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US buyers: All new US import/customs tariffs are covered — the price you see is all you pay!Sony CFD‑S38 CD Cassette AM/FM Radio Boombox Portable Stereo Tested WorksThis player has a decent sound quality.CD- WORKSRADIO- WORKS CASSETTE PLAYER - WORKS BUT MIGHT NEED AN OVERHAUL100V
The CFD-S38 is a decent late-era Sony boombox-tuner, but US$280 is well above the typical used market for this model. Recent sold/listed examples cluster more around roughly US$40–US$125, with even higher asks generally tied to nicer cosmetic condition or tested-working listings, so this one reads ambitious unless it includes extras or truly exceptional condition.
What makes it worth considering is the Sony name, the all-in-one CD/tape/radio utility, and the fact that these are still handy for casual listening or bench use. If it’s clean, fully working, and comes with the original remote, antenna, or paperwork, that adds real value; otherwise, I’d want a much lower price because age-related cassette and laser issues can be costly relative to the deck’s market value.
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.
See all Sony listings on RADAR.
