Allied Solid State AM-FM Stereophonic Receiver Model 395 (?)

At 55 watts per channel, it doesn't shout, but in the right setup it sounds clearer than its modest specs suggest.

Overview

The Allied Solid State AM-FM Stereophonic Receiver Model 395 is a bookshelf-sized AM/FM stereo receiver built for Allied Radio Corp. of Chicago, IL. It is widely reported to have been manufactured in Japan by Pioneer. The Allied name is on the front, but the engineering points to Pioneer's 1970s receiver designs, and the Pioneer SX-1000TW is frequently cited as its functional twin. This is not a cosmetic curiosity or a budget console from a mail-order catalog. It is a serious piece of solid-state gear for listeners who wanted performance over flash. The metal case holds a full set of analog circuitry built around a superheterodyne tuner, covering both AM (Broadcast) and FM, with a tuning indicator for lining up stations.

Owners report that a properly maintained 395 sounds surprisingly refined. Some compare it favorably to the Marantz 2270 and certain tube amplifiers for tonal richness. It isn't about brute power. One user put it plainly: "It's a stereo where quality watts surpasses quantity." Some forums first label it merely "ok," but those who have restored units often revise that sharply upward - "now it is a downright hot performer!" according to one Antique Radio Forums contributor. The 395 was clearly built to last, with durable construction and a component layout that suggests attention to serviceability. The original design does cut a few corners, though, with transistor choices prone to failure over time.

Specifications

Key Features

55 Watts per Channel RMS Output

Rated at 55 watts per channel RMS, the Allied 395 puts out modest but clean power, suited to efficient bookshelf speakers or modest living room setups. The figure comes from Worthpoint and is echoed in collector discussions. It suggests a design focused on headroom and stability rather than peak output. The receiver is also listed with a total system output of 270 watts (4-16 ohms), likely the combined stereo power under specific load conditions. The per-channel RMS figure is the more meaningful one for real-world use. When it works correctly, especially after servicing, owners note a dynamic, controlled presentation that beats what the wattage alone would predict.

Capacitor-Coupled (Cap-Coupled) Circuit Design

The amplifier section is capacitor-coupled (cap-coupled), a common and effective topology in solid-state receivers of the era. Coupling capacitors isolate the stages, and they can influence bass response and transient behavior. Stock speaker coupling capacitors are 1000uF @ 50 volts. Upgrading to 2000uF is a documented modification said to tighten bass response, though going higher risks overloading the power supply. The power supply uses two 1000uF capacitors and runs a high voltage rail of 80 VDC. The recommended upgrade limit is ~2200uF per cap, to avoid blowing fuses.

2SC458 Transistor-Based Amplifier Stage

The amplifier relies on 2SC458 transistors, with some units reportedly using 2SC871s as substitutes. After decades of service these are recognized failure points, and collectors strongly recommend replacing them preemptively with modern equivalents like the KSC1845 or 2SC2240 during restoration. The front end also has a JFET, a 3SK22, which users report can fail. The 2N3823 is a known substitute. These are not signs of poor design. They are the aging of 1970s semiconductors.

Phono Input Flexibility with Magnetic and Ceramic Support

The Allied 395 offers three dedicated phono inputs: Phono1 (Mag), Phono2 (Mag), and Phono (Cer). That setup takes both magnetic and ceramic cartridges without external preamps, which is a rare amount of flexibility for a receiver of this class. It suggests the unit was meant for users with multiple turntables or legacy equipment.

20–70 kHz Frequency Response with Low Distortion

According to available documentation, the receiver has a frequency response of 20-70 kHz (+/- 1 dB), with a bandwidth extending down to 15 kHz. Harmonic distortion is rated at 0.5 percent, which indicates a clean signal path when the unit is in good condition. These figures are not class-leading for the era, but they reflect a design aimed at linearity and transparency over sheer power. The damping factor of 25 further supports tight bass control, especially with compatible speakers.

Historical Context

The Allied Model 395 was made for Allied Radio Corporation and manufactured in Japan. Owners and forums broadly agree that Pioneer was the original equipment manufacturer. The Pioneer SX-1000TW is repeatedly cited as the equivalent or sister model, and the service manual for that receiver is considered applicable for repairing the Allied unit. No official documentation confirms the OEM relationship, but the claim shows up consistently across Worthpoint, Audiokarma, and Steve Hoffman Forums, which lends it significant weight. The receiver likely dates from around 1978, though primary sources do not confirm this.

Collectibility & Value

The Allied 395 occupies a niche but respected place among vintage audio enthusiasts. Tested units have sold for $179 (PicClick), with mint-condition examples listed at $299. One owner suggests $40 could be a fair price depending on condition. Because of the known failure modes of the 2SC458 transistors and aging capacitors, untested or "as-is" units carry little value until serviced. Recapping the power supply and amplifier boards is considered essential maintenance, not an upgrade. Properly restored, the 395 is reported to be a high-performing amplifier that rivals more famous contemporaries.

eBay Listings

Vintage ALLIED 395 Solid State Pioneer SX-1000 FM AM Receive

$165

Allied 395 Vintage Solid State Stereophonic Stereo Receiver

$125

Vintage Allied Model 395 Solid State AM/FM Stereo Receiver,

$200

Vtg 1970s Allied Radio Corporation Model 395 Stereo Receiver

$215

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