Good Day Audio Nuts,
I did a search for the above topic and got zippady do da. So here I am asking if any of you have A-B'd these two amps. I hear so many raves about the 717, I was wondering how it stacks up sonically and for build quality, against the 719. For the record, I have an AU & TU-719, but only a TU-717. I was thinking about completing the pair. I don't want to pay the crazy prices I see being paid for a TU-919 to complete a set with my AU-919, but the 717 would be more reasonable....Thanks for any input...

Cut a few corners on the '19, if I recall. I think it even lacks pre-out/main-in capability.

You're right about that EW....I just checked......1 point for the 717, ha....Any other opinions out there??

The 717 has T03 outputs while the 719 was chip type. To my ears, there is a difference.

The 719 is missing the pre main outs, internal covers, and on some
(not mine :D) the black transformer case.

That said, it has an upgraded amp design and sounds great.

I bet it is a much quicker amp than the 717.

I had an AU-919 as well.

Rob

That said, it has an upgraded amp design and sounds great.

I bet it is a much quicker amp than the 717.

Rob

I what way is the 719 an upgrade? How much faster is the 719 than the 717?

Didn't the 719 use the diamond differential stage in it's power amplifier in which case it is a better design than the 717 ;)

I just finished recapping my AU-719.
After reading all the posts about the famous Sansui Glue, and the damage it can do, I was expecting to to a lot of scraping, cleaning, replacing miscellaneous parts, etc.
All the caps & solder looked original-no sign that anyone has done any work on this amp before me, so I was surprised to find no glue anywhere!
Maybe Sansui withheld their "special sauce" as a cost savings.:D
I have not looked at any other AU-719s, so this observation is particular to my unit.

Anyway- I'm certainly happy with it. It sounds great.
I don't even miss the paint on the transformers.

I don't even miss the paint on the transformers.

It's not paint, it's a case. A shield of sorts.

Rob

Didn't the 719 use the diamond differential stage in it's power amplifier in which case it is a better design than the 717 ;)

Yes it did.

AU-719 slew rate = 170v/usec, rise time = .5 usec.

Don't have the 717 specs.

Rob

I'm glad I opted for an AU-719. :)

Chekov, was yours in dire need of a recap or was it just a precautionary task?

One more thing I noticed during the AU-719 recap-
I'd read that the AU-717 has several "fusible resistors" which should be replaced. So I scanned over the 719 service manual trying to locate them, but didn't find any. So, unless I missed them (in which case I'll go back and replace them later)- this is another diff between the 717 & 719.
On yeah- the output devices are different too. As already mentioned, the 717 uses TO3 output transistors. The 719 uses something which looks like a rectangular power transistor (3 leads). I don't know exactly what it is. Myself- I'd prefer the TO3's because they're easier to replace if necessary (plus they look better!). But soundwise, I seriously doubt I could detect any difference in a blind test.
When I bought the 719, I was actually looking for a 717. After driving 2 hours to get a "717", it turned out to be a 719. But it looked and sounded great so I bought it anyway. I think a 717 would generally require more work to restore, but once the work is done, I'd have been happy with either.
I have a slight preference for the 719's updated electronics, but I also prefer the 717's output devices & certain build details. I think they're both excellent.

I'm glad I opted for an AU-719. :)

Chekov, was yours in dire need of a recap or was it just a precautionary task?

Precautionary. I also wanted to do a close inspection for any glue damage, as mentioned above.

I cleaned it up cosmetically (+deoxit) when I bought it, and listened to it for a week. I knew immediately that this was a keeper.

I decided that it was worth the time and effort to replace the electrolytic caps. I've done a couple of recaps before, but I was nervous with this one because I was afraid of messing up a good thing.

I don't think the 719 has any electros in the signal path- so i wasn't expecting any sound quality change. Afterwards, I think it may sound slightly fuller and smoother - but since I can't do an "A" / "B" comparison, it could be "psycoacoustics":D

It took me 18 hours to do the recap and extra cleaning, etc- but I'm glad I did it (now that it's done!) :music:

Mind if I contact you back channel for details on the process? :)

Sorry Bob; I don't have any experience with either one. I'll bet I know a local guy that does have hands on experience with both of em. I'm kinda surpised that you don't have one resting somewhere in your storage unit.

Too bad you aren't closer. You'd be more than welcome to A/B my 717 and 719 (even throw in the 417 for good measure). They both sound good to me, but my hearing is marginal at best.

i have the au-719 but i've never heard any other sansui component from that era...but it really is a lovely sounding amp considering its age...

Thanks for the input, guys..... Bentpencil, thanks for the offer....Next time I'm on the west coast, perhaps I'll look you up, ha...

Hey Brian(motorstereo), is that your new Soundcraftmen equipment showing???

I'll most likely keep my eyes out for an AU-717...Anyone looking for a 9090? There's a totally restored one on the bay right now for a few more days.......It's already up over $400, and I know he had another that went for $600....With the work he's done, seems like it's worth the investment...Is that anyone from here???

Hi Bob; Yep those are my newest goodies in my avatar. I really like that amp running your old klh's. Good luck in your quest for the 717.