Sony 55 WPC Legato Linear Stereo Receiver, Serviced STR-VX5

Sony STR-VX5 Legato Linear Stereo Receiver – Japanese Engineering Excellence

This Sony has been freshly serviced, and is working perfectly, with excellent sound and surprising power for this compact form factor.

Made in Japan, the Sony STR-VX5 is a sophisticated stereo receiver from the early 1980s that delivers exceptional audio performance with innovative technology and versatile connectivity options.

The STR-VX5 represents Sony’s commitment to high-fidelity sound reproduction, featuring their proprietary Legato Linear amplifier circuit and Pulse Power supply that together deliver remarkably clean, detailed audio with minimal distortion.

Key Features
This premium receiver offers impressive specifications that made it stand out in the competitive audio market of the early 1980s:

55 watts per channel (continuous power output, both channels driven into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz)

Incredibly low total harmonic distortion of just 0.007%

Legato Linear amplifier circuit that prevents switching distortion

Sony-developed Pulse Power supply with transformer 1/50 the size of conventional designs

Gold-plated phono inputs supporting both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges

Advanced digital tuner with Memory Scan and Auto Sweep functions

Subsonic filter to eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble

Speaker A/B switching for connecting two pairs of speakers

Bass and treble controls for sound customization

Two tape monitor loops for recording flexibility

Tuner Section
The STR-VX5 features an advanced digital tuner section with innovative functionality:

Quartz frequency synthesis for precise tuning

Memory Scan function that plays 4-second samples of up to 8 preset stations

Auto Sweep function that samples every available station on the dial

Digital display for accurate frequency readout

8 preset buttons for storing favorite stations

Design and Build Quality
The STR-VX5 exemplifies Sony’s commitment to quality construction and thoughtful design:

Classic silver-faced aesthetic typical of high-end audio equipment from the era

Solid metal chassis with substantial build quality

Clean, functional front panel layout with logical control grouping

Two power outlets on the rear (one switched 50W max, one unswitched 300W max)

Historical Context
The STR-VX5 was released during an important transition period in audio technology:

Manufactured in 1981-1982, marking the end of the silver-faced component era

Original retail price of $550 USD when new (mentioned in a December 1981 New York Times article)

Part of Sony’s strategy to compete with other Japanese manufacturers in the premium audio market

Featured innovative technology like the Legato Linear circuit that set it apart from competitors

Specifications
Power Output: 55 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.007% THD)

Frequency Response: 5Hz-50kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.007%

Inputs: Phono MM, Phono MC, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2

Outputs: Tape 1, Tape 2, Headphones, Speakers A/B

Dimensions: 17.0 x 4.1 x 14.8 inches (430 x 105 x 375 mm)

Weight: 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)

Summary
The Sony STR-VX5 represents an excellent value in vintage audio, offering impressive performance, versatile features, and reliable Japanese engineering at a more accessible price point than some contemporaries. Its Legato Linear amplifier circuit and Pulse Power supply deliver clean, detailed sound with remarkably low distortion, while its comprehensive feature set makes it a versatile centerpiece for a quality audio system. For collectors and audio enthusiasts seeking a high-quality vintage receiver, the STR-VX5 remains a compelling option that combines performance, features, and value.

Asking $245 for this freshly serviced STR-VX5; buy with confidence and benefit from Radique’s “Bumper to Bumper” warranty and Perpetual trade back policy.