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*US* BUYERS IGNORE MESSAGE ABOVE SAYING THERE IS TARIFFS FOR THE BUYER THAT IS NOT TRUE! I PREPAY ALL US BUYER TARIFFS NO TARIFFS FOR YOU TO PAY, YOU PAY IS ONLY AT CHECKOUT NO HIDDEN FEES* Immerse yourself in the rich, authentic audio experience of the Toshiba SA-500, a 2-channel stereo receiver that stands as a testament to classic design and enduring quality. Crafted in Japan, this piece of audio history is a sought-after item for enthusiasts who value the warmth and precision of vintage electronics.The SA-500 model, from the revered brand Toshiba, offers a straightforward and intuitive user interface that belies its advanced capabilities. Its robust construction and meticulous testing ensure that you'll enjoy years of reliable service, making it a valuable addition to any vintage audio collection.
The Toshiba SA-500 is a handsome, relatively uncommon early-’70s receiver, but USD 224 is ambitious rather than a bargain. Available market evidence places an ordinary example around USD 129 before shipping, while fully serviced, exceptional examples can command more; without proof of restoration, the asking price sits above the sensible norm.
Its appeal is real: roughly 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms, a strong phono stage, capable FM tuner, and unusually useful separable preamp and power-amp sections. It has the substantial, cleanly engineered character vintage Toshiba fans appreciate, and a good cosmetic example can be rewarding with efficient speakers. At USD 224, insist on demonstrated operation of both channels, tuner, phono, controls, and the pre/main links; a serviced unit with clean internals and original wood case could justify the premium, but an untested example should be negotiated down.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Toshiba traces its roots to 1875 in Japan, emerging from the innovative legacy of Hisashige Tanaka, the "Thomas Edison of Asia," whose Tanaka Engineering Works laid early groundwork in precision mechanics. The modern company formed in 1939 through the merger of Shibaura Seisakusho—Japan's pioneer in telegraph equipment—and Tokyo Denki, the nation's first incandescent lamp maker. Renamed Toshiba Corporation in 1978, it built a storied heritage in consumer electronics, blending industrial prowess with entertainment tech during Japan's postwar boom.
In hi-fi audio, Toshiba excelled in a broad array of categories, from full-size separates like amplifiers and tuners to turntables such as the high-end SR-510, quadrophonic systems, and top-tier record players. Pioneering innovations included the world's first digital synthesizer tuner (ST-910, 1978), the ADRES noise reduction system, and transistor televisions. Under the premium Aurex sub-brand launched in the late 1970s, it offered elite components detached from mainstream associations, later evolving into compact micro systems and, remarkably, a 2018 revival with high-res cassette players.
Toshiba holds a revered vintage-collector status among hi-fi enthusiasts, embodying the golden age of Japanese audio with technical masterpieces that rivaled Sony and Pioneer. No longer a major player in consumer hi-fi—having shifted to energy and infrastructure by the 2020s—its gear remains prized for build quality, innovation, and that elusive 1970s-80s analog warmth, appealing to savvy buyers hunting rare, high-fidelity treasures.
See all Toshiba listings on RADAR.
