Fully restored and upgraded with Lees stereo methodology by Brad from sounds of when a couple of years ago.
Speaker binding posts added
Lightly used since restoration.
Some minor blemishes on the timber surround. One small chip of veneer has come off but I have saved it and it can be easily glued back on. (see pics)
This unit cost me approx. $1800 direct from Brad.
Wonderful warmish full Sansui sound with a better mids and highs thanks to Lees stereo upgrade.
Fully operational with all functions flawless. All dials and switches operate beautifully - smooth and positive feeling.
Available for audition.
Happy to post at buyers risk - It will be very well packed!
Any queries please get in touch
Thank you
WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
Users praise the Sansui AU-555A as a vintage solid-state integrated amplifier (rated ~25W/channel into 8 ohms) for its warm, rich sound and solid build, often calling it a "gem" or "little wonder" that's hard to part with. Community discussions on blogs, forums, and YouTube highlight its appeal with efficient speakers like Klipsch, though it requires maintenance for optimal performance.
### Sound Quality
Users consistently describe the sound as warm, luscious, and rich, with a "relaxed" presentation emphasizing midrange, good bass (sometimes slightly exaggerated), and punchy dynamics—ideal for vocals, classic rock, and genres like Led Zeppelin or Adele. It reveals details without clinical harshness, evoking a "haze of smoke in a basement club," but lacks speed and has a higher noise floor compared to modern amps. Pairs excellently with high-sensitivity speakers (e.g., Klipsch RP-600M or Heresys), making them "sing louder and prouder" despite modest power.
### Build Quality
Stunning aesthetics feature a walnut case, black faceplate, and silver knobs, earning compliments for its "gorgeous" vintage patina that fits any room. Internally, it's professional-grade with all-silicon solid-state design, SEPP-ITL-OTL circuitry, versatile inputs/outputs, and speaker selectors; users note high craftsmanship typical of Sansui AU series.
### Reliability
Reliable when serviced—users report leaving it on for months with consistent "sweet, full, punchy" performance. However, as a 1970s unit, it often needs recapping, bias adjustments (e.g., to 20mA), and cleaning, as drift occurs post-repair; serviced examples test strong (e.g., ~10.6V RMS output). New output transistors and caps are common fixes, with technicians praising prior work quality.
### Strengths
- Exceptional warm, engaging sound across genres, especially with efficient speakers.
- Beautiful design and versatility (pre/main separation, damping controls).
- Long-term keeper status; many regret selling and repurchase.
### Weaknesses
- Limited power (25-33W/channel) struggles with low-sensitivity speakers like KEF LS-50.
- Slower response and higher noise vs. modern amps; not for "clinical accuracy" fans.
- Maintenance-intensive due to age (caps, bias).
### Overall Reputation
Highly regarded in vintage communities as a "superstar" or "beautiful sounding" amp worth refurbishing and keeping forever, outshining some pricier modern/shop units in charm and musicality. It's nostalgic yet objectively delightful, with users hooked after non-stop listening sessions.
### Sound Quality
Users consistently describe the sound as warm, luscious, and rich, with a "relaxed" presentation emphasizing midrange, good bass (sometimes slightly exaggerated), and punchy dynamics—ideal for vocals, classic rock, and genres like Led Zeppelin or Adele. It reveals details without clinical harshness, evoking a "haze of smoke in a basement club," but lacks speed and has a higher noise floor compared to modern amps. Pairs excellently with high-sensitivity speakers (e.g., Klipsch RP-600M or Heresys), making them "sing louder and prouder" despite modest power.
### Build Quality
Stunning aesthetics feature a walnut case, black faceplate, and silver knobs, earning compliments for its "gorgeous" vintage patina that fits any room. Internally, it's professional-grade with all-silicon solid-state design, SEPP-ITL-OTL circuitry, versatile inputs/outputs, and speaker selectors; users note high craftsmanship typical of Sansui AU series.
### Reliability
Reliable when serviced—users report leaving it on for months with consistent "sweet, full, punchy" performance. However, as a 1970s unit, it often needs recapping, bias adjustments (e.g., to 20mA), and cleaning, as drift occurs post-repair; serviced examples test strong (e.g., ~10.6V RMS output). New output transistors and caps are common fixes, with technicians praising prior work quality.
### Strengths
- Exceptional warm, engaging sound across genres, especially with efficient speakers.
- Beautiful design and versatility (pre/main separation, damping controls).
- Long-term keeper status; many regret selling and repurchase.
### Weaknesses
- Limited power (25-33W/channel) struggles with low-sensitivity speakers like KEF LS-50.
