😮 Quel souvenir ! J'avais pris le virus de la Hi-Fi grâce à mon père. Ce modèle fût mon 1er ampli acheté après avoir cherché dans tout Paris le meilleur prix et meilleur compromis pour le budget que je m'étais fixé. J'y avait associé une platine Akaï (ref ? avec cellule Ortofon elliptique), de bonnes enceintes B&W (ref ? taille moyenne) + tuner et magnétophone Akaï 4000 DB (Dolby). Je me souviens qu'on m'enviait le bon son que j'avais ! J'y écoutais toutes sortes de musiques, depuis du disco jusqu'à la musique classique en passant par du jazz. Que ce soit pour la Hi-Fi ou le reste tout était sympa et plus facile en cette epoque bénie ! 22 ans, retour du service militaire, 1er studio, 1er emploi, puis en 79 1ere voiture et vacances avec ma petite amie de l'epoque. L'insouciance, les espoirs et les rêves de ma jeunesse... La liberté, les sorties, les dicothèques, les bons amis et les jolies filles. Pas très riches mais la vie était belle et tous les espoirs permis. Aujourd'hui j'en ai bientôt 68 et combien je suis nostalgique 😢 de ce temps là... Bon son à vous tous les anciens comme moi ou les + jeunes ! 😊
Thx for this lovely and passionate review. I own this amp since I was 18 y old and recently did a full restauration because I wanted to last another 40 years :-)! I did afull recap,resistors exapt the transistors because they still measured good and quality is even nowadays exeptional. The blue capacitors are Nichicon, Sansui used for this amp mainly Elna and Nichicon capacitors. These blue ones are DC decoupling capacitors and can certainly have an effect on sound, especially dynamics and tight bass sound. I replaced them with 1.3x higher value Panasonic caps. Everething else as standard values as original. To me this amp sounds as good as any todays amp in the 1000 to 1500 euro range. Sound is not always about lowest distortion but feeling dynamics and emotion! Keep going,
Looking at the schematics for this amp its a stunningly sophisticated design for a integrated in this price range with all the proper compensation and stabilisation parts in place that normaly got sacrificed for better profit. A pretty outstanding feature here is that the inputstages of the poweramps got separatly fed and can be precisely adjusted via a doubleset of trimpots (DC adjustment) per channel. The four blue lytics are additional filtercaps in the powerlines for the driver and outputstages of the poweramps to further lower ripple effects on the feeding power lines.
My father has bought that before I was even born. I grew up spending hours in front of it listening to music either from an AKAI cassete player or a Sansui Tuner. It has been years since it has been used. I am now thinking of taking it to my house and giving it some maintenance (if needed). I hope it is still alive. Thank you for this video. It really brought back memories.
Great review. I had Sansui amplifier back in 1990s. Great sound, so lively and amazing metal body. I like your review, so in detail. Seems like you have a lot of expertise in it. Thank you for this excellent video.
For any one interested in the au-117/217/317 range. I have a 117 mk1 and a 317mk1(both high-end re-capped) and am very familiar with the 217mk1 (my parents had this when I grew up). Power amp wise I was not getting the vibe from the 117mk1 that I was looking for (I was expecting like a 217), so I went for a 317mk1, and that did deliver (and then some). I would say sound wise the 117mk1 is 50% of the 317mk1 and the 217mk1 is 80% of the 317mk1. So if you have trouble finding a 317mk1(and you don't use the phono stage) , the 217mk1 is a pretty good alternative. The bigger difference is in the phono stage. Both 117 and the 217 share the same simple phono stage, (two transistors, electrolytic input coupling). The 317 however has allot more elaborate stage with 6 transistors and allot of nice polystyrene capacitors and a separate shield. Although I did not use my 117mk1 for record playback ( i do know the sound of the 217) , I was surprised at how good the phono stage quality of the 317 is. So if you plan to play records go for the 317. It might not compare to separate high end phono stages, but it is an integrated amp after all. The difference between the mk1 and mk2 versions is this: 1: cheaper construction (no inlayed logo, thinner front plate(from what I can tell). 2: no pre- amp out, power amp in on the 317. 2: bump up in output power, and different transistors(at least in the output stage). They bumped up the transformer voltage and power supply capacitor section and changed some resistor values in the output stage to get these higher output values for the mk2 versions. MK1 output power: 117 = 15wpc @8ohm 217 = 30wpc @8ohm 317 = 50wpc @8ohm mk2 output power: 117 = 25wpc @8ohm 217 = 40wpc @8ohm 317 = 60wpc @8ohm I don't know if running the output section a little hotter like that(mk2) makes it a better amplifier (well, at least commercially it would). Edit: For the 317mk2 they actually lowered(!) the value of some of the decoupling capacitors in the output section! (the ones you were pointing at).
I must say…love watching your videos! Exactly the sort of way hifi should be looked at. I picked up an au-317 on this recommendation and I’m pretty blown away by it. I was using a NAD 3020i that started making a really loud hum, replaced it with a CREEK CAS4040 that my grandad had and always thought both sounded pretty phenomenal. Until now! Thanks so much
Besides the sound I love the Sansui aesthetics. I think that most people would guess that this is equipment from the 90s and not the late 70s. I love your channel.
My first stereo I bought at 17, was a Sansui AU101 with Richard Allen full range speakers, 12 inch full range drivers, and an Akai AP001 TT, the sound was amazing.
I am a fan of Sansui. Now I have a Sansui AU X911DG, from around 1990. Had and miss a AU 217 (chasing a 317 right now) and heading for the number three, an 1990's Alpha MR or NRA. Good and honest review!
I stumbled by change upon this review and it is as if you were describing my Sansui AU117, which I bought in 1978 and still use at my desk in my home office for playing music. I also still own the second amplifier I bought in 1987, a Denon, which was beefier in the Watts department and had a better performance on paper with regard to total harmonic distortion and such, but the sound was never so appealing , embracing and warm to me as my old Sansui AU117. After a few years of less satisfied listening experiences I swapped them around and kept the Sansui ever after as my preferred amplifier and the Denon in its box as a back up, and after so many years my AU117 is still going strong.
I enjoy music again, bought a second-hand Sansui au317 and Rogers P22. Thanks for all the good advice Kelvin. I hope there will be more videos to follow one day.
You are so right!! I collect Sansui....My best sounding am is a BA3000. I have a AU7900 I bought in high school, still have it today! Other Sansui products I have are BA2000, Ca2000, AU 719,717, and a TU7900 Really like them all...
Thanks for the info strangely, and I know I’m meant to be a serious, Hi Fi person Sansui 331. I just go back to it again again it’s not the ultimate in detail but is gorgeous
I've been doing this audio thing fo 45 years and there is a lot of wisdom in choosing your system based on sound not ego or $$$> Back when I had better hearing, I had systems with amazingly good musicality. Now that equipment is available for a fraction of it's original price. I still fondly remember my Celestron SL600 speakers.
@@MrJason9142002 Ye, Went to stores but mostly bought used equipment from the news papers so when selling it on we wouldn't lose money. Depreciation already was baked in. Now it is easy as people send you things for 30 or 60 days and you can return it if you wish.
I use to own one. Packs a punch. Imaging and soundstage was pretty good with my ADS 1230 and 1290. If I could find another one I would buy and keep it.
I dragged my au-417 out of storage not that long ago. I never kept in the main system long because of the no remote issue. I have been really pleased and was thinking I should buy another while they are somewhat affordable. Keep one original and fully restore the other. Well so much for under the radar! TNB just did a video of the au-717
Thanks Kelvin, off the back of your review I managed to pick up a virtually mint AU-317 to go with my Sansui TT. Sounds absolutely great, everything nice and smooth, yet defined.
@@stereoreviewx Now looking for a set of speakers to go with it. I'm currently using Wharfdale Denton, but on the lookout for something better. Any ideas?
Hi, I also have the 317 that sound very good with my Sonus faber cremona M, only a little note about this amp: it sounds always with too “energy” even when it’s not necessary, like delicate piano, or violins or soft voice… it gives always a punch in the face, it seems it misses delicacy… however I have the possibility to change it with 717, like you did… Can I ask you what I should expected in general? Thanks
I had the Cambridge Audio SXA60 for a while. It was the most soulless sound I've ever heard, and like you say it was total silence in the background almost like someone had put the old Dolby switch on (that you would get in tape decks) times 100. That to me, isn't life like, that's synthetic, to me air has a sort of sound sound to it and that should not be removed. I've heard this in some remastered CD's too, all the life blood of the music is removed (the air). Really love your videos, they are so in keeping with the way I describe things too, it's uncanny!
