This very nice looking Sony STR-7045 was made available around 1973 or 1974. It retailed for $370 which is over $1800.00 in today’s dollars. So, it wasn’t cheap. It puts out 30 watts per channel and is known for its selective 4 gang tuning section.
This was the typical look for Sony’s STR-70XX line with a silver face, black dial face and wood cabinet. The STR-7045 was the middle of the road receiver while the STR-7015 was the entry level offering and the STR-7065 the TOTL. The previous generation was the STR-60XX series. While the Sansui, Marantz, and Pioneer receivers were a little more flamboyant with their knobs, lights and meters, the Sony had a more simplistic look to it. But, it made up for the lack of frill with just plain good performance and quality construction.
The Sony receivers were very well built and rarely required servicing. The STR-7045 is all discrete with the exception of some of the FM section. The preamp/power amp sections are all discrete as well. It was the last generation of Sony gear that was discrete as later generations had a lower component count, through the use of IC-based circuits, which reduced the cost of production.
Here are the specs from the service manual for the STR-7045.
The Sony STR-7045, and Sony STR-70XX series receivers in general, aren’t nearly as popular now as the Marantz, Sansui and Pioneer receivers of the same era. This is reflected in their price.
The STR-7045 sells for around $125 in very good working condition. The top of the line STR-7065 sells for about $200. As a comparison the Marantz 2230 (30 watts per channel) sells for about $400. The Sony receivers are good quality stereo’s though, so if you want performance at a lower price, then take a look at the STR-70XX series line.
First, thank you for your dedication to this website.
I have both the 7045 & 7055 series and in terms of sound signature it can be best described as “rounded” with a tad bit more emphasis on bass (has more than my Marantz 2500 & Realistic 2100) with excellent top end sparkle. Also both receivers also holds onto the note a micro second longer than other receivers. Meaning it takes it’s time with he music while others are faster & tighter.
I can listen to these for hours without fatigue.
From what I’ve heard the 7045 is a rebadged 6055 as the two appear to be identical in all respects including use of discreet parts. The sound is among the smoothest and tube like of all the Sony receivers.
the Sony 6055 has more power than the 7045.
Ok
I would be interested to know the years of manufacture for this Sony Str 7045, and also some of the original stats, ie THD total harmonic distortion and some of the FM tuning stats. Thanks…
I added the specs from the service manual in the post. The STR-7045 was produced from 1973 until late 1974 or early 1975.
Sony str-6120 is the Mack-Daddy rcvr with which all others are measured. Ditto for the 1120 amp.
They used to go for $125. That’s what I purchased mine for about 2 years ago. I figured I would start building my 70s system with. Now I’m finished and want to upgrade my amp but the thing grew on me, sounds and works flawlessly and not having all the bells and whistles as others it looks great to me with the led lights I installed. Why spend $600 + on a Marantz 2230. My STR 7045 to me sounds the same or better. Pink Floyd wish you were here on my Akai 4000ds mkii though my Sony was amazing matched with ADS L520 speakers. Save your 💰 and buy a STR model Sony.