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This is a classic Sony integrated, but at US$404 the asking price is well above the recent used market we’re seeing for similar listings. With a median of US$80 and a 75th percentile of US$107, this is clearly an ambitious ask unless this particular unit is unusually special, recently serviced, or exceptionally complete.
The upside is that these older Sony integrateds can sound clean, stout, and very listenable, with enough vintage charm to appeal to collectors and system tinkerers. If the seller can document a full service, original knobs/caps, or pristine cosmetic condition, that helps. Otherwise, at this level I’d want strong proof of health, because the premium is hard to justify against the broader market.
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.
