Release dates are hard to pin down as individual models were introduced haphazardly (not in organized series groupings), but rough estimates have: This was followed in 1969 with several other models in the XXX series, including the AU-555 and the AU-999. In 1967, Sansui introduced their first solid-state integrated amplifier, the AU-777. Several other amplifiers and receivers followed, but it wasn’t until 1965 that they really made a mark with the AU-111 tube pre-main (integrated) amplifier, known as the “black panel ancestor.” At 40 watts per channel, the AU-111 was something of a powerhouse for its time, and it would stay in production into the early 1970s.
Sansui Electric was established in 1947 and released their first tube amplifier into the market in 1954. Sansui AU-7700: One of many great Sansui integrated amplifiers. Yes, they made respectable tuners, speakers and turntables, but amplification was their jam the proof-in-the pudding is reflected in today’s rarity (they’re around, but folks don’t like to part with their treasures) and high prices when they do come up for sale. Few Japanese audio brands have the same, close-to-rabid following, particularly when it comes to integrated amplifiers and receivers. Luxman and Accuphase fans might object to that statement and I can’t disagree from a quality perspective – but we’re talking about a different level of affordability. In my mind, Sansui is the iconic vintage Japanese audio brand. And now, with the resurgent popularity of vintage audio, these brands are again hot commodities. With quality high and prices low, North American consumers bought up equipment from brands like Pioneer, Sony, Technics, Sansui, Kenwood and others by the truckload. Japanese audio was hot from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. And so it came to me, and after a short stay with That Old Retro Store getting checked over and re-capped, became part of my then small but growing vintage audio set-up. “Best way is to give it to me” was my immediate, excited reply. At this point I’m just getting (back) into vintage audio. I get an email from my brother asking about the best way to get rid of his old amp. The Picture: Sansui AU-555 picture attached to email from my brother.įast forward 35 years. I went off to university the following year and didn’t think about it again.
He had a monster JVC ghetto blaster that probably got more use. I was never aware of him having speakers or other equipment to use it with. Not sure how much use that old amp got as my brother wasn’t a huge music nut. Even then, in the early ‘80s, it was a retro-looking piece. I had a system of my own already but do remember thinking it looked somewhat cool. His boss at his part-time job (where he stripped and refinished old furniture) was clearing out his basement and gave it to him. In my last year of high school, my brother came home one day with an old integrated amplifier.
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