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Sansui AU-9500 amplifier
From the original owner, now restored and stunning
The Sansui AU-9500 stands as a powerful symbol of the brand’s golden age, a period during the early 1970s when Sansui was at the absolute peak of its engineering ambition and global reputation. During these top years, the company competed head-to-head with the greatest names in high-fidelity, building amplifiers that were not only technically advanced but also crafted to uncompromising standards of durability and musicality. The AU-9500, positioned as a top-of-the-range integrated amplifier, perfectly embodies this philosophy.
With its dual-mono inspired construction, massive power supply, and meticulously selected components, the AU-9500 delivers a sound that is both authoritative and refined. It offers impressive power reserves, yet retains an exceptional sense of control, warmth, and detail across the entire frequency spectrum. The phono stage, in particular, is revered for its low noise and rich tonal character, making it a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts even today. Physically, the amplifier reflects the same seriousness of purpose: a heavy chassis, thick aluminum faceplate, precision knobs, and a layout designed for optimal signal integrity.
Today, the Sansui AU-9500 is one of the most sought-after integrated amplifiers among audiophile collectors. Its combination of historical significance, top-tier performance, and iconic design makes it far more than a vintage component—it is a reference piece from a defining era of hi-fi. To own a well-preserved AU-9500 is to own a true artifact of Sansui’s finest years and one of the benchmarks of classic Japanese audio engineering.
Dry stored in a cupboard, sleeping for perhaps 30 years, we collected this example from the grand children of the original buyer.
All was there, the amplifier had been used without abuse, but needed a comprehensive restauration.
Didier at Labo Diva took all the time needed to carefully restore this giant, picking the best components and closely sticking to the original. A solid (but sound) invoice later, it was ready for us to present it to bring a smile on a new audiophile face.
What a sound… perhaps today the tons of inputs and lots of control features may seem over the top, but the inner build quality and care are there at every corner.
Perfect working condition, minor cosmetic details, see the photo gallery for signs of patina and age.
Made in Japan
Technical specifications
Solid state stereo integrated amplifier
Production years: 1974-1975
Power output: 75 watts per channel @ 8Ω
Frequency response: 15Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (MM), 85dB (line)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 50 cm (W) x 35 cm (D) x 15 cm (H)
Weight: 24kg