Beautiful sounding Amplifier!
Careful restoration had brought this amplifier to a level better than the original factory, It sounds great, far beyond expectations !!!
Restoration done:
> recapped using top quality capacitors
> speaker bindings replaced with modern ones, now fits both banana and spade terminals
> Power cable replaced with a more modern / robust one
> Pots and switches cleaned
Specs:
Power: 2 x 35W at 8 Ohm
Phono Input Sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM phono), 150mV (line)Signal to Noise Ratio: 70dB (MM), 90dB
Dimensions: 350 x 125 x 282 mm
Weight: 7.5 kg
Controls: Bass, Treble, Volume, Balance, Tone switch (Flat)
Inputs: Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2
Protection: Relay/electronic protection circuit
Audition welcomed - Postage at buyers expense (it will be packed well)
St Kilda,3182
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
Sound Quality: Praised for detailed top end, focused vocals, good stereo imaging, instrument separation, and musicality that gets feet tapping; sounds clean, lively, and not harsh, with decent bass and surprising power for driving speakers. Some note it sounds thin or bass-lacking without loudness compensation, with slightly loose highs and limited depth compared to higher-end models like the Pioneer 101.
Build Quality: Slimline silver-face design with tight controls and strong input selector clamping; hybrid IC circuitry and protector circuits are highlights, but side panels can appear rough, and pots/switches may develop noise fixable with spray cleaner.
Reliability: Holds up well after 40-50 years for vinyl replay and daily use, with users unwilling to part with it; common issues include initial warming up due to old capacitors, scratching volume knobs if not handled carefully, and minor internal vibrations or noises.
Strengths:
- Excellent value as a budget 1970s amp with conservative power rating and low distortion (0.3% THD).
- Versatile features like tone controls, tape duplication, and muting.
- Nostalgic appeal and "lovely" sound when maintained.
Weaknesses:
- Bass thinness and lack of body without loudness switch.
- Requires servicing for optimal performance (caps, pots).
- Not the most neutral; some perceive boosts in bass (~80Hz) and highs (~10kHz).
Overall Reputation: Highly regarded in vintage communities as a "monster" performer and great collectible that sounds "lovely" and "perfect" for many, especially after minor tweaks, though best suited for modest systems rather than demanding high-end setups.
### Typical Price Range
- AU$350–AU$420: Aligns with current Australian market data, including a Gumtree listing at AU$350 (1 week old, described as a "Vintage 1970s classic") and Reverb/Etsy at AU$401–AU$418 (used – very good condition).
- Lower end (e.g., AU$300 or below) may apply to untested or fair condition units; higher end (AU$450+) for fully serviced or mint examples, though none listed recently exceed AU$420.
### Variation by Condition
- Used (very good/excellent): AU$350–AU$420, as seen in functional, tested units with minor cosmetic wear.
- New: No listings found; as a discontinued 1970s model, none are available new. Fully restored or NOS (new old stock) could command 20–50% premium (AU$500+), but rare.
- Poor/faulty: Significantly lower (e.g., AU$50–AU$200), based on comparable Pioneer SA models needing repair.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition and functionality: Working phono/aux inputs, clean cosmetics, and no corrosion boost value; faults like rusty lids or dead channels halve it.
- Location and platform: Australian sites (Gumtree, Etsy AU) show stable pricing; international (e.g., €150–€250 ≈ AU$250–AU$420) varies by shipping/taxes.
- Age and rarity: 1975–77 production appeals to vintage hi-fi collectors; recent listings (Dec 2024–Jun 2025) indicate steady demand without inflation.
- Servicing: Recent recap or pot cleaning adds AU$100+; unserviced units risk devaluation due to capacitor failure common in 50-year-old gear.
Prices are conservative estimates from active/very recent listings as of early 2026; monitor sites like Gumtree or HifiShark for fluctuations.
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