@jaghifi]

Love my au717, driving a brand new pair of JBL 4312G's with it. Ive removed all the glue and recapped the au717.

[@ahmadramjaun9542]

To which amp on the market tiday woyld you compare it?thanks

[@grownsmoke4871]

My first real system was an AU517 & matching TU517 hooked up to a pair of Magnepan SMGas with a Denon P-1200 TT as a source. Everything changed after that. Moved up to the AU717 about a year later. LOADS of current.

[@MrStingraybernard]

Picked up a vector research vr-7000 which I think is very comparable ,made in Japan and this thing kicks butt specially for a steal of $30

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I'm running a set of Tekton Lore's on mine now. It is a monster for sure.

[@dollarbill5859]

Still use mine..bought in Okinawa in 1978..no issues..

[@solomonstewart1025]

Geez! What has Jay done now? I have been quietly collecting some Sansui units. Please Jay, do not mention Sansui.

[@gunhedd5375]

Holy crap! I have one of those sitting in my garage right now. (Belonged to my dad.) That and it’s companion AM/FM tuner, and a cool Sony direct-drive turntable. Had a rack mount Sansui stand but it literally fell apart over the years. Had two big JBL speakers too but they’ve long since disappeared. Very interesting.

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

Dude, you need to get it to a shop, and fire it up. You will die when you hear it.

[@dab9742]

Don't forget Teac, Akai, Aiwa, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Nec, Onkyo, Nikko, Technics, and so on, who also made great equipment during the golden age of hi-fi ! 🥰

[@thisisnev]

This "modern amps are more detailed, vintage amps sound warmer" thing is a generalisation. Truth is, some modern amps sound warm and some vintage amps do detail; in fact, I found Sansui's AU217 II to be too warm-sounding for my liking. The Luxman L-114A strikes a good balance between detail and warmth, while the best of my vintage amps for pure, sparkling detail is the Sony TA-F55.

[@Jayiyagi]

Perhaps more resolving was the better word to use. Cleaner.

[@joeygonzo]

"too warm sounding" There is no such thing imo.

[@RonaldDEdwards1]

I had one along with. paid of cerwin vega D-9s, it kicked ass

[@thomaspancoast275]

I have the whole sysem. i love my 717

[@hbchristmas5352]

I had 3 AU919 . Most beautiful black beauty integrated amps and design in my opinion. I also have Lavardin IT currently. I believe sansui build much better.

[@luxusAI]

Should i get one for 850 euro including shipping in germany ? It got freshly repaired and checked from a Hifi professional.

[@scorpven]

I would like to see some reviews on vintage Luxmans.

[@dougg1075]

Get yourself some high sensitivity speakers and the world is your oyster when it comes to amps. Vintage is very nice. Think about it, unless technological progress is super slow or nearly stopped then by now the musicians should literally be in your room. Old amps are built like cost no object stuff today. And they have mono buttons for mono albums and subsonic filters for cone pump.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

Sansui made some very good equipment right up into the early '80's. I've owned a late '60's model Sansui 2000 receiver which still sounds good. I don't care how much you spend or what you buy, every time you turn the equipment on you're listening to a reproduction of an original sound. That sound may have started in isolation in a studio accompanying another musician in another studio at a different time. Thus the idea that you're recreating a sound stage, or an original performance is often not true. My point is, what sounds good to your ear. I found these early Sansui's to create a very musical tube sound. Sure, distortion was low when you played them within normal operating ranges, but there was always the telltale "soft noise" in the background. Modern amplifiers have greatly lowered the noise floor. The AU-717 was and still is a good piece of kit, but you can buy a Ragnarok II fully loaded at $1800 USD. This is a far better but somewhat lower powered integrated amplifier. Not only is it quieter, more detailed, it's new and far less chance of failure in the next 5 to 10 years. It has features that weren't available 4 decades ago when this Sansui was new. Of course there are many other choices. If you want a quieter more powerful vintage combination, look into the separates from Kenwood. The C1 preamplifier, and the M1 amplifier are still competitive with modern electronics. Of course there's no DAC, but you get a highly resolving phono stage and quieter than the Sansui. The M1 produces a solid 100+ watts into 8 ohms with much tighter bass control. You can snag the pair typically under $500 USD. If you look up the M1 or M2, there are some power supply circuit modifications that will give you another 30 to 40 watts of clean power. This is a great hobby, enjoy!

[@joeygonzo]

let's not forget the classic albums then were recorded using speakers then.

[@dpla9752]

Ayy I love my M1. It sounded good but didn't have powerful bass or super detailed highs until it was restored back to factory specs with new caps, it's pretty incredible now. The best part about it to me is the discrete components, it's something I'll be able to own my whole life because parts are always available.

[@astropolia]

I don't understand how you can make an amplifier without tone control. It's like saying every song in the world sounds the same.

[@laurentzduba1298]

Very hard to criticize a classic that seems to be the last word back then in getting the best from your Iron Maiden and Abba albums. ❤

[@englishsteve1465]

More like Zeppelin and pink floyd. lol

[@imrulhaque]

I have a Sony TA-F700es . Sounds heavenly.

[@subaruxrxsti78]

In search of a better sounds at an affordable price I did buy theses exact amplifier from Japan directly last year :) it looks beautiful and is an ok sound but not sure if is audiofile grade...still searching for perfect sounding gear.

[@stillastillsfan]

Sansui should have considered doing Class A for the first 10 - 15W on the 717 or 919.

[@luciodelgado]

Excellent!

