Realistic STA 720

[Theophilus Punoval]

I've had a Realistic STA 720 ("NEW For 81") bouncing around for a while. I liked the sound but the tuner wasn't very good (or so I thought) so the unit was rated M for "meh".

I just had the caps in my tuner section replaced. Apparently, it was really easy for the tuners to go south; the tech said the Auto-Magic tuning could be a problem. With new caps it now snaps into stations perfectly.

The tech also said he was "amazed" - his word, not mine - at the sound quality the 720 puts out. He was impressed with the build, not only because of the design but also for the fact it's only 3 3/4" high.

The guy has given me delusions of adequacy over this. It seems like the STA 720 is an under-the-radar unit that can be had for not much coin on a particular auction site.

They originally sold for $299, as seen on page 4 of the 1981 catalog, so they weren't cheap-o's.

http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1981/

 

[old 2080]

i owned a 720 for a while, they do sound real good, i'm not too keen on the models that combine the balance and volume together, the balance tends to want to move when the volume is increased or decreased, the 730 has a separate balance control, i've been keeping my eye out for a 730, the 11 and 111 are also a very nice R/S slim line receivers.............:yes:

 

[crazy-in-az]

I have a Realistic STA-960 and I bought for $15. It pulls in stations better than my Kenwood tuner or any other receiver I've owned, and it pairs well with my Advent, B&O and ESS speakers. It seems to have more power than it's 50 watt rating. I think it sold for around $399 in the early 80's, and it's built like a tank.

 

[BillyBatts]

http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1981/

Odd, but I had the car cell phone on the cover of this catalog. I also HAVE (still) the Optimus 10 speakers on the cover. I absolutely love them, but the highs are terrible. I have to use them with Super Tweeters.

 

[old 2080]

I have a Realistic STA-960 and I bought for $15. It pulls in stations better than my Kenwood tuner or any other receiver I've owned, and it pairs well with my Advent, B&O and ESS speakers. It seems to have more power than it's 50 watt rating. I think it sold for around $399 in the early 80's, and it's built like a tank.

i own a 960 as well, not nearly as common as the sta 95 it replaced, other than a few more wpc and the model number, the 960 and 95 look almost identical.........

 

[DHM]

I just got one of these as a gift. The catalog list the power as 25 watts per channel. Any opinions as to this being accurate? Thanks!

 

[Gnesen]

Old thread revival...

For what it’s worth, I have an STA-720 that I think is quite nice sounding and looking. The analog tuner with digital display seems to be very accurate, if not all that sensitive (mine is probably due for a recap and calibration).

I like that the amp section is fully discrete (no STK modules) unlike some of the later slimline Realistic receivers, The 25 wpc rating is probably accurate.

Lastly, the bottom is covered with a metal plate, not the masonite of its successor, the STA-730.