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This is a fair ask, a bit on the strong side but not out of line for a clean, working example. Against your recent comparable set, US$450 sits above the US$425 75th percentile, so it’s priced at the top end of the market rather than as a bargain; I’d want it to justify that with especially good cosmetics, originality, or recent servicing.
That said, it’s a well-liked little tube stereo amp type when healthy: the appeal is the warm, easygoing presentation and the fact that a fully functional unit saves you the usual repair gamble. If the photos are honest and the seller can confirm quiet operation, stable bias, and no hum or scratchy controls, it can still be a worthwhile buy for someone who wants to listen now rather than restore later.
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.
