Optonica SA 5401

oldrocker

Quick question for Mr. Hardy or anyone else who might know.

Ever heard of this receiver? It appears to be made by Sharp electronics, has 65 wpc as per an old 1974 newspaper ad I found. Not much else on it. Since I've had no luck in finding an Akai receiver, It might be fun to buy this thing for running one of my RTR's.
Thanks
David

mhardy6647

Optonica was a brand name Sharp used for "higher-end" stuff in the US. Some of the Optonica stuff was quite nice. Offhand I don't know that model; I'd expect it to be more than decent, though (assuming it's in good working order).



Sharp/Optonica was "famous" for the first "computer controlled cassette deck" in the later 1970s.

oldrocker

I did not know about that cassette deck. I think I might just go a head and pursue that receiver.

THANKS for the info...

cnh

Sometimes it's a good idea to go with something that flies under the radar. Most Japanese manufacturers of that era put out some nice units. Optonica is no exception and their gear is often undervalued, which is "good" for you!

The Fisher I have below is better than one would expect, for example, and didn't set me back much. (In fact, talk about a cheap system: the Fisher and the speakers together were less than $85 and the Dual was FREE with a nice SHURE cart and stylus).

I also picked up an HH Scott solid state 75 watt x 2 receiver that was very nice and quite attractive for a Jackson and change! Cleaned up nicely!


Go for it!