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I need advice.

Background: I am a devoted music listener for over 50 years.  Most of my knowledge of technology is from the 70's.  
Objective: The best sound quality I can get from my system.
I have numerous amps, turntables and speakers.  The best of these is as follows:
My audio system;  Thorens TD 160 with Stanton 680EEE cartridge, Sansui AU 717, JBL L112
The Sansui (as far as I can tell) is untouched as far as any refurb is concerned. The overall quality of the audio as far as I can tell is good.  But it is what I listen to every day so I have no source for comparison. I have read that an amp that is 30+ years old is due for refurbishment (new caps, etc.).  I have been quoted $350 - 400 for a total refurbishment of the Sansui 717.  I would consider having this work done if it would make a noticeable improvement in the audio quality.  What  can I expect from such an investment?  I welcome any suggestions.
garywest
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akg_ca
2,156 posts
 
The 70s gear is nostalgic (been through this hobby’s evolution from 1971 onward....) and that’s where the sentimental bias floats through.

the cold hard facts are that this old era gear cannot compete with the current era offerings.

I would strongly suggest that you personally audition/test-drive something current before you commit more repairs cashola to the old stuff..... the differences in performance improvements are not subtle.

This exists without prejudice to the fact that that old gear ... especially the Sansui .... has a questionable and minimal FMV thst is highly likely less than what you will fork out now, and it’s only a question of "when" the next round/stage of repairs arises.
garywest OP
4 posts
 
any recommendations?
not into features....  I mostly spin vinyl
kennythekey
571 posts
 
I still have my TU-717 tuner, but it's on a shelf, so I have not listened to it in quite some time. I used to own the AU-717 as well. About a year ago, I got stuck without a modern preamp, because I replaced my integrated amp with power amps and could only insert my Boulder L3AE line stage as a temporary solution. The Boulder is only 26 years young as compared to your Sansui of 40 years. Wow, the Boulder sounded good, but after I had a cap explode in my old and untouched Heathkit amp a while back, I decided to replace the caps in my Boulder. After some break-in, the Boulder sounds fantastic and I have no urge to go shopping right now.
Kenny
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
In addition to electrolytic caps, Tweeter damping fluid or ferrofluid is the other thing that will go with time and use (dries out). Foam surrounds can wear out too. After more than 30 years your electrolytic caps are likely shot or at least out of tolerance - those in the signal path are most critical.

I'd be wary of simply assuming a $350 recap will get you back to original 70's performance. You should try to test your individual components separately A vs B against modern gear.  These age related failures should be fairly obvious - night and day differences. If you find your speakers need a refurb too then the cost/benefit may steer you towards a different solution.
paul79
173 posts
 
The AU-717 is very capable, but it comes with a laundry list of problems that need to be addressed. I have worked on several of them myself, and they have what is dubbed the "Glue Syndrome". Just google Sansui Glue, and you will see it posted about allot. This stuff eats component leads when it becomes corrosive and even conductive.

The other big issue with the 717  is the filter capacitors are always bad and leaking or starting to leak.

If you can get it completely restored for $350, you better jump on that deal, because I wouldn't do what I do to them for that. I remove all the glue, and replace all offended components. More to it than that, but the glue issue must be dealt with.
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