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realistic

  1. Copa1934

    Realistic Driver DB

    I would like to create a reference database for Realistic (Radio Shack) speakers. The point is quite simple, Radio Shack made the habit of repurposing drivers (really not much different from the Big 3 Auto makers for decades). All I ask is that you provide the catalog number for the speaker and...
  2. GamingTmepce

    Realistic LAB-430 & 440 Cartridges and Styli

    Greetings all. I have both a Realistic LAB-430 (that I inherited from my father when he passed away 20 years ago), and a 440 that my aunt gave to me. I've been wanting to get these units working again; I remember playing a record on both of them to see what they sounded like. They both appear to...
  3. dave225

    Realistic Lab 420 - Tonearm lifter issues

    By chance - can anyone provide a more detailed view of the tonearm lift mechanism from below? Service manual really doesn't talk about how the lifter works. Using the manual lifter, I can see how a plastic plate turns, but it doesn't contact anything, so I could be missing a spring or...
  4. S

    Realistic STA 90 mid-range / treble no quite right.

    I just purchased a very nice looking ST-90 (overpaid) that was purchased on physical appearance. Cosmetic wise it is perfect. Internally it all looks original. Every works including lamps but I did need to clean the controls for the scratchiness. While in there I saw some very slight bulge...
  5. S

    Realistic APM-500 connection question

    Hello all, New to audio world, working on adding a Realistic APM-500 power meter to the first system I'm setting up. My old speakers have RCA plugs and the APM uses spring terminals. I'll be connecting all my components to a splitter since I have multiple input devices, splitter also has RCA...
  6. S

    Cue toggle switch for Realistic Lab 395

    I picked up a Lab 395, and the Cue button uses an electrical toggle switch (disconnected from anything) to latch the lever up or down. But the pushbutton switch isn't latching. Are there modern replacements for this type of switch? I can't see any product codes on the switch, and forum and...
  7. S

    Frustrating problem with skipping had an unusual cause

    I have a Realistic LAB 440 as my main table, and I noticed it occasionally skipping on pristine records, with the same cartridge and tracking settings that always worked before. It got gradually worse, until I stopped using it, and set aside some time to try to figure out what was going on. That...
  8. caxton1476

    Realistic Minimus 4 - What to do?

    So, I brought home a very charming pair of Realistic Minimus 4 speakers. Cabinets are in good shape - no beverage rings, a minor miracle - and drivers appear sound. I haven't pulled the drivers out to assess the insides, though. I notice that the driver surrounds are pleated, fibrous paper, and...
  9. VPM7981

    Opinions on Early-80s cans. Most popular to Least in rank.

    Heya everyone! I have already bought myself a decent Cassette deck system since my last member introduction post. Now I am in need of a pair of Vtg Cans. I love the look of many '80s budget store-bought Products. :idea: Such as Realistic/koss Mura, etc. I am thinking either the Rebadged...
  10. Flamedemon

    Realistic STA-2250 Stereo Receiver Distorted Audio

    I recently purchased a cheap Realistic STA-2250 from an original owner who had issues with it but never tried to fix them. The main issue is distorted audio on both channels (Speaker A and B) across all inputs. Additionally, when powering on the receiver, I hear a buzzing sound coming from the...
  11. mcaddie7

    Realistic 40/a Tube Amp Restoration Help

    Hi all, Looking for a schematic for this amp if anyone has it. I have a beautiful Realistic 40/an amp that looks like it has never left a box(it has!) and the owner said it stopped working one day. I found one of the output tubes was blown. I ordered 4 new 6BQ5s and started with my simple...
  12. mcaddie7

    Realistic Stereo 40/A Selenium Rectifier

    Hey all- starting a rebuild of a Realistic tube amp. There are a few tubes that need to be replaced, as well as the electrolytic capacitors. However, I noticed there appears to be a red selenium rectifier. I have limited knowledge on these, but I have read that aging rectifiers can become...
  13. Lamar

