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This is a late-’80s Sony separate-system amp, so age matters more than “newness” here—but the asking price sits in the fair-to-good zone for the Australian used market. At around A$169, it’s not a steal, but it’s reasonable for a working LBT-V701 if it’s clean and fully functional; I’d call it a fair buy rather than a bargain.
What makes it worth considering is the classic Sony rack-era build: proper integrated amplification, phono input, and enough power to drive modest speakers with a smooth, lively sound. These are appealing if you want a compact vintage amp with system-matching appeal and Japan-made charm. At this age, the real upside is condition and test proofing, so confirm the controls are quiet, all inputs work, and there’s no channel imbalance or relay delay.
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.
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