Sony ST-2950 SD AM/FM Stereo Tuner – Walnut Side Panels

Sony ST-2950 SD AM/FM Stereo Tuner – Faux Walnut Side Panels, Tested & Working

A beautifully preserved Sony tuner from the mid-1970s, representing one of Sony’s most respected and sought-after FM tuner designs. The ST-2950 SD combines exceptional RF engineering with elegant aesthetics, and this particular unit features original faux walnut side panels that add warmth and visual appeal to any vintage audio system. Made in Japan between 1976-1979, the ST-2950 SD remains a favorite among FM tuning enthusiasts and audiophiles who value precise, transparent sound quality.

This tuner has been tested and verified working. Cosmetically, it presents in good condition with original faux walnut side panels, clean silver faceplate with illuminated dial, responsive controls, and minimal signs of age.

Performance & FM Reception:

The ST-2950 SD delivers exceptional FM tuning performance with 2.0 µV (IHF) sensitivity—excellent performance that allows reception of weak FM stations with minimal noise. The signal-to-noise ratio reaches 73dB, ensuring clean, quiet reception across the entire FM band. FM distortion is held to just 0.5% (mono) and 0.7% (stereo), delivering transparent, accurate reproduction of broadcast audio.

The frequency response extends from 30Hz to 15kHz (+0.5dB, -3dB), ensuring full-range sound reproduction appropriate for all music genres. Channel separation reaches 35dB at 1kHz, providing proper stereo imaging and spatial separation. These specifications place the ST-2950 SD among the finest mid-range tuners of its era, rivaling tuners from more expensive manufacturers.

Sony invested heavily in the RF section of this tuner, employing a carefully balanced design that minimizes oscillator radiation while maintaining exceptional sensitivity. The result is a tuner capable of locking onto weak stations with minimal noise and distortion, while simultaneously rejecting adjacent-channel interference. Users consistently report that the ST-2950 SD delivers FM reception quality that rivals dedicated high-end tuners from competitors costing significantly more.

Design & Features:

The ST-2950 SD features a precision frequency synthesizer with ceramic filters for excellent selectivity and adjacent-channel rejection. The illuminated dial with frequency markings provides clear visual feedback during tuning, while the signal strength meter aids in antenna optimization and station acquisition. The front-panel controls are responsive and positive, with smooth tuning action that reflects quality mechanical construction.

The tuner includes both high-impedance and low-impedance audio outputs, providing maximum compatibility with vintage and modern preamplifiers. The AM section includes ferrite rod antenna for local station reception, while the FM section employs a sophisticated RF front-end for weak-signal performance.

Original Faux Walnut Side Panels:

This unit features original faux walnut side panels that provide genuine visual warmth and integrate beautifully with vintage audio systems featuring natural wood cabinetry. The panels are original to the period and likely represent either a factory option or a quality period-correct upgrade, adding significant aesthetic value and desirability among collectors.

Construction & Aesthetics:

The ST-2950 SD measures 390 x 145 x 310mm (15.4 x 5.7 x 12.2 inches) and weighs 6kg (13.2 lbs), making it an ideal component for integrated vintage audio systems. The chassis construction is robust and well-engineered, with premium components throughout the signal path. The silver faceplate with black lettering and glowing dial creates visual elegance typical of Sony’s design philosophy from this era.

The overall appearance is refined and understated—no flashy displays or unnecessary features, just essential controls and information presented with clarity and precision. The faux walnut side panels complement the silver faceplate, creating a warm, inviting aesthetic that ages gracefully and enhances any vintage listening room.

Key Features & Specifications:

AM/FM Stereo Tuner with precision frequency synthesizer

Made in Japan (1976-1979)

FM Sensitivity: 2.0 µV (IHF)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 73dB (FM)

Frequency response: 30Hz–15kHz (+0.5dB, -3dB)

FM Distortion: 0.5% (mono), 0.7% (stereo)

Channel separation: 35dB @ 1kHz

Ceramic filters for excellent selectivity

Illuminated frequency dial with station markings

Signal strength meter for antenna optimization

High and low-impedance audio outputs

AM section with ferrite rod antenna

Front-panel headphone jack

Original faux walnut side panels

Tested and verified working

Good cosmetic condition

Dimensions (W x H x D): 390 x 145 x 310mm (15.4 x 5.7 x 12.2 inches)

Weight: 6kg (13.2 lbs)

Ideal For:

FM radio enthusiasts and vintage audio collectors seeking reference-quality tuner performance from the mid-1970s. The ST-2950 SD’s exceptional sensitivity and low distortion make it ideal for those in areas with weak FM signals or those simply seeking the finest FM reception quality from a classic era. Perfect as a centerpiece component in vintage audio systems featuring vinyl playback, cassette decks, and quality amplification. The original faux walnut side panels add visual appeal to integrated systems with natural wood aesthetics. Collectors particularly appreciate the ST-2950 SD as one of Sony’s most respected and enduring tuner designs.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence.

Asking $145 CAD