Expired
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The US$230 asking price for this Heathkit amplifier is a solid fair deal, sitting comfortably between the US$131 25th percentile and the US$345 median of the recent used market. It is not a bargain below the 25th percentile, but it is certainly not ambitious, as it remains well below the US$791 75th percentile. This price reflects a realistic valuation for a working unit in this vintage line.
This model is well-regarded for its rock-solid construction, large capacitors, and dual VU meters that provide visual feedback on audio levels. Early versions deliver 60W per channel, while later specs were revised to 70W without circuit changes, offering meaningful power for vintage hi-fi setups. The listing’s clean presentation and the model’s reputation for reliability make this a worthwhile buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking dependable analog amplification at a fair price.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Heathkit traces its origins to 1911 in the United States, when Edward Bayard Heath founded an aircraft company in Chicago after acquiring the Bates Aeroplane Co. Renamed E.B. Heath Aerial Vehicle Co., it pioneered kit-built planes like the 1926 Heath Parasol. Following Heath's death in a 1931 test flight, Howard Anthony acquired the bankrupt firm in 1935, shifting focus to aircraft accessories in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Post-World War II, Anthony pivoted to electronics in 1947 with surplus parts, launching the iconic O-1 oscilloscope kit for $50—a bestseller that birthed the Heathkit brand and its DIY ethos.
In hi-fi audio, Heathkit earned acclaim for tunable amplifiers, integrated receivers, preamplifiers, tuners, and speaker systems, all sold as meticulous assembly kits from the 1950s through the 1970s. Standouts included the AA-151 and A-7E power amps, known for their robust tube and solid-state designs, alongside full stereo systems like the AR-15 receiver. The brand expanded into test gear and amateur radio but prioritized high-fidelity components for home enthusiasts.
Heathkit occupied a mid-tier market niche, delivering exceptional value through user-assembled kits that rivaled factory-built rivals at half the cost. Prized for reliability, customization, and warm sound signatures, these vintage pieces command collector status today among audiophiles restoring "kit-built" icons. Though production ceased in the 1980s after Zenith's acquisition, Heathkit's legacy endures as a cornerstone of DIY hi-fi heritage.
See all Heathkit listings on RADAR.
