2. amps-preamps
  3. 1314476412

SANSUI AU-719 Gets Really Hot?

I recently acquired a Sansui AU-719 which gets extremely hot. I have other Sansui's (AU-417, AU-517, AU-717, AU-7700, Etc.) and though they do get warm, none of them get anywhere near as hot as the AU-719. I listened to it for about 6 or 7 hours the other day (I only listen to vinyl) and as happens from time to time, after a few beer, the volume tends to go up:) Still never exceeded half volume and it was more than loud enough (think the neighbours hate me now), yet it got extremely hot, so hot in fact, that I could not keep a finger on it for more than a second or two for fear of actually getting burned. If this is normal for this model then I can hook up a small fan near it to help dissipate the heat. Today I've had it on for about 2 hours at just less than 1/4 volume and it is a bit warm but by far not too hot. I tried researching this on line and found two opposing points of view, some said it is normal while others said that the excessive heat probably indicates a problem which if it not fixed, could fry the amp. Any input would be much appreciated, thanks;
Denny
recordman34
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I believe Gbart is correct, I use to have Sansui amps, 919, AU-X1 that I remember and they did not get hot. The only other time an amp will get this hot is driving a load that it is not really up to and the Sansui amps were quite powerful for their day. If you have driven the same speakers to similar volumes with other amps with no problems then you should have it looked at. A good idea in any case with an amp this age.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
What speakers are you running with your AU-719? Sansui and other similar amplifiers from the late 1970's are rated for 8 ohms. Nowhere could I find a 4 ohm rating for these products. The speakers your AU-719 was designed to be used with have sensitivity ratings ranging from 92db to 105db. Depending on the sensitivity rating of the speakers you are currently running and the gain in your source half volume could easily be full volume.
recordman34 OP
7 posts
 
I'm using the same set as I was with my other Sansui Amps, 8 Ohm speakers. I have not changed a thing, other than the amplifier.
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
I had a couple of those amps through out the years from horse trading and they do run a little on the hot side. They are biased more on the A side but they should not burn you. It is a high current design and should run most speakers from 3 to 16 ohms with no problem. Your amp needs to go to a technician for tune up and anything it may need. vinyl on dude.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Recordman

"I'm using the same set as I was with my other Sansui Amps, 8 Ohm speakers. I have not changed a thing, other than the amplifier."

Do they have a name on them? Check the back of the speaker. Sometimes there is a label with the brand and the model number.
More to discover