😮 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 ! 😊
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.
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,
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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 !!
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 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 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!
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.
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'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.
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Used to have the Sansui AU D11II...wish i had never sold it. Power and clean sound was awesome.
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
Thank you for spreading the love for this beauty!! I have still have one my father bought. It grew very dear to me. Which affordable (vintage I prefer) speakers do you recommend to pair with it?
Hello Kelvin! I love your talking of hifi gear.. you are interesting, nice, competent and no boring. i got a Pioneer sa606, and i like it, but i’d like to get another ampli from that era. I’ve seen your two videos about the Nad 3020 and this one , about Sansui au317.. which one would you prefer or recommend between these two amps? Thank you.
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
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.
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, 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, 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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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 .
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
I think the 317 I have heard the mark two is actually a cheaper version doesn’t have pre-power separation either They do that when something is popular bring out a mark 2 to cash in
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.
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...
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
@@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.
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.
@@stereoreviewx Hey Kelvin, ohh no problem at all. I think you get 6000 emails a day. I just bought(2 weeks ago) a total restored AU-4400 here in the Netherlands. From a man who had i think 5 vintage Sansui’s.. Sounds great via Bluesound Node 2i and a pair of Dali Oberon 5 speakers. Spotify and Tidal. Years agp i had an AU-317(not restored) and sounded great as well. Now i have an AU 515(recapped) and the AU-4400( restored also the exterior); it has a sliver frontplate, not black. The AU-4400 is 20 watt at 8 ohm, the AU-515 12 watt at 8 ohm. If i’m right. Yes, you can say i’m a Sansui lover. An AU-317 i will get later. But i prefer a restored(capacitors/transistors) one. I live in a small apartment in Amsterdam(30 square meters) so not a football stadion Ohh and a Creek Evolution amplifier; very nice looking and very good amp But not “my” sound..
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 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
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 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.
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
@@krispmanutd I haven’t heard of 517 but not all of this rain sounds good if I was only allowed to pick one I might still pick the 317 Regarding the speakers I can’t say I know but I’m certainly going to doubt it will have a problem
Yes I have I think the 719 and I’m not a big fan of it either It’s kind of annoying when ranges vary like that cause you can’t rely on anything I am a little surprised you really hate it though
@@stereoreviewx i feel your reviews are amazing but as i said i only bought it and its back up for sale, its nothing like any of the other sansuis ive had soundwise, thanks for the reply
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.
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!
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
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?
Great review sir. I just wanted your opinion on recapping this beauty. I have one and it sings very well. The caps are not leaking or bulged and are measuring well. Will you recommend recapping
Hi, I have a Sansui au 317II, I'd like to know more about the difference between 317 and 317II, but I can't find much on web. Can you help me, please? And, by the way, what about the au 4900? Someone says it's not that good... I don't know, but I've found a cheap one... thank you
Well I haven’t had a 217but I bet it’s not far different to the 317 . I would not be inclined to letIt go but if you do tell me what you get and if it sounds better cheers K
Good morning, I'm about to buy a sansui team, they offered me 2 models, the 317 and the 717. The 717 is much more expensive and I see that you speak very well of the 317. What do you advise me? Thank you
Well the truth is I haven’t heard it I have heard that the Marktwo was actually a cost saving thing it doesn’t have the pre-power separation facility for one I mean it’s not going to sound dramatically different I wouldn’t expect it to anyway It’s a real favourite of mine I can tell you
@@stereoreviewx Thank you very much for your reply. Now I will prefer the first generation one because of the phono input. However, I am still searching in Turkey for now. I found a Kenwood KA-7100 for a good price. But I am indecisive whether I should wait or should I move on with Kenwood.
those 4 blue items you are asking are capacitors they store electricity . They have values on the caps there self they have there values written on the sides something like 320uf 50v . The uf is how much capacitence the caps hold and the 50v is how many volts they can handle
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
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
Well my guess is the mark one is probably better but it’s a guess One differences they cut out the pre-power option Can’t imagine it sounds wildly different
@@stereoreviewx Hi again Sir, and thanks once again for the reply. I got a Sansui AU217 MK2, and have been playing it for a few days now. This amplifier conveys the emotion much better than any other amplifier I have had so far and I have had a lot (Marantz PM6006 , Audiolab, Pioneer A400, Arcam FMJ 32& Alpha 10, 7, 3 etc etc) Thanks for the recommendations and years of experience you share, fantastic
😮 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!
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
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,
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
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.
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.
I still use Sansui AU 217 from 1978 into my system and still produse amazing sound until today...
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 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!
I had the AU217 and TU217 and a nice pair of B&W CDM 1. the best sound system i ever owned.
