Sunday, February 15, 2009

Integrated Amplifiers - Sansui AU-517




Ahhh. . .dual mono designed integrated amps. Something only a true audio-geek could drool over. The AU/TU line is my favorite "separates" group from the mid 1970's. Designed to last decades, beautiful, clean sound - what more could you ask for? 65 watts per channel of clean power. Here's a great Sansui site.

How does it sound? Wonderful - full, rich, unpretentious. Sounds like I'm describing a fine wine. . .Well, it holds true to this amplifier as well as my AU-717. People wanting to know the difference in sound between the Sansui AU-517 and AU-717 can look no further - this isn't any. Not in my book, anyway. I never did a side-by-side/AB test with them, but they are essentially the same internally and sounded the same to me. These amps provide plenty of power to just about any size speaker and sound very sweet.

Have any info, photos, video links, or stories about your Sansui AU-517? Please leave a comment or email me.

Want to hook up your iPod to your vintage stereo? Visit my Audio Accessory Store for some great values!

18 comments:

  1. just bought a Sansui AU-517 along with the SP-X 6700 speakers. having a blast! Hemant Chaturvedi, Mumbai, India

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  2. found an AU-517 2 a flee market. it sounds realy good .BUT at half way on the volume it cuts out,then comes on then cuts out until i turn it down. any suggestions.?

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    Replies
    1. Look inside have the capacitors blown.A common problem.

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  3. Use Deoxit on it liberally. Check some audiophile forums and CONGRATULATIONS a great buy!

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  4. Totally agree both the AU-517 & 717 are indeed superb integrated amps and deserve a place even in today's hifi world - They posses virtually the same sonic lines and build quality.
    But one important thing remember are that these amps are over 30+ years old and it is highly recommended that they be recapped to preserve their already great life-cycle and prevent catastrophic failure which may lead to an expensive repair bill.

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  5. just picked up an AU-517 at a yard sale for $ 10 and it is by far the best sounding amp I have ever owned , I have a pair of vintage sansui sp - 2500's and a BSR eq 3000 and a KD 550 turntable , very happy with my setup !

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  6. Can you help to explain what is meant by "recapped"?
    Thank you.

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    1. I use the term "recap" to describe replacing the capacitors (and/or resistors) within a piece of equipment.

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  7. my 517 volume shuts down moments after i increase the volume to about 4 or 5, i've read about the contact cleaner spray just not sure on where to be spraying or if there's a bigger issue. also is there a you tube tutorial on this problem. im sure missing my 517 can someone help

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    Replies
    1. Hi - Your best bet is to spend some money and have a qualified repair person look into this. Although built like tanks with quality components, these units are close to 40 years old now and many internal components need to be checked and replaced in order to provide another few decades of worry-free service. I've never used this vendor, but, if you don't mind shipping your amp to him, it looks like a fair deal. Best of luck to you - Tom: http://goo.gl/vK2nnc

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    2. Had my 517 since 1978 bought it from new gave it to my mother who was a classical buff
      I bought a Pioneer amp a star at the time but no a patch on the Sansui for richness. When Mum passed away I got it back so there it sits in my lounge after all these years. Still sounds the same when I go I'm sure my son will want it I hope so keep it in the family.

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  8. Still got mine from new 1978 au-517 mint condition.

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  9. Got a AU-517 last September for $10 all it needed was some Deoxit on the power/pre-amp switch and some cleaning! Every voltage is within spec and no leaky caps! YAY!

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  10. Fantastic integrated. Sound to die for and one of the best ever made. I use to sell AU-517s in a stereo store and nothing else we sold sounded better.

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  11. Love this hunk of metal. Thank you FB marketplace for knowing that I liked stuff like this. Picked up both the amp and tuner for $60 bucks. A couple of fuses later and voila!

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  12. These sansui au - 517 are bang on amps pure quality built all alloy knobs built to last and awesome sound it runs my kefs flawless .

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  13. What is the power pre amp switch for .?

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  14. I have a 517 still in original box with paper work

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