RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Beautiful vintage Sansui RA-500 Reverberation Amplifier, featuring Sansui’s distinctive multicolored illuminated display, brushed aluminum faceplate, and classic wood cabinet. The RA-500 is one of the most visually striking components from the golden age of Japanese hi-fi.This example has been professionally restored, operates perfectly, and is in exceptional cosmetic condition.Following its restoration, this RA-500 has been used regularly in my personal home stereo system for several months and has performed flawlessly. All functions operate as they should.The RA-500 adds adjustable reverberation to a stereo system, creating a greater sense of spaciousness and ambience. Its colorful illuminated display provides a captivating visual effect, making it a wonderful addition to a vintage audio system.PROFESSIONAL RESTORATIONThis RA-500 has undergone an extensive electronic restoration performed by a professional audio technician.Restoration included:● All transistors replaced● All capacitors replaced● All incandescent bulbs replaced● Controls cleanedOriginal incandescent illumination was retained rather than converting to LEDs, preserving the authentic Sansui appearance and warm vintage glowA photograph of the removed original components is included to document the extensive restoration.COSMETIC & OPERATING CONDITION● Exceptional cosmetic condition throughout● Beautiful wood cabinet● Excellent brushed aluminum faceplate and lettering● Clean, clear display window● Brilliant multicolored illuminated display● All controls, switches, and functions operating perfectly● All knobs, buttons, and trim present● Clean rear panel and connections● Extensively tested through several months of regular use in my home stereo systemFEATURES● Adjustable reverberation time● Distinctive multicolored illuminated display● Selectable reverberation modes● Dual tape deck connections and tape dubbing capabilities● Classic Sansui styling and constructionHISTORYManufactured circa October 1973, based on its serial number (513101234), this RA-500 represents the distinctive styling and engineering of early 1970s Sansui audio equipment.More than 50 years later, its illuminated display, classic appearance, and unique reverberation capabilities make it a fascinating addition to a vintage hi-fi collection.A beautifully preserved, professionally restored Sansui RA-500 that has been thoroughly enjoyed in my personal stereo system and is ready for its next owner.
This is a buyer’s market for the category: at US$499, the RA-500 sits above the US$378 median but well below the US$826 75th percentile across 526 comparable listings. That makes it a fair-to-good price rather than a bargain, with “fully restored” potentially justifying the premium if the work is documented.
The RA-500 is a charming, genuinely unusual 1970s Sansui component, adding adjustable analog spring reverb through a tape loop, with a distinctive illuminated indicator and useful control over reverb time. Its 1.9–3.2-second range and broad line-level connectivity make it more than a novelty for vintage systems or recording setups. At this price, confirm exactly what restoration included—especially the reverb tank, controls, lamps, capacitors, and RCA connections—and ask for a demonstration of both clean bypass and functioning reverb.
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.