Really enjoy your reviews. It was through your inspiring reviews that I started to look for vintage gears this year. I bought a used Sansui AU-101 after watching your review and really impressed with it. The AU-317 is harder to find in my country compares to AU-117 or AU-217. In between I have also acquired a A&R Cambridge A60 the early version (1978 with serial number 10xx), and a Pioneer SA5500II. They paired well with my all 1990s British made speakers - Mordaunt Short MS10i Pearl, Mission 750LE and Goodmans Imagio IC218. For sound, I enjoy the AU-101 & A60 the most. I'm from Malaysia.
Thanks! A 317 just arrived and am pairing it with Celestion Ditton 33... They really sing now with full bodied tone! Thanks! You are right... the amp has plenty bass, but with the extra big cone for the middle frequenzies it isnt overdoing it! Thanks!
You’ve got a couple of classics there you might try rotating the base driver and or just tighten up the screws and the mid range tighten them up as much as you dare it can really improve things the Twitter as well but it doesn’t matter so much.. Do it carefully the Twitter is probably wood screws K
Hi, you are always giving us good info. I appreciate it. What about AU 417 and AU 555A? I love 555A the best of all sansui amplifiers. This sounds beautiful sweet and harmonic, very quiet background, and relaxing. This amplifier does not push speakers but softly soothe into its harnonic sound territory but not letting them lose their own characteristics.
Yes the 555 and I think is it the 505 are in a way the peak of a certain Sansui sound these older ones do you have something special about them particularly how as you increase the volume the scale really grows not just the volume Now I want one right now
@@stereoreviewx Certainly Yes. Better is to match with nice tube preamplifier, especially with 6922 tube. I got my system this way, and with higher gain of the preamplifier, much better in clearance in tonal definition and much wider in sound staging. This is amazing amplifier when married to Siemens E188CC/7308, the top definition mid and high, balanced, and clear back staging especially. Another way to uptrade sound is to use higher gain source with lower distortion. Preamplifer is both good with Aux in, or Pre in. To me, Aux was better. Not need to say that the sounds still staying within beautiful pretty Sansui. Just kinda add-up to Sansui thing. Try it.
Had this in '78 in Kuala Lumpur (bought in Singapore) with a pair of Bowers & Wilkins DM4 speakers & a Rotel RP3300 turntable. Really able to raise the roof. Lived in a big old rambling bungalow in Pesiaran Madge, Ampang Hilir. Remember one day had a caller - delivery or some-such .. was playing Iggy Pops 'Dum Dum Boys' from the 'The Idiot' (long track) .. poor fella waited for 7 mins to make himself heard (before the next track kicked in). Tape (cassette) deck was the Akai GXC-46 we had from 1972 - the first deck to feature Dolby NR, I believe .. ! Them's woz the days .. Halcyon Daze !!
Just acquired one of these. Amazingly good amp compares well against far more expensive more modern amps I have had. Drives my IMF tls 50 speakers so well…big speakers!
As having read from other posts the Black Caps are for the power supply and if it were me I would change them perhaps go 5 volts up and as much capacitance as you can fit in under the hood, in fact change all the caps for the cost of it. The resisters should be fine but none the less measure them all and consider replacement that will really open up the sound for you...if you live in Yorkshire drop it off if you want a hand. Mick
Thanks Kelvin great review, I had the AU 2900 and 3900 and was disappointed with both, though would like to give the AU 2200 a go as based around the same STK016 as the Sansui 441 Receiver
Funny, I had the same experience in reverse! I bought a very battered AU-2200 for cheap during lockdown, when I was parted from the rest of my equipment. It blew me away with its sound quality! Deep, rich tones, lifelike voices and tight, powerful bass, accurate 3D sound staging. It has it all! I then got hold of the more powerful AU-3900 and was disappointed by the comparatively flat soundstage and harsh brightness. I think the AU-X900 range is the one to avoid! And if I haven't emphasized it enough, do yourself a favor and get an AU-2200! I'll try and get hold of a 441 to compare, also after the 4400 for comparison too.
@@doonray Thanks for the message. Interesting to hear the 2200 sounds nice. I did buy one off of eBay a while ago but it got lost in the post, which was a shame as was only £60 inc post. But I had an idea that the 2200 may sound different to the 2900 & 3900 as it has the STK amp on a chip. I have found so far that a lot of STK's sound quite nice. Used in the 221,331,441 receivers, 331 sounds nice. I have the 221 but still not really had a listen to that yet. Also the Sanyo dcx 2000 as a STK chip which is not a million miles away sound wise to the 331.There must be plenty amps/receivers with these chips in. But will be eager to get a 2200 now. Thanks Again Mick.
@@MichaelYates Hi Mick, thanks for the reply. And interesting stuff indeed. I'd been thinking the same thing about the STK modules and have been trying to get hold of a comparable amp that uses them. The Rotel RA-300 is a good contender, waiting for one at the right price. Otherwise if I can get hold of a 4400 and a 441, I should be able to know once and for all whether it's the chip or the rest of the amp that imparts the excellent sound (The 4400 being the closest to the 2200 without the chips). It's pretty strange, since most people seem to spurn STKs as being a crappy cost cutting measure. And in all fairness that's what they were, they've just accidently ended up making some excellent amps!
@@doonray Well please keep me informed on any conclusions you come to. STKs seemed a cheap way of getting an amp into a box. The main reason they were made I think was to save companies designing there own amp and size as they do not take up to much room and mounted upright. Sanyo seemed to be the main supplier, the ones used on these amps/receivers are the low numbers 14,15,16 etc, Goes in to the 4000's these days. Though I think Sanyo stopped making them about 20 years ago. Though plenty of rubbish Chinese clones about. I will be looking out for any amp/receiver from the 70's in the 10 to 20 watt range that may have one of these in as a comparison and report any findings on my channel. I also would have thought that the pre-amp/ tone circuit would play a big part on how these sounded. But as you say a lot of people seem to dismiss these amp on a chip STK's so making picking up a good cheap amp a little easier.
Nice review, Kelvin. The large capacitor (10,000uF) are the main smoothing caps. All of the caps will be significantly degraded by now as the electrolyte will be drying up. Any that are bulging will certainly need replacing but it sounds like this amp deserves a full recap. Whilst Panasonic FCs gain a lot of friends in this area, I would always go for DNM smoothing caps and Elna Silmic II for the rest, for their big sound quality.
After watching your pre amp - power amp video I picked up a AU-317 on eBay to pair with my Sansui 3300. The 3300 is with the technician. I hooked up a CD player and Pioneer CS-07 speakers. The speakers were a bust on my receiver but with this amp they were booming! I could only turn the volume up 2 clicks at night. Not sure why the speakers were night and day with the amp. It’s a good sign. Can’t wait to hook up the 3300 as the power amp and my reel to reel to the AU-317.
Thanks for review Kevin. I realy realy like sound character of Sansui AU-317, I collections 2 unit AU-317 and I have done myself to full restoration both with the best capacitor I can get
The 2 big black capacitors are filter (smoothing) caps for the power amp and the 4 blue caps do the same for the lower voltage pre-amp power supply. When AC (mains supply) is converted to DC (all amps work with DC current) there is still ripple (the positive 50Hz component of AC), thus it needs to be shunted to ground via capacitors (which only pass through AC current and block DC current). The filter caps basically remove unwanted noise (AC ripple) from the DC power supply. The secondary function of having big filter caps is to keep the DC voltage rails consistent when dynamic spikes suck the supply voltage down. They act like very low resistance batteries that can instantly top up the supply voltage the moment it starts to decline. Voltage always want to flow from the highest potential to the lowest. These types of caps must have a very low resistance so these can deliver the current essentially instantly. When caps get old they tend to dry up (electrolytic fluid inside) and the resistance goes up. If you see a cap that is bulged on the top (you can feel a small budge better than see it) then it is definitely gone bad. Capacitors can still go bad and look fine, so only an ESR meter can measure the internal resistance (without removing the caps) and determine if the caps need replacing. Kelvin, you are a smart guy, so I am sure you could easily learn the basics to safely check the caps (and replace them) in your plethora of gear. I have learned the basics of electronics, because it's too expensive to pay someone to do it for all the gear I have. A soldering iron and ESR meter is about $100. Most caps will be in spec, but power supply caps are experience the most stress. Most other components either work right or totally fail. Caps can degrade slowly and mess up the sound without failing completely. Also, you can replace the caps with better than original, because electronic component are much better today. Even on more modern electronics repairs I will buy high quality caps ($2 instead of 10 cents) for longevity and audio quality in audio gear.
