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Up for bid Legendary Sansui SR-4050C 2-Speed Belt-Drive Automatic Turntable in good working and cosmetic condition. Has new stylus and belt. Those marks on top of the dust cover aren't scratches, it's a protective film on top of new dust cover. Pickup is possible in 07746 area code. All functions been tested, including auto stop. Installed a new cartridge with stylus and new dust cover (still has protective plastic on top). It's been oiled recently. Specifications Type: 2-speed, direct belt drive turntable with auto lift/stop Platter: 12", 1.5kg, aluminum alloy die-cast Motor: 4-pole synchronous Speeds: 33 and 45rpm Signal to noise ratio: better than 45dB Wow and flutter: less than 0.06% Tonearm: static balanced, gimbals supported tubular arm with anti-skating device, lateral balancer and direct readout tracking force weight Effective length: 230mm Overhang: 15mm Tracking error: less than +-1.5 degree Cartridge: induced magnet type Frequency response: 20 to 20,000Hz Output: 5mV Crosstalk: better than 25dB Optimum tracking force: 2.0g Stylus: 0.5 mil diamond Load resistance: 50k ohms Dimensions: 198 x 505 x 370mm Weight: 12kg
Are you getting a properly working, complete example? At USD179, this looks like a strong deal rather than merely fair: observed listings range from about USD70 for an as-is example to several hundred dollars for serviced or unusually clean units. The price leaves room for a belt, setup, or cartridge refresh without becoming excessive.
The SR-4050C is a well-made early-1970s Sansui belt-drive deck with a substantial wooden plinth, acrylic cover, 33/45 speeds, and automatic lift/shutoff. It is a sensible, enjoyable vintage table rather than a prestige model, but its solid construction and relatively uncommon status give it real appeal. Confirm that speed is steady, the arm lift and shutoff work, the cueing damper has not leaked, and the dust cover and cartridge are included; if those basics check out, USD179 is a very attractive buy.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sansui, a pioneering Japanese audio brand, traces its origins to 1947 when it was founded in Tokyo by brothers Sakurai and Shunichi Yamamoto. Emerging from post-war Japan, the company quickly established itself as an innovator in consumer electronics, leveraging precision engineering to craft components that rivaled Western counterparts. Its heritage is rooted in the golden era of hi-fi, where Sansui's commitment to sonic purity helped define Japan's rise as a global audio powerhouse.
The brand excelled in a broad spectrum of hi-fi categories, with particular renown for its integrated amplifiers, receivers, and tuners that delivered warm, dynamic sound. Sansui also produced acclaimed speakers, turntables, cassette decks, and later digital converters, emphasizing robust build quality and innovative features like direct-coupled circuitry for low distortion. These products catered to audiophiles seeking balanced performance across analog and early digital domains.
Today, Sansui holds a cherished position in the vintage collector market, revered for its mid-to-high-end gear from the 1970s and 1980s—icons like the AU-series amps remain sought after for their musicality and reliability. While no longer a frontline manufacturer, its legacy endures among discerning buyers restoring classics or hunting timeless performers, blending nostalgia with enduring value.
See all Sansui listings on RADAR.
