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Beautiful Sansui AU-101. Great used shape, in original condition. Original walnut veneer.Sounds fantastic. Recently serviced -- fully cleaned inside, pots treated with deoxit, wood case repaired (there was chipping), and some resistors that failed were replaced.Guaranteed to not be dead on arrival, but I can't estimate the longevity of the unit given all the electronic components are original. Ask questions before purchasing - sold as-is with no returns. Shipping is $50 to the lower 48 states. Please view photos closely to assess cosmetic condition of the unit!Description from Hifi Engine:"DescriptionThe Sansui AU-101 incorporates many of the state of the art features of the more powerful AU-555A, including an all silicon solid state design, professional arrangement of controls and a satin black control panel.Like all other AU series amplifiers, the AU-101's tonal quality has been perfected and proved not only by precision electronic measuring instruments, but also by repeated listening tests in a wide variety of environments.SpecificationsPower output: 15 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 20Hz to 60kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.8%Input sensitivity: 4mV (mic), 3mV (MM), 200mV (DIN), 200mV (line)Signal to noise ratio: 65dB (MM), 75dB (line)Channel separation: 45dB (MM), 45dB (line)Output: 200mV (line), 30mV (DIN)Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16ΩSemiconductors: 18 x transistors, 4 x diodesDimensions: 407 x 115 x 278mmWeight: 5.9kg"
With unknown condition, US$500 lands above the US$491 75th percentile of your 14 recent comps, so this reads ambitious rather than fair for the typical used market. It’s not wildly out of line, but it is pricing for a nicer-than-average example, and I’d want clear justification before paying that much.
That said, the piece itself has a strong reputation among vintage Sansui integrateds for a compact, musical presentation and solid build quality, which keeps demand alive. If this one is cosmetically clean, fully original, and properly serviced, the upside is in owning a well-regarded small integrated that’s easier to place than bigger separates; at US$500, though, service history and functioning channels matter a lot.
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.
See all Sansui listings on RADAR.