The black capacitors are the power supply capacitors, the blue ones could be the output capacitors. Or they could be the power supply capacitors for the pre-amp (or even driver stage). In the latter case it would explain the quality of sound because it means that the pre amp stage and possibly the driver stage has a more or less independent power supply from the final stage. If they would be the output capacitors, it would mean that this design needs them and that is not as good as having a symmetrical power supply and a DC coupled output stage. The fact that they come in pairs is good news because it an indicator that this amp has a symmetrical power supply. BTW with that I mean that the ground level is in the middle between the positive and negative power supply voltage and not just ground at zero and one positive voltage. I would love to get a good Sansui amp, so thanks for mentioning this one. But I went on eBay and you can not find them for under 200 Euros (180 Pounds, so they are a bit more expensive than what is claimed here). I have a Luxman L-210 amp with similar power and about a few years younger. I love the sound of it and I am really curious what you think of it.
there is 1 problem with this model and that is it has no lights on the front of the unit!!! they tried too use a lunmanis paint and it did"nt work !Still it's one of there best units so far!
@@stereoreviewx Piano out of the sansui is uncomparable.The bass comes abit higher witch makes it sweeter and very playful for the ear and doesn't hide in the walls. I miss details in the high specter.. I bought a Luxman R-1030 sound is alot deeper and detailed. I would love to see You compare maybe accuphase and/or luxman from that time 70s.
Lovely amp I have plenty of sansui, I was surprised by a fully recapped and re-worked sony ta 242 with improved toriodal transformer and some other parts, it sounded very good. Maybe worth a punt they are cheap as chips with the stk sanyo transistor ic.
From your videos ive learned that actually nothing sounds better than the other, its just a matter of what you are playing (music type) vs what you prefer or view as good sound (individual perception). Hence two ppl will not always agree, its like judging which girl is beautiful, oranges vs apples
Brilliant stuff , real reviews a joy to hear , i thought i was going mad after so many disappointing buys mainly amplifiers i have made since my first buy creek 4040 s2 ...1980 ish ...what a belter ...i wish i had stopped there teamed up with a marantz cd 50 and tdl rtl 3 floorstanders was heaven , and exactly like you describe here the sansui and also nad 3020 review ....stupidly i thought buying a new creek top of range a few years ago would better the sound but not at all , like yoy say an empty dark dull sound ...and same too from modern naim boxes i tried and sold on ....so 4040s2 and yes bi wire really brought the sound all together agree ...just wonder if tou have heard this amp or would try a review sometime ....it is in my opinion spot on and for the money ebay £120 ish ....anyway ramble over thanks for great stuff ...
No I don’t have experience of the creek but I remember hearing about it back in the day. Talk about the problem I am concerned with misleading information really and illusions of progress there are some but not the way is described by let’s face it are mostly corrupt media
@@stereoreviewx you right there Kelvin...makes you think why ddint they always include an early amp in manufacturers range to compare .... And once upon a time i remember what hifi had a “ onthe couch session “ random people listening blind test , funy how they stopped thAt ....
Hi Kevin! I wanted to thank you for this episode. Since my Sansui Eight was serviced, I've been listening to the Au-217 which I bought as a spare amp based on your feedback. I must say he is very good. Certainly not as good as Eight, but it's close. Thank you for your work. Too factual and clear descriptions of the sound. Keep working on your videos, they're great. by the way, i have a question. Have you ever had the opportunity to listen to the Akai ST series speakers?
After watching the video, I had a chance to have an AU-217. This little gem exceeded my expectations. I have a little collection of receivers and amps, may be 30 of them including TOTL and professional amps. Believe me, I can live with AU-217 alone. May be add 551 and 6060 receivers for different sound characteristics. Don't look for overpriced TOTL equipment. Any low powered Sansui receiver or integrated would blow you away with high efficiency speakers. They have the soul, completeness and musicality.
I totally agree worth noting at least 10 people have bought sound Sansuis from watching this channel and they’re all say the same just great sounding they’re all delighted And yes I think the low powered ones essentially sound better
Hi Kelvin, you asked about the capacitors in AU-317...the two black ones is 10.000uF/50V used for the main supply which is +-42VDC. The blue ones is 470uF used for the regulated supply of +-28VDC for preamp, phonopart a.o. parts....This is standard for a "complementary" amplifier with plus and minus transistors PNP and NPN in the output.....in your videos you like the type of amplifiers from 1969 to about 1975 where the topology mostly were "quasi" designed amps... which means, you have only one plus rail of lets say +60VDC and a pair of NPN output transistors that shares the voltage. Then one half of the supply of +30V is used by the upper NPN and the other NPN uses the other half of the supply..... (just short) in the middle you take the speaker signal out through a capacitor of approx 2.200-3.900uF that saves the speaker not to have the DC voltage across the voicecoil.....this is the basic of a "quasi" amplifier. The AU-317 is not a "quasi" amp but a complementary design..... the "quasi" designed amps used a pair of NPN's as output transistors because it was difficult to make PNP transistors with the same specifications back in 1969.... I have never heard the AU-317 but the schematic looks fine. Best rgds Kim DK
Thanks for the amazing videos, just a positive criticism, the sound could do with being a bit louder on the videos. A mic would really help with that, thanks again
So glad I got to be the first person to view this video and can be the first to comment this channel has really opened a new world for me after many years away in the wilderness of Bluetooth and such. Last weekend I was on eBay looking for a classic receiver from the 70s and seeing the now rather high prices on Sansui and having lost out on a 221 and matching 2020 turntable I had a look at a Trio Kenwood kr5200 and ended up buying it then I watched your review of some Monitor audio speakers So back on to eBay and there were some Monitor audio r352 Put in 1 bid and bam !!!! I have speakers to go with it The receiver will come by Friday wonder what it will sound like Hope to see some reviews of good sounding turntables and CD players as that's what I need next Keep it up this is a very enjoyable channel
Please let us know what you think of the Kenwood but allow it some time to break in again (at low power). If it has not been used a long time, the capacitors may have to reform.
Hi, Has anyone compared both the NAD 3020 and the Sansui AU 317 both of which Kelvin has reviewed to see which is best? Anyone know what the letters stand for after the NAD 3020 that usually say A, B, E or I? Great review Kelvin. Thanks.
Lovely Sansui gear. Among vintage Japanese gear Sansui is among the best. They're top of the line integrated amps were great up to and including the AU 717 and the astonishing AU 919 possibly the finest integrated amp ever made. After that Sansui went into significant decline resulting in their dreck from the 80s. A disease that ruined the consumer audio market from about 1980 onward although signs of cheapening were evident in the late 70s.
The 2 large black capacitors you pointed to are the Main PSU smoothing capacitors. This amplifier doesn't have 'output capacitors' as it is a 'DC Coupled' design. In my opinion there is nothing connecting the NAD3020 with the AU-317 arising from the use of those blue capacitors you also highlighted. 😎
I've got a Sansui AU 717 and an AU 317......the 717 has more bass power and sounds more powerful, but I'm not sure the AU 317 doesn't sound better overall. It's a great amp.
@@vincenzocirillo7980 Seems like my AU 317 might have a little better midrange.....or it might just be the 717 bass is more powerful and tends to overwhelm the midrange a little. They're both great amps.
@@josephward8228 I actually have the au-317 in good condition, I've buy it for 150€ in Italy (I'm from Italy), it sounds great but... but maybe that midrange is too "piercing"... after a couple of while it create a listening fatigue. I've the possibility to buy a AU-710 (USA model of 717) for 500€ in Italy, I like very much the design of the 710/717, I was wondering if it was worth it, sure the price is great, the amplifier is in perfect condition.
@@vincenzocirillo7980 No listener fatigue with my AU 317.....but if you get a chance to pick up the AU 710 for a good price I'd do it. You won't be sorry.
hi kelvin i am from bali indonesia. I like your explanation about old amplifiers. I really like the old amplifier. the voice is different. more detail. my favorite sansui au217 and 417. now i am trying the aurex sb 320 from toshiba. can you review it? THX.
Compared to the Sony STR 6055, Pioneer SA 8100 and the Sansui AU 217 , I find the sound very bass-heavy. You get the feeling that the midrange sounds a bit muted. I used it with Celestion Ditton 33 and Tannoy Mercury MKII.
Hi Kelvin. Can you possibly review the sansui sx1130 amplifier. Or share your thoughts if you have experience in this product. Cheers and keep up the excellent work...
I found the bass on the AU217 II a little dominating, but that's just down to personal preference. If one of Luxman's more affordable amps comes your way - an L-1 or L-113A, for example - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on how it compares to the AU317.
i've one on my stereo with a pair of celestion 44, stunning sounds espesciallly jazz. for more modern music electro hip hop loudness on is better. But great for the price really
I have this amp along with the sansui sr-636 turntable. I was wondering your thoughts on the turntable. Its my dad's and he bought it in japan when in the navy in the 70s. I use it regularly and love it but know little about the hobby. Great video and look forward to learning more about the hobby.
