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I bought a 217II because I could not afford an A&R A60 and it was excellent. After a couple of years I went back to buy an A60 and did an A+B comparison. I was surprised to find the Sansui outperformed the A60 in almost every respect (A60 had slightly more extended bass) and I did not change the amp, but used it for about four more years, only giving it up for an Arcam Delta 110/120 pre/power set up.
The 217II has a very 'British' sound being open and clean in the mid-range with powerful controlled bass and a smooth ethereal HF. The most convincing aspect is the amps ability to portray timing in a clean distinct way with perfect transients as if there is more damping than the specification suggests. It can drive complex loads such as the Kef 104AB and Spender BC1 quite well although it runs out of power on heavy rock.
Build quality is excellent with solid metal face plate, knobs and buttons. Overall I was very pleased with the amp which was faultless and still working fine 30 years later.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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