Join me again as we examine another classic baby amplifier and true baby, the Sansui AU-101 integrated amp.

Welcome back, everyone. So that I don’t bore many of you to death, I’m going to cap it at four baby amplifiers articles for now, with more to come as inspiration and energy allow. What better subject for article number four, though, than one of the most classic and archetypal baby amplifiers, the diminutive Sansui AU-101!

Background

For a baby amplifier primer, have a read of my first article on the Kenwood KA-4002A. It’s clear that with a power output of just 15 Watts per channel and a diminutive mass of 5.9kg, the Sansui AU-101 integrated is a true baby amplifier.

Sansui made a few baby amplifier models, and some receivers like the Sansui 661 I’ve mentioned, and one of the last of the baby amplifier legends was the classic Sansui AU-117, baby brother of the Sansui AU-317, my test amplifier and one you’ve probably seen on my bench.

Back in the 1970s, there were a ton of baby amplifiers around because hi-fi systems were a little different, use-cases were often less demanding, and speakers were often more sensitive, by virtue of high magnetic flux motors utilising AlNiCo, for example. Why did they stop using AlNiCo? Ferrite is far cheaper, but definitely not as good.

Amplifiers like the AU-101 sold like hotcakes, and the incredible thing is, there are still a ton of them around. Why? Because they were well-made, reliable and sounded great. They still do! Here’s another super-baby amplifier you might not have seen before, the beautiful Pioneer SA-5300:

Sansui AU-101 Features

It’s worth noting that the Sansui AU-101 is part of the series that features the much-loved Sansui AU-555A, another baby with a slightly greater 25 Watts per channel. The AU-101 outputs just 15 Watts per channel and being the actual baby of the range, she is pretty basic, as you can see from the front panel.

The AU-101 still features all metal and wood construction, but just three inputs courtesy of the rotary switch, with a fourth switchable tape input below it. There is the mandatory ’70s microphone input, plus a headphone jack, of course. Beyond that, there are tone and balance controls, a loudness switch, and that’s it.

The phono input is discrete and sounds great, as one would expect of a good vintage amplifier. You are limited to moving magnet cartridges, though, in keeping with where this amplifier is positioned in the market. The only thing to note is that these older phono stages can be a bit noisy, but this can be improved if desired. This is not a high-end integrated. It’s best to appreciate it for what it is.

What you do get with the AU-101 and most other period amplifiers, though, is discrete component construction, shielded sections, super-easy servability, no repair show-stoppers even 50 years on and simple, reliable construction that stands the test of time.

Sansui AU-101 Specifications

Courtesy of HiFi Engine

Power output: 15 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 20Hz to 60kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.8%

Input sensitivity: 4mV (mic), 3mV (MM), 200mV (DIN), 200mV (line)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 65dB (MM), 75dB (line)

Channel separation: 45dB (MM), 45dB (line)

Output: 200mV (line), 30mV (DIN)

Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω

Semiconductors: 18 x transistors, 4 x diodes

Dimensions: 407 x 115 x 278mm

Weight: 5.9kg

Year: 1973

Service

This Sansui AU-101 came to me via a lovely new customer, Michael, in 2023. Michael brought me four Sansui amplifiers in a row to repair and service for him, plus some other stuff, all completed in about a week, as I recall.

The amplifiers included the ‘Suntanned’ AU-317 I wrote about, which had been given up on and referred to me thanks to its very unhappy previous owner. I meant to write about that whole series of amplifiers back then, but as so often happens, my time and energy ran out. At least I’m writing about the AU-101 now!

Checking back over the invoice for this unit (I have all my customer invoices dating back to 2009!), this AU-101 needed light service work, cleaning and adjustment, typical of pieces like this that have not been abused or recapped and damaged in the process.

Results

Another simple winner with nothing else required in terms of explanations. This Sansui AU-101 ran better, sounded warmer and smoother and operates flawlessly now for her owner. Actually, I don’t know if Michael still has this beauty, as this job was three years ago now, but I hope he does. Hi Michael, if you are reading this!

I think my sentiments about each of the four baby amplifiers weve looked at so far are the same. Each of these models is reliable, sounds great and can be passed on through the generations. Assuming people are still listening to music in 50 years and appreciate the virtues of vintage equipment, there’s no reason amplifiers like this Sansui AU-101 won’t be powering those little systems!

Thanks!

As always, thank you for visiting and supporting my very small Perth-based business. The goal is always to showcase the best hi-fi equipment and technical care. If you enjoy these articles, please consider liking, sharing and subscribing for updates by email.

Naturally, if you’d like me to care for your Sansui AU-101 or any other lovely baby amplifier, you need only get in touch via our contact page. I am fully booked at present, but I always endeavour to take care of customers who don’t mind waiting a little bit!