No video
Warning! May Cause Hifi Addiction - Realistic STA 700
Рет қаралды 28,014
2 жыл бұрынAmazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын
Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
@tablameister 2 жыл бұрын
Back in the early 2000s, when I was living in the Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) area, I was doing a lot of travelling for work. When I was coming home from a trip, I got a free upgrade to business class and sat next to a Japanese gentlemen. We struck up a conversation and it turned out that he worked for Pioneer (in Japan) and was visiting Radio Shack's HQ in DFW. He told me Pioneer made many of the audio products (amplifiers, receivers, cassette decks, CD players, etc.) that Radio Shack sold under thier house brands (Realistic, Optimus, etc.). I still have an Optimus linear tracking turntable that was made by Hitachi. I think Toshiba made some of the speakers that featured the lineauem tweeter. I know some "hi-fi" folks tended to look down on the Radio Shack branded products, but they were all made by for them by the major Japanese companies
@stevengonzalez4111 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Randy, love your vids sir. You’re right about vintage amplifiers. They do have a particular sound,especially the 70s ones. My brother used to have a Sansui receiver and a Audio Dynamic turn table with an infra-red eye for track finding. Those things sounded great. I loved it when the audio controls had all three, Bass, Midrange and treble. Man, I miss Radio Shack. We had that same Realistic receiver…that thing sounded great as well. I was impressed. See ‘ya in the next video.
@sio2709 2 жыл бұрын
A huge part of the fun for me is restoring and/or repairing vintage gear. Cleaning the parts, finding the fault with the schematics and a multimeter, soldering a few new components and finally watching it coming alive again is so rewarding. And it gives you this priceless feeling of connection because you revived it in a way :). Plus you gain understanding of the inner workings and lets you get a glimpse at the work of the engineers, which often deserves respect. For all of those reasons I am really happy with my vintage Sony TA-F 700 ES amp with the original wood panels, which I had to hunt down separately. It may not be the best amp out there, but it's mine :).
@Kevin_Carlson 2 жыл бұрын
I love vintatge Realistic gear. I would readily subscribe to a KZfaq channel dedicated solely to Realistic Hi-Fi. Who cares if it's not "audiophile" level. Many of us enjoyed our favorite music on Realistic and other Radio Shack products back in the day. Thanks for this short but wonderful post Randy!
@nathanielbolden5053 2 жыл бұрын
Agreed my first boom box was a Realistic all in one set with speakers!...I still remember the excitement of unboxing and putting it together with my dad!...always loved Realistic good stuff built by Pioneer
@gsnfan 2 жыл бұрын
I like Radio Shack Realistic gear, too. Top quality at at good price. These days you get junk.
@jeffcsMN 2 жыл бұрын
Vintage receivers like this are so beautiful. My late father who passed way last month managed a neighborhood Montgomery Ward store for 30 years and as a kid I remember spending all my time in the electronics section of the store. Vintage stereo equipment like this will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️
@VC-zk1kv 2 жыл бұрын
I Soo love these "Vintage Vault" episodes! :) Keep'em comin' Randy! "Long live the Cheap Audioman!!" :)
@josexavierjr.5633 2 жыл бұрын
I was addicted to Radio Shack catalogs throughout my teenage and young adult years. I had always wanted a pair of their Mach 1(?) 3-way speakers with 15" woofers, but they were too big for our NYC apartment..............Thanks Randy!
@mistert7958 2 жыл бұрын
Still rocking my Mach Three monsters...nothing like them !
@nitronamous 2 жыл бұрын
I myself went on a vintage pilgrimage of sorts to rekindle an old love…Technics SA-GX130 receiver and Cerwin Vega VS120’s! Located the receiver on goodwill site in perfect shape for $20 and the speakers well…they still sell for new prices no matter the condition. Good news is I did find a pair 4hrs from me for $250 a pair in new condition as well. Been in absolute heaven ever since. It’s hard to fill the void when missing that sound on a great combination of equipment.
@toddwalker4301 2 жыл бұрын
My journey started in the late seventies with a Realistic system as well. I had a beautiful set of veneered, bookshelf Realistic speakers a little bigger than my SSCS5's. I wish I still had them! I enjoyed this very much!
