Sansui TU-719 Quartz Locked AM/FM Stereo Tuner


Image attribution: Sansui brochure scan

The Sansui TU-719 replaced the very popular TU-717 in early 1979. It was second from top of the range (behind the superb TU-919). It is an aesthetically pleasing design with a style that is uniquely classic Sansui. It was available only in matte black and came with detchable rack-mount handles like the TU-417/517/519/717/919, etc. It is similar in appearance to it's predecessor, but unlike the 717 sports a fluorescent (not LED!) digital display giving tuned fequency, center-tune indication and signal strength. It also features a quartz referenced servo lock system to prevent drift (but still uses a 4 gang variable capacitor for tuning). I personally prefer the moving coil meters of the TU-717 to the digital display of the 719. The Quartz lock works well but I am not convinced that it is necessary as the TU-717 never suffered from drift anyway. Remember, though, that this was 1979 and quartz-locked everything was all the rage :-).


Image attribution: Classichifi.info

The TU-719 is rarer than the TU-717 but used prices tend to be broadly similar. The TU-719 is a very good tuner but in my opinion it does not sound quite as good as the TU-517 or 717 (the 517 and 717 are essentially the same tuner). Technically, the TU-719 is more sophisticated than it's cheaper brother, the TU-519. Therefore the 519 is NOT a 719 on the cheap.

Wavebands FM, AM (Medium Wave only)
Number of FM gangs 4
Number of AM gangs 2
Center Tune Indication? Yes, Fluorescent display
Signal Strength Meter? Yes, Fluorescent display
Digital Frequency Readout? Yes, Fluorescent display
Switchable MPX filter Yes
FM IF Band Switch Yes
Illuminated analogue tuning dial Yes
Flywheel assisted tuning knob Yes
FM stereo 50dB quietening sensitivity 35 dBf
Ultimate Stereo S/N Ratio 78 dB
FM capture ratio 1.0
Width x Height x Depth (cm) 43.0 x 16.8 x 40.2
Weight (Kg) 9.0 (without rack handles)
When manufactured 1979 to 1980
UK new price £270 approx. (in 1979)
eBay price guide (full working order and in good condition) £90 - £185
ClassicHiFi.info Rating
Rarity


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