Sansui AU-x17 integrated amplifiers · c. 1977–1979
Sansui AU-517
$825–850typical eBay ask
Oct 3, 2026
Oct 3, 2026
SansuiModel AU-517 · Integrated amp
The story
The AU-517 sits in the middle of Sansui’s late-1970s AU-x17 integrated amplifier range, between the AU-217 and the AU-717, and it uses a cabinet the same size as the 717’s: 430 × 168 × 389 mm. Sansui rated it at 65 W per channel into 8 Ω at 0.025% THD, and it weighs about 35 lb, which tells you it is a substantial amplifier rather than a dressed-up entry model. Features include two moving-magnet phono inputs, bass and treble controls, a subsonic filter, loudness, tape play and copy switching between two decks, and pre-out/main-in jacks so the preamp and power amp sections can be used separately. For most rooms and reasonably efficient speakers, the step from 65 to 85 W per channel is small, so the 517 is the sensible buy when a clean 717 is out of budget. Expect the same service needs as any amplifier of its age: tired electrolytic capacitors, dirty controls and a protection relay worth checking.
Before you buy
The pre-purchase checklist
Checklist · 6 checks
- 01Ask whether the speaker protection relay engages cleanly after warm-up and whether either channel cuts out at low volume, a typical sign of dirty relay contacts.
- 02Ask about crackle when turning the volume, balance and tone controls and when moving the input and tape switches.
- 03Ask for the DC offset at the speaker terminals and whether the bias has been set, because a unit with unknown history should be checked before it drives speakers you care about.
- 04Look at interior photos for hardened glue around the large capacitors and nearby parts, which Sansui used in this period and which can corrode component leads over time.
- 05Test both phono inputs with a turntable.
- 06At around 35 lb it needs double boxing for shipping, so ask how the seller will pack it.
Buying guide · from Oct 3, 2026 listings
Which one to buy
Only two complete AU-517s were listed at capture (eBay's broad results are mostly other AU models and parts), so the $825–850 'typical' band is just those two, not a market read. One is a serviced, operational unit at about $852 delivered with Best Offer from a 100% seller; the other asks about $825 from a zero-feedback seller with no condition stated. Ask any seller whether the protection relay engages cleanly after warm-up, whether any control crackles, and for interior photos showing whether Sansui's hardened glue has been removed. At 35 lb, ask how it will be double boxed.
- Listed now
- 2
- For parts
- 0
- Typical ask
- $825–$850
- Full range
- $700–$750
Cheapest$851.61est. deliveredView on eBay →Serviced and operational per the title, about $852 delivered with Best Offer from a 100% seller. $102 of that is shipping, so offer on the $750 item price and ask what the service covered.
Sansui AU-517 Stereo Amplifier Serviced Operational
- Easiest to get working$851.61est. deliveredView on eBay →
The only AU-517 here listed as serviced, so it should play on arrival. Ask whether the electrolytic capacitors were replaced and the DC offset set.
Sansui AU-517 Stereo Amplifier Serviced Operational
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 3, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ; eBay shows your exact total before you buy.
Snapshot captured · listings may have ended
2 of 2 listedLive on eBay right now
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 3, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ; eBay shows your exact total before you buy.
- Serviced
- Cheapest
- Easiest to get working
Sansui AU-517 Stereo Amplifier Serviced Operational
$851.61 est. delivered
$750.00 + $101.61 shipping
Buy It Now$750.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and sellers often accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Serviced and operational, about $852 delivered with Best Offer; the safer of the two.
Seller: nghu_5796
100% positive
Used- Check the seller
SANSUI AU 517 ( Vintage Integrated Amplifier)
$825.00 est. delivered
$700.00 + $125.00 shipping
Buy It Now$700.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and sellers often accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Heads-up: check the seller
Zero-feedback seller, about $825 delivered with no condition stated; treat it with caution.
Seller: kuldeesing-798
No feedback yet
Prices and availability change daily. The full, current search on eBay shows every matching listing, including new ones since Oct 3, 2026.
See all current listings on eBay →After you buy
Search supplies on Amazon →Service supplies
Noisy volume and tone controls and crackly selector switches are the usual first job on a used AU-517. Contact cleaner fixes most of it; bias and offset adjustments belong to the service manual or a technician.
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