I didn't change stations. It looked (in my amateur eyes) like the antenna had probably been replaced or worked on. I saw different color wires (red and yellow at least) coming out the back attached to the antenna. That seemed a little odd for some reason. The antenna itself looked like black plastic and I felt like it was not the typical part I had seen in pics. That is what that long rod on the back of those older receivers is, right? There were no external antennas hooked up to the screws in the back.
I will say that when the station came in it was LOUD! He had the volume turned about quarter way when testing the turntable (I didn't notice any static, but sound was "ok" more or less with a turntable. He was playing through some less than stellar Sony speakers.) When he switched to FM and tuned in a station it was crazy loud and made me jump. He had to put the volume to barely on, like maybe 10 degrees. I don't know if this s good or bad or what it says for the unit, but I thought I'd mention it.
I am 100% amateur and have never had the bravery to buy older units before, so I am unsure how to ascertain what "worth" is in dollar terms. I remember my grandfather always bringing me old receivers (from the 60's and 70's) and tape decks, etc. that he found in the trash back in the 80's. At the time I didn't appreciate them for what they were because I wanted the newer digital "cool" looking stuff they had at the electronics store. I now regret donating those pieces to the goodwill when I was a kid. I am trying to put together systems for my older kids to play vinyl on.
That said, is 175 an average price? If the original antenna had been replaced, is that a drawback? There are so few receivers for sale around here, I'm unsure how to cross reference. The front plate looks fine, minus one small nick on the top and the wood case had a little veneer peeling. I want my daughter to have a nice receiver to start with so she can appreciate the art of those units from the 70's.
Thanks to all of those experts who take the time to respond. Is there any way to donate or contribute on this forum? I come across other electronics all the time here in our college town. Kids throw away stuff like mad when they move out (except for the receiver I'm looking for unfortunately. I wouldn't mind "donating" pieces I find to save them from going in the trash, if someone wanted to pay shipping and I knew what they wanted.
-Michigan
