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Lafayette Criterion 20A 1970s models is a vintage, compact 2-way bookshelf speaker featuring an 8-inch woofer and a small cone-type tweeter. These speakers were designed as part of the affordable, high-compliance series, typical of 1960s/70s Japanese-made imports sold by Lafayette. Way Acoustic Suspension Bookshelf Speaker (sealed enclosure).Woofer: 8-inch high compliance woofer with rolled edge suspensionTweeter: a 2.5-inch or similar cone-type tweeter.Impedance: 8 ohms.Power Handling: Generally rated around 20–25 watts maximumFully tested in very good condition one speaker has small damage (see picture) comes with speaker wire
This USD125 ask on the Lafayette Criterion 20A is a solid bargain against our recent comps, where the median lands at USD162 (25th percentile USD144, 75th USD181). For a 1970s compact 2-way bookshelf from that era, you're well under the typical used range, assuming decent shape—snag it quick if the photos check out.
Buyers, verify the woofers and surrounds first; these vintage drivers often crack or foam-rot after 50 years, killing bass response. Test for cabinet buzz or rattles at volume, and confirm original grilles and crossovers are intact—no aftermarket hacks. Cone flutter means pass.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Lafayette Radio Electronics stands as a pivotal figure in American audio retail history. Founded in 1931 as the branded division of Wholesale Radio Service Company—itself established in the early 1920s by Abraham Pletman in New York City—Lafayette evolved from a supplier of radio components for hobbyists into a comprehensive electronics retailer. Headquartered in Syosset, New York, the company operated until 1981, serving as an introduction to high-fidelity systems for generations of American consumers through both mail-order catalogs and company-owned retail locations.
Lafayette's product portfolio reflected its role as a democratizing force in audio. Beyond amateur radio equipment and citizen's band radios, the company embraced emerging formats with characteristic agility—from open-reel tape recorders to 8-track cartridges, compact cassettes, and notably, quadraphonic systems during the mid-1970s. Lafayette marketed its own branded components under the Lafayette and Criterion labels, sourcing heavily from Japanese manufacturers. Their retail stores featured dedicated sound rooms where customers could audition complete systems, a significant advantage in an era when hands-on experience was rare outside major urban centers.
Lafayette occupied the accessible mid-market tier rather than the high-end segment. The company's reputation rested on affordability, quality, and comprehensive selection—offering equipment from established manufacturers like Stromberg-Carlson, University, and Bogen alongside house brands. Their detailed catalogs and willingness to stock components unavailable through local dealers made them indispensable to serious enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. Today, Lafayette represents a nostalgic touchstone for vintage audio collectors and a testament to mail-order retail's influence on consumer electronics culture.
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