A little success in a search for a Sansui AU-101 for a reasonable price paid out well. I already had servicing in mind with it. And last week I became a proud owner of a AU-101. I think it looks 'almost' like a set with my Denton 85th anniversary edition loudspeakers.
A short pro's and cons
+optically well designed
+ receives positive reviews for its destinctive tube-like signature sound
+ Basic functionality, no loads of switches and more direct pathways
- not many connection possibilities as with most old amps
- the headphone and microphone ports could have been less emphasised by rings and more hidden in the surface.
- wish I could erase the microphone port![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Disclaimer: the pictures below are from another source online.
So far my checklist
-replaced an ancient white power plug with a good looking modern black one.
- completed external cleanup and fine surface cleaning. Optically it almost looks as new again. The interior looks like it has never seen dust at all.
- having it serviced (low hum and some issues with the sound, headphone connector block needs a bit of attachment, tape monitor switch is broken off, but in right position. Will see if I can have it replaced)
further plans
- I would like to add binding posts to be able to attach banana plugs (it just has plain screws; as prehistoric as it can be) and find matching ones will be on the list. Fun fact. I can stick bananaplugs in the screw openings, but lets do it well.
-planning to sand the wooden side panels a bit and add new verneer.
-Give the cover a fresh layer of black spray paint
- replacing the black plastic switches with brass ones maybe. Though I might stick with its original plastic ones.
- The original dials are a bit off compared to the rest of the amp. I think about replacing the front knobs for these below. Giving it more of a uniform look and a optical upgrade. It fits with the lettering and the side strips.
A short pro's and cons
+optically well designed
+ receives positive reviews for its destinctive tube-like signature sound
+ Basic functionality, no loads of switches and more direct pathways
- not many connection possibilities as with most old amps
- the headphone and microphone ports could have been less emphasised by rings and more hidden in the surface.
- wish I could erase the microphone port
Disclaimer: the pictures below are from another source online.
![IMG_20210730_235425-01.thumb.jpeg.342a3c00234c7b7b7d15b3778318916e.jpeg.57edd1f105733a724bfe5e952d69b09e.jpeg](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundmediagroupau.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com%2Fmonthly_2021_07%2FIMG_20210730_235425-01.thumb.jpeg.342a3c00234c7b7b7d15b3778318916e.jpeg.57edd1f105733a724bfe5e952d69b09e.jpeg&hash=d457e7a0ca308ec57e9efb90d0b32d1c)
![sansui_au_101__solid_state_ste_1644852035_7bb0f4a0_progressive.jpg](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.karousell.com%2Fmedia%2Fphotos%2Fproducts%2F2022%2F2%2F14%2Fsansui_au_101__solid_state_ste_1644852035_7bb0f4a0_progressive.jpg&hash=1233e12e89d559a04d2b2a8b996e6627)
So far my checklist
-replaced an ancient white power plug with a good looking modern black one.
- completed external cleanup and fine surface cleaning. Optically it almost looks as new again. The interior looks like it has never seen dust at all.
- having it serviced (low hum and some issues with the sound, headphone connector block needs a bit of attachment, tape monitor switch is broken off, but in right position. Will see if I can have it replaced)
further plans
- I would like to add binding posts to be able to attach banana plugs (it just has plain screws; as prehistoric as it can be) and find matching ones will be on the list. Fun fact. I can stick bananaplugs in the screw openings, but lets do it well.
-planning to sand the wooden side panels a bit and add new verneer.
-Give the cover a fresh layer of black spray paint
- replacing the black plastic switches with brass ones maybe. Though I might stick with its original plastic ones.
- The original dials are a bit off compared to the rest of the amp. I think about replacing the front knobs for these below. Giving it more of a uniform look and a optical upgrade. It fits with the lettering and the side strips.
![mkcpt.png](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amprepairparts.com%2Fmkcpt.png&hash=f88ad3156dbb3177588cc34a380848c4)
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