Brand: Sansui
The Sansui AU-8500 is a high-end audio receiver introduced by the Japanese electronics manufacturer Sansui in the early 1980s. It was part of the company's iconic "AU" series, which spanned from 1978 to 1985 and included some of the most sought-after and technically advanced components back in the day. The AU-8500 was considered a top-of-the-line model within the series, featuring a full complement of premium features, including nine line-level inputs (three of them phono), tape monitor outputs, and balanced XLR audio outputs. It also sported advanced signal processing technologies, such as Sansui's proprietary "50Hz Linear Drive" phono preamp and a "Super BTL" output section designed to deliver low distortion and high accuracy even at high power levels. In terms of design, the AU-8500 was a typical example of the "giant component" trend favored by audiophiles of the time. It had a massive, high-torque turntable, heavy-duty transformers, and oversized capacitors that contributed to its superb sonic qualities. Overall, the Sansui AU-8500 was a benchmark product for high-end audio equipment and a prime example of the brand's engineering skills and refined design aesthetics. It is still fondly remembered by audio enthusiasts today, and vintage pieces often fetch significantly high prices at auction.