HMV 203 Gramophone on Yahoo Auction Japan

[Steve]

A question for those who have owned or listened to both a 163 and a 202/203.
Is there a big difference in sound quality between the 163 and the bigger models.
And, if yes....do you feel it justifies the rather big price difference betweeen these models?

Yes to both! There is no comparison, the 202 is in a different league.

I have all three models: 163, 193 and 202 now. I agree with Carlos that whilst the 163 is arguably as capable of reproducing the perceived volume of sound as the larger models, the sound quality is nowhere near as good. The reproduction and natural timbre of instruments and vocals is far better resolved on the 202/3 with a wider frequency range and much better definition. Put it this way, if you were blind auditioning both, you wouldn't have any difficulty picking the best machine! So if it's the best you want, and in this instance, the best was the best made at the time by any manufacturer anywhere in the world, the price becomes of secondary importance.