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The US$300 asking price is ambitious, sitting well above the US$240 75th percentile and the US$179 median from your own database of three recent comparable listings. While external market chatter suggests values around US$250 and listings as low as US$150, this specific ask exceeds the upper bound of the typical used range for this vintage integrated amplifier.
The Proton AM-455 remains a well-regarded 1990s unit for its 50 WPC output, small form factor, and surprisingly great sound with low distortion (0.02%). It offers meaningful upside for buyers seeking a compact, reliable driver for moderate speaker loads, provided it is in original-owner condition with all accessories intact. At US$300, however, the buyer should verify the condition rigorously; if the unit is pristine with original remote or box, the price might hold, but otherwise, it represents a premium over fair market value.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Proton Electronic Industrial Co., Ltd. emerged from Taiwan in 1981, establishing its base in Banciao, Taipei-Hsien, as a manufacturer targeting the U.S. consumer audio market with high-quality components. Linked to Fulet Electrical, which produced notable NAD amplifiers, the brand launched around 1984 to expand into consumer electronics, including acclaimed TV monitors like the 600M and 602M models. By 2009, it remained active, building on a heritage of precision engineering from shared facilities with brands like NAD and Dynaco.
The company focused on premium hi-fi gear optimized for real-world performance, emphasizing tuners, receivers, amplifiers, and integrated systems that drove everyday loudspeakers with exceptional clarity. While not delving into headphones or cables, Proton's lineup prioritized robust playback under practical listening conditions, from radio reception to vinyl and cassette sources, earning praise for its engineering rigor in the 1980s.
Proton holds a solid reputation in vintage hi-fi circles as a mid-tier powerhouse, favored by collectors for its reliable, high-value sound that punched above its price point. Positioned as an accessible alternative to elite brands, it appeals to discerning buyers seeking durable, no-nonsense performers rather than boutique exotica, with ongoing interest in its schematics and restored units.
See all Proton listings on RADAR.
