Vintage Sansui AU 20000 Amplifier

[@ClearOutSamskaras]

Its cosmetic condition is remarkable! It has barely a scratch on it (from my removed perspective at a computer screen). I am always impressed when one can see that a unit had a quality owner.

[@stereoniche]

I was thoroughly impressed as well when I found it from the original owner way back when. It has only one notable scratch on the top painted cover, but other than that, quite awesome condition. And having the original box I am sure played a big part in ensuring it did not endure cosmetic damage when relocating.

[@jsorrien8642]

My fully restored AU-555A sounds amazing at 25 watts with a set of Klipsch Chorus 1's. I'm really enjoying the combo.

[@stereoniche]

Yes! The AU-555a is a sweet amp! I had a mint with box example years ago that I sold in a weak moment. Excellent pairing to the very efficient Chorus!

[@VINTAGEO]

Great review! I just acquired one of these, fully restored, after lusting after it for years! Due to the prices of them, I had to wait till the right trade deal came along for me and it did! It is stunning to look at and the sound rivals anything I have heard south of $50,000 systems! I have had many Sansuis, Marantz, Pioneer, etc etc... This is the pinnacle for integrateds! IMO! The only thing bigger and badder here is my BA-5000 mated to the CA-2000 preamp. Thanks for the reviews, we seem to have similar gear.

[@stereoniche]

Thanks VERY much for the comments. This is certainly a holy grail amp that will NEVER leave my collection, it is just that phenomenal.

[@hippydippy]

As a Sansui lover (owner of a 9090db & Sansui QRX-4500 as well as many other Sansui components), I find this amp to be nothing short of a master piece of art. Would love to own one. Lucky you.

[@stereoniche]

They are quite impressive. I hope you get a chance to own one as well.

[@joelima201]

Currently own this amp with the TU9900 tuner and SR-838 turntable. 40 years of owning this system, very good performance for the time that it came out in. Have had some other equipment some good some bad , but still like the AU20000. Don't think I'll ever part with it.

[@stereoniche]

It is a final destination amp for many.

[@LeoShimm]

To my experience, this particular model is the best looking integrated amp ever created. Its just amazing even modern high ends fails a design like this !!

[@stereoniche]

It is certainly a design that has withstood the test of time!

[@steveu9211]

AGREE🥰

[@Luckystone211]

Infact, most of the audio amplifiers, turntables and cassette Decks manufacturers in Japan were centres of excellence. They set the Gold standard, seldom rivalled by any. When it came to speakers, the japanese did make great speakers, no doubt they were excellent, but somehow it's my opinion that Brits had the intellectual lead in this field along with some US manufacturers. Even to this day , the best speakers come from the west.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

wow, it is a masterpiece, highly desirable and collectable

[@stereoniche]

Yes it is!

[@SholaBaby]

@@stereoniche Indeed!

[@rp9035]

Beautiful amp. I had the AU-9900 but didn't care for the sound. I love and will never part with my fully restored AU-717.

[@stereoniche]

Can't say I dislike any gear for the most part, but the AU-717/719 is quite exceptional.

[@rp9035]

@@stereoniche True. I probably should of hung onto it. I had the TU-9900 also. That was exceptional. My TU-717 is nice but not in the same league as the 9900.

[@2zxodcfm]

I acquired my AU 20000 roughly 10 years ago. Incredibly, foolishly, surprisingly (pick your adjective) all I ever did with it was have it professionally checked/cleaned internally just to ensure connections were unimpeded. Then I powered it up at home briefly before putting it in a wheeled suitcase where it still sits today. More or less forgot about it until a couple of days ago when I came across it while searching for something else. Thing weighs a ton! Maybe 2 tons! But a 2 ton beauty it is without question. Now, it's on my mind. What shall I do with it? Stay tuned and I'll report further as things unfold.

[@stereoniche]

We will be on the edge of our seats! ;-)

[@chinmeysway]

Uhhh probably sell it to someone who cares a bit more ?

[@glenz1975]

I enjoyed hearing about how you ended up acquiring the AU-20000 and a great second video as well. Every hifi piece has a story. I need to use mine more often. They look and sound great.

[@stereoniche]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@spunkthecombo]

I like your intro and outro music! Love your videos! Steady on.

[@stereoniche]

Glad you like them!

