I need advice.

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.

Garywest ...

I love that turntable .. very musical. 

You're a music lover first and not an equipment geek. Keep the Sansui as a spare and go with tubes.  It doesn't have to be really expensive. Check out the modified Dyna 70's. Maybe a modified Dyna Pas pre-amp as well. 

Find out how to contact "Grover."  He builds excellent Dyna 70's.  A friend has one and its pretty amazing. I don't have his contact number, but someone here may chime in. 

OP

The 717 was a great product for its time. If i was on a budget I would recap using really good caps, Jensen, Mundorf or something equivalent.  If you are open to spending some $$$, there are some fantastic newer products in integrated. Before i purchased my current separates, i was very happy with a BAT vk 3000se. There are some other fine choices available for less. 

electrolytic capacitors are notorious for failure - they are made with a paste that is mildly corrosive - at some point manfs. started putting buffering agents in them - not sure when but it was AFTER the mid-1980s

Besides that, they must be conditioned for proper function; they will lose that if not used for some time

they are likely to have been used in both power amp and pre-amp 

some types of caps can lose capacitance just from aging - I don't recall which types and don't know if they were used in your equipment, but electrolytics definitely change in C as the electrolyte evaporates

I suppose changing out capacitors after some years needs to be considered standard maintenance, like changing the brake fluid on a car.

** the above is all standard electronics engineering practice and NOT subjective tweeker fru-fru **

So...
I suggest listening to some equipment from nad, Cambridge Audio, Rotel or similar well-engineered products that can be returned in 30 days or so if you do not like them.

Select some revealing program material - female vocal, snare drums, deep bass, piano, etc. and try to set up both A/B switching on short 1 minute or 30 s. segments as well as extended periods of listening.