Sansui nostalgia

[robbo400]

Hi,

I joined a few weeks ago and am initially looking for a second system for use in 2 small rooms (i.e either an amp with 2 speaker outputs or a speaker switch box). I've been underwhelmed with the modern equipment I've demo'd and reading this section of the forum has roused my interest in the possibility of using vintage hifi for my second system. It has also made me reminisce about our old system which I used/abused as a teenager. In around 1978, we bought a (then very luxurious - over £600 from a UK audio consultant who was exhibiting at the Cunard/Novotel hifi show in Hammersmith - a guy called Allan Coombs) Sansui system:

TT: Sansui SR 636
Amp (Integrated Tuner Amp): TA 300
Cassette Deck: SC 1110

We also had Sansui speakers although, even looking on vintage sites, I can't find their reference number (floor standing, about 70cm high, removable cheap black foam covers attached by velcro strips and a dial inside which we never used) and it was all housed in an incredibly sturdy Sansui rack made in tough black vinyl and wood veneer which matched the speakers. It all looked marvellous and the SQ was better than anything we'd ever heard.

Unfortunately, when moving house in the mid 2000s, after many years gathering dust my parents threw the system out - very sad.

I am considering tracking down and buying the same components second-hand for my second system. I would want to add a CD player to the "Tape/Aux" output but am not sure if the connectors on the TA 300 are compatible with modern equipment. Also, it would need to power Wharfdale 7 Diamond 1 speakers and Acousting Energy Extreme 5 speakers - I remember the speaker connectors were different to today's - can they be adapted to take banana plugs? I know nothing about hifi so would be reassured if there is a reputable place in London that can service/repair old Sansui products.

Do you think this could work or has nostalgia go the better of me? I'd be very grateful to hear from any Sansui enthusiasts.

Thanks, Rob

[Wakefield Turntables]

No its not stupid and it could work well!! I tracked my mates old sansui system down for him and it sounds bloody great! I think you'll find that there are plenty of Sansui people on AOS, in fact its a brand that really should get more attention IMHO.

[robbo400]

Thanks Rexton for quick reply and encouragement! So you think I'm ok with those speakers and with adding a CDP?
I guess best place to start looking is ebay. Do you know of anywhere else? Thx

[Macca]

A CD player will work fine just plug it into tuner, tape in or Aux. I like the look of Sansui, if you can get a matching system with tape deck and all it will look pretty cool. Shouldn't be that hard unless you are fussy about what models you want. The speakers will be tough to source though, you do see them crop up from time to time but they are big so you will probably need to travel to get them.

[robbo400]

Thanks Macca. In the interim, do you think the amp would be ok feeding Wharfdale 7.1 and AE Extreme 5?
Regarding models, like you, I love the look but if separate integrated amp and tuner would be better or if anyone recommends other models of the same period, I'd go with what's available/best.

[seoirse2002]

http://theartofsound.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=122&pictureid=1061Sansui AU-555A is a great amp and well worth a shot if you can find one.Ive been using one in a second system for a long time,doesen't get used enough though.

[Macca]

The wharfies no problem don't know the AE speakers. Depending on what you want to spend, the cheaper amps go for around £50 or less. Personally I'd go for one of the bigger flagship efforts, ideally one that has been serviced in the last few years. Maybe £250 to £300, less if you drop on, they are not that much in demand. Might have a look on the 'bay to see what is available I think...

[Macca]

Just had a look, couple of range toppers at stupid prices, but you could have the whole of that old system you recall back for around a grand!:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sansui-HiFi-System-B-1000-C-1000-CD-V-1000-T-1000-New-condition-Hardly-used-/230817200432?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item35bdc6f930

[walpurgis]

Don't forget, the boot sale season is starting. If you have any decent ones near you, they can be a very good source of vintage Hi-Fi.

[robbo400]

Thanks all. I'll start surfing.
Regarding my AE Extreme 5 speakers, it lists amplifier compatability as 25w - 125w into 8ohms.
Other info (meaning nothing to me): Frequency Response:70Hz to 18kHz +/- 3dB; Frequency Range: 60Hz to 20kHz @ -6dB; Power Handling: 125W peak programme; Nominal Impedence: 8 ohms; Sensitivity: 89dB for 1 Watt at 1 metre.
Does this set any alarm bells ringing for a 1970s amp?
Thanks again

[The Grand Wazoo]

I love Sansui stuff of a certain age - the build quality is excellent. Watch out for the later models where they changed their logo from the word in a green or red rectangle to this one or variations of it:

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEmmggloe4zTwJsfJvzkE3vIohXz107 z72Lvp0KzbVFCtxcnuo6A

I don't expect you'll have any trouble driving those speakers or finding cable connectors to suit.

[Rare Bird]

I love the early 70's Sansui. I use a 'SR-2050' turntable from day to day (Like the one in the below clip), i much prefer it to a lot of very expensive decks ive owned over the years....have a couple of Sansui Reciever..

G5WUNhTbC-Y

[pete_mac]

I love late 70's AU-series amps with a passion and my father and I have quite a sizeable collection. The TA-300 amd TA-500 are somewhat compromised designs and of lesser quality than, say, the AU-317 and TU-317 separates, but the TAs still sound quite decent and offer the convenience of one chassis.

I completely understand if you want a TA for sentimental reasons, but if you can manage to snaffle a AU-317 (or, better still, an AU-517/717/719) then these will drive your chosen speakers even better, and will offer superior sound quality.