[@brotherbrian5625]

I think your spot on, I have a Sansui AU 9900 and it's nice. Definitely one of the more beautiful units from that era, I find mine a little picky with different speakers but really shines with JBLs. Yamaha are more reference sounding and the Marantz are too fluffy for my in dynamics. The Sansui are pretty close to my personal taste and somewhat comparable to McIntosh but the Mac's are better in the sound department. I have a Sansui AU 555 that just continues to knock my socks off so if your curious you should definitely try and score one that's not molested by the Chinese recappers. I haven't heard the Sansui AU 222 or 777 but I hear they are par with the 555. Now the Sansui AU 999 I hear is not the same.

[@omegabuzz]

Can I suggest you add content that also presents the interior of equipment like this. Your KZbin channel is very interesting, continue your excellent work.

[@stereoniche]

Great minds think alike! I do plan to capture some interior content, but thus far, my lighting has not been the best. I am adding to my equipment and hope to start doing that soon, stay tuned and thanks for adding a comment!

[@fabeschabe75]

You have a very humble way to share you passion with the users. I like that. If you should ever speak about the 9090DB, you should also compare it with the 9090. I would find an A/B sound demo of both receivers with different songs very interesting. I am struggling between the two of them and I am not sure which one to get (no dolby trouble vs better sound?!?).

[@stereoniche]

Thanks for the feedback Fabe. Greatly appreciated. I am about to get an amp switcher so I can do some A/B comparisons. The plan is to do the same thing I do for speakers, come up with a baseline amp, then compare others to it, but you are right, there are some obvious ones that need to go head to head like the 9090/9090DB.

[@kirkbac]

Great review. What are your go to sites to Vintage HiFi?

[@stereoniche]

I used to frequent many sites for information, but sadly, many of them have disappeared over the years. I am planning my own site as an extension of StereoNiche so it can be a reference for many of the vintage gear we like to see and talk about as well as other things. Outside of reference sites, I've been a long time member of AudioKarma.org and have always found it as a great place to find information that is typically not captured elsewhere. Most topics have been covered extensively and the information is there via search.

[@grantbassett2048]

Hi from Yorkshire, first video ive watched on your channel. well that is beauty!! I could just imagine playing a bit of early Black sabbath or AC/DC threw that, the scale and warmth would really make you smile and jaw drop....😁😁😁. The look of it is just rite. And twin VU meters visualizes the power!! Wow! Love it, 🤗

[@stereoniche]

Thanks Grant! I think the videos are getting better, so hope you stick around to see future releases, a LOT more to showcase.

[@grantbassett2048]

@@stereoniche Sounds good to me, I've Subscribed so I will be keeping up. 👍

[@RonnieTheFish]

What an amazing video you did on this unite. Its my dream setup to own this set one day :) Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@TheNorliss]

A real juggernaut of an integrated amplifier and I can imagine it's superb. I've never owned any Sansui gear but it seems to be very well regarded and my impression is that it's generally seen as a notch above most of their competitors of that time i.e. Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha etc. It's interesting that, by making black-faced components they were both outliers but ahead of their time, since by the mid/late 80s that's how HiFi was and has (mostly) been ever since. Such a shame that the company never survived although sadly, nor did lots of others. It's easier to list the Japanese CE manufacturers that are still around (and making proper audio gear) than the ones that aren't 😳

[@stereoniche]

All very true. When Sansui was in their prime, they surely put out some fantastic gear, along with several other brands that are now just in the books of audio history.

[@MrChanakkale]

I'm playing my old Sansui every day .......another emotion......

[@stereoniche]

Keep it going!

[@smyrnianlink]

"Sansui" is the old japanese art of ink paintings that look black and white.

[@RichSDet]

I really wish you would’ve spoke more on the musicality of the instrument

[@patrickmcneela217]

Thanks for the great review. I have an AU 20000 and it’s companion receiver and turntable. I bought it in Okinawa in 1977 and flew it iback to Iwakuni Japan in an F-4. It works but I would like it checked over by someone thats really good. I live in Connecticut. Any recommendations? Thks

[@stereoniche]

Hi Patrick, unfortunately, I do not know of anyone I can recommend. I would say to search on AudioKarma.org and see if there are any comments to a good tech up your way. It is a TOTL amp, so you will certainly want a knowledgeable tech. There are probably several in the NYC area.

