Sansui AU-X1


Are there any other vintage Sansui enthusiasts out there who might own this integrated amp or knows someone who does or is just particularly familiar with the model?

I am trying to get more background information regarding the stability of its circuit design. It was THE top line model when it first came out in 1979. 160 Watts. Matching tuner was the highly regarded TU-X1. The amp is VERY sophisticated. In fact, I think too sophisticated for its own good. The problem being its tendency to blow up alot of components on the Driver Board and take out all the power output transistors as well when it suddenly goes into Oscillation. (I was told some models by Phase Linear exhibit this unpleasant tendency too- even worse).

If anyone knows if this was/is a common problem with the AU-X1 or has any other information- Please let me know either here or via email: purepower@nyc.rr.com

Thanks, Fred (New York).
beatlefred

Showing 1 response by ihatespamtfr066a

Fortunately I had no problems yet with my two Sansui AU-X1. The first I have owned for almost 10, the second for seven years now. And I change loudspeakers, switch on/off even without a load – no problem at all. Maybe I am a lucky guy or the European versions are more rugged. A German Sansui sales representative didn't have those problems neither. I ran both in a vertical passive bi-amping configuration which some years ago I explained also to Beatle Fred. So one loudspeaker/channel is driven by one AU-X1 alone, in terms of channel separation almost similar to a monoblock but bi-amped. Think he now uses two BA-5000 instead. But the sound of AU-X1 is absolutely outstanding and marvelous. Because this beast is as fast and strong. I will use them as long as possible together with its aligned, restored and improved mate TU-X1 and three BA-F1 in my homecinema.

Tom Frantzen, STEREO magazine, Germany