Sansui AU-x19 integrated amplifiers · c. 1978–1981
Sansui AU-919
SansuiModel AU-919 · Integrated amp
The story
The AU-919 was the top model of Sansui’s AU-x19 integrated amplifier range, introduced around 1978 and sold into the early 1980s. Sansui’s 1979 US advertising rated it at 110 W per channel into 8 Ω from 5 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 0.008% THD, and promoted its Diamond Differential DC (DD/DC) circuit, used in both the power amplifier and the phono equalizer, as a way to lower transient intermodulation distortion as well as THD. The power amplifier is direct-coupled, with a claimed response from DC to 500 kHz. Inside there are two power transformers, an EI-core unit for the preamplifier and pre-driver stages and a large toroid for the driver and output stages, plus four 15,000 µF filter capacitors and several separate regulated supplies. Phono 1 accepts moving-coil as well as moving-magnet cartridges, and the tone controls have switchable turnover points and a defeat switch. At about 47 lb, it is a serious, complex amplifier for a buyer who wants an integrated with a built-in MC stage and plenty of power.
Before you buy
The pre-purchase checklist
Checklist · 6 checks
- 01Ask whether the unit has been serviced by someone working from the service manual, because the AU-919 has many internal adjustments, including DC servo and offset trims, and a recap without recalibration can leave it misbehaving.
- 02Ask for the DC offset at each speaker terminal and confirm the protection relay engages cleanly every time.
- 03Look at interior photos for the hardened glue on capacitors and boards that Sansui used in this era, which can turn corrosive and attack component leads.
- 04Test the moving-coil setting on Phono 1 as well as moving-magnet, since the MC stage has its own adjustments and faults there are easy to miss.
- 05Work every switch and control for crackle and dropouts.
- 06At around 47 lb with a large toroidal transformer, it needs very careful packing, so ask the seller to double box it.
On eBay
Find one on eBay
We haven’t reviewed current listings for the AU-919 yet.
Until we do, search eBay for the exact model number and use the checklist above on every listing: ask for photos of it powered on, and a note of what has been serviced.
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-919. Contact cleaner fixes most of it; bias and offset adjustments belong to the service manual or a technician.
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