Allied Radio — Specs & Pricing

At 55 watts per channel, it delivers clean power with a sparkle that goes past skin deep.

Overview

The Allied Solid State AM-FM Stereophonic Receiver Model 395 is a rebadged Pioneer. Built for Allied Radio Corp. of Chicago, IL, this bookshelf-sized stereo receiver was manufactured in Japan by Pioneer, and it is widely reported to be a direct counterpart to the Pioneer SX-1000TW. The main difference is cosmetic. The Allied 395 has a silver sparkle faceplate. Functionally, it's the same high-performance solid-state receiver that helped define the early 1970s stereo market. Allied Radio was deeply rooted in hobbyist culture and DIY electronics, and the 395 carried that brand's legacy of accessibility and technical ambition. Tandy Corporation acquired Allied Radio in 1970 and merged it into Radio Shack. After that, the Allied line, including models like the 395, was sold through Radio Shack stores.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Allied Radio Corp. (built by Pioneer)
Product Type	Solid State Stereophonic Receiver
Power Output	55 watts per channel RMS
Frequency Response	20–70 kHz ±1 dB
Bandwidth	15–70 kHz
Harmonic Distortion	0.5 percent

Key Features

Silver Sparkle Faceplate Variant of Pioneer SX-1000TW

Owners report the Allied 395 is functionally identical to the Pioneer SX-1000TW, a highly regarded receiver of its era. The most notable difference is the silver sparkle front panel, which looks more decorative, almost space-age, next to the standard black or brushed aluminum finishes of its Pioneer sibling. It didn't affect performance, but it made the Allied version stand out in catalogs and living rooms alike.

Solid-State High-Fidelity Design

The 395 is a fully solid-state stereophonic receiver, which meant a shift from tube-based designs to more reliable, cooler-running transistorized circuitry. Its construction reflects Pioneer's engineering standards of the time, with attention to power delivery and signal clarity. Solid-state components allowed tighter bass control and reduced maintenance, which appealed to both audiophiles and casual listeners.

High Bandwidth and Low Distortion

Bandwidth runs from 15 Hz to 70 kHz, and frequency response is rated at 20-70 kHz ±1 dB. That gives the 395 extended high-frequency performance well beyond the audible range. Harmonic distortion is just 0.5 percent, which suggests a clean, detailed sound. According to available documentation, these specs were competitive with higher-end receivers of the early 1970s, supporting the claim that "quality watts surpasses quantity."

Historical Context

Allied Radio Corp. was founded in 1928 by Simon "Sy" Wexler in Chicago, Illinois. It built its reputation selling radio parts and electronic kits through mail-order catalogs, a pioneering model in electronics retail. The company became a staple for hobbyists and experimenters, and later expanded into complete audio equipment under house brands like Allied, Knight, and Knight-Kit. The Allied 498 receiver, like the 395, was marketed as part of this DIY-friendly ecosystem and appeared in catalogs aimed at electronics enthusiasts. After Tandy Corporation acquired Allied in 1970, its products were distributed through Radio Shack. That brought gear like the 395 into mainstream retail channels and made high-fidelity audio more accessible to the average consumer.

Collectibility & Value

Current listings show the Allied 395 priced as high as $179.00, though collectors note that a fair price for a working unit might be closer to $40, depending on condition. Enthusiasts describe it as "a nice piece of work" and "a truly beautiful piece" when found in excellent cosmetic and functional shape. It isn't considered a top-tier collector's item like some Japanese flagships, but it has niche appeal for those interested in rebadged classics or the history of electronics retail. No detailed information on common failures or maintenance requirements is available, but given its Pioneer lineage, it likely shares the same sturdy build and serviceability as the SX-1000TW.