@chadwick1e466 2 жыл бұрын
OMG! I got This receiver when it was new at RadioShack when I was a kid from saving up from my paper route. LOL wow what a blast from the past! I also bought the realistic Metal housed speakers that went with it…thanks for bringing up a great memory, I totally forgot about it when I went off to college when I inherited my mother’s Pioneer STA-780. Great vid!
@danashay 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome show. Shorter, seriously informative. Well fleshed out. Please carry on!
@vox9841 2 жыл бұрын
I’m a new subscriber, I love what you do and the way you do it. It brings a smile to my face and does away with all the hype. Keep the videos coming
@Akstergrind 2 жыл бұрын
That was a truly beautiful and touching video, Randy! More vintage vids, pleeeease!!!
@kevinmertel6108 2 жыл бұрын
I'm still have my first receiver, a Kenwood from the early 90s, so probably not what's considered "quality vintage", but it still makes me happy to have it.
@DougMen1 2 жыл бұрын
Kenwood stuff in the 70s and 80s was some of the best, but by the 90s, they had slipped a little, as had most other Japanese makers. They all still made some great stuff, but also made some cheap plastic crap. I have a 100w/channel Kenwood amp from the 80s that I got on Ebay fpr $60, and it sounds as good as any amp I've ever owned at any price
@kevinmertel6108 2 жыл бұрын
@@Jack-Shat Circuit City in '92.
@masonb9788 2 жыл бұрын
Did that one have that “rocker button” up and down volume control? Mine broke after a few years.
@stephenstevens6573 2 жыл бұрын
Much of my present system is vintage gear from my wishlists of yesteryear. There is just a special place in my heart for the sound and the nostalgia of vintage gear! Thanks for keeping the dream alive!
@scottbaylor6215 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome, looking forward to more vintage stuff. I have a Realistic STA-730 receiver that was my father's, made about the same time period. It's my main amp for now, still sounds really good. Rock on.
@josevarela6352 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Randy. Great that you do vintage gear review. Fantastic and nostalgic review!
@barrygalvin8631 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video Randy! I started with a Realistic STA-2100D. With Mach- ones (rubber surrounds) and a pair of optimus t-200 speakers, and some super tweeters. Realistic made some fun gear way back then! My daughter has the realistic setup and still uses it!
@toddt5562 2 жыл бұрын
Great video Randy! Brought back some memories for me of when I was a kid in the 70s and early 80s. A couple of pieces of "memorable" gear I won't be seeking out however... The damn confounding 8-track tape player I had for one. It seemed like you could sit there all night pushing the damn one button on it and never get to hear the song you wanted LOL. And the clunky janky radio shack headphones I had with the overly long, permanently attached coiled cord. 😂😂
@preiter20 2 жыл бұрын
Ah, the old coiled headphone cords...memories.
@richardmac1981 Жыл бұрын
Awesome review! I own an original STA-700. It is the one the Radio Shack on Juan Tabo in Albuquerque played all the time while open when I worked there 1984-1987. Anyone who came in got to hear it running. We had everything put through it those years. The laser disc, first CD player(99 Red Balloons), the first Stereo VHS playing Star Wars endlessly. When it went obsolete the manager put it in the deal pile and I paid $17 for it. We had a service center in Albuquerque so I had them go through it and put a new amplifier IC in and I have been set since. Add a Bass Enhancer and you could make Mach 1's blast a room. This was also paired with the Minimus 7 Series speakers. The System EQ would wake up those little Minimus units. The A/C in the back was useful because a turntable was always going to be attached. Also, you can bridge the amp. The manual shows you how to run 4-5 ohm bridged across the A-B amplifier sections. It now lives in my basement and when I turn it on I immediately go back to those early 80s selling electronics and blasting all that awesome music. 40 years old and still works great and can lock on a station like no tomorrow. I understand your love of this little guy.
