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This is a very late-1960s/early-70s piece, so timing matters mainly because you’re buying a vintage reel-to-reel with real age on it rather than a modern substitute. At US$22, it’s a strong bargain versus the recent comparable market: well below the US$111 25th percentile and a long way under the US$200 median.
That makes it a worthwhile grab if it’s complete and not obviously abused. The TC-355 is a respected Sony deck from the company’s solid-state era, and even rough examples often have parts/value appeal at this level. At this price, the right way to think about it is as a restoration or project buy with upside, especially if it includes the original reels, cover, or manual; only worry if it’s missing major pieces or shows signs of severe mechanical damage.
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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