I remember this equipment, I wish I could have it again, my parents bought it around 1980
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 !!
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 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 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!
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.
My dad gave me the AU 999 he bought new in 1970.
I keep all the levels neutral as well.
Beautiful sound.
I bet
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 really appreciate your videos. Much love from Norway.
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'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.
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.
Used to have the Sansui AU D11II...wish i had never sold it. Power and clean sound was awesome.
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
Thank you for spreading the love for this beauty!! I have still have one my father bought. It grew very dear to me. Which affordable (vintage I prefer) speakers do you recommend to pair with it?
i remember the Sansui 222 was a very highly regarded budget turntable back in the day.
Hello Kelvin! I love your talking of hifi gear.. you are interesting, nice, competent and no boring.
i got a Pioneer sa606, and i like it, but i’d like to get another ampli from that era.
I’ve seen your two videos about the Nad 3020 and this one , about Sansui au317..
which one would you prefer or recommend between these two amps? Thank you.
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
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
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.
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, 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
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.
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.
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
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 😀
Kevin, keep these videos coming...you speak the truth. Much appreciated
What about doing a straight forward comparison of an 80s hifi setup compared to a modern one?
What is your openion about au317 mk2 model
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!
Hey man, can you make some more videos? I think I watched them all. I need to learn.
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
Great video.. thanks..
Would be interested to know your biggest hifi disappointments/let downs..
Yeah interesting question
Yamaha.
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.
Thank you for this great review! I own an AU-555A and I love it's sound!
Could you please review the Sansui D-9 amplifier? Thanks
Yes I want to
How would you compare the phono stage of the sansui co pared to the nad3020, which one sounds better?
Hello
I got it...
The phono entry is good !!
Love your enthusiasm, I can buy your recommendation without hearing 🍻
I am very much enjoying your videos, thank you Kelvin 👍🏻🇺🇸
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
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
Any comments on the 317ii? Is it a mk 2. Your comment is highly appreciated.
Thought of getting one, should it be the 317 or the 317ii?
I think the 317 I have heard the mark two is actually a cheaper version doesn’t have pre-power separation either
They do that when something is popular bring out a mark 2 to cash in
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.
Just got one. Amazing! Just like you said: Sansui, Marantz and maybe Pioneer
Never had anyone disappointed with classic Sansui
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...
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
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.
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
GreatKelvin,because tommorow i will look to an AU-4400,1976(silver frontplate). Not buy?
I owned this amp. Better i buy again this AU-317?
Sorry for late response I would definitely get the 317 you may know this by now
@@stereoreviewx
Hey Kelvin, ohh no problem at all. I think you get 6000 emails a day.
I just bought(2 weeks ago) a total restored AU-4400 here in the Netherlands. From a man who had i think 5 vintage Sansui’s.. Sounds great via Bluesound Node 2i and a pair of Dali Oberon 5 speakers. Spotify and Tidal.
Years agp i had an AU-317(not restored) and sounded great as well.
Now i have an AU 515(recapped) and the AU-4400( restored also the exterior); it has a sliver frontplate, not black. The AU-4400 is 20 watt at 8 ohm, the AU-515 12 watt at 8 ohm.
If i’m right.
Yes, you can say i’m a Sansui lover.
An AU-317 i will get later.
But i prefer a restored(capacitors/transistors) one.
I live in a small apartment in Amsterdam(30 square meters) so not a football stadion
Ohh and a Creek Evolution amplifier; very nice looking and very good amp
But not “my” sound..
I have got an MKII version of this amp and love it. Unlike its brother though, the MKII doesn't have a pre-out.
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 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
Love this video and considering the amp - what floorstanders would be good with it? Thanks!
Well it’s too hard to say honestly but it’s a very forgiving Amp it kind of makes most speakers sound good
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!
Happy Holidays Kelvin and SRX'ers. These videos are great fun. Hoping there's more in 2021.
A year later, these amps are pretty expensive.
i purchased a au 717 what do you think about it? i had oportunity to get a 719 but they said the 717 sounded better
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
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
How about au 217 or 217 MK II?
Well I haven’t truly heard but I’m going to doubt it’s a big difference the only possibility is it is it not so good the standard here is high
@@stereoreviewx thanks, do you think a 317 or 317 mk2 can drive 120w, 85 db, 6 ohm speaker. I have an option to buy 517 also.
@@krispmanutd I haven’t heard of 517 but not all of this rain sounds good if I was only allowed to pick one I might still pick the 317
Regarding the speakers I can’t say I know but I’m certainly going to doubt it will have a problem
So, the NAD 3020...,
should have almost the same Sound
Quality? what would U say? 😇
the nad is more intimate
Lovely amp. The UK competitor to this was the A&R A60, but the Sansui beats it in all areas.
