RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
At US$525, this sits above the typical used range I’d expect for a DA-P20, which shows examples around US$200 for a serviced unit and US$450 for a tested retail listing; that makes this asking price ambitious unless the condition is unusually strong or extras are included. If it’s truly clean, fully functional, and freshly serviced, it can still be justified for a collector-grade vintage preamp, but it is not a bargain at this number.
What makes it worth buying is the execution: the DA-P20 is a dual-mono preamp with MM/MC phono, separate left/right controls, and wide-band, low-distortion specs that still look serious on paper today. It’s a good pick if you want a distinctive vintage preamp with real phono capability and enough flexibility to anchor a classic system; just make sure the seller can document service, confirm all controls are quiet, and verify any included accessories, because those details matter more than cosmetics at this price.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Mitsubishi Electric, the Japanese powerhouse behind the Mitsubishi hi-fi brand, traces its audio heritage to the post-World War II era, with roots in the company's founding in 1921 as part of the broader Mitsubishi conglomerate. The brand's dedicated audio division gained prominence through its Diatone subsidiary, established post-1945 at the Ofuna factory, where engineers pioneered innovative loudspeakers from recycled materials amid Japan's reconstruction. This era marked Mitsubishi's entry into consumer audio, blending industrial precision with a commitment to sonic excellence.
The brand focused on complete hi-fi systems and standalone components, excelling in integrated setups like the 1984 Intelligent Audio System—a visionary ensemble featuring a digitally controlled LT-45P turntable, DP-45P CD player, DT-45P cassette deck, DA-R45P receiver, and SS-62P speakers, all unified by a pioneering infrared System Commander remote. Earlier efforts included Diatone speakers and radios, while the 1980s saw forays into digital audio with ProDigi reel-to-reel recorders and early CD technology, emphasizing turntables, cassette decks, receivers, and full-range loudspeakers over niche categories like headphones or cables.
Today, Mitsubishi occupies a niche vintage-collector space rather than an active high-end market contender. Revered by enthusiasts for its forward-thinking Japanese engineering and robust build—evident in the hefty, interdependent designs—the brand evokes 1980s innovation but remains obscure in modern lineups, appealing primarily to those chasing rare, integrated relics of analog-digital transition.
See all Mitsubishi listings on RADAR.
