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Tested and Working. This item was pulled from a working environment. Please look at all photos before purchasing, only what is included in the pictures is included in the sale. Will ship same day purchased in a professionally packaged box. (L)S12W
The Sony TA-1700 is a compact, low-noise 1975 solid-state amplifier known for its exceptional 0.2% distortion and wide 60kHz frequency response, making it a quiet, precise choice for bookshelf systems. At US$259, this asking price is a strong bargain, sitting well below the typical used market range of US$300 to US$450 for this model in good condition.
This listing represents a genuine buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a reliable, original-era integrated amp with front-panel headphone and Aux2 inputs, plus robust rear connectivity for multiple sources and tape loops. Its 15W RMS output per channel is ideal for sensitive vintage speakers, and the clean design pairs well with mid-century aesthetics. With no noted failure points or missing accessories mentioned, and a price that reflects a fair deal for a well-loved unit, this is a smart purchase for a first vintage amplifier or a quiet desktop system.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sony emerged from the ruins of post-World War II Japan, founded on May 7, 1946, by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. Starting with radio repairs and Japan's first magnetic tape recorder, the duo secured transistor licensing from Bell Labs, pioneering the TR-55 transistor radio in 1955. Renamed Sony Corporation in 1958—from the Latin "sonus" for sound—the brand symbolized Japan's ascent from cheap imitations to innovative leadership, fueled by Ibuka's engineering prowess and Morita's global marketing vision.
Sony's hi-fi legacy spans headphones, amplifiers, speakers, turntables, and DACs, alongside landmark formats like the Compact Disc in 1982 and Blu-ray. Iconic products include the Walkman for portable audio revolution and Trinitron televisions, blending consumer accessibility with cutting-edge tech. Today, offerings like the Signature Series headphones and ES amplifiers target discerning listeners seeking refined soundstaging and dynamic range.
Positioned as a mid-to-high-end powerhouse, Sony commands respect among knowledgeable buyers for blending mass-market reliability with premium performance, outpacing many pure audiophile brands in innovation and value. Far from vintage relic or niche boutique, it dominates with forward-thinking engineering, holding strong market share in headphones and streaming ecosystems.
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