From the moment you turn it on, the AU-D33 impresses with a warmth and clarity that many vintage amps only hint at. Sansui’s “Super Feedforward” design ensures that distortion is kept extremely low, so that instruments sound true, vocals have presence, and dynamics stay alive even at moderate volume. This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about enjoying the subtle detail in your music without fatigue.
Its layout and control set are user-friendly: tone controls that can be bypassed, independent tape monitoring, a protective relay so your speakers are safe, MM/MC phono stage so vinyl enthusiasts are covered. Physically, it feels sturdy, well-made, with metal parts and a clean design. Whether you’re building a vintage rig or want an amplifier that combines technical pedigree with real soul, the AU-D33 remains a standout choice.
Technical Description
Here’s a breakdown of what the AU-D33 offers, spec-wise:
| Specification | Detail |
| Model / Type | Sansui AU-D33 Integrated Stereo Amplifier |
| Production Period | Circa 1981-1984Â |
| Power Output | 2 × 50 W RMS into 8 Ω |
| Distortion (THD) | 0.004 % at rated power (into 8 ohms)Â |
| Frequency Response | Very broad: nearly flat through audio band; extends well beyond 20-kHz; spec says “Power bandwidth†up to ~300,000 Hz for some measurements (though practically your speakers and ears won’t go that high) |
| Input Sensitivities / Impedances | • Phono MC: ~250 µV / 100 Ω  • Phono MM: ~2.5 mV / 47 kΩ  • Tuner / Aux / Tape inputs: ~200 mV / 47 kΩ |
| Tone Controls | Bass ±10 dB at ~50 Hz; Treble ±10 dB at ~10 kHz |
| Loudness Compensation | +8 dB at 100 Hz, +5 dB at 10 kHz |
| Outputs & Other Controls | Two pairs of speaker outputs; headphone jack; tape monitor / dubbing; independent record selector (so you can choose which source is sent to tape outputs)Â |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratios | • Phono MC: ~65 dB  • Phono MM: ~84 dB  • Line inputs: ~105 dB |
| Physical Dimensions & Weight | Width: 430 mm × Height: 112 mm × Depth: 334 mm; Weight: ~7.3 kg |
| Power Consumption | Idle / typical: ~28 W; maximum/rated output consumption up to ~229 W (when driven to higher power)Â |
| Special Features | • Sansui’s Super Feedforward circuitry to reduce distortion dynamically.  • MM and MC phono stage built-in.  • Tone controls bypass (“Direct†or straight mode) • Loudness switch • Protection circuitry (speaker relay) to avoid pops/surges when powering on/off. • Two switched AC outlets (on rear) for other equipment in some versions.  |
