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Powers up and plays but with much distortion,needs rebuilding and restoring.Imputs mag phono,cer stall,tuner,aux,tape out.Speaker taps 8 and 16 ohms plus com.Tube compliment consist of 12ax7 times 2,RCA 6GH8A with adapters times 2 to replace the hard to obtain 7199’s,EL 84 times 4.
Against today’s new-gear market, this sits in the “vintage-piece premium” zone, but against your recent used comps it looks fairly priced at US$295 versus a median US$249 and a US$399 upper quartile. It is above the middle of the pack, but not so far up that it reads as a stretch if the cosmetic and functional condition is genuinely clean.
That makes it interesting for a buyer who wants a classic integrated from a respected era rather than the cheapest possible entry. The upside is in the build, the straightforward two-channel charm, and the appeal of an unrestored unit that hasn’t been heavily modified; if it’s complete and operating quietly, it could be a satisfying grab. I’d still want proof of basic health—switches, pots, hum, and channel balance—but at this level those checks are sensible diligence, not red flags.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Lafayette Radio Electronics stands as a pivotal figure in American audio retail history. Founded in 1931 as the branded division of Wholesale Radio Service Company—itself established in the early 1920s by Abraham Pletman in New York City—Lafayette evolved from a supplier of radio components for hobbyists into a comprehensive electronics retailer. Headquartered in Syosset, New York, the company operated until 1981, serving as an introduction to high-fidelity systems for generations of American consumers through both mail-order catalogs and company-owned retail locations.
Lafayette's product portfolio reflected its role as a democratizing force in audio. Beyond amateur radio equipment and citizen's band radios, the company embraced emerging formats with characteristic agility—from open-reel tape recorders to 8-track cartridges, compact cassettes, and notably, quadraphonic systems during the mid-1970s. Lafayette marketed its own branded components under the Lafayette and Criterion labels, sourcing heavily from Japanese manufacturers. Their retail stores featured dedicated sound rooms where customers could audition complete systems, a significant advantage in an era when hands-on experience was rare outside major urban centers.
Lafayette occupied the accessible mid-market tier rather than the high-end segment. The company's reputation rested on affordability, quality, and comprehensive selection—offering equipment from established manufacturers like Stromberg-Carlson, University, and Bogen alongside house brands. Their detailed catalogs and willingness to stock components unavailable through local dealers made them indispensable to serious enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. Today, Lafayette represents a nostalgic touchstone for vintage audio collectors and a testament to mail-order retail's influence on consumer electronics culture.
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