Sansui AU317 Mk I amplifier

Born in 1977, this AU-317 is visually "very Sansui". Black, big solid buttons and switches; clean, modern white labels. It is referred as a "mark I" because the radiator cooling the power stage is painted black. A second sign is the presence of pre out/main in connectors that were removed on the next generation.

The direct tone bypass completes the picture of a serious amplifier that was topping the "slim" range (117, 217, 317). But no reasonable explanation about this "mike entry mania" at the end of the seventies. Was Japan already karaoke frenzy?

Rack handles were sold as an option, that seems to attracts some people nowadays as we refer to the number of reproductions available on eBay.

Serious gear, as was the price back in the day. Of course what interests us even more is that the sound is superb. We felt it punchy, agile, warm and detailed. The imaging is clean and large as well. This very fine piece of equipment can drive anything, and if you like dynamic music styles ranging from trip hop to house or wathever needs to be kicking, expect pure satisfaction.

Finished in black.