@vwmountainman9701 2 жыл бұрын
Every summer I would spend a month with my Dad. Every time I got there - Dad would have a different stereo set-up. So while he was at work, I would spend the 1st couple days playing with the new Gear. Absolutely loved it !!! I remember one time - he had a tube amp - grey or pale green in color. I cooked acouple finger tips - did NOT know ALL those parts got HOT !! Funny as I look back. Anyway - my Dad had lots of different gear - loved going to the Audio Shops back in the day. Mom had a Marantz receiver - 22?? - had 2 meters upper left corner. Can't remember the exact model. A Garrard turn table - JBL - 100 speakers - black grills. When we moved into a different house - mom would go out in the yard & walk around listening while I was inside SLOWLY turning up the volume. She would wave her arms when she could hear it. Then place a pencil mark on the volume dial. She would say - that it the - NO COPS - MARK !!! Just getting back into the Vintage stuff again myself. Thank you - great video.
@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын
You’re in for a treat tomorrow then.
@JohnScheppler 2 жыл бұрын
I love see the Tape In and Tape Out RCA plugs on it from the days you would record songs on a cassette for your playlist.
@joeygonzo 2 жыл бұрын
and if you had a 3-head deck, you could hear the tape as it records
@Likeitornot91 2 жыл бұрын
Even as a younger guy getting into hifi, the vintage stuff speaks to me. I'm not sure what it is, but the designs have such a charm to them. Researched a CD player for such a long time and landed on an older Sony unit. Nice, big buttons with sensible placement, a clean display with a nice layout, just makes me happy to look at and is a joy to use! Well until the tray goes rouge on me and I start hearing whirring noises but I can always fix it lol
@rosswarren436 2 жыл бұрын
My old Sony CD player still works great. Only issues were that the door gets stuck open sometimes until I cycle the power switch and it skips when the bass is strong. Ended up putting it on some small 2" X 2" HVAC isolation pads (cheap but very effective). Considering I was tempted to trash it, I'm loving getting more use out of it now. The door issues isn't that bad to put up with. Only happens a few times when changing CDs. Good luck!
@mattbyrnes4171 2 жыл бұрын
Congrats on the find! Pretty cool to own your original gear! I started on a Sony 2 channel receiver. I think it was 40Wx2. No clue the model, should look it up. Wish I still had all my old gear. Would be really cool to listen to it today.
@low_e_music 2 жыл бұрын
Very cool! Count me in as a fan of Realistic gear too. My first "monster" receiver was an STA-2100D. I got it dead on arrival for a song and dance. Took me a few months to sort the issues and get the necessary boards recapped but it is still going strong and sounds fantastic. Plan on keeping it forever.
@darkpatches 2 жыл бұрын
Running a Realistic STA-12 with JBL 2500s on the living room TV. It's a mini "Personal" receiver. The only -sound- tone adjustment is a Loudness button and is also made in Korea. Sounds great. I found the receiver with a pair of Realistic small, square, real wood veneer speakers. Just one driver. Sounds remarkably good for voice and not so much anything else, so a good talk radio speaker. Found both items in the same vintage Radio Shack catalog when I got them....
@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын
Very cool you found the amp you had as a kid. Filled my soul with happiness to hear the story. I had a realistic boom box that was the start of my journey. Had LED VU meters so of course I loved it.
@solarrobot 2 жыл бұрын
Really outstanding Randy!
@jdekong3945 2 жыл бұрын
thanks for sharing, my beginnings were also quite humble, Kenwood & Akai all in one systems, finally got to spend time with Technics separates when I was 14 & fell in love, still keep a collection of those units that I grew up with, mostly used in rotation for my laptop headphone amp
@stevoc123 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome as always. I guess looking back I was the same. Always needed to tweak the bass n treble on the home pioneer hifi in it’s own cabinet ( the sound of that magnetic door catch🥺 ) loudness always on 😃
@jakepetri5624 2 жыл бұрын
Love your vintage audio segments!
@buckman72 2 жыл бұрын
Love this video. I starting working for Radio Shack back in 1992 still had a great audio line up even then. my first Dolby Digital 5.1 surround receiver was one from the Optimus line 100 watts per channel and an Optimus 8" 100 watt powered sub. and that was almost 30 years ago. Currently don't have a surround or even a decent stereo setup needing a new receiver and a decent turntable just haven't decided on one yet. Still have a 100 watt powered sub and a set of 3 way 100 watt 8" floor speakers as well as a pair of Realistic Nova 40 over the ear headphones just longing for some classic HIFI. Thanks for videos.