    Favorite era of pieces shown

    Given the pieces within the eras shown, which era would you say is your favorite? 60's Late Sansui 3000A '68 Sansui 3300 '69 McIntosh 1700 '68 70's Early Sansui AU 777A '70 Sansui 210 '72 Sansui Seven X 2 '74 Sansui Eight Deluxe '74 70's Mid Sansui AU-11000 '76 Sansui 881 '75 Harman Kardon...
  14. J

    Optimus T-120 vs Cerwin Vega's

    Hey Folks, I have a pair of T-120's that i've been using for over 24 years. Woofers replaced, but the mids need re-foamed and the cross overs need an overhaul. What are your thoughts with scrapping the idea of fixing them up and switching to an equivalent version of Cerwin Vega's? I could...
  15. mrfadedglory

    1979 Realistic bundle system

    For no apparent reason other than I feel like it, I’m slowly putting together this 1979 Realistic bundle (pg 9 in the catalog). I have had the STA 85 in the closet for a while, then came across the LAB 53 (which I cannot find any information on) recently. I grabbed a set of Nova 16s that I...
  16. caxton1476

    Very Old-School System - Sansui, Dual, Realistic

    Friends! Here's my cobbled-together system. Sansui AU-555a Acquired free from local community college electronics program that was de-accessioning its dusty racks of donated units. A little DeOxit, and here we are. Dual 1264 Given as a gift by my dad, who has loads of vintage equipment hanging...
  17. Luarnet

    Hello from Bordeaux, France.

    Hi everybody, Laurent, from France here. I'm the happy owner of a Realistic sta-850 which I know isn't what we can call a high-end amplifier, but I like the sound that goes out of this 40-year-old piece of electronics. Realistic amplifiers are quite rare in France, and it's hard to find any...
  18. J

    Realistic Lab-49 Cartridge

    Good evening. I'm new to this forum but I do have loads to share and ask. My first inquiry involves my Realistic Lab-49 turntable. It spins well and plugs in, but the needle is so old and worn that it needs to be replaced. My trusty ATLP60X has wet the bed for good, so I figured I could...
  19. 8

    HELP! What's going on with this dubbing cassette unit?

    I bought a new Realistic SCT-90 dubbing cassette deck in July,1985 for $160. I intended to build a sound system around it, but never did. This deck is still brand new in the box. I found it in storage and forgot I even had it. So I had to try it out. I put a cassette in Side B...
  20. D

    Realistic Nova 7B with unknown modification

    I recently picked up a set of Realistic Nova 7Bs and a Realistic STA-77A receiver from facebook marketplace and speakers need some work. I've learned from the threads I need to recap them, planning on using these...
  21. H

    Realistic STA-84 left volume controlling both channels

    Hi, I'm having some issues with my Realistic STA-84 receiver. I bought it used and it's always done this, but I've noticed that the left volume control changes both audio channel volumes. The right one will change the higher frequencies and create a tinny distortion. I'm pairing the matching...
  22. Reyhifi

    Code red, or close enough. Sta 820

    I been trying to get this realistic 820, belongs to a friend. Very dead on arrival, one fuse dim bulb glowing. Outputs were bad, a cooked transistor for good measure the filter caps were replaced. My limited experience, has me going around in circles. If I hook up a speaker to either A Or B...
  23. U

    Kenwood KA-4002a VS Pioneer Pioneer SA-1490 VS Realistic STA-85

    Hi everyone! I'm in the process of setting up my first audio system, and I'm currently on the lookout for a good amplifier. I've narrowed down my options to three choices available in the second-hand market. Through my research on this forum and other websites, the Kenwood KA 4002a stands out as...
  24. Carbsandcaps

    Realistic Lab total turntables

    In case anyone was wondering appearance wise the difference between the Lab 420, 440, and 500 turntables. Bottom left is the 420, right is the 440 and top is the 500. Personally I think the 420 has better quality than the 440. The 500 I’ll never part with it’s just such an all around great tt...
  25. A

    Realistic STA-120B Calibration?

    Hey, y’all! I’m new to AK and very new to analog equipment in general, so my apologies in advance if this isn’t the right place for this or if this is a silly question. Not sure if calibration is the right term for this either. I recently purchased a Realistic STA-120B receiver. I’ve really...
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