Vintage Asylum

Posted by Phil D (A) on January 09, 2008 at 09:49:52

I just picked up an Optonica SA-5151 today at GW....I was there to pick up a 1938 Zenith Console (Upright) radio with the shutter dial and huge chassis....anyway, while waiting to get the Zenith, I spotted the Optonica sitting on it's side and took a look.

I bought this to clean up and sell on eBay....anyone know anything about the Optonica SA-5151? Who made it for Sharp? I have seen only 1 post on Audioasylum about this receiver and all it said was this is 85 WPC.

It works great, just needs controls cleaned....nice, full sound.

Please let me know if you know anything about this...did I waste my $50?

• RE: Optonica - Tapehead@Cincy 09:13:40 01/11/08 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: Optonica SA-5151 posted by Phil D on January 09, 2008 at 09:49:52

  When I first started haunting this site about five years ago, I picked up a few Optonica pieces at thrifts because I heard they were sleepers. I'd rank them with JVC, Pioneer, or Sansui in terms of quality (decent), but the styling was top-notch.
  
  I've set up my two daughters and all my nieces and nephews with vintage systems, one of which includes a nice Optonica receiver (smaller than yours) that's still going strong. All in all, a good find for the money.
  
  

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• RE: Optonica SA-5151 - realistico 10:04:52 01/09/08 (2)
  In Reply to: RE: Optonica SA-5151 posted by Phil D on January 09, 2008 at 09:49:52

  Sharp made it for Sharp. It was their attempt at a 'high end' line. It was/is good stuff generally, high quality and well made but as I recall did not make much of an impact sales-wise in the audio world and is fairly rare today. In fact, I haven't seen many pieces even when it was new. As far as I know, the only Optonica component that has a following these days has been that funky computer controlled cassette deck. There was a Sharp version as well. My feeling is that Optonica stuff are 'sleepers' with a small following. I could be wrong...
  
  --Matt
  "You know why is that?"
  
  

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  • RE: Optonica SA-5151 - gearhunter 10:35:21 01/09/08 (1)
    In Reply to: RE: Optonica SA-5151 posted by realistico on January 09, 2008 at 10:04:52

    I had an Optonica SA-4141 receiver (60wpc).
    Very good build quality and beautiful to look at.
    I gave it to my son last year for his birthday.
    My Optonica receiver was in like-new condition....and won it for $18 on e-bay.
    Optonica has NO cult following whatsoever.
    Most people never even heard of the brand?
    Good luck on e-bay....but don't expect to get your $50 back (not including listing fees).
    
    Steve
    
    

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    • RE: Optonica SA-5151 - Phil D 19:11:06 01/09/08 (0)
      In Reply to: RE: Optonica SA-5151 posted by gearhunter on January 09, 2008 at 10:35:21

      
      
      

      
      

      
      
      

      
      

      
      
      

      
      Well, it has been listed for 5 minutes and there are already 2 watchers and 9 views...not bad for a brand no one knows about!

      Here's a pic or two...let me know what you guys think...

      THANKS!
      
      

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      Edits: 01/09/08   01/09/08

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