I love Sansui stuff of a certain age - the build quality is excellent. Watch out for the later models where they changed their logo from the word in a green or red rectangle to this one or variations of it:

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEmmggloe4zTwJsfJvzkE3vIohXz107 z72Lvp0KzbVFCtxcnuo6A



Whilst the low-end late-model Sansui stuff was often rubbish, there's quite a few late-model Sansuis that represent the pinnacle of Sansui evolution and development. I have an AU-X701 which sounds sublime.

http://www.audiocostruzioni.com/r_s/ampli/amplificatori-3/sansui-aux701/sansui%20aux%20710.jpg

I've always lusted after the MOSFET limited edition amps:

http://audio-database.com/SANSUI/amp/au-alpha907imoslimited.JPG

http://www.hifisentralen.no/forumet/attachments/vennetra-der-hifimerker/161629d1350856298-sansui-au-x-1111-mos-vintage.jpg


The later AU-alpha-907 series is a further evolution of the earlier AU-X/Au-alpha amps and they are quite superb:

http://www.sansui.us/images/AL907MR/al907mr_1.jpg

http://audio-database.com/SANSUI/amp/au-alpha907nra(2).JPG

http://audio-database.com/SANSUI/amp/au-alpha907dr.JPG

[Rare Bird]

O dear no i would'nt touch that later stuff with a barge pole.. I'll stick with the early 70's clobber thank yea

[The Grand Wazoo]

I agree that the expensive stuff from that period had some good items in it but I get the feeling that the budget is a bit lower than that here.
Not so much of the good stuff got to UK at that time either.

[pete_mac]

O dear no i would'nt touch that later stuff with a barge pole.. I'll stick with the early 70's clobber thank yea

The early stuff is indeed nice. We have a restored 5000 and it sounds lovely. :)

The Seven, Eight and Eight Deluxe are also lovely.

Mr Wazoo, duly noted. We rarely see the quality late 80s Sansui gear here in Australia. I do see more cheap plastic Sansui gear bearing the new logo, so your advice is sound. Just don't write off all late model Sansui stuff, as you may overlook a real gem. :)

[robbo400]

Pete,
Thanks for your helpful reply. I did some further looking at sites listing the vintage pieces and I do agree that the AU and TU 317 are the way to go. I'm keeping my eyes open!
I've also looked at some of your other posts - tremendous collection you have, congrats.

[pete_mac]

Thanks Rob. I appreciate your comments. The AU-317 is a cracking little amp with plenty of drive.

One thing to note is that, like many older Sansuis, they can be prone to capacitor glue and fuse resistor issues. Replacing the fuse resistors is thankfully relatively straight-forward on these amps by virtue of their design. It does, however, involve the desoldering, removal, installation and resoldering of parts. The problem is... one you get the hang of this, you think 'hmm, how about the capacitors next?' and it's the beginning of a sickness!! ;)

[julesd68]

Surprised one of you guys hasn't snaffled this up yet! ;)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Legend-SANSUI-AU-X111MOS-VINTAGE-Pre-main-Amplfier-/200867358692?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item2ec4a0a7e4

[RobbieGong]

Surprised one of you guys hasn't snaffled this up yet! ;)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Legend-SANSUI-AU-X111MOS-VINTAGE-Pre-main-Amplfier-/200867358692?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item2ec4a0a7e4

Not cheap but gorgeous and individual - Mi likes a lot !!

[julesd68]

Not cheap but gorgeous and individual

Sounds like my mrs!! :lol:

[pete_mac]

Lovely amp, but the imperfections on the front face are a let-down.

I think a euro-spec version in the correct voltage (not a 100v JDM model) would be the one I'd chase.

[robbo400]

I have found a AU 317 II and TU 317 in unrelated private classified adverts in France for around €80 each. Cosmetically both look good.

The French description for the Amp (according to my dictionary) says that it works ok but the condensers need changing. I've no idea what that means and certainly couldn't do it myself.

Does anyone know if this is something that can be done easily by a specialist in London and, if so, what kind of price am I looking at? Does it make the purchase uneconomical?

Also, should I be worried that both items have a "220 V" sticker on the back when I believe the UK system is 240 V? I've certainly used UK appliances in continental Europe just changing the plug but wanted to check before buying.

Many thanks, Rob

[wee tam]

using one everyday , had it recapped and loving it
http://theartofsound.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=122&pictureid=1061Sansui AU-555A is a great amp and well worth a shot if you can find one.Ive been using one in a second system for a long time,doesen't get used enough though.

[pete_mac]

I have found a AU 317 II and TU 317 in unrelated private classified adverts in France for around €80 each. Cosmetically both look good.

The French description for the Amp (according to my dictionary) says that it works ok but the condensers need changing. I've no idea what that means and certainly couldn't do it myself.

Does anyone know if this is something that can be done easily by a specialist in London and, if so, what kind of price am I looking at? Does it make the purchase uneconomical?

Also, should I be worried that both items have a "220 V" sticker on the back when I believe the UK system is 240 V? I've certainly used UK appliances in continental Europe just changing the plug but wanted to check before buying.

Many thanks, Rob

Condensers = capacitors :)

I'd ask the seller for further information to check why he feels the capacitors need replacing. Don't get me wrong... I'm a big recapping advocate. I just think it cold be useful to glean this information from the seller.

The 317II has slightly cheaper build quality than the 317, but for all intents and purposes, they are the same design.

I'm not sure what the going rate for a recap/resto is in the UK. You'll also need to replace the fuse resistors, replace trimpots etc.

Have a look at photos of the rear panel. If it indicates 110/120/220/240v near the white writing which indicates the model number, power consumption etc, then the amp will be a multi-voltage unit which can easily be adjusted internally.