I bought a 417 recently and I absolutely hate it, sterile sound? any input be appreciated, it works faultless but sounds dead?
Yes I have I think the 719 and I’m not a big fan of it either
It’s kind of annoying when ranges vary like that cause you can’t rely on anything
I am a little surprised you really hate it though
@@stereoreviewx i feel your reviews are amazing but as i said i only bought it and its back up for sale, its nothing like any of the other sansuis ive had soundwise, thanks for the reply
Hi Kelvin, I am on the fence between the mk1 AU317 and the au 7500 for turntable usage.... Any thoughts between the two?
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.
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.
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
This was my second Hi-Fi amp . I bought to replace my Dynaco kit amp.
How does this compare to the NAD 7140 receiver fro. ~1985?
Well that nard is quite nice but I would prefer this Sansui
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?
Great review sir. I just wanted your opinion on recapping this beauty. I have one and it sings very well. The caps are not leaking or bulged and are measuring well. Will you recommend recapping
have to say no my senses it won’t sound as good again if you do it please let me know
Even simpler things than sound manifestation can’t be expressed in words.
Hi. I have this amp. But i need speakers adapted to this amp. Whats the best combination according to you
It’s very hard to recommend Speakers really this Amp will kick a good performance out of most Speakers. If I say anything, I would say big
Hi, I have a Sansui au 317II, I'd like to know more about the difference between 317 and 317II, but I can't find much on web. Can you help me, please? And, by the way, what about the au 4900? Someone says it's not that good... I don't know, but I've found a cheap one... thank you
I just read your answer below... that the 317ii is a “cost-cutting issue ” but basically it must be the same schematics, me thinks...
Yes it’s similar and the 4900 certainly my guess that range generally are not so good
Great review I have used this same unit since I purchased it in 1978 in what instance would you use the preamp?
To be honest I think the power amp is the best section of the amp
So I would plug the power amp into a high-end Pre amp
what you guys think about au-217? I am about to trade in one with a Kenwood KA-3500.
Well I haven’t had a 217but I bet it’s not far different to the 317 .
I would not be inclined to letIt go but if you do tell me what you get and if it sounds better cheers K
@@stereoreviewx I think I wasn't clear. It should be: Should I let Kenwood go for an AU-217? :). I guess the answer would be yes?
@@gulsuner I got an au217 mark two, it's good, nice sound, I'd go for that, did you?
Good morning, I'm about to buy a sansui team, they offered me 2 models, the 317 and the 717. The 717 is much more expensive and I see that you speak very well of the 317. What do you advise me? Thank you
Thanks for this great video. I have a question. Can you say the same things for the other version of this model? (AU 317 mkII)
Well the truth is I haven’t heard it I have heard that the Marktwo was actually a cost saving thing it doesn’t have the pre-power separation facility for one
I mean it’s not going to sound dramatically different I wouldn’t expect it to anyway
It’s a real favourite of mine I can tell you
@@stereoreviewx Thank you very much for your reply. Now I will prefer the first generation one because of the phono input. However, I am still searching in Turkey for now. I found a Kenwood KA-7100 for a good price. But I am indecisive whether I should wait or should I move on with Kenwood.
My guess is the sansui is a superior amp put simply
@@stereoreviewx agree :) thanx ❤
those 4 blue items you are asking are capacitors they store electricity . They have values on the caps there self they have there values written on the sides something like 320uf 50v . The uf is how much capacitence the caps hold and the 50v is how many volts they can handle
Thanks Matthew
K
Two weeks in on its younger brother 217 ( and what a great amplifier for money ) 👍
I got Technics SU-Z1, what is your opinion... thank you!
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
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
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
I bought a Sansui AU- 317 at a yard sale for $50 DLS it works perfectly fine.
nice work K
Hi again, there are several MKII versions of the AU range (AU 317, AU 217, AU 117), what do you think of these? Thanks again Mark
Well my guess is the mark one is probably better but it’s a guess
One differences they cut out the pre-power option
Can’t imagine it sounds wildly different
@@stereoreviewx Hi again Sir, and thanks once again for the reply. I got a Sansui AU217 MK2, and have been playing it for a few days now. This amplifier conveys the emotion much better than any other amplifier I have had so far and I have had a lot (Marantz PM6006 , Audiolab, Pioneer A400, Arcam FMJ 32& Alpha 10, 7, 3 etc etc) Thanks for the recommendations and years of experience you share, fantastic
What speakers do you use this amp with