MXD CEC

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.78 of 5, 9.00 votes

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Steinbergs, Cincinna

Summary:
Sansui- AU 317 The intro to this section stated this amp was produced during 1973- 1975. I bought mine new, in 1977 or 1978. (I believe it was 1978). I would like to see official proof of the production years. Don't accept those stated production dates without some fact-checking. This thing is more, or certainly behaves, and weighs more than the 50 watts advertised. I'll put it closer to 100 watts in term of the powerful sound it delivers. Today, I did a side by side comparison with a brand new 100 watt Audio Source Amp 2 (100 watt) power amp. The Sansui outperformed the brand new Audio Source amp with a more powerful, louder, richer, deeper, and clearer sound. Bose 161 surrounds were on the receiving end of the test. This is an amp that can be used to defend yourself. It weighs about 1/2 pound, or more, per watt! These things are really built- everything is sealed, knobs, switches, etc. If you have ever worked on an airplane, you'll get a familiar feeling when you start looking at the amp. Except with it's weight (did I mention this thing is heavy) it would never get off the ground, but is built with aviation-like quality. This piece had a phono(graph) sonic sub filter, which protects speakers from those horrible noises that eminate from phonographs and amps hate to push to speakers, and speakers strain to reproduce at their own peril. If you want to use this to power a CD player (this was built before CD's were invented) simply use the AUX outlets in the rear, and select AUX on the front panel. For a couple hundred bucks (a used AU- 317 is less thab $50, Pinnacle or Bose speakers, cheap CD player- don't spend a lot on these things, the sound between the new CD players that are cheap and the expensive CD players is nearly indistinguishable) you can have a very cool unit for a spare room, workshop, basement or garage. It's a conversation piece that's got a vibe that says, I could of had a B&O, but this units got more personality- and will sound better.

Strengths:
This thing lasts longer than 2 average marriages combined. The rack handles were very cool and today bring you considerable respect. A mixing knob. Subsonic phono switch. Nice speaker leads, Nicely laid out in the rear (oops, did I say that?)makes connections easy for Americans with big hands (big hands=big- we'll you know the rest). Heavy, built like a tank- Superbly manufactured Beautifully crafted inside.

Weaknesses:
A small power on light, that burns out, and seems to be difficult to replace, is all that indicates the ole reliable AU-317 is powered-up.

Similar Products Used:
Audio Source Carver Pioneer

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Price Paid:  $180.00

Summary:
Still using this integrated amp. Hooked up with an original and very flexible surround sound system consisting of a Kenwood 100 watt per channel M1 Sigma Drive amp for the front speakers, an Advent Soundspace Control, Sansui AU-317 integrated amp for overall volume control and rear speaker amp. Now hooked up with small Energy speakers in the bedroom.
Used to be used with Polk RT7 Floor standing speakers, which I still use in the living room with a DD receiver system.
The AU-317, well, may it never die.

Strengths:
Great Amplifier

Weaknesses:
After 20 years, knobs don't work smoothly.

Summary:
I used my AU 317 mk II for a lot of years (22 to be correct)not only for home listening but also for a drive-in disco (several 100's of hours on 80-95% of RMS power without any problems. High quality sound, superb long time output. Simply the best!
Unfortunately now it is down, so I have to search for something similar, will be dificult, so maybe I will find a new (old) AU 317 Mk II or maybe even an as good AU 417.

Strengths:
Overall top sound

Weaknesses:
None, till it broke after 22 years

Summary:
I to have a Sansui AU 317. Bought it some 23 years ago. I recently bought a Rotel RA-971. The Sansui drives my low end speakers and the Rotel drives the mid and high end speakers. The AU 317 cost some $350.00 at the time and has more control then the $500.00 Rotel. It also is much beefier than the rotel. I do like the Rotel very much but the Sansui for it's age gives the Rotel a run for the money. I believe the resell price on these old AU 317 is about $ 30.00

Summary:
I've had the AU-317 50 watt per chan ( along with the TU-217, SR-333 direct drive turntable, and SP-2500x 5 speaker 3 way 100 watts speakers ) for about 22 years now. It still sounds fantastic. The clarity ( .03 thd )and depth of sound I have not heard elsewhere.The Sansui components of the late 70's were truly awesome. I wish I knew why a company that made such high quality stuff is (as far as I'm concerned) gone now only to be replaced by lesser quality brands.