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Fine example of the top Esprit preamplifier, 240V version. Outstanding build quality, beautifully milled control knobs. Very quiet in operation. High quality internal phono stage includes adjustable loading, probably derived from the HA55 head-amp but with more switchable flexibility. Owned by a friend from new and in excellent condition (only small scratch on top plate rear, see pics). No original box but will be carefully packed or crated at extra cost. Collection in person welcome. Tested and working fine, no noise from any pots. Rare to find in this condition and working. Includes ori... read more
A niche adapter-style listing, so the value really comes down to usefulness and condition rather than broad collector appeal. At £2,495, it’s clearly ambitious versus the local used market: well above the £2,070 75th percentile and far over the £1,616 median, so I’d only entertain it if this is a hard-to-find or unusually complete example.
The upside here is straightforward if you specifically need a Sony 240v to Other solution in excellent condition: these practical pieces can be annoying to source later, and a clean one should be ready to go without drama. But at this price I’d want to verify exactly what it does, whether all original parts are included, and that there’s no hidden wear or wiring compromise; otherwise, it reads more like a premium ask than a natural buy.
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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