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This is a Sony CDP-101, a piece of audio history, and the first commercially available CD player. It is from the 1980's. The build quality is far beyond any unit produced since, it has primarily metal internal parts, with a massive rear transformer (see images). This unit powers up, but the CD drawer does not open. The rear of the unit is bent near the transformer. It has been in storage for many years, and will require someone with patience and knowledge to bring it back to life. The unit is sold as-is.Please note, and this is important. This unit lived in a studio where the owner was a pipe smoker. The unit has a definite odor. You will need to deodorize and air out this unit. Please do not purchase this unit if you can't deal with this reality.This unit weighs 18 pounds, so shipping is expensive as a result.We ship once weekly, so it might be a few days before you receive notification.
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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.
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