RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
US$399 is ambitious versus the recent comps: it sits above the US$425 75th percentile only slightly? No — it’s actually below that, but still well above the US$249 median and far above the US$169 25th percentile, so this is a top-end asking price rather than a bargain.
That said, for a clean vintage Lafayette amp-mixer, the appeal is in the unusual format and period-correct charm: these can be fun, feature-rich pieces for someone who wants a compact all-in-one amp with character. At US$399, I’d want strong evidence of condition, originality, and proper operation — especially quiet controls, healthy channels, and no sign of prior repair hacks. If it’s truly serviced and tidy, it can still make sense for the right buyer; if not, the premium is hard to justify.
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.
See all Lafayette listings on RADAR.