[@patrickmcneela217]

Thank you

[@ThresholdZhor]

I repaired Sansui AU-717 and I believed is one of the best sounding vintage integrated amps

[@stereoniche]

That era was quite amazing in total.

[@arnoldschloss9634]

Great review Scott, of the AU-20000! Question- would a present day Accuphase E4000 Integrated amp rated at 180 WPC, in your opinion, be the modern day equivalent of the AU-20000 in terms of performance and build quality? The E4000 has a current MSRP of about $14k, has a massive toroidal transformer like the Sansui- looks to have phenomenal build quality.

[@stereoniche]

Just looking at the specs and knowing the reputation of Accuphase, I would say that is about as close as one could get for a current model.

[@rickshempoilaustralia6574]

I have just bought this amp and not sure on matching speakers. I have been looking at the Heresy 4s, Vandersteen 2Ci, Wharfedale Linton's and KLH %'s. Any advice would be appreciated

[@stereoniche]

The beauty of this amp is that you can run all but the most demanding speakers. I think any of the models you have chosen are great. For the Heresy, while they will run absolutely fine, I think are better suited on tubes, but, you need to hear a horn speaker before buying. They are also very efficient, so the AU-20000 is quite overkill from a power perspective. No issue for the Heresy, just way more than they will ever need. Of the other models you listed, I would lean to the Vandersteens because they are so well rounded, but again, all are great choices. Of course, the best scenario is being able to hear them before you buy if at all possible.

[@haqitman]

I have several Pioneer Fluroscans, and I notice you have at least 1 on the shelf. Would like to hear your impressions on that line of receivers.

[@stereoniche]

Yes I do have one. I also have an integrated amp as well. Will add that to the queue.

[@rohanm3]

I just acquired Technics Su 8088k which is 80w per channel. However my other Pioneer SA740 which is 50 w per channel has more bass and sound more lively than technics. What do you suggest is something wrong with technics and needs service ? There is no issue or distorted from technics amp.

[@stereoniche]

Sometimes, there are synergies with certain amp/speaker combinations. It could be that or it could be how each amp is designed to function by accentuating the lower end... or not. Ensure that each are setup the same as close as possible, with tone control defeated, then switch on the Loudness for each (if they have it), add more bass, etc. to tweak it to your liking.

[@joshuamirabal9891]

Some companies underrated and other overrated their power figures. Look for big transformers, heat sinks, and caps. My Yamaha MX-630 is only rated 125 watts rms but it has a dynamic rating around 500 at 2 ohms. This difference in rms and dynamic wattage is what I find the most important asides from just seeing the insides.

[@BobTrainor]

My dad bought that Amp in 1976. We loved it. I’m looking to get one today. Any recommendation on what a good price would be today?

[@stereoniche]

Given they were the TOTL of that series, they are fairly rare and have gone up a good bit. They seem to mostly hover around the $2000 range now, so if you can find one for under $1500, that is a good deal. Oddly, I missed one literally weeks before I found this one and have never run across another one since and that was 10+ years ago.

[@haqitman]

Aesthetics are very similar to the Pioneer SX 5590 receiver, the "Euro" version of the SX 1250. Curious how much it weighs.

[@stereoniche]

It weighs in at a few ounces under 50 lbs (22.6 kg)

[@airgunnersc9335]

I enjoy your videos and ratings. Has the AU-20000 been reconditioned?

[@stereoniche]

Thanks! It is all original at this point, just some periodic maintenance like deoxit of any pots and new lamps.

[@airgunnersc9335]

@@stereoniche I had my AU 7900 I purchased in 1975 completely reconditioned last year and the change in the sound was dramatic. It's like new and powers my JBL 100t's purchased in 1985.

[@pr8232]

Please describe the sound of the amplifiers and receivers relative to each other.

[@stereoniche]

There are too many variables to consider for Solid State gear of this age, so I do not comment on specific units. But, in general, here is how I would describe the sound characteristics by manufacturer: Pioneer: Colorful. It tends to be lively in playback which many seem to like it. Sansui: Warm overall. Sansui seemed to purposely try to emulate tube sound. Marantz: I find it more reserved than Pioneer, but still lively Yamaha: A bit “clinical” which some may feel is flat, but essentially it is uncolored McIntosh: Mostly, I find it to be similar in profile to Sansui, it leans warm. Take all of this with a grain of salt. They will all sound quite different depending on what speakers you decide to pair with them.