@shankyboy1690 2 жыл бұрын
I just went from a mid 70s JVC receiver to a late 80s marantz. Doesn't have the classic vintage look we all love, but it's 60 watts and kicks hard. I love your videos on vintage stuff and hope to see more of them in the future!!!!
@francescotenti193 2 жыл бұрын
Great video, I really enjoyed it. Something to be said about vintage gear, different sound, gorgeous looks and the time and energy spent for the hunt as opposed to buying from Amazon.Tricky and risky? Of course, but a lot of fun.That is how I restarted my "vinyl corner" a year and half ago with a Pioneer SX550, from eBay, and bringing back to life my old Technics DLS2. Awaiting for the "new piece", a Luxman L-215, also from eBay, it should be here next week, wish me luck! More of these videos, please!!!
@LeoRousseau 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video Randy! A lot of us are the same as to how we started the audiophile journey. Good stuff buddy! My first receiver was a Realistic as well, and it was a nice piece, but unfortunately it died on me. When it died I believe that I moved on to Yamaha and then Nad.
@boardeasy259 2 жыл бұрын
I still have my 1st receiver . Got it in 1978 for my 18th Birthday. Still works great. Had to replace some power pack components a few times. Learned how to do it myself. Back in the 70's I played my Music loud and my Pioneer SX-780 45 watts per channel did that easily .Still does. I had some RTR 10" woofer 3 way speakers . So Rainbow and Sabbath sounded great. Crank it up! So I realize if you want the loudness effect , nowadays it's built in to the speakers like the Jamo S803's. I learned alot from your Channel . Keep up the good work .
@riccitone 2 жыл бұрын
Man…this sends me WAY back! ❤️🙏🏼
@davida8682 2 жыл бұрын
Randy, I was already a big fan, but your reference to electronics shopping at Montgomery Ward hit me right in the feels. In the spirit of the CheapAudioMan ethos, I had a number of really high value Signature 2000 products back in the day; they were basically Sharp products for $100 cheaper.
@davida8682 2 жыл бұрын
@Fisher Man A lot of people I know did as well.
@joeygonzo 2 жыл бұрын
@Fisher Man I did too. I worked there for a few months . I knew more about stereos than most sales people . I was a young cashier there then .
@rc67b Жыл бұрын
Just pick one of these up along with two Realistic Minimus-7 speakers at a yard sale for $5. Every in perfect condition and I am blown away how well this small system works and sounds. It’s going in my garage. Also with the inputs in the back I can plug my phone and listen to Spotify. You right about the vintage audio sound. It takes me back to my younger days. Thanks for the great video.
@collinwood60 2 жыл бұрын
Nice topic Randers. I love the old vintage receivers and other AV gear myself. I have the Realistic STA-111. Built during the same year as your STA-700 (1982-1983). The STA-111 is rated at 30 watts per channel, but it still sounds excellent and easily pushes a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers and a Polk subwoofer. I still have my Carver Receiver from 1984 as well as 2 other Realistic’s and a 100 watt Teac receiver. Looking forward to you doing more shows on vintage gear!
@doplinger1 2 жыл бұрын
I love seeing this old stuff, remember it well - getting very nostalgic!
@jcthomas87 2 жыл бұрын
I’m seven vintage receivers in this hifi wormhole. Not to mention all the vintage speakers and tape decks. Quite a journey and have met some cool people along the way! Enjoy your vids Cheapaudioman! 🤘
@donliesman309 2 жыл бұрын
I still have my Kenwood KR9400 receiver, Frazier model seven speakers and Kenwod turntable I purchased new in 1975. It is still hooked up and I listen to it occasionally as a second system. It still sounds pretty good. Great channel, keep it up.
@kenhagen4844 2 жыл бұрын
Nice! stuff! I recently got a Marantz 2216B-16 watts but is awesome sounding. Had a Sansui back in high school a college, don't remember the model but had around 12watts. Upgraded to a NAD in the late 80s and a Harmon Kardon with 30 watts in the 90s. When that died I got the Marantz.
@stevezeidman7224 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome vid! Being vintage, I loved this.
