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PREOWNED – FULLY TESTED – WORKS WELL – INCLUDES ORIGINAL BOX/PACKING, DUST COVER, MAT, INFINITY BLACK WIDOW TONEARM
The Sony PS-2251LA (circa 1970s) is a flagship, heavy-duty direct-drive turntable highly prized by vintage audio enthusiasts for its robust die-cast aluminum platter, exceptional speed stability, and beautiful real walnut plinth.
Key Specifications & Features
• Drive Type: Direct-drive (AC servo controlled motor)
• Platter: 310mm, 1.5kg die-cast aluminum
• Speeds: 33 and 45 RPM
• Wow and Flutter: 0.04%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 58dB
At US$985, this Sony PS-2251LA is aggressively overpriced compared to the typical used market, where the median sits at US$117 and even the 75th percentile only reaches US$233 based on 1,564 recent comparable listings. This asking price is more than four times the 75th percentile and nearly nine times the median, making it a clear outlier that ignores established market reality for this vintage direct-drive unit.
The PS-2251LA is a respected entry-level direct-drive turntable featuring a real-walnut plinth that offers solid stability and authentic vintage aesthetics, but it never commanded premium pricing even when new. Unless this listing includes rare original accessories, is in pristine original-owner condition with a verified belt and motor, or is an exceptionally rare variant, there is no justification for paying near US$1,000 when fair value lands between US$63 and US$233. This is not a buying opportunity; it is a price that demands a serious rethink.
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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