Sansui AU-4900 amplifier

In 1976 Sansui is praised among the top brands. The quality of construction and materials used are still at the top, even if for this series the wood flanks are replaced by a more traditional metal hood. The control buttons also go for bigger, all aluminium ones.

Equipped with loudness, two speaker outputs and a mike entry, it still adopts a tiny footprint, making it very vintage.

The components themselves are at the top, with the large transformer, the Nichicon KG Gold Tune 3300µF condensers at output stage, pairing with the Sanyo TO-66 transistors on large aluminium dissipation radiator.

The session is balanced, warm and rich. The bass is full, deep and tight. Medium show transparency, detail and no acidity at all. Treble is silky, very natural. The respect of the scene and dimensions is absolutely managed while the power reserve brings lots of confidence.

Regarding the budget needed today for those restored AU series when you climb the model range, this 4900, produced in 1976 and 77 and fairly rare to appear, is an excellent compromise in terms of budget/pleasure.