[@audiohertz2341]

Bought mine new back in 76 , first of my disappointing run of integrated s...

[@LeoShimm]

What about the overall, design, quality component etc? That should get a category !!!

[@stereoniche]

I am doing that for speakers because that is often the make or break factor for getting them into the room (WAF). But for gear, I will need to think about it.

[@eighteenin78]

I love the AU 20000. It does not have loudness, and I also think tone roll-offs on the bass and treble are sadly missing. My AU-7900 has them as does the intermediate AU-9900 and I think the AU-11000 as well. So too does its look alike the CA-3000. I wonder if there was just no room inside for that additional circuitry. But those are a couple of reason why it doesn't get a 10/10. Wasn't Sansui trying to imitate the McIntosh look?

[@stereoniche]

Not sure if they had an intent to copy McIntosh, but they were certainly distinctive for that period. Agree on the missing controls, almost seems they just couldn't squeeze anything else into it.

[@kkoller8952]

I'm kind of curious about a comment you made while doing this review in regard to the Pioneer Sx-1010 in that you mentioned that it was the first 100-watt receiver , which is correct. But you also said you believed it was the first 100 amp, which I don't agree with. I don't know what the first amp to break the 100-watt barrier was, but McIntosh came out with the MC-2105 105-watt amp in the late 60s, which was 6 to7 years before the SX-1010 introduced! I'm just saying.... otherwise, it was a great review on the Sansui 20000! And you are correct these did stand out... I remember as a teenager seeing these amongst all the silver faces at Pacific Stereo ... they did have that Wow professional look! Also, I'm curious have you tried using a MC cartridge with the 20000? Eventhough it has adjustable cartridge loading and phono input sensitivity, I dont believe the phono section would work with the average Low output MC cartridge, unless you use it with a SUT! Those settings are more typical for MM cartridges and would also work with High output MC cartridge. For example a Denon 103R MC only has an output of 0.25 mv into the optimal load of 100 ohms , even lower with a SUT at 40 ohms. The load settings of 30k, 50k, and 100K are just way to high for most low output MC cartridges. Also looking at the owners manual for the 20000 it doesn't mention nor show a spec for MC Cartridges!

[@stereoniche]

Hey there! Thanks for chiming in and watching! On my reference to the Pioneer SX-1010, while I was referencing it being the first 100 watt receiver, I think I was mostly saying it is "regarded" as the first 100 watt receiver. There may have been an another brand that "technically" released something prior, however, they did not receive the media recognition. As for amps, my comments were in regard to the power offered by Pioneer's own dedicated amps and integrated amps when the SX-1010 was offered although I could have been more clear in my explanation. Thanks again for the comments and questions!

[@kkoller8952]

@stereoniche Great....you have quite a collection....love that Sansui 20000....I have its little brother the AU-7900 and a later generation AU-717! I prefer the sound of the older 7900....its much more musical than the more detailed, almost fatiguing, sounding 717!

[@TomlynAdvisors]

Are you able to biwire 4 ohm speakers to A and B outs ? What should I watch out for ?

[@stereoniche]

Hi there. Bi-wiring means to run two sets of speaker wires to the same outputs of the amp (A or B). The other ends are then connected to the LF (low) and HF (high) connections on your speakers. To run two separate speaker wires to the A & B outputs for a single set of speakers is NOT recommended and could present too low an impedance to your amp (bad). If you want to power the HF and LF separately, that is to Bi-Amp your speakers and you need to have two separate amps.

[@chrislowe5575]

How much was the AU-11000 in 1976?

[@stereoniche]

The AU-11000 was $750 and the AU-20000 was $1,000

[@chrislowe5575]

@@stereoniche i aquired one from original owner the au-11000/tu-9900

[@studydude]

At ~6:00 commentary, I too once lived the life of searching marketplace ads and "racing" to deals posted. I did make a small handful of successful transactions. For some reason this system disgusts me and I can't participate in it anymore, defeated because the competition is too fierce and I don't like to lose. It was all fun in my 20s/30s but plan to just enjoy the music in my 40s and beyond. My last Race deal, I bought a Marantz 2270 and JBL 4311s for 100 dollars, As I handed the man the money, another guy arrived, similar to what happened to you.