Well I don’t know that Turntable in detail but I think with Turntable you have to give them a bit of love and attention and try tweaking the weight of the mat keep the cartridge and screws tight you can improve things a lot with an effort
I own a completely revised au101 and au317. Had it done by an expert and enthusiast for Sansui, so I should be ok for the next 20 years. The 317 is tweaked (talked it over with the technician who said it would improve sound even more) to have as little in the signal path as possible. The speakers switch has been bypassed (only one speaker pair possible) and the tone controls do less. I guess I like the au317 best overall since it can handle more demanding speakers, but must say that the 101 is a real surprise sound wise. It's cheaper to update too than the 317, because there are less caps to renew. Au101 plus efficient speakers: good to go! Not that it matters, but the au101 looks very, very nice. For twenty years I have used a Sony TA FB 940R amplifier with much better specs. I never really had any complaint about the Sony, but these two amplifiers who are more then twice as old as my already ageing Sony just sound better. Gonna have to live without a remote control though :-)
2 comments abour the au-317 I know this amp inside-out due a lot of research and diy restauration. This amp has tone contol defeat, meaning it complete bypass the tone control circuit. Second the speaker switch has no influence on the sound of the amp. Both channels driven the amp delivers still 2x50w /8 ohm. This amp has 42 dc rails so this amp will actually deliver more as 50 W
@@willydorper6280 Battle of the technicians :-) I'd better stay out of it. Of what was told to me, the pre-amp stage was altered in a way the technician had good results with in the past. As a result the tone controls do less than before, but are not defeated altogether. I know and like the tone defeat switch. I hardly ever use tone control anyway. Then again, switches can fail or become creaky and since I don't need the option of several speaker pairs, I am fine with having the speaker switch bypassed. I agree, it does not help the sound but I do believe it'll be more reliable in the long run. As to your comment about power, when I wrote about the need for efficient speakers, I was specifically referring to my other Sansui: an au101 which has significantly less power than the au317 though definitely more powerful than the specs would have you believe. Hope that clarifies things.
Just to say I have recently been listening to the AA101 with a nice vinyl sauce and it is an absolute joy it’s not just a better stage I think the sound just works better on the vinyl.
I connected the au101 to the streamer but will try with vinyl! The au317 is absolutely great, but that was expected. The au101 on the other hand is a big surprise in a nice small box. I just hooked the 101 up to very efficient Dali 3-way floorstanders (Ikon6 mk1) and it got even better.
I am about to buy a vintage amp, and I would like to try a Sansui. There are several Sansui amps for sale at the moment. Could you give me some advice? I have a pair of modified Beovox 3000 ..sensitivity is approx 2,5W/96dB... above 25 Watt is sufficient to drive my speakers to nomal listening level...I think the Sansui AU 7700 looks fine . Does it sound great? Best rgds Kim
Hello.I found one off these in the thrash today.Took it home and tested it and it sounds very very suprised good. Only thing is the volume(gain) is a bit high whith cd player plugged in AUX ,difficult to get an accurate low level volume .
The four blue things are smoothing capacitors to voltage the final transistors. I checked in the service instructions. They have no effect on sound quality. Sound does not travel through them. My opinion on why amps sound so good is simplicity. Sound is delivered directly without unnecessary digital switches. They don't make that anymore today. My respect for the description you share with us.
Hello VL -vintage lover. Thanks for all your inputs on the web. Recently got an Sansui au317 .. and I am blown away with all its quality. It delivers in every way. wow wow wow. Loved the video on the Sugden a48, which I found comes in different variations. From the first wooden one to the slimmer black version later on. How do they compare and which is the one to look out for. Keep up the good work 😀
I think the latest Sugden is quite a different sounding animal may be a class Amp Sugden in my experience always deliver Welcome to the Sansui club I’ve got about 25 converts so far
Hi! Whats your opinion about Sansui AU X501? Its 80s gear, ive heard some good stuff about it, but I guess you re biggest Sansui specialist on RUclips! Thanks in advance!
I own a few Sansui devices, including the AU-217 (I and mk II), their sound is very clear and full just like you have described this AU-317. I think I do prefer these amps over the receivers from the S-X family (S-X500/S-X700/S-X900). Regarding the blue capacitors that you have pointed at the end, they are Nichicon capacitors that sustain a maximum of 50v and I believe higher temperatures around 85 Celcius. Nowadays people seem to be interested in replacing those with the higher grade capacitors from Nichicon, the FG and KZ series. I have replaced a few of those blue capacitors and I can tell you that those seem to be indeed a big part of the sound output.
@@Sladovsky1 if I remember correctly the blue capacitors on my AU-217II were replaced with UFG capacitors. I'm not sure why you asking, but if the reason is because you have some problem with the sound (crackling, no sound etc) that is either a transistor or resistors - I thought of mentioning just in case.
@@DavidslvPT I'm asking because I'm about to buy Sansui AU-317 with a problem. The problem is that one channel has gone completely dead. It has stopped working and I would have to ship it to a tech guy who told me he didn't know what happened. He has to open and and diagnose the amp. It is very likely that some capacitors and/or resistors will need replacing, too. That is I'm asking.
@@Sladovsky1 if the channel is dead than it will be a transistor problem, that’s my experience in a few amplifiers I have had around. You will need the schematics (service manual) and figure out which transistor in the signal path may be broken. I’d look into that before touching any capacitors
Okay the are you X70 one is a later model I believe and I don’t have experience of it if I had to guess I’d say stick to the 317 because it just doesn’t do anything wrong
Hi! Is there ever any comparisons with actual listening comparisons involved, i.e. audio comparisons for us viewers to listen to in these review videos?
Yes I am going to try that it’s tricky getting the sound right and also you can’t use famous tracks for copyright reasons but I think it would be worth doing Cheers K
Hello, I really liked your detailed review and passion for quality sound. I still have my grandfather’s Sansui AU 317 amp with the SE5 equaliser Tu217 tuner n it drives the SPx6000 speakers. Do you recommend to recap even if there is no issue? The amp is still in stock condition except for the top cover which was powder coated. Please let me know your views. Thank you n stat safe
Haven't found a review on the R 50 reciever. Same year made. 45 wpc. Opened up it has identical looking blue caps and black output powder caps. Anyone?
😮 Quel souvenir ! J'avais pris le virus de la Hi-Fi grâce à mon père. Ce modèle fût mon 1er ampli acheté après avoir cherché dans tout Paris le meilleur prix et meilleur compromis pour le budget que je m'étais fixé.
J'y avait associé une platine Akaï (ref ? avec cellule Ortofon elliptique), de bonnes enceintes B&W (ref ? taille moyenne) + tuner et magnétophone Akaï 4000 DB (Dolby).
Je me souviens qu'on m'enviait le bon son que j'avais ! J'y écoutais toutes sortes de musiques, depuis du disco jusqu'à la musique classique en passant par du jazz. Que ce soit pour la Hi-Fi ou le reste tout était sympa et plus facile en cette epoque bénie !
22 ans, retour du service militaire, 1er studio, 1er emploi, puis en 79 1ere voiture et vacances avec ma petite amie de l'epoque. L'insouciance, les espoirs et les rêves de ma jeunesse... La liberté, les sorties, les dicothèques, les bons amis et les jolies filles. Pas très riches mais la vie était belle et tous les espoirs permis. Aujourd'hui j'en ai bientôt 68 et combien je suis nostalgique 😢 de ce temps là...
Bon son à vous tous les anciens comme moi ou les + jeunes ! 😊
I like this guy! Is now my "go to person" before I pull the trigger on another Sansui Thank you Kelvin- keep going my man!
Thx for this lovely and passionate review. I own this amp since I was 18 y old and recently did a full restauration because I wanted to last another 40 years :-)! I did afull recap,resistors exapt the transistors because they still measured good and quality is even nowadays exeptional. The blue capacitors are Nichicon, Sansui used for this amp mainly Elna and Nichicon capacitors. These blue ones are DC decoupling capacitors and can certainly have an effect on sound, especially dynamics and tight bass sound. I replaced them with 1.3x higher value Panasonic caps. Everething else as standard values as original. To me this amp sounds as good as any todays amp in the 1000 to 1500 euro range. Sound is not always about lowest distortion but feeling dynamics and emotion! Keep going,
Looking at the schematics for this amp its a stunningly sophisticated design for a integrated in this price range
with all the proper compensation and stabilisation parts in place that normaly got sacrificed for better profit.
A pretty outstanding feature here is that the inputstages of the poweramps got separatly fed and can be precisely
adjusted via a doubleset of trimpots (DC adjustment) per channel. The four blue lytics are additional filtercaps in
the powerlines for the driver and outputstages of the poweramps to further lower ripple effects on the feeding
power lines.
Great info thanks K
My father has bought that before I was even born. I grew up spending hours in front of it listening to music either from an AKAI cassete player or a Sansui Tuner. It has been years since it has been used. I am now thinking of taking it to my house and giving it some maintenance (if needed). I hope it is still alive. Thank you for this video. It really brought back memories.