[@movinyaV19]

Thanks Jay, Very informative Video. I recently bought this Sansui AU 717 and Sansui TU 717, I love to listen those old records, which setup you would recumbent me to go for. Another question what would be the best matching Speakers for this?

[@zukispur5493]

I use mine to drive 4 leak sandwich 600s

[@GamingShiiep]

At least he didn't put the model name in the title.

[@emanuelmardones352]

Gracias capo por la info desde argentina

[@billd9667]

The Sansui AU components were the aspirational stuff back in the late 70s. They always got great reviews, but cost $$$$. The only stuff that was “better” were Accuphase and McIntosh, but they were the warm-sounding stuff where Sansui was dynamic and exciting. I owned an H/K dual-mono Citation amp and that amp would cost $5000 easily today. Dual-mono is far too rare today. Every company seems to insist on selling you two full chassis. Who needs two mono amps? Everyone needs at least two channels, right? While I’m ranting, I’d rather have two old fashioned EI transformers in one unit than one fancy toroidal power supply. They would likely cost the same too. The only way to go, if you’re strong enough to lift it

[@englishsteve1465]

Have a Denon PMA400 waiting for a recap, it all works and they look fab don't they, v.similar to the Sansui, knobs and 3 position switches EVERYWHERE, rumble filter, sub sonic all that 70's flash, lol. Proper dual mono with two El core transformers and two separate L and R boards, lovely. Those Harmon citations were v.well regarded too. Wish I had half the stuff I sold over the yrs, ah well.

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

Agreed, Bill. My McIntosh went on the blink this week, so I went upstairs and hauled down the AU-717 while I worked on the Mc. Sure enough, when I fired it up it was far brighter than I remembered, but still just as clean and sparkly as ever.

[@billd9667]

@@BruceRichardsonMusic Talk about hard to lift! When your Mac goes on the blink, you have to wear a back support to take it in. Still, I'd love to own McIntosh piece - at least to be able to say I did ;). I took the plunge and ordered an open box Naim Uniti Star that was going for $4199 - on Amazon! I'm looking forward to see if the hype is justified. I do like my Yamaha R-N803 - more each day. I wonder if the Naim really sounds any better. Soon...

[@richieb1125]

Quick search in Canada. Two available, $1500 and $2300. Haha so much for the bargains

[@socksumi]

Great amp but very few ads sell it for only $500. Just had a look on Hifi Shark... $700 to $1k is a more typical asking price. Don't settle for the later almost identical looking AU719. It has better paper specs but doesn't sound as good. There's lots of cost cutting going on like smaller power supply and lots more ICs.

[@justsumguy2u]

$500 is too much for a quality vintage receiver. On ebay, you can spend $200 and get some truly amazing Japanese amps. I'm talking about fully functional, and with a return policy in case it turns out to be a dud---it's all about choosing the right seller. I spent $100 on my '95 Kenwood receiver, had it for 8 years, no problems. Amp/preamp board is separate, and not an IC to be found on it---all discrete components. Separate power supply board with a massive power transformer (this unit is heavy), and even the phono preamp is separate (although I will admit it uses an IC)

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Going to need new caps etc

[@diegohperez6434]

Jay look sansui is like old toyota same quality I have Sandy I Au919 I got that in 1979 in London is in colombia now is powerful I have very big speakers sound like crazy my got rack handles I paid buck there 500 pounds is wait 25 kilos thanks men

[@Dilyaev]

Sansui are the best, alien tech!

[@zukispur5493]

I'd put my sui 717 up against any integrated amp 100 watts and under. She may not win every fight but everyone she fights will know they've been in one. I use her to drive 4 leak sandwich 600s which she does with ease (all night) source. Garrard 401 (SME arm.

[@dontcare563]

Very old news! This is a well know Japanese vintage amplifier that everyone knows about unless they are very young or not an audiophile. I can think of MANY vintage integrated amps just like this. Be careful about who you buy from since many of these either have never been refurbed or the people who did the refurb didn't know what they were doing.

[@ruisantos8291]

Spot on! Couldn't agree more.

[@svalbard01]

"except if they're young age or not an audiophile." So, everyone except 99.9% of the internet. LOL. God forbid Jay would make a video for anyone just getting interested.

[@dontcare563]

@@svalbard01 I think Jay is running out of video ideas!

[@golfjunkymusicjunky8370]

I have one for 40 years... still working like the first day.... take care of them as you’re wife and they will not let you down....

[@anthonynicholson5523]

I have a perfect Marantz 2285b that’s about 42 years old

[@johnholmes912]

for that money you could get a cyrus2 or audiolab 8000a, both of which would make this sound very ordinary

[@zukispur5493]

Nonsense.

[@scerms]

John Holmes has clearly no idea what he is talking about.

[@mauricehuits749]

I am curious on your opinion of the Sharp Optonica SM4646 integrated amp.

[@johalareewi]

Couldn't give my Sansui AU amp away a ferw years ago. Nobody wanted it. Not even for parts.

[@torokun]

They go for about $1,000 now and I don’t think it’s worth it.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

"Denon making good stuff" LOL

[@TheRjee]

At some point in time, probably

[@deputy3690]

I think he meant to say Pioneer or Marantz

[@oscillatingdailyaudio]

I just got one for 450...needs work, but still.

[@derekdowns6275]

Sansui is no longer around? That's sad.

[@CristhianSerrano]

How does this compare to a Yamaha ca1010??

[@spenskate104]

crown ic150 pre amp with d150 amplifier try it jay

[@rentabomb]

And if you can get an AU-719/819/919/X1 working then even better ;)

[@evenaicantfigurethisout]

how will this compare to the yamaha a-s801?