Sansui AU 717 prices and where to get one from?

[Bunya]

 

Hi

 

I'm starting to think about buying a Sansui AU-717 .  I have read all the comparisons between the 717 and 719 ( build quality, pre-output , 717 sounds warmer etc) so I think I'll aim for the AU -717.

 

My question is what's a realistic price for :

• A restored AU-717 
• Unrestored AU -717.

 

Do most people look to overseas to source one or do they show up in Australia? Does anyone have any experience with Japanese versions like the AU-707? Should avoid amps with step-down transformers ?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Cheers

Stew

 

[sloper]

l got mine local, then restored it.

It was imported from the US with problems.

No volume pot the main one.

l got it cheap.

 

But it is well worth it.

Runs 5-6hrs a day.

 

Watch Hifi shark it will give a good indication of price.

 

regards Bruce

[Cloth Ears]

If I remember correctly, the AU-717 was the export version of the Japanese market AU-707. The AU-919 (export) was the same as the Japanese market AU-D907. You could try looking for those amplifiers also (they will be the 100v versions).

Most of the top-of-the-line 07 series were pretty good up until 1980 - when they decided to change the sound (later versions have a much softer top-end and a more emphasised base).

Edited May 7, 2024 by Cloth Ears

[pete_mac]

  On 07/05/2024 at 4:58 AM, Bunya said:

• A restored AU-717 
• Unrestored AU -717

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There has been a lot of variability in pricing over the years, with a general upwards trend and the occasional low price from people who don't realise what they have, nor their market value.

 

It's really difficult to nail current market prices with any degree of accuracy, as 717s seldom come up for sale, and it is very rare to see more than one for sale at any given time across the country.

 

However... based upon my observations and experience in the current market, if you could nail an unrestored example for under $1k and a restored example (properly restored, not just recapped) for under $1.6k you'd be doing very well.  I've seen them go for a few hundred more at times depending upon condition.

 

At some stage in future the Sydney Sansui Museum will be thinned-out and some 717s and 719s will become available, but timing is currently unclear. 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2024 by pete_mac

[Bunya]

  On 07/05/2024 at 7:07 AM, pete_mac said:

 

There has been a lot of variability in pricing over the years, with a general upwards trend and the occasional low price from people who don't realise what they have, nor their market value.

 

It's really difficult to nail current market prices with any degree of accuracy, as 717s seldom come up for sale, and it is very rare to see more than one for sale at any given time across the country.

 

However... based upon my observations and experience in the current market, if you could nail an unrestored example for under $1k and a restored example (properly restored, not just recapped) for under $1.6k you'd be doing very well.  I've seen them go for a few hundred more at times depending upon condition.

 

At some stage in future the Sydney Sansui Museum will be thinned-out and some 717s and 719s will become available, but timing is currently unclear. 

 

 

Thanks Peter Mac, Damn that is a nice collection!

 

 

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[pete_mac]

  On 07/05/2024 at 7:35 AM, Bunya said:

Thanks Peter Mac, Damn that is a nice collection!

Expand  

 

It's a sickness I tell ya - Dad and I contracted Sansuitis in a big way.

[DSharp]

  On 07/05/2024 at 6:41 AM, Cloth Ears said:

If I remember correctly, the AU-717 was the export version of the Japanese market AU-707. The AU-919 (export) was the same as the Japanese market AU-D907. You could try looking for those amplifiers also (they will be the 100v versions).

Most of the top-of-the-line 07 series were pretty good up until 1980 - when they decided to change the sound (later versions have a much softer top-end and a more emphasised base).

Expand  

Here is the 180 day price history of AU-707 and 907 on Yahoo Japan

 

https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/closedsearch/closedsearch?va=Sansui+au-707&b=1&n=50&select=2&auccat=&tab_ex=commerce&ei=utf-8&aq=-1&oq=&sc_i=&exflg=&p=Sansui+au-(707+907)&x=0&y=0

[DSharp]

As there is a  lot of sales history, here is just the 707

https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/closedsearch/closedsearch?va=Sansui+au-707

 

[mbz]

  On 07/05/2024 at 4:58 AM, Bunya said:

Do most people look to overseas to source one or do they show up in Australia?

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Bigger numbers in Japan where they are also popular and relatively expensive when compared to other makes.

 

  On 07/05/2024 at 4:58 AM, Bunya said:

Should avoid amps with step-down transformers ?

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No issue with a quality suitably sized (1kVA?) isolated stepdown

 

You haven't mentioned any DIY skills. I will take the punt again and buy an AU-D907??? or an alpha ???? on Yahoo and repair etc as needed.

[Bunya]

Thanks all, 

 

I'll  have to go and do some more research.

 

Cheers

Stewart