Yes I would just plug it in I don’t think mine is any work done on it
@@stereoreviewx Thank you for your feedback :). Take care
I have now just bought my first amp and cd player from ebay after watching you channel thank you.
Not expensive stuff but all sansui .
Great review. I had Sansui amplifier back in 1990s. Great sound, so lively and amazing metal body. I like your review, so in detail. Seems like you have a lot of expertise in it. Thank you for this excellent video.
For any one interested in the au-117/217/317 range.
I have a 117 mk1 and a 317mk1(both high-end re-capped) and am very familiar with the 217mk1 (my parents had this when I grew up).
Power amp wise I was not getting the vibe from the 117mk1 that I was looking for (I was expecting like a 217), so I went for a 317mk1, and that did deliver (and then some). I would say sound wise the 117mk1 is 50% of the 317mk1 and the 217mk1 is 80% of the 317mk1.
So if you have trouble finding a 317mk1(and you don't use the phono stage) , the 217mk1 is a pretty good alternative.
The bigger difference is in the phono stage. Both 117 and the 217 share the same simple phono stage, (two transistors, electrolytic input coupling). The 317 however has allot more elaborate stage with 6 transistors and allot of nice polystyrene capacitors and a separate shield. Although I did not use my 117mk1 for record playback ( i do know the sound of the 217) , I was surprised at how good the phono stage quality of the 317 is.
So if you plan to play records go for the 317. It might not compare to separate high end phono stages, but it is an integrated amp after all.
The difference between the mk1 and mk2 versions is this:
1: cheaper construction (no inlayed logo, thinner front plate(from what I can tell).
2: no pre- amp out, power amp in on the 317.
2: bump up in output power, and different transistors(at least in the output stage).
They bumped up the transformer voltage and power supply capacitor section and changed some resistor values in the output stage to get these higher output values for the mk2 versions.
MK1 output power:
117 = 15wpc @8ohm
217 = 30wpc @8ohm
317 = 50wpc @8ohm
mk2 output power:
117 = 25wpc @8ohm
217 = 40wpc @8ohm
317 = 60wpc @8ohm
I don't know if running the output section a little hotter like that(mk2) makes it a better amplifier (well, at least commercially it would).
Edit: For the 317mk2 they actually lowered(!) the value of some of the decoupling capacitors in the output section! (the ones you were pointing at).
Great info thanks my friend K
I still use Sansui AU 217 from 1978 into my system and still produse amazing sound until today...
My dad gave me the AU 999 he bought new in 1970.
I keep all the levels neutral as well.
Beautiful sound.
I bet
I must say…love watching your videos! Exactly the sort of way hifi should be looked at. I picked up an au-317 on this recommendation and I’m pretty blown away by it. I was using a NAD 3020i that started making a really loud hum, replaced it with a CREEK CAS4040 that my grandad had and always thought both sounded pretty phenomenal. Until now! Thanks so much
Welcome to the Sansui club and that is one of the gems
Besides the sound I love the Sansui aesthetics. I think that most people would guess that this is equipment from the 90s and not the late 70s. I love your channel.
My first stereo I bought at 17, was a Sansui AU101 with Richard Allen full range speakers, 12 inch full range drivers, and an Akai AP001 TT, the sound was amazing.
I am a fan of Sansui. Now I have a Sansui AU X911DG, from around 1990. Had and miss a AU 217 (chasing a 317 right now) and heading for the number three, an 1990's Alpha MR or NRA. Good and honest review!
I stumbled by change upon this review and it is as if you were describing my Sansui AU117, which I bought in 1978 and still use at my desk in my home office for playing music. I also still own the second amplifier I bought in 1987, a Denon, which was beefier in the Watts department and had a better performance on paper with regard to total harmonic distortion and such, but the sound was never so appealing , embracing and warm to me as my old Sansui AU117. After a few years of less satisfied listening experiences I swapped them around and kept the Sansui ever after as my preferred amplifier and the Denon in its box as a back up, and after so many years my AU117 is still going strong.
I enjoy music again, bought a second-hand Sansui au317 and Rogers P22. Thanks for all the good advice Kelvin. I hope there will be more videos to follow one day.
Enjoy!
You are so right!! I collect Sansui....My best sounding am is a BA3000. I have a AU7900 I bought in high school, still have it today! Other Sansui products I have are BA2000, Ca2000, AU 719,717, and a TU7900 Really like them all...
Thanks for the info strangely, and I know I’m meant to be a serious, Hi Fi person Sansui 331. I just go back to it again again it’s not the ultimate in detail but is gorgeous
Thank you for this great review! I own an AU-555A and I love it's sound!
I am very much enjoying your videos, thank you Kelvin 👍🏻🇺🇸
I had the AU217 and TU217 and a nice pair of B&W CDM 1. the best sound system i ever owned.
I've been doing this audio thing fo 45 years and there is a lot of wisdom in choosing your system based on sound not ego or $$$> Back when I had better hearing, I had systems with amazingly good musicality. Now that equipment is available for a fraction of it's original price. I still fondly remember my Celestron SL600 speakers.
Did you hear the systems in stores? Today that’s very difficult
@@MrJason9142002 Ye, Went to stores but mostly bought used equipment from the news papers so when selling it on we wouldn't lose money. Depreciation already was baked in. Now it is easy as people send you things for 30 or 60 days and you can return it if you wish.
Kelvin you did it again. 15 minutes after watching i bought one off ebay. I may stop now. Lol.
What do you make of it, Scott Waz?
Very happy. DAC to tube preamp to 317 as the amp to Ohm C2s. BTW, I did not stop. Pioneer 8100. Even happier.
@@postaudio Is Pioneer 8100 better than this Sansui in the video? :)
I remember this equipment, I wish I could have it again, my parents bought it around 1980
I use to own one. Packs a punch. Imaging and soundstage was pretty good with my ADS 1230 and 1290. If I could find another one I would buy and keep it.
Kevin, keep these videos coming...you speak the truth. Much appreciated
I dragged my au-417 out of storage not that long ago. I never kept in the main system long because of the no remote issue. I have been really pleased and was thinking I should buy another while they are somewhat affordable. Keep one original and fully restore the other. Well so much for under the radar! TNB just did a video of the au-717
Thanks will check out that review
K
Thanks Kelvin, off the back of your review I managed to pick up a virtually mint AU-317 to go with my Sansui TT. Sounds absolutely great, everything nice and smooth, yet defined.
Such a winner that Amp
@@stereoreviewx Now looking for a set of speakers to go with it. I'm currently using Wharfdale Denton, but on the lookout for something better. Any ideas?
@@MD-ww4bh Try Heybrook HB2 speakers - they work well with this amp IMO
Had one and change it later for the Au-717 to drive my marvellous Altec Lansing series 9,,,,What a great time it was!
Hi, I also have the 317 that sound very good with my Sonus faber cremona M, only a little note about this amp: it sounds always with too “energy” even when it’s not necessary, like delicate piano, or violins or soft voice… it gives always a punch in the face, it seems it misses delicacy… however I have the possibility to change it with 717, like you did… Can I ask you what I should expected in general? Thanks
I had the Cambridge Audio SXA60 for a while. It was the most soulless sound I've ever heard, and like you say it was total silence in the background almost like someone had put the old Dolby switch on (that you would get in tape decks) times 100. That to me, isn't life like, that's synthetic, to me air has a sort of sound sound to it and that should not be removed. I've heard this in some remastered CD's too, all the life blood of the music is removed (the air). Really love your videos, they are so in keeping with the way I describe things too, it's uncanny!
i remember the Sansui 222 was a very highly regarded budget turntable back in the day.
Really enjoy your reviews. It was through your inspiring reviews that I started to look for vintage gears this year. I bought a used Sansui AU-101 after watching your review and really impressed with it. The AU-317 is harder to find in my country compares to AU-117 or AU-217. In between I have also acquired a A&R Cambridge A60 the early version (1978 with serial number 10xx), and a Pioneer SA5500II. They paired well with my all 1990s British made speakers - Mordaunt Short MS10i Pearl, Mission 750LE and Goodmans Imagio IC218. For sound, I enjoy the AU-101 & A60 the most. I'm from Malaysia.
Thanks! A 317 just arrived and am pairing it with Celestion Ditton 33... They really sing now with full bodied tone! Thanks!
You are right... the amp has plenty bass, but with the extra big cone for the middle frequenzies it isnt overdoing it! Thanks!
You’ve got a couple of classics there you might try rotating the base driver and or just tighten up the screws and the mid range tighten them up as much as you dare it can really improve things the Twitter as well but it doesn’t matter so much..