@luckytech7186 2 жыл бұрын
You hit the nail on the head. i thought you were talking about me for a while. I remember going to Radio Shack (when it was good before it became a phone store). Do you remember every year they had a half price speaker sale. I have a STA-16, STA-21, STA-64, STA-65D, and a STA-2100D. Realistic speakers include minimus 18,mc-1000,Nova 10, and mach ones. Only 1 turntable so far, Lab440. I love every one of them and had a lot of fun finding them over the past 5 years or so. I got the addiction. I suppose there's a lot worse things to get addicted to.
@danstein2467 2 жыл бұрын
Great video Randy! Vintage is the highest value, and in my opinion the most fun. Vintage gear should go to a tech before heavy use to make sure the unit is safe and to get the best sound. By the way, those old bags were asking for it!
@myu4039 2 жыл бұрын
Remember to ALWAYS check for DC at the speaker terminals BEFORE hooking up unknown vintage gear to your speakers! DC will fry speakers in a second!
@mikesveganlife4359 2 жыл бұрын
I recently got interested into vinyl and remembered my dad had a stereo system he built back in the early 80's when he worked part-time at Radio Shack. Tracked it down at my brothers sitting in the basement. It is the Realistic SA2000 integrated amp with a LAB 400 direct drive record player and a TM1000 receiver. All I had to do is clean all the controls real good to clean up the sound. This equipment is what had me find you and others on youtube and start my journey. I also picked up some Vandersteen 2Ce speakers for the system which I'm looking forward to trying once I get everything out of storage (moving currently).
@audiorick841 2 жыл бұрын
“… I was cheap then and I am cheap now” LoL love you man 😁
@michaelkeefer4293 2 жыл бұрын
I went with vintage audio components in my home office, it is quite a journey and can be very frustrating at times but if you stick with it and learn what to buy it can also be very rewarding! I have an Optimus STA-795 receiver that is driving an old Design Acoustics speaker set with a passive subwoofer (I've had this speaker system since I was a teenager back in the mid 80s!). I also have a late 70s Kenwood KA-3500 Integrated amp with a matching KT-5300 tuner driving a vintage pair of Advent speakers. I also have a modern U-Turn Audio turntable, a late 80s Pioneer CD Player and an early 80s Technics M205 tape deck. All this stuff is solid build and sounds great! I did have to have the Kenwood amp recapped last year but it only cost me a little over $200. So yeah, that's the other drawback with vintage gear, you have the up front risk but then you never know how long it will last before it needs service that can potentially be a lot more than you paid for the gear to begin with, so you really have to like vintage gear and prepare for some heartache to go down this path.
@jimbohnenkamp5082 2 жыл бұрын
We never forget our first love. Mine was a 1966 Juliette AM/FM Multiplex with the two speakers hanging off the left and right sides. I bought it from money saved at my summer job. I could have written "I like to dream...yes, yes, right between the sound machine" Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf. I laid on the floor with my head in the middle. After 6 years, it got fried by a lightning strike on the antenna. I just found a replacement on the Goodwill auction site this year. My life is good.
@bryanmadrid5735 9 ай бұрын
Just this evening I was cleaning out file cabinets and found my original owners manual for the STA-700 featured here. I bought it brand new in 1983 with the Minimus 7 speakers. (Radio Shack?) Rocked it with my turntable & later tape deck. I can't remember when or how I disposed of the STA-700. But Boston & Foreigner sure sounded good! Your video brought back great memories.
@jonesvox1 Жыл бұрын
The EQ button on the STA-700 was a unique curve made for the Optimus 7 speakers. Radio Shack used to bundle them together as an entry system. For a budget, compact receiver the unit sounds exceptional and the specs are impressive. Love your channel👍🏼✨
@ginom407 2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on you great find!!!
@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын
Gino it was something else when I saw it. Brought back so many memories
@scottdavis0801 2 жыл бұрын
I bought a Harman Kardon 330b at a record store, around 2005. I was hooked on Audio from that day forward! I have found some cool stuff at thrift stores, but pretty rare in my neck of the woods. I like new audio also!!
@MrSweelinck 2 жыл бұрын
I was a generation ahead of you with the "System Seven" STA 7. People will complain about how "bad" Radio Shack audio equipment was, but let the specs speak to you: Power output: 10 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), Frequency response: 15Hz to 30kHz, Total harmonic distortion: 0.5%.
