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Seller's Description

Specifications:

Tuning range: FM, MW

Power output: 100 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Surround output: 100W (front), 100W (center), 100W (rear)

Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.09%

Input sensitivity: 1.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (MM), 82dB (line)

Output: 150mV (line), 2V (Pre out)

Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω

Video Connections: composite

Dimensions: 430 x 157.5 x 370mm

Weight: 9.1kg

Accessories: remote control

Year: 1998

Repair:

Cleaned and Serviced 

DN2-110125

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

The asking price of US$299 for the Sony STR-DE525 sits at the ambitious end of the typical used market, which generally ranges from US$75 to US$150 for this receiver in functional condition. While a similar unit is listed new-in-refurbished condition at US$299 by a specialty dealer, the open-market average for a working vintage receiver is well below this figure, making US$299 a steep ask unless the unit is in pristine, original-owner condition with rare accessories.

Despite the high price, the STR-DE525 remains a worthwhile buy for enthusiasts seeking a robust, 100-watt-per-channel stereo receiver with a dedicated phono input and impedance selector for 4-ohm or 8-ohm speakers. Its reputation stems from reliable performance, low distortion (0.09% THD), and genuine vintage hi-fi value that pairs well with turntables and reel-to-reel decks. If the listing includes original cables, manuals, or demonstrates flawless operation, it could justify the premium as a rare, clean find; otherwise, it risks being overpriced compared to the broader market.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Sony

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.

See all Sony listings on RADAR.

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