Sansui AU 117 (1973-1975)

Market Value: $250-$500 depending on condition and cosmetic appearance
Collectibility Rating: 7/10

Name: Sansui AU 117
Brand: Sansui

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Year of Production	1973-1975
Power Specifications	18W per channel (8Ω), stereo
Impedance	4-16Ω
Sensitivity	Unknown
Key Features	Dual power supply, direct-coupled OCL amplifier circuit, phono stage with MM/MC support, tone controls, loudness switch, pre-out/main-in jacks

Historical Significance

The Sansui AU 117 arrived in 1973 as a quiet standout in the golden era of Japanese hi-fi. Nestled within Sansui’s revered AU-series, it captured the brand’s shift from solid reliability to refined engineering—packing advanced circuitry into a compact chassis without inflating the price. This was high-fidelity with purpose: clean, capable, and built to last, at a time when audiophiles were beginning to demand more from their gear.

Sound Signature

Expect a rich, inviting sound—smooth and warm, yet detailed enough to reveal the texture in vocals and acoustic instruments. The midrange sings with a lush, almost tube-like sweetness, while bass stays tight and composed. Treble is soft-edged but never dull, making for long listening sessions free of fatigue. Whether you're spinning vintage rock or jazz trios, the AU 117 doesn’t just play music—it invites you in.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

After 50 years, time takes its toll. Electrolytic capacitors often need replacing—especially in the power supply—to restore stability and clarity. Pots and switches benefit from a careful cleaning to eliminate crackles and channel imbalances. Keep an eye on driver transistors; early failure here can hint at deeper stress in the output stage. And don’t overlook the small things: those vintage indicator bulbs can be replaced with modern LED equivalents for longevity, if you don’t mind a subtle upgrade.