@edd2771 2 жыл бұрын
I started with Realistic too CAM. The tuning knob would literally “lock” when you hit the strongest frequency. I used to pore over the radio shack catalogue. I forget who made most of their receivers but it was a pretty good company. Good memories.EDIT: I think Fostex made a lot of their stuff and I too graduated to Yamaha. I love you (cheap audio) man.
@alm5693 2 жыл бұрын
For me the entry point was the (pre-Radio Shack) Allied Radio catalog that had stereo components and speakers. It was like the Wards or Sears Christmas catalog for a geeky teen who was just getting into records.
@koprcord5338 2 жыл бұрын
I have an older rs receiver that is all pioneer inside but more power than the similar pioneer.
@lightfusegetaway 2 жыл бұрын
Hitachi made some of their receivers in the 70s.
@TheShackGuy 2 жыл бұрын
@@koprcord5338 Pioneer made no older (Realistic branded) audio. You might be thinking of the BPC stuff from the 90s.
@koprcord5338 2 жыл бұрын
@@TheShackGuy your 100 percent correct. It's an optimus branded receiver from the 90s.
@marshallohio5512 Жыл бұрын
I had a similar one in late 70s ! My first stereo receiver from the Lakemore Ohio RadioShack ! Loved the matching Minus7 speakers ! Simple but it worked for me !
@laurelhardy4064 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks to this receiver now we have the most entertaining audiophile channel on KZfaq.
@joeysarmiento1925 2 жыл бұрын
I was having my cup of coffee when I saw this video. I started with an Akai A-1020. I regret selling it and just like you, I am out in a hunt for the same AKAI RECEIVER. I started with that receiver just like you as a college graduation gift 1987 from my mom when she found out I have finished all my requirements and the next morning while I was having my breakfast she seems happy giving the Akai Console Pro-2LD or its because she's done with making me finish my college education. Anyway, greetings from my humble country the Philippines. I love this country, I am not sure I am proud of it. Cheers my KZfaq friend. 🇵🇭🇺🇲☕☕
@ShareHobby 2 жыл бұрын
Yes I have the Realistic STA-720 with Optimus Pro LX-4 I still use as a bedroom system. Great stuff!👍
@ZXoney Жыл бұрын
The STA-700 was also my first of many. Great little Stereo, also had the 10 band EQ from realistic looped through tape in/out.😉
@southwind73 2 жыл бұрын
All I have is vintage equipment and wouldn’t change a thing, looking forward to your videos.
@breckisaac5378 2 жыл бұрын
I’m fortunate enough to have a vintage shop in my town. The owner is also the tech and repairs the rigs…so the risk is smaller. I purchased my Kenwood KR-7050 receiver there and it’s amazing. I routinely switch back and forth between my new Cambridge AXR-100 receiver and the kenwood…while the WPC are similar they both have their signature sound. Good to have options.
@jameswalls4172 2 жыл бұрын
I owned that receiver too,and also got it second hand.It was made specifically with it's low profile,to pair with the mini,mighty,Minimus 7 speakers.The EQ button was made to give those little speakers a fuller sound.That was a great combo.
@thisisnev 2 жыл бұрын
Congrats on finding that first receiver model again, Randy! I'm not so sure there's one 'vintage sound', mind - my NAD 7020 (rev.2) sounded a lot denser than the Hitachi SR-504 or Trio KR-80, and the Tungsram/3F T3535 (now there's a rarity!) also has its own distinct sound signature.
@nancy4don 2 жыл бұрын
My first was a Realistic STA-82 receiver. Rated at 22 watts per channel RMS, but often tested out at around 40W. Great fun!
@gsnfan 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing you get big sound with little wattage. Saves electricity, too.
@mdd47 2 жыл бұрын
That's a nifty little receiver! I always liked Realistic stuff.
@robschu7099 2 жыл бұрын
That Yamaha looks sweet. My brother had a similar pioneer with the weighted tuning knob. I had a technics tt.