Do it carefully the Twitter is probably wood screws
K
Hi, you are always giving us good info. I appreciate it. What about AU 417 and AU 555A? I love 555A the best of all sansui amplifiers. This sounds beautiful sweet and harmonic, very quiet background, and relaxing. This amplifier does not push speakers but softly soothe into its harnonic sound territory but not letting them lose their own characteristics.
Yes the 555 and I think is it the 505 are in a way the peak of a certain Sansui sound these older ones do you have something special about them particularly how as you increase the volume the scale really grows not just the volume
Now I want one right now
@@stereoreviewx Certainly Yes. Better is to match with nice tube preamplifier, especially with 6922 tube. I got my system this way, and with higher gain of the preamplifier, much better in clearance in tonal definition and much wider in sound staging. This is amazing amplifier when married to Siemens E188CC/7308, the top definition mid and high, balanced, and clear back staging especially. Another way to uptrade sound is to use higher gain source with lower distortion. Preamplifer is both good with Aux in, or Pre in. To me, Aux was better. Not need to say that the sounds still staying within beautiful pretty Sansui. Just kinda add-up to Sansui thing. Try it.
With the pre amp outs, this amp begs for a subwoofer to give it a final oomph. Perfect for a 2.1 system, that rocks. Plus you can do karioke.
Had this in '78 in Kuala Lumpur (bought in Singapore) with a pair of Bowers & Wilkins DM4 speakers & a Rotel RP3300 turntable. Really able to raise the roof. Lived in a big old rambling bungalow in Pesiaran Madge, Ampang Hilir. Remember one day had a caller - delivery or some-such .. was playing Iggy Pops 'Dum Dum Boys' from the 'The Idiot' (long track) .. poor fella waited for 7 mins to make himself heard (before the next track kicked in). Tape (cassette) deck was the Akai GXC-46 we had from 1972 - the first deck to feature Dolby NR, I believe .. ! Them's woz the days .. Halcyon Daze !!
I have got an MKII version of this amp and love it. Unlike its brother though, the MKII doesn't have a pre-out.
Love your enthusiasm, I can buy your recommendation without hearing 🍻
Used to have the Sansui AU D11II...wish i had never sold it. Power and clean sound was awesome.
Just acquired one of these. Amazingly good amp compares well against far more expensive more modern amps I have had. Drives my IMF tls 50 speakers so well…big speakers!
Great Speakers you have always wanted them or the bigger ones with the Oval driver
@@stereoreviewx When I get a bigger room I will get the IMF tls 80s! I need to move house first.
As having read from other posts the Black Caps are for the power supply and if it were me I would change them perhaps go 5 volts up and as much capacitance as you can fit in under the hood, in fact change all the caps for the cost of it. The resisters should be fine but none the less measure them all and consider replacement that will really open up the sound for you...if you live in Yorkshire drop it off if you want a hand.
Mick
Thanks for the info on the offer Mick shame I’m a long way away.
K
Thanks Kelvin great review, I had the AU 2900 and 3900 and was disappointed with both, though would like to give the AU 2200 a go as based around the same STK016 as the Sansui 441 Receiver
Funny, I had the same experience in reverse! I bought a very battered AU-2200 for cheap during lockdown, when I was parted from the rest of my equipment. It blew me away with its sound quality! Deep, rich tones, lifelike voices and tight, powerful bass, accurate 3D sound staging. It has it all! I then got hold of the more powerful AU-3900 and was disappointed by the comparatively flat soundstage and harsh brightness. I think the AU-X900 range is the one to avoid! And if I haven't emphasized it enough, do yourself a favor and get an AU-2200!
I'll try and get hold of a 441 to compare, also after the 4400 for comparison too.
@@doonray Thanks for the message. Interesting to hear the 2200 sounds nice. I did buy one off of eBay a while ago but it got lost in the post, which was a shame as was only £60 inc post. But I had an idea that the 2200 may sound different to the 2900 & 3900 as it has the STK amp on a chip. I have found so far that a lot of STK's sound quite nice.
Used in the 221,331,441 receivers, 331 sounds nice. I have the 221 but still not really had a listen to that yet. Also the Sanyo dcx 2000 as a STK chip which is not a million miles away sound wise to the 331.There must be plenty amps/receivers with these chips in. But will be eager to get a 2200 now. Thanks Again Mick.
@@MichaelYates Hi Mick, thanks for the reply. And interesting stuff indeed. I'd been thinking the same thing about the STK modules and have been trying to get hold of a comparable amp that uses them. The Rotel RA-300 is a good contender, waiting for one at the right price. Otherwise if I can get hold of a 4400 and a 441, I should be able to know once and for all whether it's the chip or the rest of the amp that imparts the excellent sound (The 4400 being the closest to the 2200 without the chips). It's pretty strange, since most people seem to spurn STKs as being a crappy cost cutting measure. And in all fairness that's what they were, they've just accidently ended up making some excellent amps!
@@doonray Well please keep me informed on any conclusions you come to. STKs seemed a cheap way of getting an amp into a box. The main reason they were made I think was to save companies designing there own amp and size as they do not take up to much room and mounted upright. Sanyo seemed to be the main supplier, the ones used on these amps/receivers are the low numbers 14,15,16 etc, Goes in to the 4000's these days.
Though I think Sanyo stopped making them about 20 years ago. Though plenty of rubbish Chinese clones about. I will be looking out for any amp/receiver from the 70's in the 10 to 20 watt range that may have one of these in as a comparison and report any findings on my channel. I also would have thought that the pre-amp/ tone circuit would play a big part on how these sounded. But as you say a lot of people seem to dismiss these amp on a chip STK's so making picking up a good cheap amp a little easier.
Nice review, Kelvin. The large capacitor (10,000uF) are the main smoothing caps. All of the caps will be significantly degraded by now as the electrolyte will be drying up. Any that are bulging will certainly need replacing but it sounds like this amp deserves a full recap.
Whilst Panasonic FCs gain a lot of friends in this area, I would always go for DNM smoothing caps and Elna Silmic II for the rest, for their big sound quality.
After watching your pre amp - power amp video I picked up a AU-317 on eBay to pair with my Sansui 3300. The 3300 is with the technician. I hooked up a CD player and Pioneer CS-07 speakers. The speakers were a bust on my receiver but with this amp they were booming! I could only turn the volume up 2 clicks at night. Not sure why the speakers were night and day with the amp. It’s a good sign. Can’t wait to hook up the 3300 as the power amp and my reel to reel to the AU-317.
Yes the 317 is just a winner
Thanks for review Kevin. I realy realy like sound character of Sansui AU-317, I collections 2 unit AU-317 and I have done myself to full restoration both with the best capacitor I can get
Interesting was the improvement obvious
Happy Holidays Kelvin and SRX'ers. These videos are great fun. Hoping there's more in 2021.
The 2 big black capacitors are filter (smoothing) caps for the power amp and the 4 blue caps do the same for the lower voltage pre-amp power supply. When AC (mains supply) is converted to DC (all amps work with DC current) there is still ripple (the positive 50Hz component of AC), thus it needs to be shunted to ground via capacitors (which only pass through AC current and block DC current).
The filter caps basically remove unwanted noise (AC ripple) from the DC power supply.
The secondary function of having big filter caps is to keep the DC voltage rails consistent when dynamic spikes suck the supply voltage down. They act like very low resistance batteries that can instantly top up the supply voltage the moment it starts to decline. Voltage always want to flow from the highest potential to the lowest. These types of caps must have a very low resistance so these can deliver the current essentially instantly. When caps get old they tend to dry up (electrolytic fluid inside) and the resistance goes up.
If you see a cap that is bulged on the top (you can feel a small budge better than see it) then it is definitely gone bad. Capacitors can still go bad and look fine, so only an ESR meter can measure the internal resistance (without removing the caps) and determine if the caps need replacing.
Kelvin, you are a smart guy, so I am sure you could easily learn the basics to safely check the caps (and replace them) in your plethora of gear. I have learned the basics of electronics, because it's too expensive to pay someone to do it for all the gear I have. A soldering iron and ESR meter is about $100. Most caps will be in spec, but power supply caps are experience the most stress. Most other components either work right or totally fail. Caps can degrade slowly and mess up the sound without failing completely.
Also, you can replace the caps with better than original, because electronic component are much better today. Even on more modern electronics repairs I will buy high quality caps ($2 instead of 10 cents) for longevity and audio quality in audio gear.
Very nicely explained my friend thank you
K
Thank you , much appreciated!!!!
The black capacitors are the power supply capacitors, the blue ones could be the output capacitors. Or they could be the power supply capacitors for the pre-amp (or even driver stage). In the latter case it would explain the quality of sound because it means that the pre amp stage and possibly the driver stage has a more or less independent power supply from the final stage. If they would be the output capacitors, it would mean that this design needs them and that is not as good as having a symmetrical power supply and a DC coupled output stage. The fact that they come in pairs is good news because it an indicator that this amp has a symmetrical power supply. BTW with that I mean that the ground level is in the middle between the positive and negative power supply voltage and not just ground at zero and one positive voltage.
