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At US$135, this sits above the typical used market for the model: your database puts the median at US$67, with the 75th percentile at US$112, so this is an ambitious ask rather than a fair-value buy. It’s not wildly out of line if the unit is exceptionally clean or serviced, but on price alone it’s asking premium money for a mid-pack listing.
That said, this is the kind of Sony integrated amp that can still be a worthwhile pickup if you want a straightforward vintage two-channel amp with a sensible layout and Sony’s generally solid build from this era. The upside is in finding one that’s complete, quiet, and unmolested; if the cosmetics are strong and it’s been kept original, that can justify paying up a bit. At US$135, I’d want confidence on function, switches, pots, and channel balance before jumping in.
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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