Description
Realistic STA-52B receiver. Fully revitalized. Classic Vintage
Radio Shack was founded in 1921 by two brothers, Theodore and Milton Deutschmann, who wanted to provide equipment for the emerging amateur radio market and walkie-talkie lovers. The brothers opened a stationary and mail-order store in the centre of Boston. The company released its first catalog in 1939 when it entered the hi-fi market. In 1954, Radio Shack began selling its own products, first under the Realist brand, later changed to Realistic (after it had been sued by the owner of the Stereo Realist trademark – a barnd of famous cameras).
Initially, the company’s most significant products under the Realistic brand were the wide range of radio transceivers and base stations that dominated the CB Radio market in the 1970s. Also noteworthy were the 8-track recorders from the TR line and compact cassette recorders signed by SCT. Radio Shack is also the company behind the very popular Realistic Mach loudspeaker series. In addition to the most recognizable models, the company launched a wide range of high-quality audio products, such as: disc players, stereo receivers and music synthesizers. In the early 1990s, the Realistic brand was changed to Optimus, the name of the speakers that RadioShack had been offering since the 1970s. However, both Realistic and Optimus were phased out in 2000 after RadioShack signed a deal with RCA to sell its products. The Realistic brand briefly returned to RadioShack stores in 2016 with a line of wireless speakers and headphones.
The STA-52B is a receiver with an exceptionally original design from the late 1970s. The front panel with a large scale and golden details creates a sophisticated look. The radio frequency pointer illuminated with two diodes is another decorative element. The STA-52B is characterized by a soft and warm analog sound and still attracts fans till today, especially among amateurs of turntables and reel-to-reel players.
The enclosure has been fully revitalized, made of exotic doussie wood, the wood finish is Chinese oil produced from natural oils. Potentiometers in perfect condition. The front panel is made of brushed aluminum.
The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
Collector’s item. The device is in perfect condition! New yellow illumination of the front panel.
Technical data:
– power: 2 x 18W at 8 Ohm, stereo
– FM 88-108 MHz range, does not require re-tuning
– frequency response – 20Hz – 20kHz
– total harmonic distortion: 0.8%
– input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 250mV (DIN), 150mV (linear)
– signal-to-noise ratio: 65dB (MM), 68dB (line)
– weight: 9 kg
– output: 250mV (linear), 15mV (DIN)
– dimensions: 48cm x 14.5cm x 31cm (width x height x depth)
– year of production 1977 – 78