Sansui AU 888 (1969-1971)

Market Value: $400-$800 depending on condition and restoration status
Collectibility Rating: 8/10

Name: Sansui AU 888
Brand: Sansui

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Year of Production	1969-1971
Power Specifications	40W per channel (8Ω, RMS)
Impedance	4-16Ω
Sensitivity	Unknown
Key Features	Dual power supply, DC amplifier design, FET input stage, 3-gang volume control, phono equalizer with low-noise transistors, separate bass and treble controls, loudness switch

Historical Significance

Emerging from Sansui’s golden-era 'AU' series, the AU 888 marked a turning point in Japanese hi-fi: one of the first mid-tier integrated amplifiers to go fully DC-coupled, ditching output capacitors for a cleaner, more direct signal path. It wasn’t just a technical flex—it redefined what audiophiles could expect from a production amplifier in terms of build integrity, circuit sophistication, and musical honesty.

Sound Signature

Rich and expressive, the AU 888 delivers a warm yet detailed presentation that never sacrifices clarity for comfort. Bass is tight and authoritative, mids flow with natural liquidity, and highs shimmer without edge. It’s the kind of amplifier that makes you forget about specs—its magic lies in how effortlessly it connects you to the music, handling complex passages and demanding speakers with unflappable composure.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

After decades of service, original electrolytic capacitors are likely dried out—recapping the power supply is essential for long-term reliability. Pots and switches benefit from a careful cleaning, and while transistor failures aren’t common, the driver stages should be checked if distortion appears. A proper restoration brings the AU 888 back to its full glory, often exceeding modern expectations for an amp of its era.