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The Realistic STA-2100D is a legendary "monster receiver" sold by Radio Shack in 1980 and 1981, produced by Foster Electronics. It was built during the peak of the "stereo wars" to directly compete with high-end brands like Pioneer, Marantz, and Sansui.The STA-2100D is highly sought after by vintage audio enthusiasts for its exceptional build quality, robust power, and outstanding tuner.This receiver is in very good condition. Looks and Sounds fantastic. This has been fully bench tested, any questionable components have been replaced, all dialed in FM and bias. Two corners have a little denting. Usual age related scratches and scuffs. Very nice example.Key Specifications & FeaturesPower Output: 120 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohmsTotal Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than 0.03%Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHzTuner: Highly sensitive and selective FM/AM analog tuner with Dolby FM circuit (added to this "D" iteration of the original STA-2100)Controls: Separate Bass, Midrange, and Treble controls with dual turnover switches for tone adjustmentInputs & Outputs: Two phono inputs, one AUX input, two tape monitors (with dubbing), and connections for two sets of speakers (A/B)Meters: Illuminated front-panel analog meters for signal, tuning, and left/right power outputDimensions: Approximately 21" (W) x 7.3" (H) x 16" (D)Weight: ~40 lbs (18 kg)
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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.
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