[@stereoniche]

I am with you. This was over 10 years ago, but even then, I was not actually living on the classifieds all day. I work from home, so it is easy to hit the refresh and see if anything new comes up, but that was the only time any seller actually relayed to several potential buyers to come to the seller's location, so it was quite awkward to say the least. These days, I find it when I find it, like the Rectilinear speakers, they languished for over a week with no interest, etc..

[@studydude]

@@stereoniche Thank you for opening up, and sharing your experience, it really mirrors many others like myself, Over here in Boise Idaho, you have some friends that speak highly of you.

[@stereoniche]

@@studydude The Boise crowd! Oh, there are more stories to share from my cross country trip to Boise, one for the record books. All of that gear is epic, so I want to wait until my video skills improve before trying to tackle it as they deserve the best review I can deliver. Stayed tuned and tell Dru I said hello! 🙂

[@joemartin6439]

You are so dame luck to fine Sansui au 22,000 . I have for years I have been a Sansui lover

[@stereoniche]

As I mentioned in the video, it was very lucky to have run across two of them in such a short time. That was over 12 yrs ago and I have not run across another one since then. Never give up though.

[@vintagestereo]

great video, thanks

[@stereoniche]

Glad you liked it!

[@Mike-hb4pc]

Quick question: who is the music artist? Thanks

[@stereoniche]

Given that KZbin does not allow copyrighted material, it is a track from KZbin's music list : Dusk 'til Dawn - TrackTribe

[@PepeLorus]

Magnifique 😍 😍

[@stereoniche]

Oui c'est le cas! :-)

[@mtepasimumba5305]

I would like to restore my AU20000. Where do I get spares?

[@stereoniche]

You want a spare AU-20000 or you are looking for parts?

[@mtepasimumba5305]

@@stereoniche I am looking for parts

[@stereoniche]

@@mtepasimumba5305 If specific to the AU-20000, you will need to find a parts unit or find specific parts on eBay.

[@mtepasimumba5305]

I will check on ebay. Thank you very much

[@mtepasimumba5305]

How doI get spares for the Sansui AU20000?

[@stereoniche]

You mean parts? You will want to review that with your tech.

[@ericschulz8447]

Where does the 11000 fit in?

[@stereoniche]

Right in the middle of the AU20000 at 170w, the AU11000 at 110w and AU9900 at 80w

[@insaf6093]

I have Sansui 11000 amplifier how to repair I don't have technical works please sir .....help me

[@stereoniche]

What is your general location? Maybe someone local to you can recommend a technician.

[@axedog1395]

I’ll swap you for my AC/DC vinyl collection 😂

[@stereoniche]

Hmmm, I'll have to ponder on that one. 🙃

[@mmowins1140]

Welcome. Nice review. I always thought anodizing the knobs with gold, the AU 20000 name, golden meters, and burgundy would have been great. It's still a looker no doubt. But really only Mid-Fi sounding to my ears. Just to warn you. "Irregardless" isn't a word. I knew what you meant, so no big deal to me, but now that you're a public personality.

[@stereoniche]

Someone sent me a picture of one where they added some "bling" to it by adding colored lights INSIDE the chassis, so they played it with the top cover off to showcase the internals. Whatever floats your boat, about as custom as I tend to get is adding some colored LEDs to the displays. I'll have to go back and check on my mis-use of "irregardless" as I did not think I would typically use it, HOWEVER, I am quite sure I mangle the English language on a daily basis. :-) Thanks for adding to the dialog, very much appreciated!

[@RichSDet]

Your ears must be burning

[@MyJoyDepecheMode]

🥰👍🥰

[@stereoniche]

🎶🎵🎶🎵 😁

[@hifijohn]

its pretty odd to have a large number like that in the model number.

[@stereoniche]

They are no stranger to that, just look at the G-22000 and G-33000

[@setyowinarno9247]

Semoga aku bisa memiliki perangkat itu lewat orang dermawan. Aamiin

[@benedyktczydziesty4399]

i seeee.............

[@stereoniche]

Thanks!

[@papabear9608]

What was the cost of that intergrated amp in 1977

[@stereoniche]

MSRP was $1,000

[@papabear9608]

@@stereoniche I’ve seen what people want now online over 3 to 4 grand it taking a gamble..thank you sir

[@stereoniche]

@@papabear9608 Yes, they are commanding quite a premium these days, but they are one of the best all around integrated amps ever made.