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At £90, this Sansui AU-117 is a clear bargain, sitting well below the typical used market range of £65–£80 for this entry-level vintage model. While the listing title says "AUX117," the available data confirms the correct model is the AU-117 (1978), a moderately priced unit that Sansui did not sacrifice performance for power. Its 15 watts per channel into 8Ω, low 0.17% distortion, and solid 76dB signal-to-noise ratio make it a surprisingly clean and reliable performer for small rooms or bookshelf speakers.
This is a worthwhile buy because the AU-117 offers genuine vintage hi-fi character at a budget price, with timing that favors buyers as values for these entry models have dipped slightly. The main upside is its compact size and original Japanese build quality, making it ideal for collectors or beginners seeking a first integrated amp without the risk of high-end failure points. As long as the controls work smoothly and there’s no excessive crackling, it’s a clean buying opportunity, not a warning.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sansui, a pioneering Japanese audio brand, traces its origins to 1947 when it was founded in Tokyo by brothers Sakurai and Shunichi Yamamoto. Emerging from post-war Japan, the company quickly established itself as an innovator in consumer electronics, leveraging precision engineering to craft components that rivaled Western counterparts. Its heritage is rooted in the golden era of hi-fi, where Sansui's commitment to sonic purity helped define Japan's rise as a global audio powerhouse.
The brand excelled in a broad spectrum of hi-fi categories, with particular renown for its integrated amplifiers, receivers, and tuners that delivered warm, dynamic sound. Sansui also produced acclaimed speakers, turntables, cassette decks, and later digital converters, emphasizing robust build quality and innovative features like direct-coupled circuitry for low distortion. These products catered to audiophiles seeking balanced performance across analog and early digital domains.
Today, Sansui holds a cherished position in the vintage collector market, revered for its mid-to-high-end gear from the 1970s and 1980s—icons like the AU-series amps remain sought after for their musicality and reliability. While no longer a frontline manufacturer, its legacy endures among discerning buyers restoring classics or hunting timeless performers, blending nostalgia with enduring value.
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