- Slower response and higher noise vs. modern amps; not for "clinical accuracy" fans.
- Maintenance-intensive due to age (caps, bias).
### Overall Reputation
Highly regarded in vintage communities as a "superstar" or "beautiful sounding" amp worth refurbishing and keeping forever, outshining some pricier modern/shop units in charm and musicality. It's nostalgic yet objectively delightful, with users hooked after non-stop listening sessions.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
The fair market price for a used Sansui AU-555A Integrated Amplifier in Australia is typically A$500–A$1,500 AUD, with most transactions falling in the A$700–A$1,000 range for good to excellent condition units. This estimate draws from recent Australian listings and sales data as of early 2026, reflecting its status as a vintage solid-state amplifier (produced 1971–1973, 25W per channel into 8Ω) prized for warm sound and walnut cabinet aesthetics.
### Price Range by Condition
Prices vary significantly by condition, as these 50+ year-old units often require servicing for capacitors, switches, and pots:
- Poor/fair condition (functional but unserviced, cosmetic wear, issues like scratchy volume): A$500–A$800. Example: A basic "Sansui au 555 amplifier" listed at A$500 on Gumtree.
- Good/excellent condition (serviced or original but clean, fully working): A$795–A$1,500. Examples: Upgraded/serviced "mint cond" at A$795 on Gumtree; eBay Australia sale/listing at A$1,500 (Jan 2026).
- New/old stock: Rare; no recent Australian data, but expect 20–50% premium over excellent used if available.
| Condition | Typical AUD Range | Examples from Sources |
|-----------|------------------|-----------------------|
| Poor/Fair | A$500–A$800 | Gumtree A$500 |
| Good/Excellent | A$795–A$1,500 | Gumtree A$795 (upgraded/mint); eBay A$1,500 |
| Pristine/Serviced | A$1,000+ | Recent eBay high end |
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Service history: Recapped or refurbished units command 30–50% more (e.g., A$795 serviced vs. A$500 unserviced).
- Cosmetics: Walnut case and black/silver front panel in very good shape boost value; scratches or wear deduct 10–20%.
- Functionality: Issues like noisy controls reduce price unless noted as minor; phono stage and A/B speakers add appeal for vintage setups.
- Market/location: Australian demand is strong via eBay, Gumtree, and forums like StereoNET; international comps (e.g., €899 ≈ A$1,500) align but exclude shipping.
- Rarity and trends: Low supply of working 1970s Sansui amps drives prices up; user reports praise its "warm, luscious" sound, supporting collector interest.
Prices can fluctuate with economic conditions or hi-fi trends; check current listings for real-time adjustments. All data is from used market only, as new production ended decades ago.
### Price Range by Condition
Prices vary significantly by condition, as these 50+ year-old units often require servicing for capacitors, switches, and pots:
- Poor/fair condition (functional but unserviced, cosmetic wear, issues like scratchy volume): A$500–A$800. Example: A basic "Sansui au 555 amplifier" listed at A$500 on Gumtree.
- Good/excellent condition (serviced or original but clean, fully working): A$795–A$1,500. Examples: Upgraded/serviced "mint cond" at A$795 on Gumtree; eBay Australia sale/listing at A$1,500 (Jan 2026).
- New/old stock: Rare; no recent Australian data, but expect 20–50% premium over excellent used if available.
| Condition | Typical AUD Range | Examples from Sources |
|-----------|------------------|-----------------------|
| Poor/Fair | A$500–A$800 | Gumtree A$500 |
| Good/Excellent | A$795–A$1,500 | Gumtree A$795 (upgraded/mint); eBay A$1,500 |
| Pristine/Serviced | A$1,000+ | Recent eBay high end |
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Service history: Recapped or refurbished units command 30–50% more (e.g., A$795 serviced vs. A$500 unserviced).
- Cosmetics: Walnut case and black/silver front panel in very good shape boost value; scratches or wear deduct 10–20%.
- Functionality: Issues like noisy controls reduce price unless noted as minor; phono stage and A/B speakers add appeal for vintage setups.
- Market/location: Australian demand is strong via eBay, Gumtree, and forums like StereoNET; international comps (e.g., €899 ≈ A$1,500) align but exclude shipping.
- Rarity and trends: Low supply of working 1970s Sansui amps drives prices up; user reports praise its "warm, luscious" sound, supporting collector interest.
Prices can fluctuate with economic conditions or hi-fi trends; check current listings for real-time adjustments. All data is from used market only, as new production ended decades ago.
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