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Original Manual IncludedTuning range: FM, MWPower output: 50 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.05%Input sensitivity: 2.2mV (MM), 160mV (line)Signal to noise ratio: 85dB (MM), 90dB (line)Output: 150mV (line), 3.3mV (DIN)Dimensions: 490 x 130 x 350mmYear: 1983
At US$258, this asking price is ambitious, sitting well above the typical used range of US$50–US$100 and even exceeding a restored unit listed at US$378 only if this one is fully serviced with original accessories. The Realistic STA-2250 is a notable 1981 receiver because it was one of the first mainstream digitally tuned units, offering computerized tuning accuracy, 16-station memory, and a robust protection system that earned praise from Stereo Review. It delivers 50 watts per channel and includes useful features like high/low filters, tape monitoring, and concentric volume/balance controls. However, unless this listing explicitly confirms full restoration, original remote/manual inclusion, and flawless operation, the price is hard to justify against the abundant US$50–US$100 market; at US$258, it becomes a fair deal only for a pristine, collector-grade example with verified service history.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Realistic emerged as the house brand of Radio Shack, founded in Boston in 1921 by two brothers to serve ham radio enthusiasts and ship radio operators. The company entered the high-fidelity market in 1947 with the nation's first audio showroom for comparing amplifiers, speakers, and turntables. In 1954, Harman Kardon proposed private-label gear under the name "Realist," but a lawsuit from the Realist Camera Company prompted a swift rebrand to Realistic, which Radio Shack used until 2000 after Tandy Corporation's acquisition.
Realistic spanned a broad array of consumer audio categories, including amplifiers like the "Little Jewel" series, speakers manufactured initially by Tandy in Texas and later by Japan's Sun, turntables, reel-to-reel and 8-track tape recorders, plus CB radios and accessories. The lineup emphasized accessible hi-fi components, often sourced from reputable OEMs, alongside entry-level hobbyist gear that filled Radio Shack catalogs and stores.
Positioned as a mid-tier, budget-friendly option, Realistic earned a devoted following among 1970s audiophiles for reliable performance at mass-market prices, though it never rivaled high-end marques like Dynaco or McIntosh, which Radio Shack also stocked. Today, it holds strong vintage-collector appeal for its nostalgic role in democratizing hi-fi, with survivors prized for modifiable circuits and sturdy builds despite the brand's discontinuation.
See all Realistic listings on RADAR.
