Realistic STA-95 vs. Project One Mark IIB

[HiResDes]

Sorry to post another one of these threads but I need helping making a quick decision my last receiver stopped functioning properly and needs a lot of work. I'm hosting a party and need to buy a quick replacement.

I have a chance to buy a Realistic STA-95 in pristine condition with working lights even but it's really highly priced at $120 and the seller won't budget. This receiver is somewhere around 45wpc.

There's another guy selling a Project One Mark IIB in great condition as well for $80. I'm aware this receiver is somewhere around 40wpc.

I'll be utilizing either my pair of Boston Acoustics A150 or Polk Monitor 7Bs or both on different floors.

 

[redk9258]

I wouldn't run both sets of speakers at once. It will really stress the amp. So, just buy both!

 

[HiResDes]

I wouldn't run both sets of speakers at once. It will really stress the amp. So, just buy both!

That might be what ultimately killed my last amp, but I think the prices on these two particular amps are both on the high side so I'm not sure it would be smart to get both. Maybe I should just do some hard thrifting for a second.

 

[KingBubba]

I would look into whether the service manuals are available at places like Hi-Fi Engine. A lack of manual makes it more difficult to repair.

 

[bandg69]

Thrift away but that Realistic is a nice receiver. The prices of Realistic receivers seems to be inching upward.

 

[HiResDes]

The manuals on the STA-95 are readily available so I'm kind leaning towards that one now, also the drive is only thirty minutes away versus an hour for the Project One. The only thing I don't like is it looks like you have to connect the speakers utilizing connectors that I don't have.


Nevermind they're just normal screw terminals...

 

[bandg69]

Post pics when you pick it up

 

[stereofanboy]

I liked the STA-960 (successor to the STA-95) when I had it. It was maybe the most attractive receiver I've ever owned. I felt pretty good about getting $80 when I sold it. This was at least five years ago and as mentioned above, prices have been going up.

 

[HiResDes]

Post pics when you pick it up

Will do.

 

[MER71]

I had a STA-95 and regret selling it. Great build quality and one of my favorite looking receivers.

 

[MER71]

The manuals on the STA-95 are readily available so I'm kind leaning towards that one now, also the drive is only thirty minutes away versus an hour for the Project One. The only thing I don't like is it looks like you have to connect the speakers utilizing connectors that I don't have.


Nevermind they're just normal screw terminals...

Does it not utilize screw terminals?

 

[CT Jim]

I have had 2 STA-95 receivers, liked them both, and sold them both, although not at the same time. I wish I had kept one, very sweet sounding receiver.

Helps to add your location in your profile!, Then again, you could sign on as a Subscriber, and post a WTB or just select from the goodies available.

Good Luck!!

 

[HiResDes]

I have had 2 STA-95 receivers, liked them both, and sold them both, although not at the same time. I wish I had kept one, very sweet sounding receiver.

Helps to add your location in your profile!, Then again, you could sign on as a Subscriber, and post a WTB or just select from the goodies available.

Good Luck!!

Thanks will add location for sure, but then I'm scared someone will snatch up on my deals lol.

 

[djwhy60]

I am partial to Realistic gear....the 95 is a great receiver and if is in nice condition I wouldn't have an issue with that price. Just my opinion.....

 

[MER71]

I purchased my sta-95 for $100. Thought it was a good deal. So $120 is right there. Get it!!

 

[OMGCat!]

I'd say get the Realistic as well but if you're going to be needing party level music driving multiple sets of speakers then the little 45wpc receiver isn't going to be too happy in the long run.
I'd pick up a cheap PA amp with adjustable gain knobs, driven off the tape out of your receiver to pull that duty and listen to the Realistic when you can keep the volume more reasonable.

 

[djwhy60]

Well what did you decide?

 

[rkgren1]

I have had a couple Radio Shack receivers and like both of them.
One (STA-90) I liked enough to recap.

 

[HiResDes]

I actually ended with none of the above, as I listened to something that seemed like it was the best value. He had this little known receiver that I later found out was a house brand by Lafayette. He said he had been trying to sell it for over a year now for $100 but no one is lookin for the model so I understand why. I ended up talking him down to $80 after auditioning it and I couldn't be more happy so far. I think it's about 40 WPC as well. Criterion Mark V is the model, saw a thread on the bigger Mark VII but none on this unit. It bops.

 

[HiResDes]

Well now I've encountered a problem already, the receiver sounds wonderful when playing the radio FM/AM but when I try to play something from the AUX one of the channel plays much more quietly and slightly more muffled. I checked the cord and it seems like it's not the problem considering I switched it around in the ports and the problem pursued in the same port. Any ideas as to what may be the problem, I already sprayed a little de-ox in the potentio-meters.