• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My Realistic receiver collection...

Super cool collection there. Many happy 70s memories shopping at Radio Shack. I remember when they were at the top of the heap in retail electronics sales. My first turntable was a Lab-440. Still runs today with an ADC cartridge.
 
Very nice! Count me as a fan too. I have three STA's (82, 120B, 150) and maybe another on the way. They are hooked up to one set of speakers by using this in reverse of its intended purpose:

null_zps0493d7e7.jpg


I'm keeping an eye out for a 2000/2000D locally because of the prices they are getting on the bay. Would love to have one (or many).
 
Nice collection.

There really were some excellent RS receivers back then. The ones that have gone through here include: STA-2200, STA-95, STA-2270, STA-700 (for those who find the System 7 too expensive), STA-11.

Not a bad one in the lot.

The System 11 sounds great with its intended Minimus 7s and the circuitry for those turned ON. And the STA-2200, IMHO, is the BEST sounding RS receiver 'ever'!



cnh2
 
Last edited:
Great collection but I have one that I think you're missing. I have the STA 95, which I think is one of the best Realistic offered, the only downside is the 45 watts that it puts out. :thmbsp::thmbsp: Jon
 
try1256 said:
STA-52 was my first good stereo receiver. That with a Lab-100 TT and two MC500 speakers and I was jammin' It was stolen from me in a burglary to my house in '79. My future wife had a Marantz/BIC system so I didn't replace it.
Great receiver for the money.
Click to expand...

You probably bought your system when I got mine. Remember in the catalogs with their receivers and amplifiers, Radio Shack posted their good, better and best systems? Mine was the better. It consists of the Realistic STA 52B Receiver, Lab 120 turntable and MC 500 speakers. However, the 500 was discontinued, so the sales woman gave me the MC 1400 bass reflex speakers for the replacement. All for $340 and I purchased it on layaway in March 1980. I sold the STA 52, but wound up finding one on Craigslist for $20.
 
jon56 said:
Great collection but I have one that I think you're missing. I have the STA 95, which I think is one of the best Realistic offered, the only downside is the 45 watts that it puts out. :thmbsp::thmbsp: Jon
Click to expand...

Yep, the STA-95 is a great receiver!
 
mikey3117 said:
I thought I'd show off my Realistic receiver collection. It's what I consider to be their most "significant" offerings. Sure, I'm missing a couple, such as the beloved STA-2200 (which I once owned, but sold for some reason!)...

My Realistic receiver collection:
STA-2100 (Mint)
STA-2080 (8 out of 10)
STA-2000 (Mint)
STA-2290 (Mint)
STA-90 (Mint)
STA-52b (8 out of 10, This is only significant to me personally as its the first piece of audio equipment I ever bought at age 12)

Someday, I plan on doing a review on all the receivers and my "significant" Realistic speaker collection!

But for now, lets admire and reflect back to a time when Radio Shack was capable of producing quality audio...
Click to expand...
That's a nice collection. You got a couple there I would like to find. I also got a collection going. Made a post on here with pic, I think lol. New here so don't know if I got it uploaded right..
 
Don't overlook that STA-90 either.
Though not as sexy as some of the later, flashier, higher powered units, it's a fine receiver with a great amp in it.
 
Very nice! I've been admiring the looks of both the 2100/2000 and the 2080 for some time now ... and as luck would have it, I recently acquired a STA-2080, although it is supposedly missing a board. Hope mine turns out as nice as yours when I get it fixed up.!

BTW, love those shelves you've got them on.
 
Very nice receivers.

I also spent a lot of time in the 70's as a teenager in the store and in the catalog. Remember the good/better and best systems, now that it's been mentioned. My first receiver came from RS, probably around 74 or 75. I remember plotting the purchase, but alas not the specific model. I'll know it when I see one though. Recently picked up an STA-84, which is close, and will do for now, lol.
 
mikey3117 said:
I thought I'd show off my Realistic receiver collection. It's what I consider to be their most "significant" offerings. Sure, I'm missing a couple, such as the beloved STA-2200 (which I once owned, but sold for some reason!)...

My Realistic receiver collection:
STA-2100 (Mint)
STA-2080 (8 out of 10)
STA-2000 (Mint)
STA-2290 (Mint)
STA-90 (Mint)
STA-52b (8 out of 10, This is only significant to me personally as its the first piece of audio equipment I ever bought at age 12)

Someday, I plan on doing a review on all the receivers and my "significant" Realistic speaker collection!

But for now, lets admire and reflect back to a time when Radio Shack was capable of producing quality audio...
Click to expand...
Nice collection! I need to pick up a 2290 for my collection. All of mine so far are digital receivers but got my eye on some dialed ones. Got 12 machines so far. Made a post on here with a pick of nine of them.
 
DirtFarmer said:
I'm very pleased with my TOTL (1975/1976) STA-225. I nearly stole it, it was so cheap.
Click to expand...
The thing fun about collecting these receivers is they can be had for a fraction of the price of others, but not always.. Got a few this month (dec) cheap because people are Christmas shopping not vintage gear shopping, lol. I think in time these machines will get more respect and be worth more. By watching videos and reading posts people are discovering there value, as far as there build, looks and sound.
 
I have a nice sta 2000 a guy at work gave me. Ive heard they were pretty good but not great. What do you guys think about the 2000?
 
Last edited:
OH MY!!! I love RS stuff....have a nice STA-78 that is a prize possession. Your collection makes me drool! LOL
 
I worked at a radio shack as a kid. I was up there so much they most likely knew they would get most of their money back. I would wear the pages out looking at the stereo and cb pages in the ads lol. This was in the 70s.
 
Love the RS stuff. All I have is the STA-2000 and an STA-740 which is right at the end of the silver faced analog receivers. Both are fine performers and good lookers. Your collection is impressive.
 
mr clean said:
I have a nice sta 2000 a guy at work gave me. Ive heard they were pretty good but not great. What do you guys think about the 2000?
Click to expand...
I had that one. Twice. And moved it along. Twice. Bass reproduction was horrible. The sta 225, with it's sliding volume controls, was a good one. Along with a sta 64b.
The nicest one they made was the sta 95.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom