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This is a buyer’s market for the LBT-V701, and A$169 is fair to slightly soft rather than a standout bargain. Recent used asks I found cluster around about A$140–A$220 for comparable V701 amplifier listings, with one example at roughly A$146 and another around A$220, so this sits close to the middle of the pack rather than undercutting it decisively.
What makes it worth a look is the model itself: the V701 is a respected late-’80s Sony integrated amp with a solid, full-bodied presentation and useful vintage inputs including phono, so it suits a classic two-channel setup well. If it’s clean, fully working, and preferably includes proof of recent use, A$169 is a sensible buy; if it needs servicing or has noisy controls, I’d want more margin because age-related issues are the main thing to watch on these older Sony rack pieces.
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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