• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

advice on a AU 717

G

giovanni

Active Member
Have an opportunity to purchase this amp. Been reading up on the amp on this site.
I guess I may need a little persuasion on this one!
Any personal advice on its performance will be helpfull.
I currently run a Yamaha A700 (rated at 100 RMS). I know the Sansui is rated at 85, but built differently!
Will I notice a difference?
Anybody out there who can give me advice on the two??
Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
I can't say about the Yamahamer, but I've owned a 717 since it was new. It is still my favorite "sound" but that could be I'm used to it. On the other hand, I've heard it through many different speakers, and speakers do make more difference than amps do.

Sansui power ratings of that era were very conservitve, so I doubt you would be handing the Yamaha much in terms of power difference.

One thing, the Caps in the 717 will be due for replacement. After 30 years, some will likely be leaking. The rest are simply waiting their turn.

That said, it's well worth the effort to get it recaped.
 
If the sansui is reasonable and you can swing it, I would advise you to pick it up. I have a Pioneer SX1250 that was my main power source for several years, and if you read these forums, it is one hell of a receiver, rated at 160 watts and I think EW said mine benched out over 190. Then I came across a bargain AU 717 and matching TU 717. The Pioneer is now in slot number two behind the Sansui, even though it has twice the power rating. I don't believe you will notice that extra 15 watts missing if you get the Sansui. The Pioneer is in the process of leaving the fold. A friend of mine wants it badly and I want some more gear. He's just got to get his money together. I'll probably regret it at some point, but I am more than satisfied with the Sansui AU 717. I don't think you will regret it.

Kim
 
If you buy the 717 you'll have moved near to a Presence. It looks weighty, when you work the controls they feel weighty, and when you lift it (hopefully it has the rack handles) you find that the looks and feel are not illusions. I think that there is little to differentiate the Sansui from the Yamaha based on performance alone (I own one of each) - but for Presence there is no contest.

Bob
 
If you do elect to purchase the 717 and are willing to DIY a recaping job rest easy that almost all PCB's are very easy to access. I would also suggest while you are in there recapping you should also replace both the Bias and DC Offset pots. Replace them with multi turn Bourns or something similar. The OEM pots are ok but they are only single turn devices and are just a tad "touchy" when and if they need adjustment.

sdz
 
outlawmws said:
I can't say about the Yamahamer, but I've owned a 717 since it was new. It is still my favorite "sound" but that could be I'm used to it. On the other hand, I've heard it through many different speakers, and speakers do make more difference than amps do.

Sansui power ratings of that era were very conservitve, so I doubt you would be handing the Yamaha much in terms of power difference.

One thing, the Caps in the 717 will be due for replacement. After 30 years, some will likely be leaking. The rest are simply waiting their turn.

That said, it's well worth the effort to get it recaped.
Click to expand...

Is this something that I can easily do myself? Just a matter of removing and replacing? Or is it more detailed work. I am a "hands on" guy, but if it gets to be more than r/r, I may be stumped.

Are they easily found and where?

Thanks to all of your responses. I believe I have been persuaded to by this sucker!!!
 
The poewer filter big caps you might be able to do, but its not as easy a job as on some other units. The smaller caps are on boards thast are also notso easy to get to. unless you are pretty good at electronics, you might be bettrer off having EW, Terry, or one of several other AKers that are qualified techs.
 
I do not own a au-717 but do own a yamaha a-700 and an early 80's sansui au-d7. The sansui au-d7 is rated at 85w per channel and do not notice any difference in power. I would have a hard time picking a favorite between the two, both are very nice units.

The biggest difference I see between the yamaha and the au-717 is the yamaha can switch between moving coil and moving magnet input for the phono section and can run in class a for the first couple of watts. The 717 does not do moving coil but does have two phono inputs to one for the yamaha. The 717 also has dual power transformers.

The Sansui AU-717 is way more popular than the au-d7 and the yamaha. If I had the chance at the 717 at a decent price, I would jump on it. Good luck.
 
I have 3 AU-717's one is @ EW's for a recap I have liked Sansui since I was a kid I dont know much about your yamaha but i dont think you will be disapointed with the 717
 
I have an AU-717 that was refurbed and upgraded by EW. It rocks. It is my favorite amp for rock 'n' roll. Its in my main system now driving a pair of Ohm Walsh IIs with power to spare.

It is more than worth acquiring and bringing up to spec.
 
I, too, think you will notice a difference with the AU-717. My Sansui supplanted my 22-year-old Mitsubishi DA-R35 receiver in my primary music system. Both are rated at 85 watts per channel (and I know the Mitsubishi actually delivers around 105 WPC), but the Sanui AU-717 musters more power and delivers more impact, especially when I crank the volume.
 
I also had the AU 717 for about 7 months in between having my AU 9900 and now the BA 5000. I really enjoyed the AU 717, crisp and clean, very warm and lots of power!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom