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Vintage Mid 70s Onkyo TX-4500 Quartz Locked am/fm Stereo Receiver. The item was recently serviced and cleaned + pots cleaned and the back lighting and dial panel fuse style bulbs were upgraded with modern soft white colored fused style led bulbs as well as the fuse underneath the panel. The radio tuner needle and fm light indicator need new lamp bulbs which are relatively inexpensive and easy to get. The balance knob slightly turns a little crooked when twisted. Everything else functions and operates as it should. While not as universally famous as Pioneer, Sansui, or Marantz, they are widely considered hidden gems in the vintage audio community and are highly sought-after. They feature excellent build quality, a warm sound, and robust tuners.The unit features a brushed metal faceplate, walnut grain vinyl cabinet, and backlit analog tuning meters.It delivers approximately 55 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with a frequency response of 15Hz to 30kHDimensions: 583 × 163 × 430 mm (23 × 6.4 × 16.9 inches)Weight: 16.6 kg (~ 36.5 lbs)Cabinet: Walnut grained vinyl over plywood.
At US$650, this Onkyo TX-4500 listing is ambitious compared to the typical used market, where working units average around US$500 and strong deals sit under US$400. While museum-quality restored 4500 MKIIs can command over US$600, the price here exceeds the median for standard working condition unless it includes original accessories or professional restoration. For a fellow enthusiast, US$650 is fair only if the unit is pristine; otherwise, it’s above the typical range.
The TX-4500 is a sought-between vintage receiver for its great sound, sleek 1977–78 aesthetics, and solid Japanese build quality. It delivers 55 watts per channel with low distortion, three speaker outputs, and useful bass/treble controls, making it a timeless stereo centerpiece. Its timing appeal lies in its rarity as a mid-tier Onkyo model that’s easier to find than the 6500 or 8500 but still offers premium performance. If the listing includes original lights, clean glass, and no tuner issues, this is a worthwhile buy for vintage lovers.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Onkyo traces its roots to postwar Japan, founded in 1946 in Osaka by Takeshi Goda, an engineer at Matsushita Electric who envisioned high-quality Japanese loudspeakers. Initially established as Osaka Denki Onkyo K.K., the company began production in 1948 with the acclaimed ED-100 speaker featuring a 25 cm driver, quickly building a reputation through LP concerts and innovative designs that resonated with audiophiles.
The brand excels in premium home audio, renowned for AV receivers, hi-fi amplifiers, and surround sound speakers that deliver exceptional clarity and power. Its portfolio spans turntables, DACs, headphones, and cables, bolstered by acquisitions like Pioneer's home electronics division in 2015, enabling cutting-edge integrations such as internet radio and high-resolution streaming.
Onkyo holds a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, prized by discerning buyers for reliable performance and value rather than ultra-high-end exotica. Despite bankruptcy challenges in the late 2010s, its revival under new ownership preserves a legacy of technological innovation and pure sound enjoyment, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and modern home cinema setups.
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