@MarkDauner 2 жыл бұрын
I bought a “broken” Panasonic receiver from the 1970s last year as a quarantine hobby. “Broken” meaning…I replaced the fuses on the back…and it’s been 1977 in my basement for the past 18 months! It was a low-end department store stereo when it was new, but I think it sounds great and it looks really cool too.
@FrederickCouch 2 жыл бұрын
I started audiophile life with a STA-78 reciever and MC-2000 speakers. Loved that system.....
@rosswarren436 2 жыл бұрын
Like many, I started out with a Realistic stereo. For me it was circa 1974, with an "all in one" console and two separate speakers. AM/FM stereo, 8-Track recorder, and a phono built in, and even had a 1/4" (6.3mm) headphone jack. Probably put out 5W/channel on a good day into some very lightweight speakers. Yeah, not "audiophile" for sure, but it sounded better than our old AM/FM table top radio, and we could play records! Loved it. Sold it when I was in college (1978) to upgrade to "real" separates and a cassette deck. To me that was a huge upgrade. 8-Tracks were cool, but they were a pain in the arse to record on and try timing songs so they didn't go through the godawful "Ka-THUNK!" when it switched tracks. Anyway, good memories and a start on this crazy journey to loving good sound and music. 43 years later, I'm STILL using cassettes at least once a week.
@stevemqn4053 2 жыл бұрын
Hi, cheapaudioman. Really love your content. Whaddya think about a video for those of us who are REALLY on a budget. I sometimes see used/old Yamaha, Sony, and Denon receivers at Goodwill stores and such. What about a video on the Top5/Top 10 Receivers and speakers (separate video?), from the 80s,90s, and so on, that may not have all the newest features, yet could still be great for MUSIC...and basic home theater to some extent.
@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын
That would be fun
@masonb9788 2 жыл бұрын
My first real receiver was the Technics SA-190. I sold it to a friend when I upgraded to a Kenwood. This one did not have knobs, but rather sliders for bass, treble and volume. The radio frequency readout had this cool blue glow to it. I really want to get one again.. The Kenwood, while having higher wattage wasn’t all that great. I’m sure I drooled over that Realistic receiver when I was visiting the Radio Shack. Which I did EVERY time I went to the mall. My only Realistic gear were my speakers which I used for nearly 15 years.
@jamesminotto8036 2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree on vintage!!!! My stable consists of Yamaha CA-2010, Yamaha CA-1000, Pioneer SX-450, Pioneer SX-780 and a Dual 1219!!!!. More vintage audio please!!!
@rjzlwop3153 2 жыл бұрын
Upon your recommendation when you first started talking about this brand of receiver I found one and it in fact is a 2380, I love the sound it is so clean The only problem is the B does not work only the E works but it’s OK I can still hook up my two speakers and enjoy them thank you Randy
@monrosj 2 жыл бұрын
My first receiver was a Pioneer SX-636 purchased new circa 1976. Still have it. Completely restored it many years ago.
@zenos.5315 2 жыл бұрын
Bought a Integrated power amp from ALLIED RADIO,before it was called Radio Shack. The year was around 65, 66, took it home and shorted it out. The bad part was my dad yelling at me all they way back to the store,to get it fixed. I loved that piece of equipment, like you said, old gear has a cool vibe.
@joeygonzo 2 жыл бұрын
The most underrated vintage receivers are HITACHI . Most models are high current and have great sound signature . They were the poor man's Harman Kardon .
@23ofSeptember 2 жыл бұрын
I just started my HiFi Audio addiction. I just bought A Sony TA-333ESX II receiver. Its from the late 1980s. Its got that beautiful blackface and veneer side panels. I'll make a video about it in a few days. I bought it to go with my Sony CDP-591. I live in Japan, so I have access to some great Yahoo Auction stuff. Ultimately, I want to find a Toshiba SA-500 that I grew up with. Something about those machined control knobs, switches, and blue lights I want to see again.
@EdWelchusc80 2 жыл бұрын
I bought mine new in 1984. Still in use and loving it.
@MashBill 2 жыл бұрын
My first receiver was a Yamaha CR-240. I bought it new in 1981 for about $200. It is still in use at my friend's lake house and still works great.
