Sansui AU-717

If it was mine, I’d have it restored and brought up to factory spec you will be surprised how much better it will sound after a refresh.

that is entirely true. Our ears get used to a degrading component sound, so when back to life the transformation is worthwile.

I found a shop in Atlanta called AudioLab. Will give them a ring and see what they suggest. If anyone knows these guys (or other) would welcome feedback. 

@chocaholic recap for audio electronics is like oil change and spark plugs for car. ur car may not have ever broken down, but but u still give it an oil change and new spark plugs when its time to do so.

man id luv to have one a them 717s. happy listening brother!

The 717 is on my wishlist!

I’ve recapped many amps myself. At a minimum, get the power supply caps looked at. Electrolytics have a shelf life of between 30 and 40 years. They dry out.

I don’t understand the desire to keep these things “original”. It’s not a vintage Ferrari… As long as the caps are replaced by a tech who knows what they are doing, you’re just going to improve the sound of it. And, it’s operational safely. A big cap goes, and it can have a cascading effect taking out transistors in its path.

I recently did a Marantz 7T, and put high end caps in it. Sounds amazing! When you recap a piece, all your doing is making it sound as it did when it was new - only better because caps are better now than what they were.

I also recapped a 2230 last year, and was going to sell it, but was gifted an Ariston RD11S that I’m restoring for fun. So I’m keeping the 2230 as they are a good match as a 2nd system.

Get the 717 power supply caps done at a minimum, and if you want to keep it running for another 40 years, get the whole thing done. Do some research online - diyaudio or audiokarma - and find out who the best rebuilders/restorers are and send it out to get done right. Unless you are comfortable buying the parts and doing it yourself.

when you get it back, it will sound as it did when new, only better…