This is a sweet looking tuner and from what I can tell, hooked up to a Harman/Kardon PM640 int amp, works quite well.

Can anyone easily tell me my best options for matching with a preamp . . . preferably something I can actually find?

I don't have to tell any of you that the design of this vintage is sophisticated and timeless. Even today, I think it's some of the sharpest looking gear around . . .

The matching Sansui gear would be ideal, and the lower powered integrated amps and separate components from that line are available, and don't fetch the high prices that the stuff higher up the food chain does.

Timeless is a good descriptor, one of the things I love about the Sansui gear from that series, that and the rack mount handles, I love the pro/industrial look of rack mount gear!

Of course, it's well made and sounds great as well! :D

The matching AU-317 integrated is 50wpc, and probably fetches about 90-100 bucks average you-know-where...

And the AU 317 has pre/power jumpers, so you could use it as just a preamp...

Thanks man! That sounds like a smart way to go, unless I find something more powerful. But for the system it's one, 50 wpc is just fine. Besides, I look at this hobby as a way to enjoy the gear, music, and the journey of "musical chairs" with gear, meaning it can move around my house, and out the door when opportunities to move up the Sansui line are available.

Here's a quick pick . . .

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/7430/sansuitu3172at9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I have a Concept 6.5 receiver that I'm thinking about hooking this up to. It has pre out and main in jacks, but I have no idea how to use the tuner, or if I can. Maybe I just need to wait until I find the AU317 . . .

Go for the 317 or 517- both real winners.

I certainly wouldn't say no to an AU517 if it happened upon me :) Thanks again!!

I picked up a sweet AU417 a few weeks ago for $40.

That model doesn't have the jumpers, though

I have a Concept 6.5 receiver that I'm thinking about hooking this up to. It has pre out and main in jacks, but I have no idea how to use the tuner, or if I can. Maybe I just need to wait until I find the AU317 . . .

You can hook the tuner up directly up to any free Tape input, Aux input.

I would think your Concept would have a pretty good tuner section too. You can AB them.

Sometimes the receiver tuner can still sound better depending on the interconnects used.

If the PM640 doesn't rock your boat then try another integrated or preamp/amp combo. That's the convenience of separates. You can always change out the parts and upgrade easily. My bet you'll be changing out tuners just as quick if not even quicker.

I'll try out the tuner thing with the Concept, but you're right about the Concept having a really good tuner. It picks up most stations plenty good. I added a Terk FM antenna to get full strength (and cleaner sound).

Most of my interconnects are stock . . . so I need to make some decisions on what next on those. In a way, I'd like to make my own so I can get short lengths and clean things up in back. Soldering and messing with wiring is no problemo. I just have to decide on which wire and connectors.

The thing I like about the HK is it works in the guest room. The thin profile means my wife can't complain about it being an eye-sore, plus it sounds nice for what it is. I don't have to have a power punching system in every room.

Just a/b'd the Sansui tuner with the Concept 6.5 and here's what I heard (granted only about five minutes). I listened to about 5 different stations with clean signals. I tried the Terk FM Antenna on each unit, swapping back and forth, since I don't have two antenna's to hook up. The units are very similar in ability to pull in stations without an antenna.

The mids seemed more forward with the Sansui. Hopefully that makes sense. I would probably have to listen much longer with a variety of sources and in different rooms, etc. before I could decide which I prefer. They both sound good. I would like to see if matching the Sansui with an AU-317 or 517 makes a difference.

I'm almost wondering if the next thing on my gear list is a switch unit . . . :scratch2:

I don't have to have a power punching system in every room.

Yes you do. That's a rule!!!:thmbsp:

Sansui makes it easy.

Well, just in case my wife finds this thread . . . I don't "really" need a power punching system in every room

Well, just in case my wife finds this thread . . . I don't "really" need a power punching system in every room
Mrs. kenwood61 - Your husband speaks so highly of you that we all realize that you deserve nothing but the best!!!



























how was that?

Man, THAT was good. I may have to send her this link ;)

I had the TU-317 for some time, but gave it away to someone who needed a tuner and had no money. I loved the Sansui, but mostly for its looks. The sound wasn't bad IMHO, but it was not sensitive enough. Now I have to admit I compared it to a Yamaha TX-900, which is known for it's excellent sensitivity, so maybe that's not fair. Still, the Sansui is a more than decent performer in a beautiful package. Enjoy!

I can see what you are saying. It can take a little adjusting to get the tuner just right, but even with a low signal, seems to pick up stations really well.

Like you, one day, I'm sure I'll be saying "I once had . . . " :D it's all part of the journey of our music gear passion, eh?

Well, just in case my wife finds this thread . . . I don't "really" need a power punching system in every room

You "really" do need the ability for pure unbridled power available at your command!
Talk to Dick {Speakerlabfan} he may have something for you to look at, and he's in the Edmonds area.
That tuner would look good with an AU 2900, or 5900 too.
Casey

Will do, thanks nosirrah!

I've always liked the look of the TU-317 even though I've never seen one in the flesh.

The low profile form factor is a nice feature and blends well with more recent gear of similar proportions. But it still has the classic look of Sansui's golden age.

Well said. I agree :) I'm willing to bet any non-audiophile today would guess it's a recent model. The design is simple and tasteful. To me, any design that is timeless is great design. Kind of like a Porsche 911 . . . the design has never really changed much, just refined over time.

BTW, I checked out www.antennaperformance.com and they have some sweet looking tuners on there. I'm curious about their tuner mods . . . .