@biffo1960 2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant my first real hifi was a rotel think it was a 304 not sure I would have one again thanks for the video 👍👍🙏
@vusstoppyv4612 2 жыл бұрын
I started with a silver face Realistic receiver and 2 Fischer white coned woofers all bought at different yard sales. I was 10yrs old. Wish i could find that setup for nostalgic purpose.
@benoitbrule1893 2 жыл бұрын
... I'm Very happy with my Realistic sta 200 "Black Face" w/remote control,from '74 !! My father in law bought it that year,and when he passed away in 2001,my Mother gave it to me,and it's my main amp in our living Room,and it Work fine ... .. RS did Very good stuff back in the good 'Ol Dayz !!..
@Splenda257 2 жыл бұрын
The low profile look is cool. I have my original Pioneer sx-6 receiver from 1980.
@harrymortellaro8074 2 жыл бұрын
My vintage receiver collection includes: Sansui 881: Harmon Kardon 930 : Yamaha 2020: Marantz 2245 and 2252b: Fisher 400 tube receiver. Plus a few integrated from the same manufacturers. Most are rebuilt. Forgot the Sony 7065A. What do you think?
@aworminmybook8234 2 жыл бұрын
Love the vintage! Recently, ive been jonesing some soundesign which is weird because even when i wasa kid,we knew it was crap!but now ithink it"s CRAPTASTIC. i remember hanging out in the 70s in my buddy's tv room listening to pink floyd or the who on his dad's soundesign 8-track. Soundesign- designed in jersey, built in taiwan!
@Poor_Wayfaring_Stranger 2 жыл бұрын
Vintage Audio just sounds so... smooooooooth love my STR-DB1080 from good ole Sony
@snowdog03 2 жыл бұрын
I remember that one from Radio Shack catalogs.
@garymcaleer6112 2 жыл бұрын
Being 65 our generation is different. In my day, Crown & KLH electrostatics were my dream. But Magnapan became my standard for both listening and performing with CD's. Now, B&W Nautilus are my standard for every style of music there is.
@polarbear3427 2 жыл бұрын
I just bought an entry level vintage 1980 AKAI 2X20W integrated amp. it beats e.g. my 2013 6x160W ONKYO AV receiver by miles in the stereo arena. Back in the days AKAI was the equivalent of Realistic imo, but now, I come to really appreciate the brand (at least for the old stuff).
@donpettit7107 2 жыл бұрын
Listening to Once Upon a Time in The West by Dire Straits on my vintage (1989ish) Technics rack unit with the 3+’ tall speakers and the satellite JBL Stage 130s…and this vintage system KICKS ASS! You can feel the thump without a sub-bass and the JBLs add extra zing to the steel guitar. Powerful Magic…and I paid almost 2x for the JBLs than the CraigsList rack unit. Brilliant, if I may say so myself. So cheap, it could make CAM blush.
@dcmphoto7437 2 жыл бұрын
I managed to find a mint condition Nakamichi TA-2A receiver for $150 that rocks the snot out of HSU Research speakers and Definitive Technology towers. For vinyl lovers, the phono preamp on Nakamichi sounds great. BTW, on your recommendation I found a pair of Sony SSCS5 for $86. Very cool channel!
@monrosj 2 жыл бұрын
The two competing receivers for my 1976 dollars were a Sansui 5050 and a Marantz 2235. Found and bought both of those this year for the vintage collection. :-)
@timrassi5535 2 жыл бұрын
I really connected with this.
@jim010109 2 жыл бұрын
I started with a Optonica Receiver and a Realistic Tape Deck. Didn't have enough money for speakers, just headphones. One of my first tapes was "Cars Candy-O" ,boy this review brought back some memories, around 1979/80.😎
@frederikjacob1985 2 жыл бұрын
I just love the old realistic stuff. They have made crappy stuff too but i love them. I've went vintage with my power and preamp. Yes vintage accuphase. Got a heck of a deal with both (bought them separately). Poweramp was like new and barely unused. The preamp got recently serviced for about 200$ . My turntable is also a vintage Technics sl 1410. Just love the combination of vintage and modern gear. For the sound and because it's the only way for me to get the accuphase amps.
cheapaudioman
Рет қаралды 15 М.
Audio Masterclass
Рет қаралды 953 М.