Prologue: This mint condition Sansui AU-888 (JDM / Japan Domestic Market model at 100V) has been carefully restored in Japan by takumi craftsmen—former Sansui technicians who understand not only how the amplifier works, but why it was made this way. Each component is examined, adjusted, and returned to harmony, preserving the original voice and balance envisioned by Sansui. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is excessive.
The original wooden cabinet has also been carefully repaired, refinished, and repainted in-house by hand here at VintageJapanHiFi, respecting the grain, the weight, and the passage of time. This entire restoration work takes two to three months, allowing the amplifier to settle naturally, as it should. What remains is not merely an amplifier, but a piece of Japanese monozukuri—quiet, enduring, and made to be lived with.
It will reward its owner with many unhurried hours of listening, where music is allowed to breathe.
Background: The Sansui AU-888 just sits just below the AU-999 in Sansui’s early-’70s lineup and shares much of its circuit philosophy. Rated at ≈45W per channel into 8Ω, it delivers the warm-but-articulate Sansui house sound prized for jazz, soul, and classic rock listening. Inside, Sansui used a dual-differential, direct-coupled power amp with ± dual rails and complementary Darlington outputs, aiming for low distortion, strong damping, and clean bass control—hallmarks that helped this series earn its reputation among collectors.
The preamp section favours low-noise PNP silicon transistors, with thoughtful parts selection (limited coupling caps, Mylar bypassing) to preserve high-frequency clarity. Day-to-day usability is excellent thanks to A/B/C speaker switching, flexible tone contouring, and multiple phono/line inputs.
Renowned for its robust build and warm, dynamic sound signature, the AU-888 remains a favourite among vintage audio enthusiasts seeking reliable and high-quality analog performance.
Sansui AU-888
Inside, the AU-888 features a dual differential, direct-coupled amplifier design with complementary Darlington outputs, giving it excellent control, low distortion, and tight bass. The preamp section uses low-noise PNP silicon transistors, while Sansui’s careful parts selection—minimal coupling capacitors, Mylar bypass caps—preserves high-frequency clarity and natural tonal balance.
One of the AU-888’s highlights is its Triple Tone Control (Bass, Mid, Treble) with selectable midrange frequencies, plus loudness compensation and high/low filters for flexible listening. It also allows independent preamp and power amp use, making it versatile for more advanced system setups.
Built with 41 transistors, 12 diodes, and 2 SCRs, and weighing a solid 12.6kg, the AU-888 reflects Sansui’s dedication to reliability and craftsmanship. Collectors and audiophiles consistently praise it for its musical midrange, smooth highs, and engaging presentation—a slightly lower-powered but equally refined sibling to the legendary AU-999.
The key design features of the Sansui AU-888 include:
- 2-Stage Differential Amplifier & Direct Coupling: The main amplifier uses a sophisticated dual differential-amplifier circuit, coupled directly (without capacitors) and featuring a complementary Darlington circuit system. This design ensures consistent output, stable damping, and reduced distortion across the entire audio range, especially at low frequencies.
- Triple Tone Control (TTC): Separate Bass, Midrange, and Treble controls for highly precise sound tailoring, along with selectable midrange frequencies for flexible tone shaping.
- High-Quality Components: Extensive use of low-noise PNP silicon transistors in the preamp, direct-coupled circuits, and Mylar capacitors for improved frequency response and reduced noise.
- Modular Pre/Main Sections: The preamplifier and main amplifier can be separated for use in expanding or customizing your audio system, such as bi-amping or servicing.
- Protective Features: Advanced protection circuits with speaker relay and multiple fast-acting fuses keep both the amplifier and your speakers safe from damage due to electrical faults.
- Versatile Input/Output: Multiple phono, microphone, tuner, auxiliary, tape, and headphone inputs, with robust speaker switching options (supports three parallel speaker pairs).
- Filters & Convenience: Includes high/low frequency filters, loudness switch, muting switch, and headphone jack for flexible operation