stonehome
Active Member
3 years ago I came across a Sansui AU-111, in not very good shape. No tubes, missing the bottom plate and a problem with the preamp section. After recapping and restoring the amp cosmetically, I liked it. It was my first tube amp and at the time I was using a Jungson JA-88D , an 80w per channel solid state amp. The AU-111 slightly prevailed and I liked the retro look. Next came into my possession a Kenwood 700M that I used with a Classic 9.0 tubed preamp, then an Accuphase E-303 and a Yaqin MS-300B. I list this progression of gear only to provide a little perspective for the review and because I am using the E-303 as my reference amplifier.
The Sansui AU-70 is 25w per channel amp, using 4/ 7189A tubes ,class AB, push pull.
A 12AX7 for the preamp and also uses 4 Sony transistors for the microphone, phono, tape head amplification, this part of the circuit is bypassed in the aux and tuner mode. There are also treble and bass controls for each channel and a tone defeat switch. It measures 15.5” W x 12” D x 5” H and weighs 30 lbs. All capacitors, except the ceramics, have been replaced with values as close to the originals as could be found.
My source is a Mac Mini to a D/A convertor using a Philips TDA1541A . I am listening with a pair of DIY speakers designed by Tony Gee and may be seen here http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Soup_Sandwich.html They are 88 db/m. Both amps are connected with a switch box so there is little delay in switching between components.
First up was Little Feat “Long Distance Love”. This simple song has a great bass line and Lowell George’s fantastic voice. It really pretty hard to distinguish the differences in the two amps in a song like this. If I wasn’t able to switch so quickly, I doubt that I could have. The vocals are clear and smooth. The bass is deep and articulate. The background vocals come in clear and behind the lead vocal. Guitar floating in the middle. Great soundstage. I have to turn the volume of the AU-70 to about 1 o’clock to get the same amount of musical information as I get from the E-303 at about 9 o’clock. That’s understandable with 135 w per channel with the E-303.
I continued through several tracks from Dire Straits , Norah Jones, and Boz Scaggs, all music with a similar tone and I had the same experience. There was little difference other than the E-303 sounded a little fuller and occasionally the AU-70 would have a little harshness in the treble, easily remedied with the tone controls. Yes, I do use the tone controls on both amps. I know it’s against current thinking, but its not about thinking, it’s about listening. Although, I did the listening for this review with the tone controls defeated.
I am very surprised with the AU-70, often referred to as the little brother of the AU-111, I think the only way it would be less, is in output power. On Chesky Record’s “Spanish Harlem” by Rebecca Pigeon I got goose bumps. Incredible. I realize this is all kind of mellow music I am referring to but I did play some of everything, all with the same out come. The Sansui AU-70 is a great performer. My idea of “tube sound” has changed in the last years. I don’t hear the so called “warmth” that is often referred to. I hear clear sound, space around instruments and vocals and defined soundstage. I like this amp very much. I think I should paint it Candy Apple Red or something.
The Sansui AU-70 is 25w per channel amp, using 4/ 7189A tubes ,class AB, push pull.
A 12AX7 for the preamp and also uses 4 Sony transistors for the microphone, phono, tape head amplification, this part of the circuit is bypassed in the aux and tuner mode. There are also treble and bass controls for each channel and a tone defeat switch. It measures 15.5” W x 12” D x 5” H and weighs 30 lbs. All capacitors, except the ceramics, have been replaced with values as close to the originals as could be found.
My source is a Mac Mini to a D/A convertor using a Philips TDA1541A . I am listening with a pair of DIY speakers designed by Tony Gee and may be seen here http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Soup_Sandwich.html They are 88 db/m. Both amps are connected with a switch box so there is little delay in switching between components.
First up was Little Feat “Long Distance Love”. This simple song has a great bass line and Lowell George’s fantastic voice. It really pretty hard to distinguish the differences in the two amps in a song like this. If I wasn’t able to switch so quickly, I doubt that I could have. The vocals are clear and smooth. The bass is deep and articulate. The background vocals come in clear and behind the lead vocal. Guitar floating in the middle. Great soundstage. I have to turn the volume of the AU-70 to about 1 o’clock to get the same amount of musical information as I get from the E-303 at about 9 o’clock. That’s understandable with 135 w per channel with the E-303.
I continued through several tracks from Dire Straits , Norah Jones, and Boz Scaggs, all music with a similar tone and I had the same experience. There was little difference other than the E-303 sounded a little fuller and occasionally the AU-70 would have a little harshness in the treble, easily remedied with the tone controls. Yes, I do use the tone controls on both amps. I know it’s against current thinking, but its not about thinking, it’s about listening. Although, I did the listening for this review with the tone controls defeated.
I am very surprised with the AU-70, often referred to as the little brother of the AU-111, I think the only way it would be less, is in output power. On Chesky Record’s “Spanish Harlem” by Rebecca Pigeon I got goose bumps. Incredible. I realize this is all kind of mellow music I am referring to but I did play some of everything, all with the same out come. The Sansui AU-70 is a great performer. My idea of “tube sound” has changed in the last years. I don’t hear the so called “warmth” that is often referred to. I hear clear sound, space around instruments and vocals and defined soundstage. I like this amp very much. I think I should paint it Candy Apple Red or something.
