Sansui AU-alpha555VS
The Sansui AU-alpha555VS is an integrated amplifier from Sansui's Alpha series, which ran from the late 1980s into the mid-1990s. Period sources describe it as the junior model of that lineup. Documentation in English is thin, but the Japanese record via audio-database.com and Russian-language owner accounts fill in a capable, well-regarded unit. The dating is slightly ambiguous. audio-database.com places the ¥69,800 price around 1989, while a Russian seller calls it one of the most successful Sansui integrateds of the mid-90s.
On paper it is a serious amplifier. Rated output is 80W + 80W into 8Ω (90W + 90W into 6Ω), with total harmonic distortion claimed at 0.008% or less and a damping factor of 100. Frequency response runs from DC to 100 kHz (+0/-3dB) at 1W. The phono stage handles both MM (2.5mV/47kΩ) and MC (300µV/100Ω) cartridges, and line inputs sit at 150mV/47kΩ. Signal-to-noise is rated at 100 dB or better on line, 85 dB on MM, and 70 dB on MC. It draws 175W and weighs 11.0kg (430 × 160 × 390mm).
The 555VS stands out for its era because of the video integration. audio-database.com identifies it as an integrated stereo AV amplifier. The audio and video signal circuits are separated at board level with a two-layer shielded structure to prevent interference, and the video section uses a wide-band amplifier with a 10-MHz passband to preserve image quality. The power supply uses separately wound transformer sections for analog, video, and microcomputer systems. The terminal panel is fastened with copper screws to reduce the effect of high-frequency video signals on sound quality. Motor-driven volume control and input switching are handled by the included RS 1160 wireless remote.
Owner accounts are consistently positive. One Russian-language owner who kept the unit for over three years wrote that, despite being the junior Alpha model, it sounds very good - nearly like an amplifier of the 707 series - and works with any speakers. The same writer was firm that in its used price segment (12,000-20,000 rubles) the amplifier had very few competitors by sound. The seller's listing praises the circuit design, the grounding layout to a common bus, and the shielding of signal lines for an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. A rare RS-H6 remote is noted as compatible with the 555VS and other Alpha models.
Surviving information on this model is scattered. No production years are explicitly documented, and no current market price data has been tracked beyond active listings in Russia.
Known Specifications
- Output: 80W + 80W (8Ω); 90W + 90W (6Ω), 10 Hz–20 kHz
- Dynamic power: 340W (2Ω); 240W (4Ω); 140W (8Ω)
- THD: 0.008% or less (8Ω)
- Damping factor: 100 (8Ω)
- Frequency response: DC–100 kHz (+0/−3dB) at 1W
- Phono MM: 2.5mV/47kΩ; Phono MC: 300µV/100Ω; Line: 150mV/47kΩ
- S/N (A-weighted): 100 dB (line); 85 dB (MM); 70 dB (MC)
- Video: 1.0Vp-p/75Ω; 5 Hz–10 MHz (+0/−3dB)
- Dimensions: 430 × 160 × 390 mm; 11.0 kg
- Power consumption: 175W
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