Description
Sansui AU 9500 amplifier. Fully revitalized. Classic Vintage. Premium version.
Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. was founded in 1947 as a manufacturer of transformers, but already in the 1960s it gained a reputation as a serious producer of audio components. Despite its huge popularity (especially in the United States) in the 60s and 70s, after 1985 the company began to bring much less profits than its rivals (Sony, Pioneer or Technics). It was the end of the heyday of hi-end equipment, which was related to an increase in sales of personal computers. At that time, Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. focused on the production of high-end components in Japan, and also started to produce high quality TV sets and other video equipment, while stopping exports. At the end of the 90s, the brand name was used on video devices manufactured by other companies. Eventually, Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. as part of Grande Holdings went bankrupt in 2014. It is worth noting that Sansui was the first company to use transformers in audio equipment, and first to introduce to the market a high-voltage tube-transistor (hybrid) amplifier and a QS / RM system (Quadrasonic System / Regular Matrix), which allowed to obtain four-channel sound from two-channel one.
The Sansui AU-9500 is one of the most highly regarded integrated amplifiers ever produced by the Japanese audio manufacturer Sansui. Introduced during the first half of the 1970s, it was created during what many enthusiasts consider the golden age of hi-fi, when manufacturers competed not only through technical specifications but also through build quality, engineering excellence and long-term reliability. Delivering approximately 80 watts per channel into 8 Ohms, the AU-9500 remains more than capable of driving a wide range of loudspeakers even by modern standards. The amplifier is distinguished by its massive construction, oversized power transformer and sophisticated preamplifier section. Its characteristic brushed aluminum front panel, precision-machined controls and beautiful wooden cabinet perfectly reflect the timeless design philosophy of classic Japanese hi-fi. The sound of the Sansui AU-9500 is often described as warm, rich and highly musical, with powerful, well-controlled bass, a natural and detailed midrange, and a smooth, refined top end. This sonic character makes it equally at home with rock, jazz and classical music. Many owners also appreciate its ability to create a wide soundstage and its effortless, refined presentation. The AU-9500 features extensive tone controls, multiple filter options, connectivity for several audio sources and a high-quality MM phono stage. It was designed for demanding users who expected maximum flexibility and complete control over their audio systems. Today, the Sansui AU-9500 is considered a highly desirable collector’s amplifier. Following proper restoration and servicing, it is capable of delivering a level of musical performance that competes with many modern high-end amplifiers. It remains one of the finest examples of why Sansui continues to enjoy such a legendary reputation among enthusiasts of classic vintage audio.
The presented unit has been fitted with a new rosewood enclosure that beautifully complements its distinctive 1970s design. The wood has been finished using traditional Chinese oil based on natural oils, followed by a natural beeswax finish made with turpentine. All metal cabinet components have been cleaned and refinished using professional automotive wet-paint techniques. The amplifier has undergone a complete inspection and comprehensive servicing and has been fitted with new aluminum feet.
Collector’s set. Condition is exceptional.
The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
– the unit has been completely disassembled, cleaned and dried
– measurement of all electrolytic capacitors
– replacement of electrolytic capacitors in the power supply and speaker protection circuits
– replacement of faulty transistors throughout all sections of the amplifier
– replacement of defective transistors and resistors in the power supply section
– cleaning and maintenance of all potentiometers, switches and relay
– re-soldering of all PCB boards as well as all rear panel input and output connections
– replacement of the lamp, lamp socket and jumpers
– cleaning of RCA connectors
– adjustment of bias current and DC offset according to the Sansui service manual
Technical data:
– power output – 2 x 75 W into 8 Ohms, stereo
– frequency response – 15 Hz – 40 kHz
– total harmonic distortion – 0.1%
– input sensitivity – 2.5 mV (microphone), 2.5 mV (MM), 100 mV (DIN), 100 mV (line)
– signal-to-noise ratio – 65 dB (microphone), 75 dB (MM), 85 dB (line)
– weight – approximately 30 kg
– output level – 100 mV (line), 30 mV (DIN), 0.8 V (preamplifier output)
– damping factor – 50
– dimensions – 52.5 cm width, 18.5 cm height, 36.5 cm depth
– year of production – 1974/75
– power supply – 100V, voltage step-down transformer included
– made in Japan