I would love to get a good Sansui amp, so thanks for mentioning this one. But I went on eBay and you can not find them for under 200 Euros (180 Pounds, so they are a bit more expensive than what is claimed here).
I have a Luxman L-210 amp with similar power and about a few years younger. I love the sound of it and I am really curious what you think of it.
Great review as always kelvin.
Even simpler things than sound manifestation can’t be expressed in words.
there is 1 problem with this model and that is it has no lights on the front of the unit!!! they tried too use a lunmanis paint and it did"nt work !Still it's one of there best units so far!
This amp is marvelous! I bought it after your video... now my integra 8850 doesn't stand a chanse!
Hey good to hear .
@@stereoreviewx Piano out of the sansui is uncomparable.The bass comes abit higher witch makes it sweeter and very playful for the ear and doesn't hide in the walls. I miss details in the high specter.. I bought a Luxman R-1030 sound is alot deeper and detailed. I would love to see You compare maybe accuphase and/or luxman from that time 70s.
Lovely amp. The UK competitor to this was the A&R A60, but the Sansui beats it in all areas.
Lovely amp I have plenty of sansui, I was surprised by a fully recapped and re-worked sony ta 242 with improved toriodal transformer and some other parts, it sounded very good. Maybe worth a punt they are cheap as chips with the stk sanyo transistor ic.
Great test as allways, thanks dear
From your videos ive learned that actually nothing sounds better than the other, its just a matter of what you are playing (music type) vs what you prefer or view as good sound (individual perception). Hence two ppl will not always agree, its like judging which girl is beautiful, oranges vs apples
Brilliant stuff , real reviews a joy to hear , i thought i was going mad after so many disappointing buys mainly amplifiers i have made since my first buy creek 4040 s2 ...1980 ish ...what a belter ...i wish i had stopped there teamed up with a marantz cd 50 and tdl rtl 3 floorstanders was heaven , and exactly like you describe here the sansui and also nad 3020 review ....stupidly i thought buying a new creek top of range a few years ago would better the sound but not at all , like yoy say an empty dark dull sound ...and same too from modern naim boxes i tried and sold on ....so 4040s2 and yes bi wire really brought the sound all together agree ...just wonder if tou have heard this amp or would try a review sometime ....it is in my opinion spot on and for the money ebay £120 ish ....anyway ramble over thanks for great stuff ...
No I don’t have experience of the creek but I remember hearing about it back in the day.
Talk about the problem I am concerned with misleading information really and illusions of progress there are some but not the way is described by let’s face it are mostly corrupt media
@@stereoreviewx you right there Kelvin...makes you think why ddint they always include an early amp in manufacturers range to compare ....
And once upon a time i remember what hifi had a “ onthe couch session “ random people listening blind test , funy how they stopped thAt ....
Hi Kevin! I wanted to thank you for this episode. Since my Sansui Eight was serviced, I've been listening to the Au-217 which I bought as a spare amp based on your feedback. I must say he is very good. Certainly not as good as Eight, but it's close. Thank you for your work. Too factual and clear descriptions of the sound. Keep working on your videos, they're great. by the way, i have a question. Have you ever had the opportunity to listen to the Akai ST series speakers?
Just got one. Amazing! Just like you said: Sansui, Marantz and maybe Pioneer
Never had anyone disappointed with classic Sansui
Hey man, can you make some more videos? I think I watched them all. I need to learn.
After watching the video, I had a chance to have an AU-217. This little gem exceeded my expectations. I have a little collection of receivers and amps, may be 30 of them including TOTL and professional amps. Believe me, I can live with AU-217 alone. May be add 551 and 6060 receivers for different sound characteristics. Don't look for overpriced TOTL equipment. Any low powered Sansui receiver or integrated would blow you away with high efficiency speakers. They have the soul, completeness and musicality.
I totally agree worth noting at least 10 people have bought sound Sansuis from watching this channel and they’re all say the same just great sounding they’re all delighted
And yes I think the low powered ones essentially sound better
Hi Kelvin, you asked about the capacitors in AU-317...the two black ones is 10.000uF/50V used for the main supply which is +-42VDC. The blue ones is 470uF used for the regulated supply of +-28VDC for preamp, phonopart a.o. parts....This is standard for a "complementary" amplifier with plus and minus transistors PNP and NPN in the output.....in your videos you like the type of amplifiers from 1969 to about 1975 where the topology mostly were "quasi" designed amps... which means, you have only one plus rail of lets say +60VDC and a pair of NPN output transistors that shares the voltage. Then one half of the supply of +30V is used by the upper NPN and the other NPN uses the other half of the supply..... (just short) in the middle you take the speaker signal out through a capacitor of approx 2.200-3.900uF that saves the speaker not to have the DC voltage across the voicecoil.....this is the basic of a "quasi" amplifier. The AU-317 is not a "quasi" amp but a complementary design..... the "quasi" designed amps used a pair of NPN's as output transistors because it was difficult to make PNP transistors with the same specifications back in 1969.... I have never heard the AU-317 but the schematic looks fine. Best rgds Kim DK
Thanks for that part of me, thinks I understood it 😀
Very informative, great review! Thank you. :)
Two weeks in on its younger brother 217 ( and what a great amplifier for money ) 👍
Thanks for the amazing videos, just a positive criticism, the sound could do with being a bit louder on the videos. A mic would really help with that, thanks again
Hi I have the au 217 what do you think ?
I bought a Sansui AU- 317 at a yard sale for $50 DLS it works perfectly fine.
nice work K
A year later, these amps are pretty expensive.
So glad I got to be the first person to view this video and can be the first to comment this channel has really opened a new world for me after many years away in the wilderness of Bluetooth and such.
Last weekend I was on eBay looking for a classic receiver from the 70s and seeing the now rather high prices on Sansui and having lost out on a 221 and matching 2020 turntable
I had a look at a Trio Kenwood kr5200 and ended up buying it then I watched your review of some Monitor audio speakers
So back on to eBay and there were some Monitor audio r352
Put in 1 bid and bam !!!! I have speakers to go with it
The receiver will come by Friday wonder what it will sound like
Hope to see some reviews of good sounding turntables and CD players as that's what I need next
Keep it up this is a very enjoyable channel
Please let us know what you think of the Kenwood but allow it some time to break in again (at low power). If it has not been used a long time, the capacitors may have to reform.
Hi, Has anyone compared both the NAD 3020 and the Sansui AU 317 both of which Kelvin has reviewed to see which is best?
Anyone know what the letters stand for after the NAD 3020 that usually say A, B, E or I? Great review Kelvin. Thanks.
Lovely Sansui gear. Among vintage Japanese gear Sansui is among the best. They're top of the line integrated amps were great up to and including the AU 717 and the astonishing AU 919 possibly the finest integrated amp ever made. After that Sansui went into significant decline resulting in their dreck from the 80s. A disease that ruined the consumer audio market from about 1980 onward although signs of cheapening were evident in the late 70s.
Thanks for that some people have said the 719 also exhibits cost-cutting
Cheers K
The 2 large black capacitors you pointed to are the Main PSU smoothing capacitors. This amplifier doesn't have 'output capacitors' as it is a 'DC Coupled' design. In my opinion there is nothing connecting the NAD3020 with the AU-317 arising from the use of those blue capacitors you also highlighted. 😎
Okay good thanks for that.
K
I've got a Sansui AU 717 and an AU 317......the 717 has more bass power and sounds more powerful, but I'm not sure the AU 317 doesn't sound better overall. It's a great amp.
what differences did you perceive it?
@@vincenzocirillo7980 Seems like my AU 317 might have a little better midrange.....or it might just be the 717 bass is more powerful and tends to overwhelm the midrange a little. They're both great amps.
@@josephward8228 I actually have the au-317 in good condition, I've buy it for 150€ in Italy (I'm from Italy), it sounds great but... but maybe that midrange is too "piercing"... after a couple of while it create a listening fatigue. I've the possibility to buy a AU-710 (USA model of 717) for 500€ in Italy, I like very much the design of the 710/717, I was wondering if it was worth it, sure the price is great, the amplifier is in perfect condition.
@@vincenzocirillo7980 No listener fatigue with my AU 317.....but if you get a chance to pick up the AU 710 for a good price I'd do it. You won't be sorry.
hi kelvin i am from bali indonesia. I like your explanation about old amplifiers. I really like the old amplifier. the voice is different. more detail. my favorite sansui au217 and 417. now i am trying the aurex sb 320 from toshiba. can you review it? THX.
