Overview
A landmark piece of Japanese audio engineering, the Model 3000 was one of Sansui's earliest and most successful ventures into solid-state transistor technology.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A landmark piece of Japanese audio engineering, the Model 3000 was one of Sansui's earliest and most successful ventures into solid-state transistor technology.
Story
In 1967, the audio world was undergoing a massive shift as the warm, glowing vacuum tubes of the past gave way to the precision and reliability of the transistor.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Kosaku Kikuchi in 1947, Sansui originally specialized in high-quality power transformers before becoming a global titan of audio.
Condition & Value
The box shows significant age-related wear, including tape residue, corner crushing, and surface staining consistent with decades of storage. While the box is weathered, its presence significantly boosts the provenance and resale value of the electronic unit. The box's condition is secondary to its mere survival.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375