Hi Kelvin, Really enjoying your informative and entertaining video's. Would this Sansui AU 317 drive a pair of Spender BC1's nicely?
Cheers
Andy
Bucks
Hi Kelvin, I am on the fence between the mk1 AU317 and the au 7500 for turntable usage.... Any thoughts between the two?
Compared to the Sony STR 6055, Pioneer SA 8100 and the Sansui AU 217 , I find the sound very bass-heavy. You get the feeling that the midrange sounds a bit muted. I used it with Celestion Ditton 33 and Tannoy Mercury MKII.
Yes, well fair enough, matching speakers to amps is what makes a good sound
They’re all decent nice amps you have there
the big black caps are filter caps for the power supply
don't touch them
Hi Kelvin. Can you possibly review the sansui sx1130 amplifier. Or share your thoughts if you have experience in this product. Cheers and keep up the excellent work...
Hey Kelvin, Thank you for this nice review. Just bought myself an AU 317 :) What pair of speakers would you recommend for this amp?
Был с недельку Sansui-517.
Слушал не спеша, очень нравился, пока ACCEPT не включил..... всё в кашу!
Максимум - Dire Straits, Pink Floyd.
I think you are pushing up the price of 2nd hand market :-)
I think he is. On the other hand it is helpful for someone like me to get competent opinions about these oldies but goodies.
I found the bass on the AU217 II a little dominating, but that's just down to personal preference. If one of Luxman's more affordable amps comes your way - an L-1 or L-113A, for example - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on how it compares to the AU317.
If I can find one I definitely well cheers K
Beautiful amp 👍
i've one on my stereo with a pair of celestion 44, stunning sounds espesciallly jazz. for more modern music electro hip hop loudness on is better. But great for the price really
I have this amp along with the sansui sr-636 turntable. I was wondering your thoughts on the turntable. Its my dad's and he bought it in japan when in the navy in the 70s. I use it regularly and love it but know little about the hobby. Great video and look forward to learning more about the hobby.
Well I don’t know that Turntable in detail but I think with Turntable you have to give them a bit of love and attention and try tweaking the weight of the mat keep the cartridge and screws tight you can improve things a lot with an effort
I own a completely revised au101 and au317. Had it done by an expert and enthusiast for Sansui, so I should be ok for the next 20 years. The 317 is tweaked (talked it over with the technician who said it would improve sound even more) to have as little in the signal path as possible. The speakers switch has been bypassed (only one speaker pair possible) and the tone controls do less. I guess I like the au317 best overall since it can handle more demanding speakers, but must say that the 101 is a real surprise sound wise. It's cheaper to update too than the 317, because there are less caps to renew. Au101 plus efficient speakers: good to go! Not that it matters, but the au101 looks very, very nice. For twenty years I have used a Sony TA FB 940R amplifier with much better specs. I never really had any complaint about the Sony, but these two amplifiers who are more then twice as old as my already ageing Sony just sound better. Gonna have to live without a remote control though :-)
2 comments abour the au-317 I know this amp inside-out due a lot of research and diy restauration. This amp has tone contol defeat, meaning it complete bypass the tone control circuit. Second the speaker switch has no influence on the sound of the amp. Both channels driven the amp delivers still 2x50w /8 ohm. This amp has 42 dc rails so this amp will actually deliver more as 50 W
@@willydorper6280 Battle of the technicians :-) I'd better stay out of it. Of what was told to me, the pre-amp stage was altered in a way the technician had good results with in the past. As a result the tone controls do less than before, but are not defeated altogether. I know and like the tone defeat switch. I hardly ever use tone control anyway. Then again, switches can fail or become creaky and since I don't need the option of several speaker pairs, I am fine with having the speaker switch bypassed. I agree, it does not help the sound but I do believe it'll be more reliable in the long run. As to your comment about power, when I wrote about the need for efficient speakers, I was specifically referring to my other Sansui: an au101 which has significantly less power than the au317 though definitely more powerful than the specs would have you believe. Hope that clarifies things.
Just to say I have recently been listening to the AA101 with a nice vinyl sauce and it is an absolute joy it’s not just a better stage I think the sound just works better on the vinyl.
I connected the au101 to the streamer but will try with vinyl! The au317 is absolutely great, but that was expected. The au101 on the other hand is a big surprise in a nice small box. I just hooked the 101 up to very efficient Dali 3-way floorstanders (Ikon6 mk1) and it got even better.
I am about to buy a vintage amp, and I would like to try a Sansui. There are several Sansui amps for sale at the moment. Could you give me some advice? I have a pair of modified Beovox 3000 ..sensitivity is approx 2,5W/96dB... above 25 Watt is sufficient to drive my speakers to nomal listening level...I think the Sansui AU 7700 looks fine . Does it sound great? Best rgds Kim
What about doing a straight forward comparison of an 80s hifi setup compared to a modern one?
My favs are the Marantz 1060 and Technics Su3500.
Hello.I found one off these in the thrash today.Took it home and tested it and it sounds very very suprised good.
Only thing is the volume(gain) is a bit high whith cd player plugged in AUX ,difficult to get an accurate low level volume .
Maybe try tuner
The four blue things are smoothing capacitors to voltage the final transistors. I checked in the service instructions. They have no effect on sound quality. Sound does not travel through them.
My opinion on why amps sound so good is simplicity. Sound is delivered directly without unnecessary digital switches.
They don't make that anymore today.
My respect for the description you share with us.
Thanks for that my friend K
Hello VL -vintage lover. Thanks for all your inputs on the web. Recently got an Sansui au317 .. and I am blown away with all its quality. It delivers in every way. wow wow wow.
Loved the video on the Sugden a48, which I found comes in different variations. From the first wooden one to the slimmer black version later on. How do they compare and which is the one to look out for.
Keep up the good work 😀
I think the latest Sugden is quite a different sounding animal may be a class Amp
Sugden in my experience always deliver
Welcome to the Sansui club I’ve got about 25 converts so far
Hi! Whats your opinion about Sansui AU X501? Its 80s gear, ive heard some good stuff about it, but I guess you re biggest Sansui specialist on RUclips! Thanks in advance!
I own a few Sansui devices, including the AU-217 (I and mk II), their sound is very clear and full just like you have described this AU-317. I think I do prefer these amps over the receivers from the S-X family (S-X500/S-X700/S-X900). Regarding the blue capacitors that you have pointed at the end, they are Nichicon capacitors that sustain a maximum of 50v and I believe higher temperatures around 85 Celcius. Nowadays people seem to be interested in replacing those with the higher grade capacitors from Nichicon, the FG and KZ series. I have replaced a few of those blue capacitors and I can tell you that those seem to be indeed a big part of the sound output.
Great thanks for that someone else did tell me the same thing recently
What did you replace the blue capacitors with in your amp?
@@Sladovsky1 if I remember correctly the blue capacitors on my AU-217II were replaced with UFG capacitors.
I'm not sure why you asking, but if the reason is because you have some problem with the sound (crackling, no sound etc) that is either a transistor or resistors - I thought of mentioning just in case.
@@DavidslvPT I'm asking because I'm about to buy Sansui AU-317 with a problem. The problem is that one channel has gone completely dead. It has stopped working and I would have to ship it to a tech guy who told me he didn't know what happened. He has to open and and diagnose the amp. It is very likely that some capacitors and/or resistors will need replacing, too. That is I'm asking.
@@Sladovsky1 if the channel is dead than it will be a transistor problem, that’s my experience in a few amplifiers I have had around. You will need the schematics (service manual) and figure out which transistor in the signal path may be broken. I’d look into that before touching any capacitors
Hi Kevin,what do you think about Sansui au x701?
Is it better than au317?
Power is not my no.1,I like clean and correct sound.Thank you
Okay the are you X70 one is a later model I believe and I don’t have experience of it if I had to guess I’d say stick to the 317 because it just doesn’t do anything wrong
Hi! Is there ever any comparisons with actual listening comparisons involved, i.e. audio comparisons for us viewers to listen to in these review videos?
Yes I am going to try that it’s tricky getting the sound right and also you can’t use famous tracks for copyright reasons but I think it would be worth doing Cheers K
Hello,
I really liked your detailed review and passion for quality sound. I still have my grandfather’s Sansui AU 317 amp with the SE5 equaliser Tu217 tuner n it drives the SPx6000 speakers. Do you recommend to recap even if there is no issue? The amp is still in stock condition except for the top cover which was powder coated. Please let me know your views. Thank you n stat safe
Haven't found a review on the R 50 reciever. Same year made. 45 wpc. Opened up it has identical looking blue caps and black output powder caps. Anyone?
I got Technics SU-Z1, what is your opinion... thank you!
Great video.. thanks..
Would be interested to know your biggest hifi disappointments/let downs..
Yeah interesting question
Yamaha.